Hey
Recently I asked Jeff Solin, one of the Information Technology teachers at Northside to bring me up to speed on a project he is working on that will help minimize the paper usage at Northside College Prep High School.
He emailed me back with some excellent information.
· Used grant to purchase a $3000 networked digital sender (powerful scanner). This device is as easy to use as a photo copier, and works just as fast with color / bw / grayscale / double sided / etc. It can be used without a computer and it will either email you a pdf (or other file format), or it will store the file on the network for later retrieval. The idea is that teachers will scan what they need to distribute, and email it out or post it online for their students. If just one student decides to read it on screen, instead of print it, you have made progess.
· Train teachers on how to electronically collect, grade on a tablet with digital ink, and then redistribute student work. When done properly, you can completely eliminate the need for even one page of paper to be used in a multi-draft term paper or other writing assignment.
· Work with administration and counseling to handle all in-house correspondence over email using scans when necessary. There is no need for a purple sheet of paper with scholarship info to be printed 1000 times and then split into advisories and distributed to the teacher mailboxes. That not only wastes resources, but is time consuming. Throw the file in the digital sender, then attach it to an email out to all students…done.
I know that this is on a grand scale. But I hope this might spur others to look around their work or home and see if they can find ways to minimize the use of paper. Finding ways to minimize paper usage on the front end also creates less energy needed on the back end with waste removal and recycling.
A Fresh Squeeze has some fun outdoor activities that will get you looking for ways to improve the environment and at the same time lessening your carbon footprint. You can see these details at www.afreshsqueeze.com
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Solar Energy
Hey
I recently bought shares in a solar energy firm named First Solar. There was a Reuters article written today that discusses the strong possibilty that these companies will be able to offer consumers power at the same rates without subsidies in the next few years. The article is below. Even though there is a risk associated with the share purchase, I feel I have done the research to know which of the multitude of new firms have both the ability to get the job done and the outlook to continue to develop this technology.
http://yahoo.reuters.com/news/articlehybrid.aspx?storyID=urn:newsml:reuters.com:20070621:MTFH16663_2007-06-21_19-23-14_N21391988&type=comktNews&rpc=44
With summer in full swing, don't forget to purchase the flourescent light bulbs instead of conventional. It will help with the electric bill as you are blasting the air conditioning!
I also saw this little tidbit on a recent bill in Congress. Look at the comment about the taxes hurting production. Recently I wrote a post about how the oil companies just finished testimony about how production isn't the problem but refining capacity is full. I don't believe there was much more production when their taxes were slashed! Priceless
I wonder if and how any of the Democratic Presidential candidates voted on this bill as Ohio and Pennsylvania are major targets.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Senate Republicans on Thursday blocked a $32 billion package of tax breaks for renewable energy that would have been financed mostly by new taxes on major oil companies.Democrats came three votes short of overcoming a threatened GOP filibuster that was keeping the measure from being attached to a broader energy bill. Republican senators argued that the nearly $29 billion in additional taxes on major oil companies would have led to reduced production and higher gasoline prices.Because of Republican opposition, Democrats needed 60 votes to allow the package to come up for a vote, but fell short, 57-36. With a number of senators not voting, Democrats could resurren with or without the tax measures. ``There are still good things in the bill,'' he told reporters before the floor vote.The Senate later voted 61-32 to proceed further with the energy legislation.
I recently bought shares in a solar energy firm named First Solar. There was a Reuters article written today that discusses the strong possibilty that these companies will be able to offer consumers power at the same rates without subsidies in the next few years. The article is below. Even though there is a risk associated with the share purchase, I feel I have done the research to know which of the multitude of new firms have both the ability to get the job done and the outlook to continue to develop this technology.
http://yahoo.reuters.com/news/articlehybrid.aspx?storyID=urn:newsml:reuters.com:20070621:MTFH16663_2007-06-21_19-23-14_N21391988&type=comktNews&rpc=44
With summer in full swing, don't forget to purchase the flourescent light bulbs instead of conventional. It will help with the electric bill as you are blasting the air conditioning!
