(From UCS Greentips) – Holidays mean family and fun, but they also mean more travel in planes, trains, and automobiles, which contribute to global warming by emitting carbon dioxide. According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), Americans take 54 percent more long-distance trips (50 miles or longer) during the Thanksgiving holiday than the rest of the year, and 23 percent more between Christmas and New Year’s.
Unless you can walk or bike, you can’t travel carbon-free. But you can minimize your emissions with these simple strategies:
- Pad your schedule. If possible, start your trip a day earlier and/or return a day later. You’ll not only avoid the stress associated with peak travel times, but reduce emissions as well. For example, when a car is stuck in traffic its fuel consumption rate can be double the rate at steady cruising speeds. If you must travel on peak days (most weekends), schedule your trip for non-peak hours and, if driving, use a GPS system with real-time traffic monitoring to avoid congested roads.
- Traveling with family? Make it a road trip. The BTS reports that 91 percent of long-distance holiday travelers go by car. On a 500-mile trip, a family of four traveling in a typical SUV actually produces less carbon per person than flying or taking the train. If you can, though, leave the SUV at home and drive a hybrid or fuel-efficient conventional car instead—in addition to consuming more gas, SUVs emit up to four times more carbon than the most efficient hybrid. If you don’t own a hybrid, consider renting one.
- Fly the eco-friendly skies. First-class seating requires twice the space of coach and therefore produces twice the amount of carbon emissions per passenger, so always choose coach. Next, minimize the length of your trip by flying the most direct route, and minimize carbon-heavy takeoffs, landings, and ground operations by flying nonstop. If you’re traveling solo, flying nonstop coach is actually better than driving any car—regardless of the distance traveled.
- Get on the bus. No matter how many people are traveling with you, a bus pays the biggest environmental dividends. A couple traveling by bus, for instance, generates between 50 and 75 percent less carbon than flying or driving (especially on trips under 500 miles). Bus fares are often cheaper than airline tickets, and many now have similar amenities.
For more green traveling strategies, read the UCS report Getting There Greener: The Guide to Your Lower-Carbon Vacation (see Related Resources).
Related Resources
Union of Concerned Scientists—Getting There Greener
Bureau of Transportation Statistics—U.S. Holiday Travel
Have you heard the buzz about 350? 350.org is an international campaign dedicated to building a movement to unite the world around solutions to the global climate crisis. In anticipation of the December 2009 meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, where leaders from every nation are gathering to finalize a new global climate change agreement, 350.org has established October 24, 2009, as a day of action for people around the world to show their support for the goal of 350.
350?
The number 350 represents 350 parts per million (ppm), identified by some of the world’s leading climate scientists as the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide (CO2) in our atmosphere. We’re currently at 386 ppm, and this number is rising by about 2 parts per million each year. 350.org is harnessing the power of the Internet to coordinate a planetary day of action on October 24, 2009, to unite the public, media, and our political leaders behind the goal of attaining and stabilizing at a level of not more than 350 ppm of CO2 in the atmosphere.
During the past 20 years, about three-quarters of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, most of which is carbon dioxide, came from the burning of fossil fuels. Thus, it’s very important to reduce our energy consumption and increase our use of renewable energy sources if we want to reduce carbon dioxide and total greenhouse gas emissions. Be sure to check out our Energy Savers site for ways to save energy and use renewable energy.
350 is a relatively new target being discussed in the scientific community. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change supports 450 ppm. Yet climate change impacts are occurring at rates much faster than earlier predicted and some scientists have concluded that we are already above the safe zone at our current level. They believe that unless we are able to rapidly return to 350 ppm this century, we risk reaching tipping points that lead to unprecedented natural disasters.
At the last UN climate negotiations in Poland at the end of 2008, the 350 target began to attract more endorsers as new scientific reports and evidence of early impacts made it clear that we are already above the safe level for CO2. In his annual speech, Nobel laureate Al Gore told delegates to the most recent climate negotiating session that we must now ‘toughen our goal’ to 350 ppm.
By John Lippert, an employee of Energy Enterprise Solutions, a contractor for EERE. He assists with technical reviews of content on the Energy Savers Web site.
(MPSC Press Release, October 15, 2009) – Calling it an energy efficiency revolution taking place one light bulb at a time, Commissioner Monica Martinez, of the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), today highlighted the efforts of Michigan utilities and the MPSC to help customers cut their electric bills by making compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) available at discounted prices.
