GoingTrueGreen's Blog Postings

Sustainable Payback With Solar

6/12/2018

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Above Data is tracked, recorded and presented by Tesla Incorporated

Three Years, Eight Months ago... I went with Photovoltaic Solar Panels for producing electricity at my house. This month I saved the complete amount of my cost to install the panels. The reasons for my fast Three year and Eight month Return on my investment starts with having an energy efficient house. The actions I have taken to live a more sustainable life and have a very energy efficient house took about 12 years prior to implement. Nevertheless, these energy efficient actions taken are NOT rocket science. The estimated "reach" of 1.7 million people who can access my Going True Green blog posts know that obtaining optimum energy efficiency isn't difficult when you have all the facts and done within your own budget of time and money. With my energy efficient house and solar panels, I have not had an electric bill above the 9 to 13 dollars per month service fees from my Electric Utility.

The second reason for the fast payback is due to my research and evaluation of many Solar companies. (Several of the companies that I did not go with are now out of business or their suppliers have bowed out) Product performance was also key, knowing where the products were manufactured, who installed what components and comparing the costs between Lease programs or buying.

The third reason is because I was confident enough with my knowledge of Solar to be one of the first to take the leap ahead. The timing was perfect because the best offers were being made as well as the best tax credits. I did a Lease Program that offered a 33% discount on the total cost if I pre-paid the twenty years of lease payments up front. I then received a tax credit from the Federal Government and the State that was equal to half of my up front cost.

So when I reached a savings of $6,000.00 this month, I had a full Return on my investment. In fact, I have been producing more electricity than I consume, thus suppling power back onto the Grid. Yes, I have AC cooling the house and the lights (LEDs) are on at night. As I took action to live a more sustainable life, I have saved money, energy, our environment and all without making any sacrifices. I am living healthier and happier as I try to present the educational facts through my GoingTrueGreen.com and EnergyHotwire.com websites that provide assistance to everyone who visits.

One additional note... Since installing Solar on my house, several neighbors followed and the value of my house has increased.

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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Paint vs Trees

5/31/2018

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Image by BSS Los Angeles

After a pilot program in the neighborhood of Canoga Park in San Fernando Valley, California thinks they have an answer to the Urban Heat Island Effect. This is when miles and miles of asphalt, aka blacktop, heats up in the hot sun light. As the surface temperatures of the blacktop road increase, so does the ambient heat that radiates throughout the surrounding air. This can cause an average air temperature increase of 22 degrees Fahrenheit.

So they tested painting the blacktop roads white. The pilot program was declared a success... A success for wet skid tests, durability and lower surface temperatures. Now we all know a lighter color and the color white will reflect heat as darker colors will absorb heat, thus an average 10 to 15 degree decrease was noted with this CoolSeal white paint that is applied twice.

End result, many are saying this is a half baked idea because several concerns are not answered. The first thing I thought about was the paint, with only a 7 year life expectancy, wearing off and washing down the sewers. This in turn will go into our waterways. Was this part of the testing? I found no answer. Next thing I thought about was a solution as easy as planting trees. The solution is planting trees and will cost far less than the $40,000.00 per mile to paint. Additionally, trees last far longer than 7 years, while not putting any paint into our waterways and drinking water tables.

For clarification, when I speak of planting trees, I don't mean Palm trees that cast less shade. Now with extreme heat areas, the water supply for some trees that cast more shade may be crucial. This can be solved by allowing Homeowners on the block to collect rain water off the roof in any number of ways. The extra water supply can be used for their flowers and the trees by the curb. Also looking into building codes to see if lighter color roof material is standard or should become the new code. Light color roof material lowers air cooling costs for Homeowners and when matched with a minimum of R30 insulation on the attic floor, along with a Solar Powered Attic fan, money is saved big time. One more thing, make sure Homeowners have the right amount of open vent space for their attics. Details on all of this can be perused under my Insulation Category found on the right side of this page.

UPDATE: While researching for this topic, I found that the state of Arizona also had the idea of painting roads white presented to them. They have decided to take the side of complete logic by looking into increasing the canopy and foliage along their roads. Smart.

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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Caught Looking! Strike Three!

