It's About Time!

Every once and a while we will come across a news story that make us say "It's About Time! What took us so long to think of that"?

Here's one you'll probably find interesting...

Your morning jog on the treadmill may become a whole lot more meaningful. A health club in Hong Kong, "Powered by You" is using modern technology that enables gym patrons to use equipment, like the treadmill to create and store energy that in turn runs the gyms lights, and power. Finally, some motivation other than sweating off enough calories to hit Coldstone Creamery on the way home from the gym.

This is not the first example of people using activity to create and store power, but we must applaud the efforts of these people and others that are being creative.

Hopefully we see advancements in this type of technology very soon. Why didn't I think of that?

Good Bills?

There is a new bill that you should be aware of, the New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection Act and the related tax title would create massive redistribution of federal incentives to alternative fuels like wind, solar, geothermal powers.

"It's an historic turn away from a fossil fuel agenda and toward a renewable energy agenda for America," said Rep. Ed Markey, Massachusetts Democrat. "It has been a long time coming."

This  bill will set new benchmarks for appliances and building efficiency codes.

The House voted 220-190 to add a controversial amendment that would require U.S. utilities to generate 15 percent of their electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar by 2020. Utilities in Southeast and Midwest states that lack wind currents needed to justify new wind turbines would have to pay billions of dollars in penalties to comply with the rules.

"It's a giant tax," said Rep. Cliff Stearns, Florida Republican, noting that 24 states have already adopted similar standards. "Let each state work this out for themselves."

The Senate also recently approved a bill that hikes auto fuel standards to 35 mpg by 2020, a standard that U.S. automobile executives might hurt major us automakers like ford, GM. Come on guys, jump on boar and give the people what they want!

Mow Your Grass without Gas!

It doesn't seem like mowing your lawn would be such a big deal, when it comes to the environment. Think about this... mowing your grass for 1hr is equivalent to driving a car for several hours, in terms of fuel use and emissions.

Thankfully, we should soon start to see a trend towards electric or alterative energy lawn mowers. One company in Austin, TX.  Clean Green Lawn Care, their great slogan is.. "We Mow Your Grass Without Gas."

Their service starts at around $40 and may be about $10 -$15 more expensive than other local companies. So why pay more, because they are trying to make a difference and for me that is worth the extra couple bucks any day. Besides, their machinery is much more quiet and will not pollute the air in which you and your kids breathe. If you need help with this type of consumer buying dilemma - click on this link.

There is not a wide selection of electric mowers on the market just yet. But guess what, if we the consumer ask for it, they will deliver.