[Jewelry making - Article 01151] - Re: [Orchid] Saving energy in the studio

[Katherine Palochak]

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>     I would like to hear from some others so I can put their advice to
>     good use. 

    The quickest way is to disconnect your electricity, get some solar
    panels, a small wind generator, a true sine wave inverter and a
    dozen deep cycle marine batteries. You only have the energy nature
    produces, you have limited amp hours in your battery storage--and
    you know what? You'll figure out real quick how to cut your energy
    consumption or you'll literally be sitting in the dark. But if
    you're not ready for that drastic change of lifestyle, here's a few
    ideas:

    Compact flourescent lights (CFL). OK, yes they have mercury and it
    can be recovered. Coal burning power stations put a lot more mercury
    directly into the atmosphere. LEDs are also appropriate in some
    situations. A Smith Li'l Torch, or similar, will save a lot on
    acetylene and oxygen because they use a fraction of the gases. 

    Use a laptop instead of a desktop computer. 

    Have a master switch that turns off everything when you leave your
    shop. Use an earth tempered air tube for fresh air inflow. 

    Have double or triple paned windows. 

    Direct vent outside through a wall or roof, rather than through a
    window. 

    Use more insulation materials. 

    For the rest of your house: 

    Use energy efficient appliances. 

    Get point-of-use or on-demand hot water heaters. 

    Quit running the water when you're not actively using it. 

    Turn the lights off or use motion-activated lights or switches. 

    Ditch the large screen TVs, and do you really need more than one? 

    Get rid of the electric stove and replace it with a gas model. 

    Use a gas dryer that has an air fluff cycle and use solar heated air
    to dry the clothes--or a clothesline. 

    Choose a wind generator power electric company. 

    Also check with your state government for alternative energy
    assistance programs. Most states have something. In addition you can
    get a tax writeoff on your federal income taxes. People think nothing
    of investing $10,000 dollars in the market, and would consider 10%
    return to be excellent. If you take that same amount of money and
    invest it in alternative energy, your state assistance program will
    pay half of your expenses, plus you can take up to 35% off your
    investment on federal income tax, that's one heck of a return on your
    investment. Then consider that energy costs are going to continue to
    increase and what you pay will never get cheaper. Why wouldn't you do
    it? 

    Now what I think is really stupid is having electric cars that you
    plug in. 

    Where do you think the electricity comes from? 

    Hint: it doesn't come from the air, and something is consumed in
    order to power the turbines or generators. It is NOT energy
    efficient. Ethanol and biofuel made from corn, etc. is NOT energy
    efficient. Planting, irrigating and harvesting requires--you got
    it--gas powered or electrical machines. You are also taking food out
    of the food chain. Now methane from pig, cattle, chicken or human poo
    might be a viable alternative. Electric cars and biofuels are
    feel-good bandaids. Human locomotion from your legs works well. 

    You may not be able to do everything you would like for energy
    conservation/alternative energy, but whatever you can do is a step in
    the right direction. The effect is accumulative, and if enough people
    do what they can with energy conservation or alternative energy, the
    better we all will be. 

Regards,
Katherine Palochak
Living off-grid for 28 years
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