GoingTrueGreen's Blog Postings

What Happened In Texas?

2/18/2021

Texas, Texas freeze, texas winter storm, Texas snow storm, Texas power failure, Texas grid, texas wind turbines, renewable energy, non-renewables, oil, coal, solar, wind, gas, greed, infrastructure, electric grid, texas electric providers, sustainability, power plants, utility companies, Texas untility

I have been asked and I have been receiving the very question structured above for today’s GoingTrueGreen blog title by many GTG members.

First, I wish to level the playing field. Unlike other electric utilities that I have worked for or visited and had first hand information about many operations, I do not have first hand knowledge of every detail that contributed to the failures in the power grid infrastructure for Texas. Therefore, I must reserve the right to correct any verbiage in this blog due to the fact that despite reading and confirming some reliable information on the subject, “Sensationalism” prevails and real “Journalism” is squelched.

So what happened with the power grid in Texas? Seems to me that a poor management decision was made due to money justification. The temperatures were dropping and the demand for electricity was spiking. Additional Megawatts were needed and a decision was made not to bring on more production from gas, oil or coal power plants. After all, perhaps an innocent assumption was made that this was Texas and the weather will be warm again in a day or two. In addition, the decision makers had to justify the cost for bringing on line additional generators.

So again we have the real problem: Assumptions and Money. This A & M is a contagious disease that crosses all spectrums of power production. End result, there wasn’t enough power to meet the demand and the grid started to shut down as designed for safety protocol. Rolling blackouts were put into action until additional generators could be brought on line. A 100% shut down was avoided, but 85% of that Grid took a hit because of humankind’s decision.

So the lost of power wasn’t an act of God, but a humankind assumption floundering in money justification and that is the problem with all energy production. Both Renewable energy and Non-Renewable energy are plagued with this A & M disease. Case and point:

Why did the power grid supply fail?
There is a rare winter storm in Texas, a state that saw no reason to spend “money” on winterizing their energy production.

Solar panels have no system to clean snow off, because those systems cost money. (Even I have a way to clean snow off my solar panels. I had to come up with some method, because my area does get snowfall every year. I have a very simple and safe way, that had a very small investment. However, I must put in the time since I could not afford an automatic system. My time makes me money as I am able to produce Kilowatts once the sun is shinning again.
BTW: I do not go up on my roof. My previous GTG blog posts on solar explain more.)

Texas Wind Turbines and Gas Lines froze because they never had the money spent to winterize their operations. Oil and coal could not meet the demand because of human error in decision making. (System automatically starts to shutdown as a safety precaution when demand can’t be met.) In total, an 85% system shutdown.

If Texas had invested in winterizing all electrical generating systems, this one storm would have provided payback and possible profit. Now, this storm is costing them far more than any winterizing investment. Additionally, we need to ask the following: Did the government and electrical utilities provide helpful information on the news to inform the public of alternative ways to keep warm as well as how to drain most of the water out of their pipes? All the frozen and broken water pipes may become a legal matter now costing the utility more money, because while the storm can be labeled as an act of God, the system’s failure was due to poor decisions made by humans.

The irony is this, the two political sides blame each other and fail to see that they are both to blame, because the little that they do, is all about making money for themselves. Let it be for renewable or non-renewable energy production.

Next week, Texas’ weather will be around the sixty degree mark, while most of northern United States will have another week in and out of the twenty degree zone, but the power remains on.

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

7/3/2020

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clouds, 4th of july, God, sky, heaven, celebrate, shows, COVID, Natural Show, Connect, connecting, 4th of July show, sustainable living, make a difference, going true green, nature, family, friends, neighbors

Natural 4th of July Show

Humankind walks a fine line. Somewhere between various possible devastations and a lackadaisical existence, we have convinced ourselves that we are in control. Yes, we can "make a difference" of many situations, but only if we are connected to everyone and everything with the complete picture - All the facts.

We have many holidays and celebrations, but only a few have an engaging impulse to reach for truth. The fourth day of July, for me, is one of those holidays. Studying the good, the bad, and the ugly, allows me to sense when lies or narratives are being sold to make money. Let it be from those who scream we are doom or those who whisper there are no worries.

So allow me to suggest something we can all do to make a difference now. Since there are no big productions this year to celebrate, because of the COVID virus, try watching the most amazing natural show around. Pull up some chairs by a window or in a yard. Sit on a stoep or stand on the street's corner. Then while practicing smart germ protection steps, watch an amazing show with family, friends, neighbors. This show is free and has an all star cast. Take your time watching and conversing about the details, because the show never has reruns.

