Shale Gas Powered Vehicles

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Shale gas is the “new kid on the block” when it comes to clean and efficient energy. Its properties allow it to burn cleanly, and is currently cheaper in price than its gasoline counterpart. With the perfection of extraction techniques of this plentiful rock through the use of horizontal drilling or “fracking” as it is commonly known, a wealth of possibilities has been unearthed with regards to sustainable and clean energy.

Currently, most of our oil is consumed through transportation of goods. By slowly replacing the arcane model of gas powered vehicles to shale gas, we will witness the convergence of sustainability and efficiency in travel. Major U.S. corporations such as Chesapeake Energy and Southwestern Energy Co.’s have been pioneers in unlocking shale gas technology, and is a further indicator of why we are leaders in creating sustainable energy sources. President Obama has focused on the need for technology to get us out of the recession we are currently situated in. The mass creation of shale gas powered cars for use by the public will serve to almost eliminate emissions, and will further promote the domestication of manufactured goods (which has not been seen since the late 1960’s).

Natural gas is already being used in the commercial trucking industry to reduce fueling costs. However, the initial outlay for the vehicle is obviously more because it requires its gas tanks to be stronger, heavier, and larger due to the compression in the tank. Yet, with an advancement in technology to make natural gas powered cars more available to the public, a reduction in production costs will follow allowing for more individuals to purchase the cars, and thus lowering total emissions. Having this concept become mainstream would be a big win for the green movement, and would allow citizens to both live green, and be green.

Drink Green, Eat Green

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Green living can be incorporated into so many areas of everyday living—even in the selection of alcoholic beverages.  With a little research, it is possible to find several green spirits that are produced in an eco-friendly manner and with a commitment to educate workers in organic production techniques.   Also, many of these spirit makers participate in renewable energy programs, such as the use of windmills for electricity, to produce their products.  A few to mention include Square One Vodka, VeeV Acai Spirit and Papagayo White Rum.  The first, Square One Vodka is produced in Idaho using distilled water from Treton Mountains, a Rocky Mountain range.  Because it is made from chemical-free organic products and distilled water, this vodka requires a shorter-than-normal fermentation period.  The final product has a fresh and distinct taste, along with a very smooth finish.  The second company, VeeV Acai Spirit produces its product, which is 60 proof alcohol from winter wheat grain and antioxidant-rich acai berries harvested in Brazil.  The VeeV Company is strongly committed to protecting the environment.  The majority of its employees drive hybrid vehicles and all product packaging is recyclable.  The third product, Papagayo Rum, has the distinction of being the world’s first organic rum.  It is single estate (only produced in one estate in Paraguay).  The founder’s objective is to help sugarcane farmers by paying them livable wages and educating them in organic farming techniques. 

The addition of organic vegetables and fruits to cocktail recipes gives spirits delectable flavors while promoting green living.  Popular organically grown vegetables and fruits that complement organic spirits include cucumbers, cilantro, basil, blackberries and thyme, just to name a few.  An internet search for organic cocktails and ingredients yields many entertaining and appetizing concoctions that is sure to enhance summertime barbecues and dinners, making it a pleasure to eat green, drink green, live green, be green.

Benefits of Building Green

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Lately, more people have been doing their part of going green by constructing “green buildings”. The beautiful part of these green buildings is that they do more than save energy. In addition to saving energy, green buildings are also known to increase one’s productivity in the workplace and one’s reputation. Meaning, having a green building saves you money, while being more productive AND doing your part for the environment.

Recently, buildings such as King and King Architects in downtown Syracuse or Welch Allyn Global Headquarters in Skaneatlas Falls represent the trend in new green buildings to save energy. These buildings have encountered the aforementioned benefits, and according to Rick Fedrizzi, U.S. Green Building Council, “buildings that minimize the use of resources and reduce waste by using more daylight and improving air quality translate into higher productivity.”

Which leads us to this question, is it just businesses that can build and benefit from building green? Answer is, no. You, yourself can plan to restructure and remodel your home in order to save energy and increase productivity. One simple way you can do this is by installing solar panels. Solar panels will save you money AND help save the environment.

For more on possible housing improvements, see our A Possible Future of Green article.

How About TVs?

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Dishwashers and refrigerators, washers and dryers… no big deal when it comes to finding environmentally friendly, certified products, right?  Not quite.  How about smaller electronics?  How about TVs? 

Just recently I was shopping around for a 50-55″ television set, and I was sure I would be able to pick out a great quality, great priced TV.  I was extremely surprised at how, even at larger sizes, televisions which are certified as “eco-friendly” are virtually impossible to come by.  I visited several brick and mortar stores and countless websites, and was surprised that there really aren’t any certified green TVs.  Yet.

I was able to stumble across an article, which I have to assume is somewhat breaking news, about South Korea’s major appliance manufacturers’ recent achievements in green certification.  Samsung and LG brand giants both have been able to produce Smart, 3D TV units that have actually been dubbed, by several European organizations, as having energy efficiency and low carbon emissions. 

Well, bravo!  Although it seems only a small step in a long line of strides to come, it is positive progress nonetheless.  Soon, I hope, it becomes industry standard to produce TV sets that are certified as eco-friendly on a worldwide scale.  (That will at least make my shopping selection a tad bit easier!)