I also saw this little tidbit on a recent bill in Congress. Look at the comment about the taxes hurting production. Recently I wrote a post about how the oil companies just finished testimony about how production isn't the problem but refining capacity is full. I don't believe there was much more production when their taxes were slashed! Priceless
I wonder if and how any of the Democratic Presidential candidates voted on this bill as Ohio and Pennsylvania are major targets.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Senate Republicans on Thursday blocked a $32 billion package of tax breaks for renewable energy that would have been financed mostly by new taxes on major oil companies.Democrats came three votes short of overcoming a threatened GOP filibuster that was keeping the measure from being attached to a broader energy bill. Republican senators argued that the nearly $29 billion in additional taxes on major oil companies would have led to reduced production and higher gasoline prices.Because of Republican opposition, Democrats needed 60 votes to allow the package to come up for a vote, but fell short, 57-36. With a number of senators not voting, Democrats could resurren with or without the tax measures. ``There are still good things in the bill,'' he told reporters before the floor vote.The Senate later voted 61-32 to proceed further with the energy legislation.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Solar to the main stream
Hey
Can you see the light? There have been a couple of recent articles in regards to solar power coming to the main stream. Even though one of the articles I read was from The Environmental Magazine, the other was in SmartMoney, the Wall Street Journal Magazine. Some of the issues discussed were the quality and cost of the installation work, the amount of power generated, and the availability of government funds to pay for solar projects.
The one idea I came away with is that if you are interested in installing solar panels, be sure to do your homework.
For Father's Day, my dad has asked for a rain water saving device that you can use to later water your lawn and plants safely. Awesome.
As always, check out A Fresh Squeeze for energy conservation ideas.
Can you see the light? There have been a couple of recent articles in regards to solar power coming to the main stream. Even though one of the articles I read was from The Environmental Magazine, the other was in SmartMoney, the Wall Street Journal Magazine. Some of the issues discussed were the quality and cost of the installation work, the amount of power generated, and the availability of government funds to pay for solar projects.
The one idea I came away with is that if you are interested in installing solar panels, be sure to do your homework.
For Father's Day, my dad has asked for a rain water saving device that you can use to later water your lawn and plants safely. Awesome.
As always, check out A Fresh Squeeze for energy conservation ideas.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Staying Cool this summer
Here are few ideas for staying cool during the summer.
http://finance.yahoo.com/expert/article/millionaire/35112
This is a post from our friends at A Fresh Squeeze
Stay Frosty and Save Green
Summer Tips for Your AC
Want the green scoop on chilling out this summer? The best ways to save money and energy start with your cooling systems.
The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, a nonprofit based in Chicago, publishes a checklist of tips on how to stay cool in the summer. For every degree above 72 that you set your thermostat, the MEEA promises a three percent reduction in monthly cooling costs. They also recommend drawing the shades which can save you an additional 10%. The ideal companion for an air conditioning system is a programmable thermostat. These nifty little items allow users to dictate when—and for how long—the air conditioning system kicks on.
Above all, keep an eye on all your cooling systems, including your fridge, for leaks. These hard-to-spot culprits are often the source of inefficiencies, says Greg Ehrendreich, a policy associate with the MEEA. “As your cold air leaks out, whether through bad seals or your refrigerator door being left open for too long, then your pump and condenser have to work harder to remove that heat from the inside,” he says. To quickly check your refrigerator’s door seal, stick a dollar bill in the door and close it. If you can easily pull the bill out, you might want to look into a new door sealer.
