Is there any economical advantage to go Green? (unemployment, generations, independent)
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The light bulbs I use now are roughly 4x times as efficient as the bulbs I'd always used previously.
Consume less resources and cost me less.
And they cost $1.00.
Rough estimate there is a savings of $20/year for each bulb replaced (my own estimate).
That's an easy one though.
I'll give this another shot in a bit.
Keep in mind OP, that resources being limited - at some point 'green/renewable' technologies WILL be cheaper, if they aren't now.
I have tried those CFL lightbulbs and I am not fond of the way they take time to brighten... at least 5-7 seconds. Also, I am not sure if you are aware that they contain mercury and when broken or discharged pose more harm to the environment than regular bulbs. They are also more expensive per bulb. It kind of defeats the "green" purpose if they are a hazard to the environment.
If green measures were economically viable, we wouldn't have to subsidize them. We would all have solar panels on our houses, windmills in our back yards and electric cars. Some of the green ideas appeal to me because I'm tired of paying money to DTE energy and paying for gasoline. But I don't see them as being practiacal today without lots of government subsidies and that just means I'll pay for them with higher taxes.
I agree with your frustration on high utility costs. The thing about solar panels and doing some basic research on them is that they cost about $45000 to reduce my $125 monthly electric bill down to zero. Also, solar panels require you to remain hooked up to your electric company even if you are completely energy independent. Therefore, because of this, there is no stopping future legislation from implementing a tax on the solar collection.
Also, if you do the math, I would be saving $1500/year on electricity bills so in order to get my money back it would take 30 years. After 30 years, I would begin to see savings IF nothing has gone wrong with the panels themselves. I am close to 30 years of age now so if I bought a home now I would start to save at around the age of 60. I think it would be more economical to move to Argentina and just pay $15/ month for electricity, $6/month for water, and $5/month for natural gas.
Regarding vehicles, washing machines, building materials etc. that actually provide the convenience that we are used to but making it more energy efficient.
Vehicles.. I hadn't considered upgrading to get a hybrid - but they aren't that expensive (I'm thinking of the prius, somewhere around $20k I think).
If you can deal with how it drives and looks (and assuming its practical for you), you can save money there.
I'm not up on washing machine technology, heh - but I imagine the majority are energy star compliant.
Quote:
Devices carrying the Energy Star logo, such as computer products and peripherals, kitchen appliances, buildings and other products, save 20%-30% on average.
Building materials - out of my league, but check this out. Styrofoam dome homes ::: Pink Tentacle
I've attached two images from that page.
under $30,000 - company in japan creates these styrofoam houses (look like smurf huts).
That isn't on topic, but I had to share.
Forgot about this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_grid
That page has changed (since the last time I checked) of course.
There's a "layman's perspective" on that page
Quote:
Building the smart grid means adding computer and communications technology to the existing electricity grid. With an overlay of digital technology, the grid promises to operate more efficiently and reliably. It can also accommodate more solar and wind power, which are intermittent sources of energy that can become more reliable with better controls.
...
In people's homes, the smart grid should mean more detailed information through home energy-monitoring tools .... Just surfacing that information will give people ideas on how to shave energy bills by 5 to 15 percent, utility executives say.
Vehicles.. I hadn't considered upgrading to get a hybrid - but they aren't that expensive (I'm thinking of the prius, somewhere around $20k I think).
If you can deal with how it drives and looks (and assuming its practical for you), you can save money there.
Regarding vehicles... I am really considering the VW Jetta TDI. Many people have been getting about 35 city and 58 highway with diesel. Diesel is currently the same price as regular gasoline in my area and the vehicle itself is only $2k more than a standard engine. Engine life is also vastly superior than a gasoline engine and less maintenance since it has no spark plug. Also, it looks exactly the same as a regular Jetta and you actually have more power in terms of torque than gasoline.
My biggest gripe with the hybrid is that they look funny, are less powerful, considerably more expensive, and contain a fuel cell battery that costs 3k if it needs to be replaced (the life of them being 8 years). On the plus side it is more environmentally friendly but it comes with a much greater cost and inconvenience.
Quote:
Originally Posted by compJockey
I'm not up on washing machine technology, heh - but I imagine the majority are energy star compliant.
I saw those LG energy saving washers and dryers in the store but they cost over 1k each! Washers and Dryers are nearly 3x more money! I don't need a dryer though since I hang my clothes outside which is about as energy saving as you can get.
Quote:
Originally Posted by compJockey
Building materials - out of my league, but check this out. Styrofoam dome homes ::: Pink Tentacle
I've attached two images from that page.
under $30,000 - company in japan creates these styrofoam houses (look like smurf huts).
That isn't on topic, but I had to share.
Honestly, I seriously don't understand why we don't build with stone or cement block like most of Europe. It is way stronger, no termites, and stone generally keeps your house cool during the summer. The "green" drywall that they are using is very expensive.
I found a website of a stone home builder in Idaho at castlemagic.com. They actually insert styrofoam insulation in between stone blocks for added insulation. Pretty cool.
Seriously, those pictures look like something out of Star Wars on Tatoine.
I have tried those CFL lightbulbs and I am not fond of the way they take time to brighten... at least 5-7 seconds. Also, I am not sure if you are aware that they contain mercury and when broken or discharged pose more harm to the environment than regular bulbs. They are also more expensive per bulb. It kind of defeats the "green" purpose if they are a hazard to the environment.
My local electronics store has them 4 for $1.
And the box claims "low mercury".
I'll be careful with them, thanks for the heads up.
Speaking of mercury, apparently (if memory servers) dolphins are being fed to school children (sold as whale meat) in Japan. There's a documentary called "the cove" out at some point. Here's the preview for it - seems interesting.
I saw those LG energy saving washers and dryers in the store but they cost over 1k each! Washers and Dryers are nearly 3x more money! I don't need a dryer though since I hang my clothes outside which is about as energy saving as you can get.
Well, there's a washer for $300 dollars that is energy star compliant (from home depot). Admiral is the brand.
I could have sworn that the majority of the washers/dryers had that logo these days.
"Let us just assume that we are saving the planet and lets debate whether or not that comes at a cost or savings to us."
It comes as a savings. Because if the planet is degraded to the point where humanity begins to die off, somehow I don't think folks will be debating "costs."
But isn't that what the President wants to do with healthcare? Let people die/give them a pain pill to save some bucks.
Well, cracking hydrogen from water has been around forever.
I didnt have time to watch the video, but the Erie, PA scroll at the bottom tells me it has to do with the late John Kanzius' cancer research, that accidentally found his radio frequency technology can split the hydrogen from the water using radio waves. This is a new use for radio waves.
As of yet, it still takes more energy to make that split, but others are working on it, and it is likely that at some point, this may become a viable means cheap, efficient hydrogen fuel production.
One of my prize possessions, is a test tube, in which this salt water to fuel process was demonstrated to me, by the inventor himself. He was a truly remarkable man. And is missed.......
Personal experience shows me that the "green" tech, should be view as an investment. Look for ROI on what you do. For example, the cost of solar panels can be pretty hefty up front, but the savings over time, vs. the conventional method is what matters.
It just amazes me that we can light out gardens and walks with solar lights all night long but can't light one room of our houmes with the same technology. What if instead of using CFL lighting we used LED which is 10 times more efficient than incandescent bulbs, could we then light our homes with solar.
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