GoingTrueGreen's Blog Postings

Top 100 Environmental Blogs

1/15/2020

Feedspot, top environmental blogs, environment, going true green, Bill Lauto, Going green, sustainable living, blog awards, top 100 environmental blogs

With the start of 2020, I am honored to share the news we just received about Going True Green's Blog being listed as one of the
TOP 100 ENVIRONMENTAL BLOGS by Feedspot.

In part, one of the two emails we received from Feedspot stated:

Hi Bill,

My name is Anuj Agarwal, I'm the Founder of Feedspot. I would like to personally congratulate you as your blog
Going True Green has been selected by our panelist as one of the Top 100 Environment Blogs on the web.

I personally give you a high-five and want to thank you for your contribution to this world. This is the most comprehensive list of Top 100 Environment Blogs on the internet and I'm honored to have you as part of this!

I am greatly honored and appreciative of being awarded placement on this list of Top 100 Environmental Blogs. I extend my sincere gratitude to Anuj and the Feedspot panelists for the time they afforded us. Thank you for the consideration of my Going True Green blog and placing us on your list of Top 100 Environmental Blogs.

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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The Sun's Only Rival

12/19/2019

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Edison, GE, Thomas Edison, Lewis Latimer, Lewis Howard Latimer, Edison Electric Light Company, LED, incandescent, Earth Day, 50th anniversary of Earth Day, Pontifical Regina Apostolorum Institute, Bill Lauto

1925 GE Edison bulb

When Thomas Edison finally produced a successfully working electrical light bulb, with the help of an amazing team, the world was amazed. Light bulbs became the wonder of the world and a company called GE came up with a great catch phrase to sell their light bulbs after the turn of the century.

The catch phrase is the title of this Going True Green blog post. I took the photo of a GE bulb, still in the original package from 1925, when consulting on a job involving energy savings for a house built in 1925. This bulb was in the basement for almost 100 years, as if waiting for me to take a photo. This was surreal, a time warp for me, but this also created a teaching moment.

Lewis Howard Latimer

One scientist that became part of Thomas Edison’s team was Lewis Howard Latimer and he was a major contributing factor to the success of the light bulb. Latimer and Joseph Nichols, invented the carbon filament light bulb, which was a tremendous improvement on Thomas Edison’s original filament that would burn out rapidly. After receiving a United States patent for the carbon filament, a second patent was received in 1882 for the process of “Manufacturing Carbons” which was an amazing improvement to the method of producing light bulb carbon filaments.

The Edison Electric Light Company in New York City hired Lewis Latimer in 1884 and he supervised the installation of public electric light throughout New York, Philadelphia, Montreal, and London. Then in 1892, the Edison Electric Light Company merged with the Thomson-Houston Electric Company to become General Electric or as we all know, GE.

Bonnard, Pierre Bonnard, Le Soiree Sous Les Lampes, Barnes Foundation Collection, Evening Under the Lamps

"Evening Under the Lamps" by Pierre Bonnard, c. 1903

The future looked so bright, that even famous artists did paintings and photographs featuring the light bulb. So by the 1920s, GE was selling the new improved light bulbs like the one in my photograph above and then in 1928 came the incandescent bulb we all used until compact fluorescent bulbs slowly replaced them. Today and the future seems bright with LED technology leading the way. Some data shows that a 2 or 3 watt LED will soon give off the light level equal to a 75 watt incandescent light bulb.

In April of next year, the world will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and for that event, I am humbled to be invited back to speak in Rome at the Pontifical Regina Apostolorum Institute of Science and Faith. I am currently in the process of finalizing additional presentations in both domestic and international venues for this important milestone. I will keep you posted on the dates and locations.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to all. Best wishes for a happy, safe and blessed New Year.

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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Shipwrecks, Forensics & Three Village Historical Society

11/22/2019

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Brett Curlew, Forensics, Outdoor Education, master diver, Three Village Historical Society, artifacts, marine, marine enviornment, New York Aquarium, Maritime Museum, English Frigates, Steamers, Paddle Wheelers, Rum Runners, Tug Boats, Barges, War ships, World War one, World War two

Brett Curlew's Marine Forensic Lecture

This previous Monday, I attended a lecture presented by my good friend Brett Curlew at the Three Village Historical Society. The topic was Diving Into History with artifacts from shipwrecks that tell a ship's story from pivotal times in America.