All Michigan electric utility customers will have a utility-sponsored energy efficiency program available to them by the end of November, with an emphasis on switching to CFLs.
“Compact fluorescent light bulbs offer electric customers a quick, easy and affordable way to see an immediate reduction on their bills,” Commissioner Martinez said at an event hosted by Michigan Energy Options in East Lansing. “And they are now available around the state at lower prices, thanks to utility-sponsored energy efficiency programs and a MPSC grant.
“The result will be a significant improvement in energy efficiency across the state. That will help customers save money, cut the need for new electric generation, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. You could call what’s happening in Michigan an energy efficiency revolution taking place one light at a time.”
Martinez noted that ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs save $30 or more in energy costs over each bulb’s lifetime; use up to 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs; last up to 10 times longer; can be used in most incandescent fixtures already in the home; and offer bright, warm light.
Joining Commissioner Martinez today were Teri VanSumeren, manager of Consumers Energy Company’s Energy Efficient Solutions program; Michael McNalley, director of DTE’s Energy Efficiency and Business Energy Services; Susan Devon, assistant general manager of the Lansing Board of Water and Light; and Mike Buda, director of external affairs at the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, who all highlighted their CFL discount programs. Jennifer Binkley-Power, of Michigan Energy Options, and East Lansing Mayor Vic Loomis also highlighted their roles in energy efficiency.
Utility-sponsored CFL discount programs are part of each utility’s mandated energy optimization program. More information on the DTE CFL program is available here: http://www.dteenergy.com/residentialCustomers/saveEnergy/rebates/resEnergyStarLighting.html (http://www.dteenergy.com/residentialCustomers/saveEnergy/rebates/resEnergyStarLighting.html)
More information on Consumers Energy’s lighting rebate program is available here: http://www.consumersenergy.com/eeprograms/Landing.aspx?ID=799 (http://www.consumersenergy.com/eeprograms/Landing.aspx?ID=799)
Customers of other electric utilities are encouraged to contact their local electric utility to find out details about available CFL programs.
To promote energy efficiency and environmental stewardship, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has proclaimed October 15 as “ENERGY STAR Change a Light Day.”
Governor Granholm has once again joined with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Governors from across the country to celebrate ENERGY STAR Change a Light Day and bring attention to the critical importance of using energy wisely at home. This commemorative day is part of the national ENERGY STAR Change a Light, Change the World Campaign to encourage Americans to take simple actions at home to help preserve our energy resources and be part of the solution to global climate change. The national educational campaign is run in partnership with hundreds of businesses, energy efficiency organizations, state and territory governments, and more. This annual campaign encourages Americans to be energy aware on ENERGY STAR Change a Light Day – and all year long.
More information about ENERGY STAR is also available toll-free by calling 1-888-STAR-YES or on their Web site: energystar.gov/changetheworld (http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=globalwarming.showPledgeHome).
CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, so it is important to dispose of them properly. The Michigan Department of Community Health has a helpful fact sheet that contains information on proper disposal: michigan.gov/documents/mdch/CFL_Fact_Sheet_193840_7.pdf (http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch/CFL_Fact_Sheet_193840_7.pdf).
The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.
(MPSC Press Release, October 15, 2009) – The Wind Energy Resource Zone Board today issued its final report, identifying the four regions in Michigan with the highest level of wind energy harvest potential. The report, which looked only at commercial or utility-scale wind energy on land, was submitted to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC).
The final report incorporated the concerns of people who submitted comments by mail or via electronic mail and in person at the two public hearings held in Bad Axe and Scottville. It identifies the same four regions with the highest level of wind energy harvest potential as in the proposed report issued on June 2.
“I am pleased to submit the board’s final report to the MPSC,” said board chairman David Walters. “The board has spent a considerable amount of time analyzing where Michigan’s greatest potential lies for wind energy projects. During the public comment period, including both public hearings, we heard comments both pro and con about issues related to wind energy. We acknowledged those comments and concerns in the final report, and are grateful for the public’s input.”
