Category: Alternative Energy

The Yin and Yang of Energy Production

The Yin and Yang of Energy Production

simonelipscomb (8)The general tendency for humans is to not change until we are forced to…mainly because we don’t want to deal with the discomfort. Whether its emotional discomfort from facing our dysfunctional behaviors that negatively impact relationships with lovers, coworkers, and family or the physical, economical discomfort that comes from having to change the way we live on the planet….we don’t like to change.

It’s easier to continue in status quo rather than make changes necessary to become consumers of clean, renewable energy.

simonelipscomb (1)Our country as a whole is an example of this mentality. There has been definite progress toward positive change….recycling, re-using shopping bags, banning plastic bags, using less packaging, increased organic farming, vehicles that get better mileage…but politically and economically it is still big business to drill for oil offshore, frack for fossil fuels and use potentially deadly nuclear power. Very few in leadership positions will take the political risk to piss off the Big Oil Companies. It’s so much easier to be quiet, fill up offshore bank accounts and relax into a lifestyle that does nothing to help solve the problems our planet–and all people who reside here–are facing.

simonelipscomb (7)“There comes a moment in history when ignorance is no longer a forgivable offense….a moment when only wisdom has the power to absolve.” This quote from Dan Brown’s latest book summarizes my thoughts perfectly.

Ignoring a problem is NOT dealing with it.

simonelipscomb (4)There are two energy extremes that we know as Yin and Yang. The polarity of these different energies make up a whole, a balanced perspective. Yin energy is passive, receptive, deep, still, slow, quiet, feminine while Yang energy is active, expressive, aggressive, fiery, dominant, restless, producing, masculine. (Not to be confused with women and men or male and female).  An example however can be given using women and men and the expression of these energies.

A woman might have a vague idea about a problem she wants to solve so she might ponder ideas, kick around scenarios, write about it, compose poetry about it and mull over where a man might immediately take action to fix it…and fix it now! Both are ways to deal with issues and both can be valid….no doubt. So take the example a step further and take gender out of the equation…person A likes to mull it over, think about it, write about it and person B wants immediate fix-it action!

solar_cells_panels_array_monocrystalineWhen a country…or world leadership…tends to lean to one extreme or the other imbalance is experienced. Our need for immediate energy cannot be solved by shutting down all fossil fuel production today; however, we do need to implement renewable energy production NOW to help meet our needs in the near future. And as renewable energy production increases–wind, solar, wave–we need less fossil fuels….which makes our planet cleaner, greener and healthier. Balance.

  simonelipscomb (2)What if, in the 1970’s when the first buzz about fossil fuel issues began, we had fully implemented wind and solar energy production? How would our lives be different now….40 years later? How would our children’s lives be different? Our grandchildren’s lives? When is the right time to bring more Yin energy to our problems and ease up on the Yang way of dealing with life?

Now. Is. The. Time.

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Tides Are Turning

Tides Are Turning

simonelipscombI can almost hear the squeaking, grinding gears of the cogs of the old machinery as it begins to come to a stop and reverse directions. In the past week here’s a short list of positive happenings: Australian government begins a legal case against Japanese government about whale slaughter in the name of scientific research; India’s goverment banned dolphin captivity calling dolphins highly intelligent and sensitive non-human persons; a massive PR campaign to help sharks and show they are NOT the bad guys…12 people were killed last year by sharks worldwide while 11,417 sharks are killed PER HOUR by humans; Denmark installs the largest offshore wind farm in the world with 91 turbines that they are hoping will supply 10% of Europe’s energy needs in the next few years; a settlement was reach by oil companies by they agreeing not to use sonar air guns that torment and injure marine mammals…til the end of 2015; a judge protected a Kentucky coal miner who was wrongfully dismissed after raising safety concerns and was sued by the coal mining company; a victory for NC sea turtles and shore birds…driving on beach regulations upheld; the Supreme Court will hear a case against a ruling that overturned EPA mandate for cleaner air…let’s hope the justices prove they are not owned by corporations; and finally an event to celebrate the Earth and spread joy in even the most wounded places was held Saturday…Radical Joy for Hard Times.

simonelipscomb (3)That’s a lot of good news. Even though we continue to hear a lot of bad news as well, I believe the tide is turning. The work people are doing all over the world is making a difference. And once consciousness begins to shift, it’s going to shift big and fast and momentum will build!

Joanna Macy lead our group to greater understanding of how to help our planet and each other at Rowe, MA
Joanna Macy lead our group to greater understanding of how to help our planet and each other at Rowe, MA

While I know we’re not there yet, I have hope that we will raise awareness and gather strength through people with big hearts and open minds coming together. As we unite for the planet and all species, we are very truly uniting for our own species health and wellbeing. There is no separation from nature. We are part of it, it is part of us. It’s time to remember this truth and keep the turning in motion.

simonelipscomb (2)

Time for a Dialogue Change

Time for a Dialogue Change

Yesterday I attended a luncheon for environmental educators that volunteer their time to teach in schools in my home county. Our guest speaker presented a program on sustainable energy. When he started telling our group that fracking was an important piece in our energy puzzle a woman spoke up, sharing the dangers of fracking. I chimed in giving examples of how it is a very toxic practice. And then went on to call for a dialogue on sustainable energy that doesn’t include fossil fuels. Haven’t we figured out that using fossil fuels creates all sorts of problems? Not just in procuring them but in using them as well.

natural gas production well in Mobile Bay
natural gas production well in Mobile Bay

Our group went on to have an excellent dialogue on our energy future. The resulting awareness is that we need to change how we think. Our mindset is very fixed from many years of programming by oil companies. We’ve been boxed in and its time to start thinking outside the box.

wind turbine, Bonaire, N.A.
wind turbine, Bonaire, N.A.

The speaker redeemed himself by showing an amazing process of gasification that turns leaf litter, wood chips and other waste products into gases that can be used like propane. Now that is exciting news. And all done without harmful emissions with an added bonus of producing radiant heat that can be utilized to heat buildings, dry good or however it may be needed. This technology isn’t new but is being re-fitted for current use through the Center for Bioenergy and Bioproducts. This syn gas is a step in the right direction. Check out a system individuals can purchase and see what scrap materials can generate energy. THIS IS EXCITING!

possible fuel sources with biomass bioenergy production
possible fuel sources with biomass bioenergy production

Innovation, creativity, and courage are called for from all of us. Lights on = fossil fuel being burned somewhere…unless you have solar or wind powered homes. Remembering that can help us reduce our use. Which is a good first step.

wind farm Bonaire, N.A.
wind farm Bonaire, N.A.

In the future let’s hope that fossil fuels are no longer part of the conversation. We can capture (inexpensively) methane gas produced in landfills…a resource tapped by who? A few? Why shouldn’t every landfill have a system of capturing methane produced from natural decomposition.

wave energy is another energy source
wave energy is another energy source

Why don’t county extension services work with universities and local groups to set up demonstration alternative energy generation systems? Start by showing local communities what is possible and it will spread! That’s my idea for the day. What’s yours?