Pay attention to Nature's cast that presents Sky, Air, Sunlight, Clouds, Colors, Moon and Stars. Don't forget to study the supporting actors such as Wind, Rain, Breeze, Flashes of Light, Sounds, and so many others such as Snow and Comfortable Humidity. Then while watching, connect with God, who is an encouraging Producer and Director.

Finally, don't neglect to turn and look at the actors next to us. Ourselves and our neighbors are also starring in this show. Mine are completely diversified and yet, we are all connected.

So LOOK UP and find that silver lining, see and learn the complete picture. Each time, humankind takes the time to learn all the facts and have intelligent discussions, we are always successful.

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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NEW GTG CATEGORY: MAKE A DIFFERENCE NOW

5/21/2020

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climate change, time, sustainability, sustainable living, future, solutions, environment, answers

Right now, this very minute, do you want to help save the world? Be a superhero to kids and a leader to your peers? All while saving money, energy, health and without sacrifices?

This is for all of us, a new Going True Green Blog category:
MAKE A DIFFERENCE NOW

I find taking questions lately, after I speak with a class of students, more troubling. When I see fear in the eyes of teenagers and they share that fear about the world becoming unlivable due to the destruction of our environment, this becomes painful for me. There is always a few students who believe there is no hope unless we end all CO2 emissions now. This belief is the result of stating a narrative along with the process of omission. To me this is another form of verbal abuse, especially when no solutions and no hope is offered. For me, there is always another way. Adults must be superheroes to the very young. We must teach all the facts, along with solutions and hope, to teenagers and adults of all ages.

We have to collect all the details, evaluate the complete picture, because if we believe just ending humankind’s injection of CO2 into our environment will save the day, then we are all fooling ourselves. Our environment has multiple issues that may or may not occur, but are in need of intelligent execution by each one of us, so that we don’t manifest those predictions of horror or evoke the occurrence of negative future outlooks founded on current statistics increasing in the wrong direction.
First we must work to change what we are capable of changing and be at peace with what is truly beyond our control.

Earth, magnetic field, nickel core, man made disaster, CO2, CO2 emissions, Ozone, Solar, solar radiation, satellites, polar flip, climate change, time, sustainability, sustainable living, future, solutions, environment, answers

Slide from European Lecture Tour

Two Beyond Our Control Examples:
1) There isn’t anything humankind can do to stop our planet’s inner iron and nickel core from flipping, thus for a time (no one knows how long) lowering our protective magnetic field surrounding Earth. Yet, we can invent protective systems for our electronics and shelters for us against the increase in solar radiation. Yes, this is an environmental issue and no one knows for sure any of the facts or time frames. We will do what we can over time and we must be at peace with this. I will be including my European lecture tour in different languages for GTG members under GoingTrueGreen’s Membership section sometime next year. This lecture covers additional information on Earth’s core and magnetic field.

2) There isn’t anything humankind can do to stop one of our planet’s largest volcano, located under Yellowstone national park, from erupting. Some calculation show that a major eruption is already overdue. Additional predictions show the population of the world being decimated if there is indeed a full size eruption. No one knows for sure ‘when’ or ‘if’ this major event may occur and worrying about this, is useless.

However, I mention these potential disasters to put in perspective what we can do for other major environmental issues. The current virus situation shows how fragile our supply chains are and how their collapse will cause hardship and death. If our infrastructure for the power grid crashed, some calculations are horrifying. Systems that can’t come back online within months will cause massive starvation. If the power grid is down nationwide, within the year some predict over 50% and higher, of the population will perish. Think about this for a minute, delivery drivers for food and gasoline cannot conduct their routes, because they can’t get gas for their cars. If they can’t drive to work, they can’t drive delivery trucks, trains, cargo ships, or planes. Also they have their own love ones to care for in addition to job responsibilities. On top of all that, if there is no electric power, then there isn’t any working refrigeration units and gas station pumps are rendered useless.

Examples Within Our Control:
Nevertheless, we have many intelligent options and actions that can be taken by each one of us in all three areas of concern:

For the events we have no control over, hopefully we have faith to give us peace.
For natural and human made disasters, we can prepare.
For all other environmental issues, we have solutions we can do now to make a difference.

GoingTrueGreen’s new Blog category addresses the third area of concern, however, let us briefly review all three:

1. To have God’s peace within you, that is a journey each of us travel alone. That is not to say there isn’t anyone among us to assist, but that we must accept peace ourselves.