The 11-member board was appointed by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) on Dec. 4, 2008, as required by Public Act 295 of 2008, also known as the Clean, Renewable and Efficient Energy Act. Its proposed report presented its preliminary findings related to: A list of regions in the state with the highest level of wind energy harvest potential
A description of the estimated maximum and minimum wind generating capacity in megawatts that can be installed in each identified region
An estimate of the annual maximum and minimum energy production potential for each identified region
An estimate of the maximum wind generation capacity already in service in each identified region
The proposed and final reports identified the same four regions all located in the Lower Peninsula: one in the Thumb and three along the western side of the state. Region 1 includes parts of Allegan County; Region 2 includes parts of Antrim and Charlevoix counties; Region 3 includes parts of Benzie, Leelanau, and Manistee counties; and Region 4 includes parts of Huron, Sanilac, Tuscola, Bay and Saginaw counties.
Today’s report reiterates that the transition to increased wind energy development in Michigan will depend on a number of factors, such as state and federal policies and incentives, community acceptance, wind resources, land availability, and economic considerations. Another factor that may affect the scope and pace of wind energy development will be the ability of the electric transmission system to support the delivery of such power to customers.
Now that the final report has been submitted, transmission companies and electric utilities have the task of identifying for planning purposes the electric transmission facilities needed to deliver the estimated minimum and maximum wind energy potential from each of these regions. They are required to submit this information to the Wind Energy Resource Zone Board, which will review that information.
Following that, the MPSC will issue a final order that designates the area of Michigan likely to be most productive of wind energy as the primary wind energy resource zone and may designate additional wind energy resource zones. The MPSC is also required to submit a report to the Michigan legislature on the effect that setback requirements and noise limitations under local zoning or other ordinances may have on wind energy development in wind energy resource zones. The report will also include any recommendations the MPSC may have for legislation addressing those issues. The Commission will also conduct hearings in various areas of the state to receive public comment on the report.
The entire proposed report is available at michigan.gov/windboard (http://www.michigan.gov/windboard) .
The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.
(From Earth911) – Do you find yourself checking the green labels on products before purchasing them?
They validate social and environmental concerns for both businesses and consumers, promising everything from healthier food to better stewardship of the land. With nearly 400 certifications worldwide, it can be difficult to understand what each one means and distinguish between legitimate seals of approval and marketing schemes.
BBMG, a branding and integrated marketing agency, recently released a Conscious Consumer Report. They tested 13 of the seals to see how 2,000 adults responded, in terms of recognition and alliance. Here are the 10 most recognizable labels, according to that study:
http://tinyurl.com/yhofcns
(From ashrae.org) – There are many ways to define a green building. Energy-saving measures, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, materials and building orientations all play a role, but it is the way that all of these come together that makes a building truly high performing.
Requirements to achieve green buildings will soon be available from ASHRAE, the U.S. Green Building Council and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America in the form of a standard. Standard 189.1P, Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, will define the minimum requirements for high-performance green buildings.
And to make following those requirements easier, a user’s manual also is being developed. ASHRAE is currently accepting research proposals for development of a user’s manual for Standard 189.1P. Proposals are due Nov. 9. For more information, visit www.ashrae.org/technology/page/548.
“The manual will provide users with a better understanding of how to apply the standard, as well as serve as a guide for self-education and training about the requirements and appropriate strategies to meet them,” Kent Peterson, chair of the Standard 189 committee, said. “It will include worksheets and examples that can be used to determine compliance.”
As part of its energy efficiency efforts, ASHRAE also is accepting proposals for a User’s Manual for Standard 90.1-2010, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings. The 2010 standard, which will be published next year, is being developed with the goal of achieving a 30 percent energy cost savings improvement compared to the 2004 standard.
More information on both projects can be found at www.ashrae.org/technology/page/548.
ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of some 50,000 persons. ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.
(October 9, 2009) -The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today released the “Michigan Energy Appraisal: Winter 2009-2010.” The appraisal, published since 1978, reviews the projected prices and availability of energy in Michigan over the winter months.
The outlook shows that overall energy supplies in Michigan this winter will be more than adequate to meet anticipated demand. Home heating costs are also expected to be lower for many households this winter, as prices have fallen from last year. In addition, Michigan is expected to see normal or slightly warmer than normal temperatures this winter according to the Climate Prediction Center1 of NOAA. Last winter was 4.8 percent colder than normal, so a return to normal temperatures will directly translate into reduced consumption and a further reduction in heating bills.
