Blog Has Moved

In a feeble attempt to stay abreast of technology, I am switching to a more modern blog format over at wordpress

 

Rethink Resources Blog

has moved to a new location :

 

http://rethinkresources.wordpress.com/

Lessons to Learn from Boston's Water-Main Break

"The citizens of Red Sox Nation went into an aquatic panic this weekend after a massive rupture in the pipe that shuttles water to more than 2 million people in Boston and its dense inner-ring suburbs. By Saturday afternoon the state water-resources agency asked people in 30 communities, including Boston, to quit drinking water out of the tap."

Read the whole the article for tips on preparedness

Permanent Agriculture

The word permaculture means "permanent agriculture" which is a politically correct way (and shorter way ) of saying the design and establishment of human settlements and agricultural systems that replicate and mimic the relationships found in the natural occurring world.

The end purpose is self-sufficient human settlements.

The principles are simple:


Observe and interact- by studying and observing the natural systems, we can replicate them and interact positively with the environment.

Catch and store energy- nature provides us with the energy we need, we simply need to utilize that, every thing from rain, wind and sun.

Obtain a yield- use the environment to produce goods and foods.

Use renewable resources- choose easily man made manufactured renewables over man made synthetic manufactured goods like plastics and non biodegradable materials ...which leads to...

Produce no waste- yes, this is pie in the sky kind of thinking, but if you think about it, nature has no waste. The fallen leaves are eventually consumed, the limb decays, etc etc.

For more info: http://www.permaculture.org/nm/index.php/site/index/

Convince Your CFO that Sustainability Pays

"In the wake of the global recession, the CFO's role has shifted from fancy accountant to co-driver of corporate strategy. We can't just worry about quarterly results; we must focus on long-term growth strategies, which are inseparable from economic, social and environmental issues. A CFO's job is about using resources wisely and ensuring that an enterprise can thrive for decades to come. That makes sustainability part of a CFO's remit."

Bipartisan HOME STAR Legislation Introduced Today in the House of Representatives

Bipartisan HOME STAR Legislation Introduced Today in the House of Representatives


by Jared Asch, Efficiency First on April 15, 2010

At a Capitol Hill press conference today, congressional leaders unveiled a House version of federal legislation that would authorize creation of the HOME STAR energy retrofit program already under consideration in the Senate. The bipartisan Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010 was introduced by Massachusetts Democrat Ed Markey, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, along with Reps. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Vern Ehlers (R-Mich.) and Dennis Cardoza (D-Calif.).

Introduction of the House bill marks a significant step toward passage of the HOME STAR legislation, which was designed to create 168,000 new jobs in construction and related industries, and help Americans save on their home energy bills.

The HOME STAR proposal continues to gain momentum nationally, with legislators on both sides of the aisle expressing support for the plan, and well over 1,000 businesses and organizations signed on as members of the HOME STAR Coalition.

As Congress debates this groundbreaking legislative initiative, we urge all Efficiency First members and other stakeholders to contact their Senators and Representatives to express support for HOME STAR. Use the quick and easy online tools at www.efficiencyfirst.org/home-star to make your voice heard on Capitol Hill.

Efficient Wall Design – Quality Of Life & Energy Savings

Downsizing with IKEA Modular Dwelling

Pretty Cool Idea