2. When a natural or humankind disaster comes upon us, we only have our preparations and knowledge to survive. One action I took was to become state certified in preparedness under a division of Homeland security and emergency services. Today, programs like that are available online. Additionally, I am trained and teach survival courses, which I will be including as videos for GTG members in GoingTrueGreen’s Membership section later this summer. However, with all humankind disasters, we will be "all the better" when we take actions to avoid and prevent them. Such as nuclear power plants creating risks to human life in the event of a disaster when operating or even afterwards with spent fuel creating radioactive waste.

3. As an individual we can execute multiple solutions to help our world’s environment. These actions that can be done save us Money, Energy, Health and Earth. Additionally, all actions are done without making any sacrifices to the life we know. So please peruse the new GTG blog category MAKE A DIFFERENCE NOW in the near future to review actions that can be done today. Solutions and actions with explanations showing the how and why, then in turn, that information enables us to empower others.

If we could end all CO2 created by humankind tomorrow, there will still be natural amounts of CO2 in our atmosphere which is necessary for our planet’s balance. This virus has shown us that after a major close down of the world’s transportation systems, CO2 levels were not depleted by much. Some estimates hover around five percent. Until we truly know the percentage of natural and humankind CO2 levels, we all must address every issue in our environment within our best ability to implement solutions feasible to our budget of time and money. I do not expect a family struggling to put food on the table to put solar panels on their roof. However, they can continue doing actions such as recycle, reuse, reduce, along with additional actions perhaps not yet taken. Such as: composting, growing some vegetables in a yard or windowsill, not littering and using a surge protected with an on/off switch to power down products that still use electricity, even when off, because they are plugged into an outlet. The cost of these surge protectors pay for themselves within a few months and money is saved off the electric bill every month.

Europe speaking tour, Vatican university, Earth, magnetic field, nickel core, man made disaster, CO2, CO2 emissions, Ozone, Solar, solar radiation, satellites, polar flip, climate change, time, sustainability, sustainable living, future, solutions, environment, answers

Slides from European Lecture Tour

Humankind Killing Prochlorococcus

Connection with Litter, Ocean & Air

I trust my new GTG blog section will help in areas such as providing the powerful reasons for actions like NOT littering, because we all enjoy breathing! The connection between litter, our oceans and our oxygen supply is real and just as concerning as increasing levels of CO2. Let us start today, let us start with ourselves and let us change what we can and have peace with what we can’t.

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
Contribute your comments!

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Earth Day Impaired

4/22/2020

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Earth, Earth Day, Going Green, Impaired Earth Day, Going True Green, sustainability, sustainable living, CO2, Greed, Everything Green, environmental science, saving energy, EPA, Gaylord Nelson

New Day Over Earth as of 7:28am Pacific Time, April 22, 2020

Fifty years is a long time. We had amazing accomplishments and we still have much to change. However, afford me the time to read this GTG blog post, because the change I will speak of, may surprise many. Nevertheless, the change I wish to share, will make the difference. I have seen the evidence and the facts over the decades while working in the environmental science/energy fields.

An impaired Earth Day may have come at the right time. Not just because of a virus that has confronted the world and cancelled outdoor events for Earth Day's 50th anniversary, but because of many other reasons. Exactly 50 years ago when Senator Gaylord Nelson started the first Earth Day, on April 22, 1970, over 20 million people in the United States attended events that day. The day's mission was to teach, present facts and learn other ways of doing everyday tasks so our environment would not be harmed. For me today, that mission has become impaired because of the following truth that I find self evident:

Back in 1970 the problem was how Earth's environmental issues were NOT addressed by political parties and the environment's concerns, were NOT covered by the media. Today, the reasons and mission for Earth Day has been hijacked by political parties, the media, and anyone with a voice who is not interested in educating, teaching facts or presenting solutions. They are just using the complex and multiple issues of our environment to make money or protect money already being made, by failing to show the complete picture. Both extreme sides are purposely omitting truth and only telling their narrative by the process of omission. They blame someone else and as a result, effective feasible solutions are rarely presented or taught.

A vortex of excess verbiage has hit our ears over the years and demands have been thrown at politicians and corporations, much justified, for many decades. Sadly this approach called "the blame game" and "listen to me so I can make greedy amounts of money" comes from both sides and has caused doors to be shut and effective communication to be destroyed. At the conception of Earth Day both American political parties worked together to not only start Earth Day, but also the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Corporations were even persuaded to work as one team and save the world's Ozone layer from being obliterated. So what went wrong? Greed.

