Recent Green Living Posts
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By Steve Rypka on January 27th, 2011
 Timing is everything, as the saying goes, and that certainly applies to act of purchasing a renewable energy system. There seems to be a constantly changing landscape of costs, rebates, incentives and supply that influence the final price of these systems. It would be great if we could gaze into a crystal ball to determine the precise moment of maximum benefit. The next best thing is to stay informed and that’s where this column can help.
The trick is to act like any self-respecting business, taking advantage of market forces, tax credits and other incentives to maximize shareholder return on investment. In this case, you and your family are the shareholders. Companies plan for the long term and that’s a strategy that certainly applies when it comes to investing in renewable energy.
Continue reading New Solar Thermal Incentives.
By Steve Rypka on February 11th, 2010
 Solar eclipse. Are fossil fuels blocking our full use of the sun? There was a time when a solar eclipse struck fear into the hearts and minds of those who did not understand what caused the sun to briefly disappear during the middle of the day. Now when the moon casts its shadow while passing between the earth and sun we enjoy the relatively rare experience.
We’ve long lived in the shade of another solar eclipse of sorts; however no celestial body was responsible. I’m referring to man’s discovery, use, and abuse of fossil fuels. By building a modern society that relies too heavily on coal, oil and natural gas, we’ve deprived ourselves of the benefits of using clean solar resources to their maximum potential. The irony is that, although we can’t see this eclipse, it has the potential to create lasting harm.
Continue reading Longest Solar Eclipse Ever.
By Steve Rypka on July 30th, 2009
Perspective is an interesting thing. If you’re too far away from something, you don’t see the details. If you’re too close, you miss the big picture. In my experience, the best strategy for maintaining a healthy perspective is to keep both in mind. Look at the big picture and use it as a guide as you handle the necessary details.
With regard to Green Living, the big picture is the health of the planet …(more)
Continue reading 2009 National Clean Energy Summit
By Steve Rypka on July 16th, 2009
Society has shifted in many ways in this historically brief Age of Oil, and our means of food production is no exception. The once-rich diversity of food crops has been decimated over the last few decades due to the intensive industrialization of farming industry. A vast array of products found on supermarket shelves is manufactured from just a few primary mono-crops.
Unfortunately for people and the planet, optimal health is not a common by-product …(more)
Continue reading Food Inc.
By Steve Rypka on July 2nd, 2009
This accidental explosion occured during a fireworks show in Capay, CA on July 4, 2008. A fire department professional was injured. Photo: Steve Rypka
Sometimes, all the logic in the world is still not enough. Perhaps its human nature, but we can be extremely resistant to change, even when the preponderance of evidence indicates otherwise. There are countless examples and some are so ingrained in our collective psyche that they are almost invisible …(more)
Continue reading Independence (from Fireworks) Day
By Steve Rypka on May 14th, 2009
Hiking is one of my favorite activities since I love reconnecting with the natural world. Safety is always number one so I try to avoid paths that get too close to dangerous cliffs. Call it self-preservation. I’m also not a speed demon, preferring to savor the experience – noticing the details.
Did you know that a ponderosa pine gives off a scent similar to butterscotch? You have to get real close to the bark …(more)
Continue reading House Like a Tree
By Steve Rypka on April 23rd, 2009
I love a good challenge. The bigger the problem, the more fun it can be to solve. The most elegant solutions are simple, effective and often right before our eyes. Such is the case with water.
For decades, we’ve focused on engineering “more is better” solutions that “improve” nature and bend it to our will. There are still plenty of folks around who subscribe to that antiquated approach. Big bucks, powerful pumps, long pipelines …(more)
Continue reading Desert Water Solutions
By Steve Rypka on February 12th, 2009
It’s exciting to see the transformation taking place in the home building market. Perhaps the best example is the new Villa Trieste development by Pulte Homes. Located in Summerlin, this community of 185 homes is leading the way when it comes to responsible building in Southern Nevada.
The community has gotten some good coverage recently but I noticed the focus is mostly on energy savings and the electrical solar panels that come with each …(more)
Continue reading Green Options for Homebuyers
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Timing is everything, as the saying goes, and that certainly applies to act of purchasing a renewable energy system. There seems to be a constantly changing landscape of costs, rebates, incentives and supply that influence the final price of these systems. It would be great if we could gaze into a crystal ball to determine the precise moment of maximum benefit. The next best thing is to stay informed and that’s where this column can help.
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