Brett operated the lecture like a forensic investigation as items were examined for clues to their ship's story. As a master diver, Brett has been on shipwrecks from the 1700s to the late 1900s. He has researched and explored English Frigates, Steamers, Paddle Wheelers, Rum Runners, Tug Boats, Barges and War ships from World War one and two.

As the audience waited for the lecture to start, many took the time to view the several artifacts on the tables that Brett had set up upon his arrival. The evening was a success and questions from the attendees abounded because Brett had many in attendance examine and participate in the evaluation of the data obtained from each artifact. As pieces of the puzzle for a shipwreck were put into place, the type of ship, the name, where the ship was built, the year when the ship was built and even discovering that a part was made in Paul Revere's refinery came to light. Also, answers to what year the ship met its demise and why the ship sunk, were disclosed. At the conclusion of the evening, I heard a few TVHS members thanking Brett and congratulating him on an amazing presentation.

Brett has a B.S. in Biology and Environmental Science. He has been teaching environmental and outdoor education since 1998. Brett has provided programs for Nassau and Suffolk BOCES (K through 12) and college level and professional development for teachers. Additionally, Brett has designed and taught AP environmental summer programs for Brookhaven National Laboratory since 2005. He has been a founding partner in Hands-on Environmental since 2000, an organization which brings environmental and education programs into the classroom. Brett is also a founding member of The Maritime Oceanological Society (MOS).

With his passion for the marine environment and diving since 1985, he loves marine history, and has worked to preserve the history of shipwrecks. Brett has lectured extensively and provided programs for all ages on the subject of marine history. He has had artifact displays and had provided lectures at the New York Aquarium at Coney Island, the Maritime Museum at Fort Schuyler, Seacliff Museum, Whaling Museum at Cold Spring Harbor, Maritime Museum at Sayville, OceansWide.org and New York State's Outdoor Education programs.

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

11/12/2019

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Sustainable practices, sustainability, Bill Lauto, STEM, Oceanswide, Caumsett, Marshall Fields, Main House, going green, going true green

My presentation was in the old Reading Room with some furniture and rug from circa 1927.

Honored to be one of the speakers at an excellent program last Tuesday for OceansWide organization at Caumsett State Historic Park. Teachers from multiple school districts came on their day off to attend presentations the provided them with credits for Professional Development Accredited by STEM Hub.

My presentation was given twice on Sustainable Practices and Environmentally Conscience inside the Marshall Field the third's mansion. I explained how key concepts in science education can connect to sustainable practices and environmentally conscience decision making. From appliances in our own kitchen to solar energy. Industry's trade secrets were shared, stories told and facts presented.

At lunch time we enjoyed the beautiful view and warm weather as discussions abound. The image below can be enlarge upon clicking...

Our Lunch Time View

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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Enjoy A Day Of Education & Nature

10/17/2019

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Bill Lauto, Caumsett, Mansion, sustainable living, nature, outdoors, saving energy, saving earth, earth, earth day, education

Mansion at Caumsett State Park

Save the Date! Nov. 5th, 2019

Registration Deadline is November 1, 2019
Please use Registration LINK on right to do so now.

Cost: $25.00 per person payable by cash or check on day of event when you arrive. Breakfast, Lunch and Environmental Sustainability in Education Workshop is included along with two other Workshop time slots.
Check is made payable to: OceansWide Organization

Workshop Time: 10:30 to Noon for my Environmental Sustainability in Education Workshop.
Lunch will be after my workshop

Event Time Available: A total of 7 hours is yours to use to peruse the Grounds, attend Workshop(s), have lunch with a view of the Long Island Sound.
Arrive at 8:00 am for Breakfast and stay until 3:00 pm.

Location: Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve
Please use LINK on right for map and directions
Main Mansion House
25 Lloyd Harbor Road
Lloyd Harbor, NY 11743

Professional Development accredited by STEM Hub

Creating A Better Planet Through Education
OceansWide Professional Development Day

Registration

Light Breakfast and Lunch will be provided. Please be sure to include any dietary restrictions you have when registering.
Bring a NOTEBOOK and a few writing utensils!
Be ready to learn and enjoy a beautiful view.
P.S. Bring binoculars!