Different view points are always beneficial when presented objectively, however today, everything has become subjective. So perhaps this is a time for a third view point...

Only recently, there is additional talk about how each of us can implement solutions to save ourselves money and our Earth. Originally in the 1970s, this discussion was based on conservation, which translated into making sacrifices. Put on a sweater and lower the heat. However, with the complete picture based on facts and the correct technology, an individual's action is a much more powerful phenomenon than most realize. All of us together become the team that surpasses any government or corporation. This may come as a surprise to some or perhaps many, but long term solutions are both tangible and attainable for each one of us. Teaching the data and facts for decades has been my mission. Demands made by others did not help me put out one garbage can a week, while my neighbors put out two cans, twice a week. Waiting for someone else to save the day did not have me obtain a Net Zero home. First I had the lowest electric bill in town because of multiple actions done within my own budget of time and money. Then after I was able to get solar panels (with a payback in 3 years and 8 months) I have no electricity costs for almost 5 years now. I gave up red meat almost 25 years ago. I do not buy potting soil, top soil, or mulch, because I make my own for free! No celebrity, politician or corporation taught me that - Actually an Amish farmer did.

Today with all the blame and spin going around, we have very little progress because we have very little education with all the facts. Also when each one of us implement a solution ourselves, that does not make anyone else money! So perhaps we have to teach ourselves. I for one have been sharing as much as I could over the decades.

Basically, this is easy... Teach the individual and we save the world. Think about that and ask who is a politician? Who runs a corporation? Individuals make up the corporation's board, CEO and so on. And yes, as hard as this is to believe, politicians are individuals too.

Each one of us can be the problem or together we are the solution! The battle is not between them over there and those standing here. The battle is within each one of us!

Additionally we need to come together with communication, facts and solutions because our environment is complex and has thousands of situations that need our intelligent caress. For if we are to believe that all our environmental issues will be solved just by lowering or eliminating carbon dioxide, then we are truly leaving our grandchildren with a "world of mess" to clean up. God help them to do so, if we do in fact, fail them.

Here are a few additional serious concerns for our planet that are rarely addressed and may play a larger role with harming our planet's sustainability:

We are causing great harm to our oceans, the truly one main source of our oxygen supply. The invisible O2 producing forest within our oceans’ waters is called Prochlorococcus. These microscopic green photosynthetic organisms were discovered around 1989 and they use sunlight to convert Carbon dioxide into oxygen. They divide once a day and have been making oxygen for millions of years. One drop of ocean water has 20 Thousand cells! Humankind is killing them with Nitrogen and Plastics!

The Rainforest is being cleared to meet the demand with increase consumption of meat and palm oil. Palm oil is found in products and food we all consume everyday. Decrease our forests and increase our issues with oxygen and CO2.

Another major concern is that we are manufacturing clothes mostly of plastic. We are all contributing to the fact that we are drinking, breathing and eating plastic. When we wash our clothes, research studies showed that up to 700,000 Micro Plastic Fibers go out with the water for each wash load! Studies in Germany found plastic fibers in all of the 24 beer brands they tested at Octoberfest four years ago. They also found plastic in honey and sugar.

My hope is that this GTG blog post will be a catalyst for each of us, every individual, to be inspired with learning the complete picture of our environment. Many parts of that picture can always be found in my GTG blogs and website.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, GoingTrueGreen.com has created a GTG Membership program with a Lifetime enrollment to provide organized solutions so each one of us can make a difference. From Videos to Check Lists, please consider this and the benefits with the link above. This summer, two new On-Line classes called:
What Actions Each Individual Can Do and Sustainable Survival! Both will be included in our membership program.

Thank you for reading and following GTG all these years. You are already part of the solution to make our planet's complete picture look beautiful in the future!

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
Contribute your comments!

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Speaking Engagements In Rome For Earth Day

2/7/2020

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Pontificio Regina Apostolorum

With Earth Day's 50th anniversary this year, some of my speaking engagements have me presenting in Rome. I am honored to be invited back to speak at the Athenaeum Pontificio Regina Apostolorum, Institute of Science and Faith for the Masters Diploma program in Rome, Italy. I will be presenting to the Seminarians at Pontificio Regina Apostolorum and also welcome to attend are the Seminarians from Pontifical North American College. Additionally, I have been invited to speak at the Rome campus for the undergraduate program at St. John's University.

