Goal For The Green

It’s shocking to hear coming from a billionaire oil man. There is no easy fix to the energy “emergency” we are in. T.Boone Pickens has set out to build an Army of Americans to fight for the cause of reducing our dependence on foreign oil. The 80 year old oil tycoon is lobbying for his energy plan, arguing that “This is one emergency that we can’t drill our way out of.”

Currently we are spending $700 billion dollars a year in foreign oil. Mr. Pickens wants to replace more than 1/3 of the oil we import with wind, natural gas, solar and other “green” energy sources. His plan states that it can be done in less than a decade. He sees America as the “Saudi Arabia of wind,” stating that it is the future of this country. To back up his plan, he is currently building the worlds largest 4,000 megawatt wind farm, on 400,000 acres in Pampa, Texas.

Wind could be the source of energy for many of our power plants that currently run on natural gas. This then would free-up natural gas to power planes, trains and cars. It would be cleaner and much more economical, while cutting down our dependence on foreign oil.

As Americans, we need to put aside our political views, stand up and insist that whoever is elected, do something in the area of exploring alternative energy sources. We can start by contacting our elected state representatives and insist that they take action on these issues.

For the last forty years we have been operating “like fools without a plan. ” At least now there is a plan. It is a place to start to put our country back on the track of being self sustaining. Our government isn’t doing anything, so it’s our turn! For more information visit:

Hi there….  How do you like the new look and theme?  I have been thinking for a while about how to integrate my day job ( Independent provider/job coach for an autistic client) into the blog. I got lucky and joined Whole-hog-blogs. It’s one of the better choices I’ve made, ladybug included.

You will be getting the same “green” type articles and information here, but also help and information in the area of disabilities (not just developmental) ones. I have devoted the last twenty years of my life to working with  the devlopmentally disabled population.  Most of that time was spent working in Special Education, within the school system. Now, I work independendantly through the state. I am my own contractor. The work, to me is not like work, just a slice out of my day. That is not to say that it doesn’t have it’s challenges.  For me, it is a very rewarding place to be in my life. It is my belief that if you take the “dis” out of a dissability and focus on the ability, you get better results. Most people in this population are more able than is often recognized. It also helps to have some fun and throw in some humor along the way. Come on back anytime, as we explore ways to work toward a better tomorrow.

Here are a few tips you can put into practice right away that take little effort and your wallet will thank-you.

Did you know that Americans idle away approximately 2.9 billion gallons of gas a year?  With the prices going up almost daily, that is almost $80 billion a year in wasted gas. Obviously, the less you have to stop and go the better. It also helps to maintain a steady, rather than fluctuating speed. Also, be sure your tires have the correct amount of air in them.  Just little things, but they make a difference in the air we breathe and in your wallet.

Just by turning off your computer when not in use, you can save about $90 a year. You can also save more by unplugging small appliances when not in use.  Every little bit helps, because even though it doesn’t seem like it, everything that is left plugged in still uses energy.

By signing up for Green Power, you are supporting the future development of renewable resources. Green Power, is electricity from renewable non- polluting resources like wind and solar power, that can be used over and over. Green Power usage does less harm to the environment.  Turning down your thermostat a couple of degrees can save you between 1-3% on your power bill. It might not seem like much, but it can add up considering 50-70% of your electric bill is calculated based on your heating and cooling consumption.  Wash your clothes in cold water.  This also makes a difference in your power bill.

Paying your bills online saves you time, money gas, and stamps.  It also saves on the amount of paper used to send you that bill.  To get rid of junk mail you can sign up ($1.00 fee ) at Mail Preference Service on Direct Market Assistance website. Most junk mail will stop within about 90 days. To stop opt-in offers from cluttering your mailbox, you can call 1-888-5-OPTOUT.  Follow the instructions, and you can opt out for 5 years or for life.  Next, it takes a little work with our at home printers but it can save a lot of paper if you print on both sides of the copy paper.  Here in the U.S. we use approximately 4 million tons of copy paper per year, most of which is copied on one side only.  That averages out to about 27-30 lbs. per person per year.

You can keep a lot of dirt, pesticides, and germs from entering your home and causing allergies or illness, just by taking your shoes off outside your door.  Something else to consider is to drink hormone free milk. It’s a healthier alternative. Thank goodness it’s the time of the year to start enjoying the wholesome freshness of the farmers markets for fresh fruits and veggies.  Here’s to your health and your wallet.