Michigan residential natural gas prices are projected to average 12 percent lower than last winter, and if the temperatures this winter are normal, natural gas heating bills could be down as much as 16 percent. The average price for the winter heating months (November through March) is expected to be $10.04 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf). One factor that could increase prices above these levels involves natural gas rate cases pending before the MPSC. Consumers Energy could implement a rate increase as soon as December 2009; MichCon could raise their rates in January 2010, and MGU in February 2010. These potential increases are based on the utilities’ ability to self-implement rate increases pending a final order of the Commission.
On October 5, 2009 residential propane prices in Michigan averaged $1.75 per gallon, down 24 percent from last winter’s average price. Residential #2 heating oil prices averaged $2.32 per gallon on October 5, 2009, up 9 percent from last winter’s average price.
In Michigan, 78 percent of homes are heated with natural gas, 9 percent with propane, 7 percent with electricity, 4 percent with #2 heating oil and 2 percent with another fuel or none.
Electricity - Michigan’s electricity sales are expected to decrease by 4.3 percent in 2009 due to a reduction in electricity demand in all sectors; residential, commercial and industrial. Weather remains a major determinant of summer electricity demand. In 2009, Michigan had one of the coolest summers on record, greatly reducing electric demand for air-conditioning. No supply shortages or transmission constraints are expected to impact the ability of Michigan utilities to meet winter peak electric demand, which is normally at least 25 percent lower than the summer peak demand.
Natural Gas – Total natural gas sales in Michigan for 2009 are projected to be 690 billion cubic feet (Bcf), a 10.1 percent fall from 2008. These projections assume normal weather that would decrease demand over last winter, which was 4.8 percent colder than normal. Natural gas storage levels are projected to be 660 Bcf in October 2009, which means Michigan’s storage capacity will be completely filled. This should be sufficient to meet anticipated demand for the coming winter. Natural gas prices are expected to average $10.04 per Mcf this winter, though prices could vary based on market conditions and rate cases before the Commission.
Petroleum - The summer of 2009 saw more stable petroleum markets than 2008. Crude oil prices fell dramatically at the end of the driving season in 2008. Global recession cut demand for oil, leading to prices as low as almost $34 per barrel by January 2009. Prices have since risen and have been fluctuating at around $70 per barrel for the past month. It is expected that the price of crude oil will remain relatively flat in 2010, depending largely on the global economic outlook.
Motor Gasoline - The slide in the price of crude oil also brought down the price of gasoline. From a record high on July 17, 2008 averaging $4.21 per gallon, gasoline prices have receded and on October 8, 2009 the average cost of a gallon of regular gasoline in Michigan was $2.45, 96 cents below the price a year ago and $1.76 below the record high. Despite lower prices, the recession continues to impact gasoline sales in Michigan, which are projected to continue their decline, dropping 2 percent from 2008. This will mark the sixth straight year of declining gasoline sales in the state. Projected sales for 2009 are 4,265 million gallons, down from 4,352.9 million gallons in 2008. The last year in which gasoline use increased was 2004.
For 2009, distillate sales in Michigan are projected to decrease by 11.5 percent to 977 million gallons. The three principal factors affecting distillate usage in Michigan are reductions in industrial production, price, and winter weather; of these, industrial production is the biggest determinant. Diesel fuel accounts for approximately 93 percent of the total distillate consumption on average. Diesel fuel sales should decrease 12.9 percent over the level seen in 2008.
The Michigan Energy Appraisal is prepared every six months. The Energy Appraisal is available on the Commission’s Web site at: http://www.dleg.state.mi.us/mpsc/reports/energy (http://cis.state.mi.us/mpsc/reports/energy) . The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth. 1 http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/long_range/fxus05.html (http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/long_range/fxus05.html) .
(From Earth911) – From your home to your car to school or work, we love to provide you with a variety of ways in which your daily actions can have a larger impact on the world around you.
Though we always seem to rustle up some out-of-the-ordinary suggestions, we do have those staples that we have come to rely on because, hey… they really do work! So in the spirit of retuning to one’s roots, we present you with a summary of the eight lifestyle choices that make up the foundation to being eco-friendly, environmentally aware and resource savvy.
http://tinyurl.com/ygar5ys
Great article by Amy Westervelt. Retrofitting buildings has, by far, the most impact on reducing CO2 emmissions and is also a very smart, cost effective investment.
http://solveclimate.com/blog/20090910/how-green-retrofits-could-save-world