Pontifical North American College

I will speak on the truth about our multi-level complex environment and Earth Day. I will share data, Earth Day stories from America and suggestions on how, we as one team, are the solutions to a better tomorrow. Each one of us, by living a more "sustainable life" will save a great deal of money, our health, energy, and God's green Earth without making any sacrifices! I have no electric bill for almost 5 years now and made no sacrifices, because there is always another way of doing something.

The facts, the trade secrets, and encouraging support, is what the world needs. Each of us as an individual is the solution and I hope to provide each seminarian and student with facts to help them and others in the future. This approach to the truth, the facts, and solutions, provides answers for all of us and for the poor.

St. John's University, St. John's Rome, St. John's University Rome Campus, Earth Day, Earth Day's 50th anniversary, speaking engagements, Rome, Athenaeum, Pontificio Regina Apostolorum, Institute of Science and Faith, Masters Diploma, Rome, Italy

St. John's Rome Campus Central Courtyard

Pontificio Regina Apostolorum and Pontifical North American College on April 28th and the time 17:10 to 18:40.

St. John's University, Roma Campus
on April 29th and the time 12:00 (noon) to 13:30

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
Contribute your comments!

Jesus, Upper Room, Easter, The Way, resurrection, Jesus the Christ, apostles, crucifixion, rosary

This riveting historical novel pieces together intricate revelations to present possibilities not widely discussed, probabilities that may explain why some famous figures were misjudged, misunderstood, or completely ignored. How those who were evil, became good and those who were weak, became strong.

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Tree Top Garbage

12/5/2019

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Plastic Clouds, Bill Lauto, microscopic plastic, BPA, PS, oligomer, bisphenol A, molecular bond, pollution, plastics, petroleum, plastic islands, plastic in beer, plastic in air

Tree Top Garbage

Tree Top Garbage
by Bill Lauto

There it shall stay,
until it erodes away.
Let loose by humankind,
into our air & out of mind.
Innocently caught by a tree,
until it’s digested by you and me.

If the garbage is some kind of foam, plastic or any other very slow degradable product made by humankind, the key word or the upsetting word in the poem above is digested. Litter, such as plastic, is made from petroleum. The official name is polyethylene terephthalate, or PET. When organic material, such as grass or an apple, is exposed to the elements of nature or buried, bacteria breaks down the item into the original compounds that formed the organic element. This biodegradation process doesn't occur on plastic in the same way or period of time.

Studies have shown that UV light will break the molecular bonds holding plastic together so that item can break down into smaller pieces. And smaller and smaller and smaller pieces. Nevertheless, there are problems because buried plastic in landfills are in a place where the sun doesn't shine and when plastic does break down into smaller pieces, this is proving to be a very serious problem.

First let us review what we all know: Plastic is building up in our oceans, especially the Pacific ocean. Humankind's plastic shopping bags, water bottles, take out containers, soda bottles, product packages and six-pack plastic rings are bathing in sunlight as they float in our oceans and waterways. The UV rays will eventually break down that plastic into smaller pieces. Ten years ago, a study from Nihon University in Chiba, Japan, discovered that plastic in our oceans can start to degrade within one year. Thus, creating smaller and smaller pieces.

BREAKING PLASTIC DOWN INTO SMALLER PIECES IS BECOMING A MAJOR WORLD WIDE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM

These smaller pieces of plastic are not natural. They are made of bisphenol A (BPA) and PS oligomer. These are carcinogens and these toxic chemicals end up in the bellies of fish and perhaps evaporate into our air. So let us continue with that natural process of the rain cycle...
After Evaporation is Condensation and finally Precipitation, allowing these chemicals to settle on the land and crops. Animals eat the chemicals and humankind eats the fish, the animals and the crops!

I am now asking everyone who is perusing this GoingTrueGreen blog post to also revisit or read for the first time, these two previous posts:

Plastic Water, Air and Food (12/27/2017)

Plastic Clouds (03/19/2019)

As for all of us, may I suggest that we be extra mindful this time of year with the Christmas and holiday wrappings, boxes filled with shipping material and plastic waste.

GoingTrueGreen.com is teaching the complete picture for saving money, energy, our Earth and our health - Not teaching poetry.

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
Contribute your comments!

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Victory Gardens Are Needed Again

10/2/2019

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Victory Garden, Victory Gardens, World War One, World War Two, World War II, fresh food, food, organic food, growing food, compost, composting, Home Front, Going Green, Sustainable Living, Sustainability, Going True Green

I am sadden how the stories of our past, let them be His-Story or Her-Story, are forgotten or completely changed for a false narrative. I know just a few people reading this Going True Green Blog Post will know what a Victory Garden was so many years ago. Nevertheless, Victory Gardens are needed again.