Workshop Description: UPDATE - 2 Talks Now
Environmental Sustainability in Education

Bill Lauto from GoingTrueGreen.com explains how key concepts in science education can connect to sustainable practices and environmentally conscience decision making. From appliances in our own kitchen to solar energy. Trade secrets will be shared, stories told and facts presented, because everything is connected.

Learn about how to truly save money, energy and Earth!

Map & Directions

Schedule For the Day

8:00 am to 8:45 am
Check-in / Networking / Enjoy the View / Take Photos / Enjoy a Light Breakfast / Visit Tables

8:45 am to 10:15 am
Workshops #1

10:30 am to High Noon
Workshops #2
Environmental Sustainability in Education with Bill Lauto

12:00 Noon to 1:00 pm
Lunch / Networking / Enjoy the View / Take Photos / Take a Brief Walk / Visit Tables

1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Workshops #3
JUST ADDED: Environmental Sustainability in Education with Bill Lauto

2:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Wrap Up / Visit Tables / Share Business Cards / Enjoy the View / Take Photos

FYI: Some Park and Mansion Information

Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, situated on a scenic peninsula extending into Long Island Sound, offers miles of bridle paths, walking, jogging, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and nature trails over acres of woodland, meadows, rock shoreline and salt marsh.

In 1921 Marshall Field III purchased 1750 acres of Lloyd Neck to create one large estate. He named the land after its Matinecock Indian name, Caumsett, which means "place by a sharp rock." Field created a self-sufficient English-style estate as a combination country club, hunting preserve, and home, complete with its own water and electrical supply.

Today, the Marshall Field III Mansion hosts OceansWide Education and Research organization and the Masters Garage houses the BOCES Outdoor and Environmental Education programs where Bill Lauto teaches at both locations.

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

7/2/2019

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Freedom, Independence, 4th of July, Independence Day, America, 1776, Earth, Environment, Energy, fireworks, statue of liberty, sustainable living, sustainability, saving energy, going green, going true green, log cabin, cabins, oil, gas, fossil fuels, trees, wood floor finish, wood floors, building, lumber jacks, lumberjacks, God, triple C person, environmental hero, Bill Lauto

Allow me to tell you a story about a young man I learned about, who set out to build a sustainable house with mindful principles that used materials and techniques respectful of conserving energy, natural resources and our Earth’s environment.

With great admiration I tell this story, but the admiration is for the lessons learned. The reason for this is because of the basics we all have. We are all given free will from God and as an individual we make choices. This 4th of July we are also reminded of our freedoms in the United States that allow us to make choices, the best choices are always respectful, responsible, under the law and with accountability. These are things that we should all do, not just try, and especially not place fault onto someone or something else for our failures. However, as an individual we need to work hard to obtain the two additional elements listed in this Blog’s title: Intelligence and Illumination.

We can constantly complain and criticize, thus never increasing our intelligence and realization of a complete picture or we can work together on one team to find a real solution. We must stop wasting time, money, energy and intelligence to think of ways to hurt one another and start working together to help one another. If you only go looking for a problem, then you will never be part of the solution. The choice belongs to each one of us and how we stand tall to defend this fact each and every day.

So with that in mind, let us get back to our story…

For various reasons this young man went out to build a log cabin house for his family and office. First he used local materials, such as dead lodgepole pine trees. This reduced costs for transportation. Lumberjacks chopped the trees down and horses were used to drag the logs to the work site for his house. The use of oil and gas was avoided and so were loud noises. The trees were then peeled by hand to again save on the use of fossil fuels.

Alas, after all was said and done, our young environmental hero paused as he looked upon the barren area of the forest where they chopped down all the dead trees. While solving issues to save the world, he realized that he did harm to the world.

Dead trees also have a purpose in nature. When they rot and fall to the ground, they provide shelter for animals, they decompose to provide enriched nutrients for the barren and depleted soil. Bears, deers, sapsuckers, pine martens and so on, are all with a loss. Our hero did place seedlings on the landscape, but he realized that those seedlings were not equivalent to what he took.

For every environmentally friendly action he took, there was a consequence that added to his frustrations. This project was to be a “win, win” for him and the environment, but reality told a different story which he realized and acknowledged.

