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The BIG FISH

These are the must-read articles. Start here and then follow your interests and passions.

CARMA - Carbon Monitoring for Action: See what power plants are near you, how much power they produce, and how much they pollute.
Community-Scale Energy Solutions: Lonnie Gamble presents his vision of a energy policy for Fairfield and describes how our community can use the money it is spending on fossil fuel energy to build an efficient, renewable, clean energy economy that creates wealth and jobs.
The Economic Impacts of Repowering the Midwest: The Clean Energy Development Plan for the Heartland: According to this regional study, investment in renewable energies can lead to a "job jolt."
Tunneling Through the Cost Barrier by Amory Lovins: Elements of energy-efficient technology, such are triple-paned windows and high-quality insulation, can be more expensive than their conventional counterparts. When the builder puts these elements together in a system, however, the energy-efficient can actually lower the cost of the system. For example, a house with super-efficient windows and walls needs a much smaller (and cheaper) air conditioner. In effect, working with energy-efficiency in systems "tunnels through the cost barrier."
Energy Forever by Amory Lovins: Lovins examines our energy policy in the context of national security. A fascinating (and disquieting account) about how vunerable our energy supplies are today and about how secure decentralized, renewable energy supplies could be.
Global Warming: A Real Solution: "The challenge facing us today is not one of gambling on unproven technologies, or even of choosing among wind or solar or hydrogen or switchgrass as the best way to reduce global warming. Our challenge is to create a rational marketplace one that serves the broader interests of our nation by unleashing the innovative power of American entrepreneurs to transform our energy economy. Done right, this transformation will not only curb global warming, it will create an engine of sustainable economic growth for generations."
Possible collaborations with Alliant Energy for Fairfield: Allen Rubin posed a dozen or so questions to Alliant Energy (the utility that provides most of Fairfield with electricity and natural gas) to gauge it's interest and ability to help with our efforts to eliminate the use of fossil fuels in Fairfield.
Watt Savers: Iowa's Energy Success Stories: The Iowa Citizen Action Network Education Foundation, Iowa Energy Center, Iowa Renewable Energy Association, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources compiled this publication to share the stories about communities around Iowa that have turned to alternative energy and increased their energy efficiency.

Renewable and Alternative Energies

Second Nature (HTML or PDF): Alliant Energy offers the "Second Nature" program, allowing consumers to buy 25%, 50%, or 100% of their energy from renewable sources. The cost of participation is negligible--between $5 and $20 each month. The low cost can deliver a big impact; Alliant estimates that if just one percent of Alliant Energy households join Second Nature, up to 73 million kilowatt hours of non-renewable energy could be replaced with renewable energy each year.
IRenew Fuel Cell Interview, 2006: This is an audio interview with Andy Marshall on fuel cells, recorded by MUM Sustainble Living Program student Peter Garrido at the IRenew Expo 2006.
Solar Power Wins Enthusiasts But Not Money from the New York Times
Former Weed May Fill World's Fuel Tanks from the Christian Science Monitor
In Congress, Boost for Alternative Energy from the Christian Science Monitor
Germany Leads in Renewables: Set to reach 45% by 2030 from WorldChanging

Energy in Public Policy and Business

Is Oil Running Out?, Amory Lovins
Osage, Iowa: When Wes Birdsall became the General Manager of the Osage Municipal Utilities during the heat of the 1970s oil crisis, he turned to energy efficiency instead of increased energy production. His door-to-door campaign cost $350,000, but has saved the city $1 million each year for 20 year; that is a substantial return on an investment.

: Big Rise Seen in Demand for Energy, NY Times

Mayors Think Green at NY Summit, Christian Science Monitor
States Take a Lead in Cutting Carbon Emissions, Christian Science Monitor
Future Energy That Generates Profits Today, NY Times

: Green Power May Ruin Pristine Land in California

What We Learned: European Examples http://www.greenbike.org/Europe2002/learned.htm

In Your Own Home

Before we can hope to inspire lasting change in our communities, we must get our own houses in order. What can we do as individuals to walk more lightly on the earth? Look at your home's energy efficiency, the appliances you plug in, your energy sources. Think about what you can change. Then start small; change your incandescent light bulbs for compact flourscents or plug your electronics into a power strip instead of the wall to reduce phantom loads. Stay aware of your environmental impact. Gradually, make larger changes, such as as re-insulating your home or switching to alternative energy. And remember: this is a learning process

1. Personal Energy Use: These three websites will calculate your environmental impact. Chances are that you will be amazed by the quantity energy you consume each day. Hopefully this will inspire you to find ways to walk more gently and shrink your footprint.

Energy Guide: Smart Energy Choices http://www.energyguide.com/

Carbon Calculator http://www.climatecrisis.net/takeaction/carboncalculator/#

Individual Emissions http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ind_calculator.html

2. Energy Efficiency

Efficiency and Beauty in Building, Amory Lovins Attach:EfficiencyAndBeauty.doc

Lovins examines home energy efficiency holistically; how can all the elements--super-efficient windows, EnergyStar appliances, natural venilation--work together so that we use less energy to maintain the same (or better) quality of life.

Energy Efficiency Rehab Advisor http://www.rehabadvisor.pathnet.org/index.asp

The US Department of Energy has put together a wonderful website that walks homeowners through the possible home improvements, the cost, and the pay back in savings. It includes a calculator based on home-size, region, scope of the project, and other factors. This is a great place to start your research.

Energy Efficient Appliances: Selection and Mantainience Guidelines for Major Home Appliances http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/info/documents/pdfs/26468.pdf

Yet another US Department of Energy Publication. This gives great advice on how to choose and maintain large appliances such as dishwashers and refrigerators. It also details how much energy we waste through phantom loads, the energy that an appliance uses when it is off; for example, unused televisions cost the US over $750 million in energy each year.

In a Warming World, Time to Reconsider the Clothesline, Christian Science Monitor http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0425/p17s01-cogn.html

Cooling your Home! http://www.powerhousetv.com/stellent2/groups/public/documents/pub/phtv_000449.pdf

A longer publication from Alliant that discusses energy efficient ways to "cool it" during hot summers.

3. Free Green Money: Rebates and Tax Incentives

http://www.alliantenergy.com/docs/groups/public/documents/pub/p014526.hcsp

Alliant offers rebates on many home improvement projects and energy efficient appliances. Although they do not cover the total cost, they certainly make it easier to be green. Take a look at the "Iowa Incentive Programs" on the Alliant website (address listed above).