Victory Gardens were planted by individuals on the Home Front as a patriot sign to make a difference as World War I and World War II were being fought. The premise was simple and the difference made was tremendous. These Victory Gardens were planted in yards, window pots, apartment rooftops and empty plots of land around the neighborhoods. They helped in the battle against food shortages as two world changing wars raged on for years. The food that was produced, was used and shared with those in need.

Today, a Victory Garden would be a major part of the multitude of solutions we can do as an individual. Having a Victory Garden will allow us to eat healthier with fresh organic food and be a positive contributing factor for our changing world. For more facts and information see my Going True Green Blog posts under the Category called: Composting.

If we truly want to be part of the solutions, we all need to have or take part in a Victory Garden. This Fall is the perfect time to start planning your very own Victory Garden for next Spring!

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
Contribute your comments!

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Plastic Clouds

3/19/2019

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Plastics, Plastic Clouds, Microscopic Plastic, Plastic Fibers, aerosol particles, CEDP, Invigorated Process, Super Storms, Severe Storms, small particles, going true green, Bill Lauto, sustainable living, sustainability, going green, environmental issues, climate change, changing climate, greenhouse effect, global warming, BBV Publishing

Is Humankind creating Plastic Clouds?

Is Humankind creating Plastic Clouds? Humankind’s future “may” hold serious repercussions based on the various evidence nature is presenting today with numerous issues. Yet, no one knows when, where or how anything specific may or may not happen. There also isn’t any precedent for exact matching elements in earth’s history that mandates our attitude to be passive or to panic. Scientists don’t know the time frame for any specific disaster, healing or level of harm. Nevertheless, Humankind has created new elements that did not previously exist, so we contribute in various degrees on various issues.

With the injection of plastics into our environmental equation and because everything is connected, we have a contributing factor that quite possibly can be a major catalyst for the severe storms that are occurring around the world. After reading multiple studies on two different topics and presenting at two lectures, one in Rome and the other in New York, I am asking the scientific community to investigate a possible clandestine connection between plastic and severe storms. Combining available data from multiple studies done on microplastic fibers and studies done on severe storm conditions, problematic possibilities are presented for an ever growing interconnecting issue. Recent findings show that the smallest of particles, smaller than one-thousandth the width of a human hair, have a prodigious role in creating large storm clouds. Taking data from these research projects, I present the hypotheses that the microfiber plastic we have been adding into our environment "may" actually be a player in any stronger Invigorating Convection process of storms.

The first topic on plastic is now quantifying what has been a growing concern for many years regarding the issue with plastics and the environment. We have significant evidence that we are drinking, breathing and eating plastic fibers. One main source of plastic particulates has been shown to come from a single wash load that can release up to 700,000 Microplastic fibers into our waterways. The clothes we wear today that contain plastic, outnumber clothes made of cotton and wool. Cotton and wool naturally decay, plastic does not.
Please see my previous blog: Plastic Water, Air and Food on December 27, 2017.

The second topic has research showing how tiny particles have an impact on storm clouds. The smallest of dirt particles will rise to the top of storm clouds making the cloud bigger and the storm more severe. I am now questioning if microscopic particulates made of plastic can be a factor in larger cloud formations, holding in heat, producing more rain and larger storms. A serious interconnecting problem may be manifesting between these two environmental concerns. The question became: How are microscopic plastic particulates getting into our atmosphere?

Research Studies have shown that tiny particles are a catalysts for more powerful storms and influence weather far greater than previously known. Small particles of dust, dirt and pollutants, known as aerosols, help form clouds and air pollution created by nature and man are all contributing to this water cycle. Particles smaller than one-thousandth the width of a human hair can create clouds to grow taller, intensify the storm and cause more rain to fall. These ultra fine particles less than 50 nanometers wide were studied to learn their role in the development of a thunderstorm. The data comes from 21 authors and 15 institutions world wide that conducted a study operated by Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Climate Research Facility.

From this research scientists found that the ultra-small particles are numerous and plentiful. They can form many small droplets where excess water vapor can condense. This increase in condensation will release more heat, which in turn makes the updrafts so much more dominant. Increase the amount of warm air to be accumulated into the cloud and we have more droplets aloft to create additional rain, hail, snow and lightning. This process known as the Invigorated Convection, though the popular phrase used by the media is now Super Storm after Sandy struck the Northeast coast.