5/16/2018

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The WSJ printed an article on May 13, 2018 with the title:
Recycling, Once Embraced by Businesses and Environmentalists Now Under Siege

Wall Street Journal, The Wall Street Journal, Bob Tita, Recycle, single stream recycling, multi-layer recycling, going green, sustainability, Bill Lauto, Recycling, environment

Back on February 17, 2016 I posted on my Going True Green Blog: Is Recycling Striking Out? So just over two years later, we have a serious situation for township's recycling programs. A situation that was rapidly developing when I posted my blog and asked if America's Recycling programs would be caught "Looking" at Home plate for strike three. With the Wall Street Journal's article, I believe we just heard the umpire yell, "You're Out!"

America continued recycling the same easy and cheap way only to now find ourselves sending unwanted recyclable items to Landfills again. I strongly suggest for everyone to read my 2016 Going True Green blog post again, the Link is above in Green, and then look up the WSJ article by Bob Tita. As individual's we need to notify our Town's Recycling Departments that we need to go back to the multi-layer sorting system and that we are not allergic to work. We are all capable of spending a few extra minutes to sort our paper from plastic and glass from cardboard, before putting it to the curb. The bottom line is the fact that, "Three strikes you're out" does not just apply to America's past time called Baseball.

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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Solving The Individual

4/22/2018

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Solving The Individual
(What Earth Day Should Be About)

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Accountability for each of us as an individual has become the casualty of the current Environmental Movement from both sides of the spectrum. When I was young, we were learning about doing something as an individual to help with the environmental movement. Today we have many names, Global Warming, Climate Change, and Sustainability. Unfortunately with the changing names, so did accountability change. We as individuals no longer accept blame, we no longer take the time to learn how to make a significant change to help our world. We blame the other side, we accuse the other to be the enemy or we expect a government to save the day with mandates. We as an individual have become faultless and we as individuals have become the problem.

When I was young I had a lasting impression made on me by a television commercial. I will never forget the tear coming down the face of the actor who represented Native Americans after viewing the ways people littered upon the water and land from his canoe. The elements were multi-leveled and yet the message was very simple: We as an individual can make the difference.

I know this to be true because my own actions over the past thirty years are slowly, but surely, directing me to Going True Green someday. I spent the time learning, presenting and implementing solutions. Everyday solutions for individuals that range from Basement to Attic, from Appliances to Water Use, from Composting to Recycling, from Photovoltaic Solar Cells to Geothermal, from foregoing what is in vogue to taking the right actions as individuals. The end result saves us all Money, Energy, Water, Air, our Health, and our world's environment. All while living happier and without any sacrifices.

When as an individual we make a difference in our own home, we can then take those solutions to our workplace and eventually set the examples for governments to follow. Sadly this is no longer taking place to any great extent. Some of us may focus on one objective such as installing solar panels or changing incandescent light bulbs to LEDs. While this is productive, one or two elements is not the complete topic. We may have challenged ourselves to accomplish one project so we may feel less guilty, but we fail to understand the complete picture. Today we have the two extreme sides guilty of the same fault. A well known business person may take steps to protect money being made by claiming there isn’t anything to worry about because Climate Change isn’t real. While on the other side we see well known individuals making money with various media presentations by claiming the sky is falling. Both sides are being irresponsible because they have one thing in common: Greed.

This leaves us without all the facts and we easily deviate from the truth. Either extreme only instills fear; and fear cripples all critical cognitive thinking, responsibility, progress and solutions. We as an individual will make the difference when we become accountable and learn all the solutions we can do for each topic element, instead of focusing on just one issue or one type of argument. Pope Francis described the results of these acts in one sentence, “The external deserts in the world are growing, because the internal deserts have become so vast.”

So this Earth Day, ask yourself what have YOU done to save MONEY by reducing consumption of: Electricity, Oil, Gas, Water, Air, Plastic, Fertilizers, Weed Killers, Paper, Trees and our world's environment? What have you done to understand all the elements involved with the furniture, appliances and clothes in your possession? What kind of soap do you use and how many chemicals are under your sink when vinegar or lemon juice accomplishes the same objective? How much Garbage do you put to the curb and how much do you really Recycle? Every aspect of our lives, every decision is yours and only yours. All this sustainable living is accomplished while being happier, healthier and without making any sacrifices. We are all one team as an individual, period.

Earth Day is a teaching moment and should be about solutions for us as individuals. Nevertheless, if we don’t solve ourselves first, then humankind will never solve anything.