Stay Frosty and Save Green
Summer Tips for Your AC
Want the green scoop on chilling out this summer? The best ways to save money and energy start with your cooling systems. The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, a nonprofit based in Chicago, publishes a checklist of tips on how to stay cool in the summer. For every degree above 72 that you set your thermostat, the MEEA promises a three percent reduction in monthly cooling costs. They also recommend drawing the shades which can save you an additional 10%. The ideal companion for an air conditioning system is a
\u003ca href\u003d\"http://e2ma.net/go/615541124/512512/17195895/goto:http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c\u003dthermostats.pr_thermostats\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"arial,helvetica,sans-serif\" color\u003d\"#0000ff\" size\u003d\"2\"\>programmable thermostat\u003c/font\>\u003c/a\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"arial,helvetica,sans-serif\"\>\u003cfont size\u003d\"2\"\>. These nifty little items allow users to\ndictate when—and for how long—the air conditioning system kicks on. Above all, keep an eye on all your cooling systems,\nincluding your fridge, for leaks. These hard-to-spot culprits are often the source of inefficiencies, says Greg Ehrendreich, a policy associate with\nthe MEEA. “As your cold air leaks out, whether through bad seals or your refrigerator door being left open for too long, then your pump and\ncondenser have to work harder to remove that heat from the inside,” he says. To quickly check your refrigerator’s door seal,\nstick a dollar bill in the door and close it. If you can easily pull the bill out, you might want to look into a new door sealer. Learn more energy saving tips at programmable thermostat. These nifty little items allow users to dictate when—and for how long—the air conditioning system kicks on. Above all, keep an eye on all your cooling systems, including your fridge, for leaks. These hard-to-spot culprits are often the source of inefficiencies, says Greg Ehrendreich, a policy associate with the MEEA. “As your cold air leaks out, whether through bad seals or your refrigerator door being left open for too long, then your pump and condenser have to work harder to remove that heat from the inside,” he says. To quickly check your refrigerator’s door seal, stick a dollar bill in the door and close it. If you can easily pull the bill out, you might want to look into a new door sealer.
http://finance.yahoo.com/expert/article/millionaire/35112
This is a post from our friends at A Fresh Squeeze
Stay Frosty and Save Green
Summer Tips for Your AC
Want the green scoop on chilling out this summer? The best ways to save money and energy start with your cooling systems.
The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, a nonprofit based in Chicago, publishes a checklist of tips on how to stay cool in the summer. For every degree above 72 that you set your thermostat, the MEEA promises a three percent reduction in monthly cooling costs. They also recommend drawing the shades which can save you an additional 10%. The ideal companion for an air conditioning system is a programmable thermostat. These nifty little items allow users to dictate when—and for how long—the air conditioning system kicks on.
Above all, keep an eye on all your cooling systems, including your fridge, for leaks. These hard-to-spot culprits are often the source of inefficiencies, says Greg Ehrendreich, a policy associate with the MEEA. “As your cold air leaks out, whether through bad seals or your refrigerator door being left open for too long, then your pump and condenser have to work harder to remove that heat from the inside,” he says. To quickly check your refrigerator’s door seal, stick a dollar bill in the door and close it. If you can easily pull the bill out, you might want to look into a new door sealer.
Stay Frosty and Save Green
Summer Tips for Your AC
Want the green scoop on chilling out this summer? The best ways to save money and energy start with your cooling systems. The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, a nonprofit based in Chicago, publishes a checklist of tips on how to stay cool in the summer. For every degree above 72 that you set your thermostat, the MEEA promises a three percent reduction in monthly cooling costs. They also recommend drawing the shades which can save you an additional 10%. The ideal companion for an air conditioning system is a
\u003ca href\u003d\"http://e2ma.net/go/615541124/512512/17195895/goto:http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c\u003dthermostats.pr_thermostats\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"arial,helvetica,sans-serif\" color\u003d\"#0000ff\" size\u003d\"2\"\>programmable thermostat\u003c/font\>\u003c/a\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"arial,helvetica,sans-serif\"\>\u003cfont size\u003d\"2\"\>. These nifty little items allow users to\ndictate when—and for how long—the air conditioning system kicks on. Above all, keep an eye on all your cooling systems,\nincluding your fridge, for leaks. These hard-to-spot culprits are often the source of inefficiencies, says Greg Ehrendreich, a policy associate with\nthe MEEA. “As your cold air leaks out, whether through bad seals or your refrigerator door being left open for too long, then your pump and\ncondenser have to work harder to remove that heat from the inside,” he says. To quickly check your refrigerator’s door seal,\nstick a dollar bill in the door and close it. If you can easily pull the bill out, you might want to look into a new door sealer. Learn more energy saving tips at programmable thermostat. These nifty little items allow users to dictate when—and for how long—the air conditioning system kicks on. Above all, keep an eye on all your cooling systems, including your fridge, for leaks. These hard-to-spot culprits are often the source of inefficiencies, says Greg Ehrendreich, a policy associate with the MEEA. “As your cold air leaks out, whether through bad seals or your refrigerator door being left open for too long, then your pump and condenser have to work harder to remove that heat from the inside,” he says. To quickly check your refrigerator’s door seal, stick a dollar bill in the door and close it. If you can easily pull the bill out, you might want to look into a new door sealer.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Carbonfund.org
Hey
I was getting in my car to go to school today and the car in front of me had a www.carbonfund.org bumper sticker.