Plastic Sparkles On Greeting Cards

Weathering Plastic Fence Decor

From all these implications, facts and queries, I present the theory that aerosol microplastic particles from worn down and weathered CEDPs (Common EveryDay Plastics) may be a new culprit to changing our climate by being a player in the Invigorating Convection process. This theoretical connection between Microplastic Fibers and Severe Storms needs to be evaluated. If microscopic particles from CEDPs are proven to be an increasing contributing factor, humankind must realize that we are all guilty. From plastic sparkles on cards to outdoor plastic fence decor, we are all putting plastic particles into our environment everyday.

Humankind needs to be intelligent about our evaluations, approach and solutions that incorporate feasible transition periods. As I proffer this theory where microplastic fibers play a role in more severe storms, a full scientific study must be done. Without any research conducted nor samples taken to be examined from the highest point of severe storm clouds, this remains a theory.

Through educating and providing a long list of solutions on all topics makes the needed difference when implemented world wide. All of humankind is on the same team.

(For additional knowledge, please use the Link below to receive an email on when my first book is published. The title is: Plastic Clouds) Thank you.

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
Contribute your comments!

PLASTIC CLOUDS
by William J. Lauto; Environmental Scientist, Naturalist, International Sustainability & Energy Consultant
Is Humankind creating Plastic Clouds?
How are microscopic plastic particulates getting into our atmosphere?
What are weathered CEDPs?
From plastic sparkles on cards to outdoor plastic fence decor, are we all guilty?
What are the solutions and isn't all of humankind on the same team?

Please use the Image Link to receive an email on info to Pre-Order or when my book is published. Expected date of publishing is around Earth Day, Spring 2021. Thank you.

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All I Wanted for Christmas is Cotton and Wool

12/26/2018

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Merino Wool, Cotton, 100% cotton, sustainable material, sustainability, organic clothes, natural clothes

Merino Wool and 100% Cotton

With my recent work, presentations and investigations on plastic, I have become acutely aware that as an individual, I can be contributing a great harm to the environment by the clothes I wear. I am not talking about doing evasive action or anything drastic, I am slowly transitioning as much as possible, to 100% cotton and wool clothes. My ensemble of clothes already consist of mostly cotton products. Shirts, jeans, socks easily fall into that category. However for various reasons and possible future results from new studies, I am re-evaluating my wardrobe.

Therefore to maintain the part of my mission where helping to save our environment and saving energy does not mean making sacrifices to our current lifestyle, I am happy to report the following:
When I hear the word wool, I get itchy just thinking about wearing clothes made of wool. However, pullover sweaters made of Merino Wool is not your standard itchy wool. No sacrifices made by wearing Merino Wool when purchased on sale. This is truly a sustainable material to make fabric from and unlike clothes made with plastic, we will not be contributing any possible long term harm to our environment. I will present additional details and facts in my Going True Green blogs next year on clothes made with plastic and consequences when washing them, (click here for that GTG blog post) but for now I am just sharing some small steps I am taking. Perhaps this is a good time for all of us to consider wearing more cotton and wool clothes to live a little happier and healthier New Year.

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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Assorted Timers Saving Money, Energy and Earth

12/5/2018

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Precious Time

There are various products that involve Timers so we can utilize these products to save Time, Money, Energy and Earth in our own homes. Of course this means we need to read the instructions of each product to determine if this is the right one for us and then if yes, how to use the TIMER correctly and efficiently. Additionally, by doing this, most of us will find that these individual timers are far more economical and a better solution than all the new computerized Smart Houses and Apps that we control from our cell phones. They also eliminate the possibility of being hacked. Below are examples of assorted timers that we can all use to save Time, Money, Energy and Earth:

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Entertainment Center #3

Human Timer Switch for Home Entertainment Centers
When we are done enjoying our Entertainment products (TV, Cable Boxes, Game Boxes, Stereo, DVD Player, Apple TV Box, etc.) just shutting them off does not stop the consumption of electrical power! Most, if not all of these Entertainment Appliances continue to use electricity through the plug to maintain a "standby" mode. As much as $30.00 per center, per month can be consumed without even turning them on. So we must ask, do we have an entertainment center in the Living room, our Bedroom, a Play room and how many Bedrooms for the kids? Adding up just 4 Entertainment centers in one house can cost $1,444.00 per year on the electric bill even when they are not being used.