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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Photos From Rome

4/15/2018

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Rome, Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica, Saint Peter's Church, Father Rafael Pascual, Father Jesús Villagrasa, Pontificio Regina Apostolorum, Institute of Science and Faith, biotechnology and bioethical questions of Climate Change, climate change, sustainable living, sustainability, going green, Father Robert Blyman, Dr. Robert Blyman, MD, North American College

A Clear Winter's Day in Rome

Below are a few images from when I was in Rome lecturing and speaking about Sustainability as well as Climate Change. My lecture and discussions covered facts about Climate Change that shows how the two opposite sides have taken various approaches to issues while being guilty of the same fault. I spoke about additional issues that are not being addressed seriously. I presented a personal theory, (that has yet to be studied or evaluated) which can be a major factor with Climate Change and future health issues for us all.

Notwithstanding the above, I spent a majority of the time presenting solutions. Everyday solutions for individuals and complete solutions for corporations. These solutions range from Basement to Attic, from Appliances to Water Use, from Composting to Recycling, from Photovoltaic Solar Cells to Geothermal, from foregoing what is in vogue to taking the right actions as individuals. The end result saves us all Money, Energy, Water, Air, our Health, and our world's environment. All while living happier and without any sacrifices. I cited my own actions over the past thirty years that are slowly, but surely, directing me to Going True Green someday.

Having a positive stewardship to our world and ourselves has no negative pitfalls. I had previously posted some blogs on Stewardship (June 4th and June 13, 2013 for example) and will continue to do so in the future.

At this time I extend a gracious thank you to Father Rafael Pascual, LC and Rectory Father Jesús Villagrasa, LC at the Pontifical Regina Apostolorum, Institute of Science and Faith's Masters program. Their invitation for me to speak at their week long lecture series dealing with the biotechnology and bioethical questions of Climate Change is an experience I will always cherish.

I also extend my thanks to Father Robert Blyman, MD who is both a medical doctor and psychiatrist at the North American College in Rome. His invitation to attend Sunday mass, followed by a brunch with him and the seminarians was a blessing. At brunch, conversations abounded about sharing realistic sustainable solutions not only for our own families, friends, and workplaces, but also for the world's environment.

Finally, I must thank all the seminarians, Brothers, Sisters, professors and guests, at both institutions for allowing me an audience. Their spirits, enthusiastic approach and smiles are inspiring.These young people bring hope to our world.

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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As Smart As A 5th Grader

3/19/2018

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Air and Space: Cradle of Aviation Museum

For us adults to be as smart as a 5th grader, all we need to do is stay on the topics we know well. For me, once I enter a realm of naming the capital of every state in the United States, I will be in trouble. Nevertheless, today I was scheduled to speak at the Cradle of Aviation Museum where about 500 fifth graders came to visit. Fifth graders ask a prodigious amount of questions! This is an excellent sign showing that they have exceptional teachers at their school. Each group of students rotated to my section where I gave my interactive workshop five different times throughout the day. All I had to do is teach them about living a more sustainable life within twenty minutes. No problem when you have a small amount of hands-on items to demonstrate how they Do Not Need any Electricity for many things in their home.

I started off by giving examples to explain what sustainability was and the difference between renewables (trees) and non-renewables (oil and gas). Then I shared with them how not using electricity when doing everyday tasks will save money and energy for their parents who pay the bills, along with our environment for all of us.

So, how did they wake up this morning was my first test...
"Alarm clock! My cell phone!", were the prevailing answers.
"Oh, an alarm clock that is plugged in and using electricity?"
"Yes," was the answer with a disappointed tone.
Then came, "Wait! My cell phone uses a battery!"
"Oh," I responded. "Do you plug in your cell phone to charge the battery with electricity?"

Now at this point I believed that I was getting my lesson across... Not with fifth graders, because someone always has another answer.

"Wait! I don't have an alarm clock. My mom wakes me up every morning by screaming at me!"

I relented and stated that was a sustainable way to wake up. The teachers and parents with the students did enjoy that exchange very much. I then told the students about when I was their age and the Wind-Up alarm clock I used. None of them knew what a windup alarm clock was, I shared how I needed to be responsible for winding my alarm clock every night before going to sleep so I could get up for school. Quickly I suggested that perhaps they all can ask for a windup alarm clock for their birthdays and not use anymore electricity to wake up.

Bill Lauto, Solar, Solar power, going green, sustainability, sustainable living, saving energy

Solar Power LED Lights

I then showed the students my windup flashlight and radio. We learned that a manual can opener is faster than an electric can opener. We talked about manual tooth brushes, crank pencil sharpeners and saw a carpet sweeper in action. Not one student ever saw a carpet sweeper before!

