NASA plans to hold a press conference today, concerning recent activity (or lack of activity) on the Sun.  By now, increasing numbers of sunspots should have begun appearing on the Sun . . . since the peak of the next solar cycle will be occurring less than four years from now.

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NASA, Sunspots, The Sun, Global Cooling?

by pgeiger
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In the 2008 Farmers’ Almanac we have an article about ways to save electricity including the use of CFL light bulbs.We argue that the life of these bulbs is 8 years and if all homes used them we’d eliminate a  trillion pounds of greenhouse emissions. I received a call from someone who was shocked that we ( the Farmers’ Almanac) would make such a suggestion given the mercury contained in these bulbs.

I have concerns about mercury and would not want to exchange one problem for another. Since the introduction of the CFL bulb, the amount of mercury in each bulb has been reduced substantially. But, there is still mercury and what will millions of these bulbs do to our landfill? In Phillips bulbs the amount of mercury is 3.8 mg per bulb. That is small but still there.

In many states, CFL bulbs can be disposed of in trash but should not be incinerated. Burning will send mercury into the air. Bulbs can be returned to Home Depot stores or put out with household community hazardous waste collection, which will send it to a facility that can recycle safely. So, yes there is concern with mercury and CFL bulbs. Will the benefit of reducing emissions by a trillion pounds, outweigh other hazards?  Does the hazards of a CFL bulb containing mercury impact your desire to use them? is a great question and I’d love your input.  

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CFL Bulbs, Mercury, Gas Emissions

by pgeiger
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Full Sturgeon Moon, CFL Bulbs, Mercury

What a great week for sky watching. From August 11 - 13th we were able to witness Perseid Meteor Showers.Hundreds of lights could be witnessed during the dark hours of early morning.  As we end the week the moon takes on a remarkable glow. The Full Sturgeon  Moon occurs at  5:16 pm (Eastern) on August 16th. Watch for it.

Had an interesting call from a reader who took issue with our article about greenhouse emissions. He referred to  page 52 and our recommendation to use Energy Star light bulbs. During the past couple years states have pushed the benefit of CFL lights. They last many times longer than regular bulbs and use less energy to emit light. His point is that while this may be true, these bulbs contain mercury and will pollute landfills. If they break, special cleaning is required and disposal of contaminated carpet or wood is required. He was disappointed that we even suggested it.

I maintain that in terms of sending out less harmful gases, the CFL is best by a mile. The mercury is a concern and I have chosen not to go with these bulbs. In an effort to “save” our earth, there are going to be pros and cons to lots of issues.  Let’s not stop trying to make smart decisions.

Copies of the 2009 Farmers’ Almanac are finding their way into stores. If you see a copy (green/ orange cover), pick up a copy and give me your feedback.

by pgeiger
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Energy Savings Ideas, Cutting Electricity Costs, Appliances, Efficiencies, Phantom Loads

There are some nasty rumors of late that electrical rates in New England, and elsewhere, may go up 20% - 50% over the next few months. There is an organization called Efficiency Maine www.efficiencymaine.org.  Their mission is to help Maine businesses and citizens consume electricity more wisely. In a recent newsletter they suggest:

  > Replace Incandescent bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFLs) - CFLs give the same amount and quality light as traditional bulbs, using 1/3 the amount of energy and last ten times longer. A CFL can save over $30 in electricity costs over the lamp’s lifetime and save 2000 times their own weight in green house gases.

  > Reduce Phantom Load - Many appliances continue to draw power when they are switched off. This is referred to as a “phantom” load and can be found in such appliances such as VCR, TV, computers, stereos, etc. In fact 75% of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the appliance if “off”.

  > Wash cold - I read this many years ago and have been doing it ever since. And,  it’s big. Use lower temperature settings on your washing machine, preferably the cold cycle and always use cold for rinses. The temperature of the rinse water does not affect cleaning. Load the washer to capacity (fewer washes). The real energy zapper is the dryer. Take clothes outfox the dryer while they are slightly damp to reduce the need to iron. Over-drying can cause shrinkage, generate static electricity and shortens fabric life. Recently, I started using a “dry rack” for towels. they cost $20 - $40 and if you have the room, it completes the dry.

  > Use the smallest pan. I am a big pan guy until today. Use the smallest pan to do the job. Smaller surfaces require less energy. Match the pan to the element size. A 6″ pan on an 8″ burner wastes over 40% of the heat produced by the burner. Don’t preheat your oven - the tendency is to let it heat beyond the necessary temperature. And, cook several dishes at the simultaneously in the oven.

by pgeiger
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When I was a freshman at Villanova University, Earth Day was created on April 22nd, 1970.  It was the very beginning of a movement that has grown in importance as the debate on Global Warming has taken center stage. In 1970, it was a matter of cleaning up the roads and riverbanks.  The origins of Earth Day were announced in the fall of 1969 by Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin. It received great energy on college campuses. Many were tiring of the Viet Nam War and there was a need to focus on what was and wasn’t good for the environment.

Thirty-eight years later our world population has grown, we have seen oil spills, pollution all over the world and reduction in the number of trees worldwide. Earth Day is a reminder that Mother Earth needs to be cared for as we would for as any member of the family. There are extremes with any cause. The Farmers’ Almanac and  Farmers’ Almanac TV have dealt in a practical way with what is right for  the environment. 

When you have a moment visit our website www.farmersalmanac.com. Click on the icon for  Video & TV and review segments that deal with the earth, recycling and sustainability.  There are 175 videos in all. This is a great day to revisit what and how we live our lives.

Yesterday, I mentioned  folks who live to be 100+. Today, our paper carried a front page story about Libby Goldman who turned 100 and is as sharp as a tack. The piece mentions that 1 in 8,000 lives to be 100. Of this group only 20% are lucid.  For those who make it in good order, the common traits are (1) good genetics, (2) good health habits - don’t smoke, don’t drink and exercise, and (3) manage stress well. In fact we had a Hugging Campaign years ago. People who hug tend to have better quality lives. So, if you want to live to 100… here is your road map.

by pgeiger
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