Look into a Remote Controlled Power switch that works with a Surge Protector Strip. The switch is a wall mounted on/off radio signal that will turn your Power Strip on and off. This product's Surge Protection continues to function even when the switch shuts down all electricity to the entertainment appliances.

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Radio Control Switch

This way we are now saving 100% on the electric bill because all the entertainment appliances can no longer draw any electricity through the plug to maintain a "standby" mode. This is over a 75% savings when we can have each Entertainment center truly off from 11:30pm to 7:50pm most days of the week. The only issue is when we do this manually with the wall switch, we will need to wait a couple of minutes for everything to power back up after turning the Power Strip back on. I go and get some snacks in those two minutes. Also note that these Power Strips with switches come with two or three different frequencies. So you can have another Power Strip working all your Home Office equipment right in the next room without conflict.

Infrared Motion Sensor

Infrared Motion Sensor Switch and Timer
These units that are reliable cost around sixty dollars and about another sixty dollars for the electrician to install. Depending on the number of lights this switch controls and the time saved by having them automatically shut off, this product can offer paybacks within a year or up to three years. The best part about these units is the programming control: Sensor Range, Ambient Light, Time before going off Automatically and the amount of Body Heat needed with Movement to avoid erroneous turn ons and turn offs.

If the kids never shut off the lights or someone always forgets to turn off the lights when leaving a room or the house, this item can offer tremendous savings. I installed my first one in 1987 and loved when guest would ask, "Do you have ghosts?"
"No, why?" I would reply.
"Well, someone just shut off your kitchen lights and nobody is in the kitchen."
"Oh that, no, I am just saving money, energy and our environment."

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Exhaust Fan Timer Switch

Bathroom Exhaust Fan Timer Switch
Exhaust fans use a great deal of energy, especially if we forget to turn them off in the morning when we leave for work! Not having a timer for exhaust fans is like not having a window for a room. Well, maybe, I just made up that analogy. Nevertheless, accidentally leaving an exhaust fan running all day is a waste of money, energy and our environment. The Timer shown in the image on the left is very inexpensive to buy and have the electrician install this the same time he or she is putting in any Infrared Motion Sensors. Again, payback can be a fast as one year or less and the savings in money and for our environment go on year after year.

Digital Timer Switch

Outside Door Light Timer Switch
Every point stated already above also applies to the lights mounted outside the doors of any house. A programmable timer switch will help reduce the hours these lights are left on when not needed. In addition to the lights by my doors, I also have solar power, motion activated and photo sensor LED spot lights around the house.

From the image on the left, the light is programmed to come on at 4:30pm for the winter months and goes off at 1am. Then the light comes back on for half an hour at 3am. Obviously we can set and program the light to come on and go off to what is best for our needs.

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Set Back Clock Thermostats

Multi Setback Clock Thermostats
Many times we need to STOP and think if a product is something that we need or we are told that we should WANT this product. This is the case with Bottled Water and with the new App Controlled Thermostats from our cell phones. Spending more money on a product that gives us more things to do, such as turn our heat on from our cell phone is ludicrous. Especially when we can program a Multi Setback Clock Thermostat (as shown in the photo) only once to match our schedule and be done. Yes, there are over-ride buttons for changes in schedules. The end result is a payback on the product's cost in one winter of heating.

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Timer for Watering Lawns & Gardens

Timers for Watering the Lawn
There are many battery operated timers available for watering flowers, gardens and lawns. Saving clean drinkable water is paramount and is the responsibility of everyone on this planet.

My first GTG's OnLine Inter-Active Workshop for Living a Sustainable Life is on WATER! Who should take this OnLine Water Workshop:

Anyone who drinks water!

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Waiting for Clean Water

Additionally if you are the person who pays the bills, a Student studying in an environmental field, a Teacher for Outdoor Education, a Parent, Grandparents, Business Owners, Community Leaders, and Politicians.

Water Use Awareness is essential for all of us, please see my additional GTG blog posts under the topic of Water, listed on the right and visit my GTG's OnLine Inter-Active Workshop page. The reasons for our acute awareness with water is numerous, especially when there are people in this world that have to walk miles each day, just to get clean drinkable water.

These are the "actions" we can do around our own home. We need to stop putting our faith in the hands of politicians and elitists to save our world. We must put our faith in our own hands and we will save humankind, for with God all things are possible.

Anytime, someone needs additional information on any item or suggested action in a GoingTrueGreen blog, just email us through our contact link. Thank you.

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