We then compared electric and gas operated lawn mowers to my push lawn mower. They all wanted to see my Youtube video called Mowing Down The Lawn. Perhaps their teachers will show them parts of the video in the classroom. I showed them a solar powered outdoor LED light, a hand coffee press, solar powered leaf blowers and weed whackers. We talked about how cable TV boxes and game boxes use electricity even when not on!

Demonstrating my battery operated blower, charge by solar panels! Solar is ReNewable!

By the time all was said, asked, and done, we had a good time learning new things and shared a few laughs!

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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33 Hours

3/12/2018

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Climate Change, Institute of Science and Faith, Father Pascual, Sustainability, Bill Lauto, Going Green, Pontificio Regina Apostolorum

Poster About My Lecture

My destination was the Athenaeum Pontificio Regina Apostolorum, Institute of Science and Faith in Rome, Italy. I would be presenting a 90 minute lecture on the first day of a lecture series dealing with the biotechnology and bioethical questions of Climate Change. My objective was to present all the facts and a long list of sustainable solutions as a moral responsibility for all of us.

Father Pascual already forwarded the poster they printed up for my lecture and since I was speaking on the day that I arrived, most advice received told me to stay awake. "Do not take a nap before the lecture," was the prevailing advice.

So after waking up Monday morning, leaving late afternoon, flying all night (and not sleeping), arrive 7am Rome time, head to the hotel, wait for the room to be ready, have a light meal, shower and dress for the lecture, arrive at the Pontificio Regina Apostolorum at 4pm, met the logistic coordinator who introduced me to a few sisters and seminarians, HIT THE WALL at 4:30pm, had a double espresso in the cafeteria, met the translator, set up for the camera and audience, present my lecture at 5:30pm, then answer questions, meet priests, seminarians and other attending professors, receive a private tour of the Shroud Research Center at the Institute with Father Pascual, exchange buona nottes and ciao, head back to the hotel to fall fast asleep after 33 hours being awake... the event was amazing!

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At the Pontificio Regina Apostolorum, just before I HIT THE Wall... Espresso please!

This was an amazing experience because of all the young men and women I had the chance to meet. They were filled with life and absorbed the information so they can share details with whoever they meet throughout their life! They were from around the world: Italy, Ireland, Mexico, India, the Middle East, South America and African Countries to name a few. All these young sisters and seminarians I met spoke multiple languages and are dedicating their lives in service for others.

In turn, what I shared with them, they will use to teach environmental, energy, and money saving actions that help us all live happier and healthier. Actions that can be used by their families, friends, schools, hospitals, churches, parishioners and whoever they meet in life. Actions that do not cause us to make sacrifices, but help us hold a moral responsibility and stewardship toward God's Green Earth.

I have been receiving emails from these seminarians thanking me and I am truly grateful. However, I am the one who is thankful for them.

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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Recycled Bad News Coverage Targets LEDs

2/17/2018

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LEDs, Fake News, Recycle, Compact Fluorescent bulbs, energy saving bulbs,

12 LED Bulbs

Here we go again! Same old, one sided exaggerate theme to create fearful entertainment under the label of News. The subject is again energy saving light bulbs.

Many years ago the "so called news" was about Compact Fluorescent bulbs and how dangerous they can be to our lives. However we were only told one side of the facts. Today, this story line is being recycled and used to create fear toward LED lights.

Television news and science magazines ran story titles like: Are LED Bulbs Dangerous To Our Health?
Clever verbiage was used to mimic the newest movie version of Star Wars out in the theater:
Learn the Dark Side of LEDs.

Compact Fluorescent light bulbs have substances such as Mercury inside, but when you provide details and cite sources, the complete story is a teaching moment. The media needs to realize that these types of stories are an opportunity for teaching and if they can write or speak well, the news they present will not be boring. I believe an example of this complete news reporting can be viewed at my Blog post from April 2014 called, Evacuate The House!

So what is the story today with LED light bulbs? They do have microscopic amounts of elements such as lead, Arsenic and Nickel inside. If someone breaks dozens of Compact Fluorescent bulbs and started inhaling them, he/she could get sick. With LEDs one would need to break open hundreds and start inhaling to cause harm. So my answer for LEDs is the same from my Blog post in 2014 with Compact Fluorescent bulbs. If any LEDs break in your house, clean them up safely, with rubber gloves and a damp sponge. Then place the broken bulbs into a Zip-Lock plastic bag and bring that bag to Home Depot or Lowe's for free recycling.

