Almost Everyone Has a Solar Water Heater In Dezhou, China

Pretty damn impressive.  I’d love to have one., but they’re too expensive here in the States.  Boo.

Whale Wars Season 2 Preview

Okay – I still don’t know about this show. Sure – they’re trying to stop whaling – but the vigilante justice isn’t exactly my thing. Check out the preview for Season 2 which starts on June 5th on Animal Planet.

Chu Offers Common Sense Approach to Climate Change

Paint it white.  White roofs and pale roads will reflect the heat.  Seems so simple, doesn’t it? Energy Secretary Steven Chu says that taking these measures would have the same affect as removing every car in the world off the road for 11 years.

I think this is decent idea – it makes a lot of sense – the rays go right back up to the sky rather than soaking in and creating more energy use. I highly doubt most homeowners associations would allow it. If you had a flat roof on a building – then by all means – go for it. You’re throwing your money away if you don’t. Here’s a metal roof on a house rather than traditional shingles. Doesn’t look too bad to me…

Green Festival Comes To Chicago This Weekend

The smell of Spring is in the air, I went to my first farmer’s market of the season and that must mean it’s time for the third annual Green Festival in Chicago. This will be my third year attending and I can’t wait.  The first year it was enlightening to see so many people who held similar interests to myself.  I was amongst peers who shared my passion.  I learned a lot and was inspired.  Last year I went and took some time to listen to more speakers and stop and talk to the vendors. This year I’ll be on cruise control – learning and enjoying the day.

My recommendation if you’re going and have time – scout out some speakers to listen to.  They’re very informative and some of the best  and brightest in the green community.  Last year I had the privilege of listening to Jodi Murphy of Murco Recycling and host of Wrecklamation, Graham Hill – founder of Treehugger.com, and the ever lovely and passionate green advocate, Sara Snow.  Here’s some of that action from last year.  There are a lot of great speakers this year, too.  Check ‘em out over at http://www.greenfestivals.org and watch past speakers in the TV section.

While it’s okay to be a gawker and just kinda do a drive-by of the various booths – don’t be shy to go up and have a conversation.  You’d be surprised how friendly these folks are and how much you could learn.  One more tip – bring extra cash.  There are a lot of vendors who sell items cheap at the Green Fest – like $10 organic cotton polo shirts or the baby outfits.  Or just have cash on hand for that “must-have” green item.  I’m not advocating consumerism, but if you’re going to buy something anyway – get it from a small business and get something you can respect – vote with your dollars, right?  Oh – and while there are lots of yummy samples out there – check out the organic food vendors and stuff your face with goodness! 

Photo gallery of 2008 Green Festival

The skinny:

Event Details:
Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Avenue, Chicago

Saturday, May 16: 10:00AM – 7:00PM

Sunday, May 17: 11:00AM – 6:00PM

$15 for two days/$10 for seniors, students, and all who arrive by bicycle or public transit

FREE: Children 18 and younger, Green America or Global Exchange members and volunteers, those who bring three or more books to donate to BetterWorldBooks

PS – Be sure to stop by booth 1405 to visit our friends at RecycleMe Organic Tees

Zero-Emission Home Being Built in Chicago

I’m singing to myself now “if I had a million dollars…” or maybe “if I had $1.6million dollars…” This house is pretty damn sweet. It’s targeted to be LEED platinum. This is a good example of a home that has it all, but you could easily pick your battles and start implementing the smaller things one at a time.   I hope to do things slowly – I’d love to go hog wild, but the budget just isn’t there – like most folks.

Here are some examples:

• passive solar
• geothermal
• grey water
• solar hot water
• solar panels (photovoltaics)
• rain collection
• thermal mass
• argon, triple pane windows
• no VOC paints/adhesives/etc
• dual-flush toilets

Thanks to my old friend Charles from Kickstarter for the link!

Greasy Rider Winner

Congratulations to Marleen from Lemon Grove, California on being the big winner.  Special thanks to Algonquin Books for providing Greasy Rider!

We’re giving away a copy of Earth Talk from E-Magazine. Look for that in the coming days.

How do we pick the random winner? With random.org.

Go Green FAIL

Courtesy of FAILBlog.org.