I checked it out and like it a lot. The group partners with companies and organizations to offset their carbon output. I recommend you take a look at it.
Another site I enjoy checking out is www.sierraclub.org. I'm sure most of you are familiar with it's fantastic conservation information.
I was getting in my car to go to school today and the car in front of me had a www.carbonfund.org bumper sticker.
I checked it out and like it a lot. The group partners with companies and organizations to offset their carbon output. I recommend you take a look at it.
Another site I enjoy checking out is www.sierraclub.org. I'm sure most of you are familiar with it's fantastic conservation information.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Sweet Beesness
Hey
I have another update from A Fresh Squeeze:
Local BEESiness
Chicago Honey Co-Op
Credited as man’s first sweetener, honey has been used to treat everything from World War I wounds to everyday sunburns. This antioxidant-rich sweetener has even been rumored to alleviate allergies. The local pollen found in locally-produced honey is believed to boost the immune system—though few studies have tested this theory. So how can you reap the benefits of this healthy and tasty sweetener? Turns out, Chicago has its very own apiary suited for the job. Created in 2004, the Chicago Honey Co-Op is not only dedicated to sustainable agriculture, but to providing job training opportunities to the under-employed. The Chicago Honey Co-op, based in the west side neighborhood of North Lawndale, produces all-natural, chemical-free honey. But with over 100 hives, this apiary also creates beeswax candles, lip balm, and moisturizing bars—all of which can be found in farmers markets and shops throughout Chicagoland. An important tip for buyers: always purchase raw, organic honey. With so many potential health benefits, you want to make sure you’re getting the most for your money. The heating process can destroy honey’s natural antibacterial properties, while the pesticides used in non-organic hives can end up in your honey jar.
To locate Chicago Honey Co-op products, or to find out more information, be sure to visit www.chicagohoneycoop.com.
Don't forget to subscribe to the blog, tell me what you don't like, tell others what you do like, and email any comments or questions to keanemd@gmail.com
I have another update from A Fresh Squeeze:
Local BEESiness
Chicago Honey Co-Op
Credited as man’s first sweetener, honey has been used to treat everything from World War I wounds to everyday sunburns. This antioxidant-rich sweetener has even been rumored to alleviate allergies. The local pollen found in locally-produced honey is believed to boost the immune system—though few studies have tested this theory. So how can you reap the benefits of this healthy and tasty sweetener? Turns out, Chicago has its very own apiary suited for the job. Created in 2004, the Chicago Honey Co-Op is not only dedicated to sustainable agriculture, but to providing job training opportunities to the under-employed. The Chicago Honey Co-op, based in the west side neighborhood of North Lawndale, produces all-natural, chemical-free honey. But with over 100 hives, this apiary also creates beeswax candles, lip balm, and moisturizing bars—all of which can be found in farmers markets and shops throughout Chicagoland. An important tip for buyers: always purchase raw, organic honey. With so many potential health benefits, you want to make sure you’re getting the most for your money. The heating process can destroy honey’s natural antibacterial properties, while the pesticides used in non-organic hives can end up in your honey jar.
To locate Chicago Honey Co-op products, or to find out more information, be sure to visit www.chicagohoneycoop.com.
Don't forget to subscribe to the blog, tell me what you don't like, tell others what you do like, and email any comments or questions to keanemd@gmail.com
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