Sadly most news stories don't tell all the facts. These media companies are really just entertainment companies in disguise with one goal, which is to make money. They have no interest in being Reporters presenting News with logical answers because that makes the story BORING! Unfortunately the real reason for the boredom is because they don't know how to make a teaching moment interesting.

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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Lecturing In Rome

2/5/2018

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Athenaeum Pontificio Regina Apostolorum, Institute of Science and Faith. Rome, Italy.

I am humbled and honored to share information about being invited to speak at a week long lecture series in Rome on biotechnology and bioethical questions. I will be speaking on the issue of embracing the environmental questions and the approach of sustainability to graduate students at two amazing Seminaries.

The event is occurring at the Athenaeum Pontificio Regina Apostolorum, Institute of Science and Faith for the Masters Diploma program in Rome, Italy. My lecture will also be recorded and have a real time internet feed for distance learning, which the Masters Diploma students at Veritatis Splendor Institute in Bologna Italy will be using.

My lecture will address sustainability as a moral responsibility and how everything is interconnected. Multiple solutions will be presented for each of us to implement as an individuals and to maintain a better stewardship toward Earth, which is a gift from God.

Interconnecting elements has Humankind facing several environmental issues, not just Climate Change. Pope Francis' Encyclical Laudato si' has complete significances toward the matter of Climate Change because the entire situation is presented. Not just some fragments like those presented by individuals who wish to create controversy, make money or protect money. Please review my Blog post of Pope Francis' Encyclical letter on June 2015.

I will cite the essence of Pope Francis' letter that shows where fault can truly be found for all environmental issues. I will address what are the implications facing Humankind not just from Climate Change, but other Environmental concerns which in turn, may prove to be more damaging. We will see how both sides of the issue are bias to their approach on Climate Change and how we the people must obviate the fragmented information causing us to blame others. The real issue is not about what we have, but how we go about using our possessions. Pope Francis' stated this fact so well, "The external deserts in the world are growing, because the internal deserts have become so vast."

I hope to share any insights and collaborative discussions with you in future blogs. The way this connection, consideration of my work and event invitation came about, was through God and I am grateful.

For more information on the Lecture please visit my Speaking Engagements page. Thank you.

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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Light Bulbs Out In The Cold

1/25/2018

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LED, LEDs, Compact Fluorescent bulbs, CFL, Cold Temperatures and LEDs, Energy Savings, Going Green, Saving Money

Underperforming Fluorescent Bulb

Many parts of the United States are experiencing some serious cold winter weather this season and I received a few emails asking about outside lights. Many Going True Green readers and members have compact fluorescent bulbs in outside fixtures. Depending on where we live, most compact fluorescent bulbs have not caused any issues until this season's long cold snap and a bomb cyclone winter storm that hit the Northeast. Below are some of the questions and my answers:

- How come my outdoor Compact Fluorescent Bulbs are so dim over my front door?
- Why are my fluorescent light bulbs outside only half as bright as normal?
- My energy saving fluorescent bulbs outside are hardly coming on since our 7 degree temperatures?
- Will LEDs do better in cold temperatures?
- Should I switch back to regular light bulbs for outside?

Most Compact Fluorescent bulbs have a lower lumen (light level) output below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Then light levels drop off "Big Time" below 20 something degrees Fahrenheit as shown in the image. Any temp lower than that, most of these bulbs don't even come on! They may just glow a little, but no significant light level is provided. Additionally, these lights will still cost us the full wattage of the bulb in electricity even though we are not receiving the proper light level. In other words, that outdoor 20 watt compact fluorescent bulb (able to give off a light level equal to 75 watts) is still costing 20 watts in electric power, but only giving off about 3 watts of light when outside temperatures are severely cold. Another negative factor is the bulb's life will be cut short as the components struggle repeatedly to work properly in temperatures dropping toward zero degrees.

Don't even think about switching back to regular incandescent bulbs for outside. They too will burn out faster because of the heat they produce vs the cold outside air. Did you know that with the energy used by a regular light bulb, 90% produces heat and only 10% omits light? Also switching will just run up your electric bill, because now you will have a 75 watt bulb in place of the 20 watt compact fluorescent.

As for LED light bulbs, they will get brighter in colder temps! Additionally you will be only using a 14 watt LED (current technology, LEDs are getting more efficient) to give off 75 watts of light. So to make the long dark winter nights a little brighter, start to change over to new LED bulbs. We will all save a little more on the electric bill, some energy for tomorrow, and have a brighter front doorway.

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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