Another example is the nontoxic all natural wood finish he used on his wooden floors. Extracts of rosemary and orange peel within the finish were safe, but the drying process took a month and a half. The answer was to use electric fans to speed up the drying time and no worries because the electricity was generated by dams; but the dams kill salmon. These two different actions for finishing wood floors had the following facts to compare:
- Polyurethane finish is harmful to apply, but safe after dry
- Polyurethane finish cost 60% lower than the naturally safe brand and dries within a week

The lessons learned tell us that we do not have all the answers. We do not know everything, Nature does, but we don’t. This is why we must all work together on one team, one country. If any one person claims to know what is best for everyone else, she/he is either an elitist fool or Anakin Skywalker about to become Darth Vader.

For me, I know that I don’t have all the answers. I do know that I am a team player hoping to inspire all Americans to work for a better tomorrow together.

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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Jesus, Upper Room, Easter, L. J. Williams, Shroud of Turin, Jesus' Shroud, resurrection, Jesus the Christ

Goodreads, Jesus, Upper Room, Easter, L. J. Williams, Shroud of Turin, Jesus' Shroud, resurrection, Jesus the Christ

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2018 Golden Leaf Award

10/29/2018

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GOLDEN LEAF AWARD, GTG, Going True Green, LawnStarter, Bill Lauto, sustainable living, sustainability, going green, eco-friendly, earth, saving energy, saving earth, environmental issues, growing your own food

I am very appreciative of being awarded the 2018 GOLDEN LEAF AWARD for my Going True Green Blog from LawnStarter's editorial team.

The Golden Leaf Award celebrates the best eco-friendly blogs that produced consistently good content throughout the year. The editorial team selected my blog post entitled: "Benefits To Growing Our Own Food" as their favorite piece for this year.

In part, the email we received from LawnStarter's editorial team stated:

Hello,

First of all, we’re huge fans of Going True Green, which the LawnStarter’s editorial team has chosen to receive our 2018 Golden Leaf Award. Congratulations!

The Golden Leaf Award celebrates the best eco-friendly blogs that produced consistently good content throughout the year.

Throughout this year, we monitored for blogs that achieved these criteria:

- Quality and Consistency of Writing
- Demonstration of Environmental Knowledge
- Resourcefulness with Waste and Money
- Social Media Outreach

We chose your "Benefits To Growing Our Own Food" as our favorite piece for this year.

The writeup afforded to GoingTrueGreen.com and my blog on the LawnStarter's website is:

"Going True Green is an indispensable resource on environmental science and green living. This is because Bill Lauto, a well-respected sustainability consultant and expert, runs this blog. Going True Green shows the full picture of our damage on Earth, while providing info on how we as individuals can reduce our impact."

I must recognize that a major contributing factor to receiving this acknowledgement is because of our followers and readers. I am happy to be able to provide useful details toward saving money, energy, and our environment, when living a more sustainable life without sacrifice. I graciously extend my sincere thanks to all of you and the LawnStarter's editorial team.

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

10/13/2018

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IVBEC, Bill Lauto, International Vincentian Business Ethics Conference, UN Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, Climate Change, Sustainable Living, Climate Change and Environmental Quicksand

2018 IVBEC in New York City

I am happy to share information about a paper submission I made earlier this year that was accepted for presentation at the 25th Anniversary of the International Vincentian Business Ethics Conference (IVBEC). With submissions hailing from around the world, I am humbled and honored to be selected as one of the speakers for this event that will be occurring at the end of this October in New York City, USA.

The IVBEC is acutely aware of the 2030 deadline to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The IVBEC focused this conference's theme on how progress and prosperity in business are achieved in the context of a sustainable future for the planet and all who inhabit it. With research, practice, and educators attending to the responsible management of business, the conference will feature work that highlights the progress made in achieving global development goals and the challenges that remain in institutionalizing them.

My work presents facts that drive positive change in ethical business practices, individual lifestyles and sustainable living approaches that can lead to achievable goals, while addressing serious concerns in the “climate change narrative” being put out by the media as well as the scientific and environmental community. Climate Change and Environmental Quicksand addresses how recent approaches in this narrative contributes to continued greed within the political institutions that often drive the business community, or visa versa. I will post additional blogs about this conference and the new theory I present in my work that may show a key contributing element to changes in our climate that has been ignored do to over zealous money making approaches from both sides of the coin.

The evidence available, mandates each of us as individuals to be responsible and hold a strong stewardship toward God’s Green Earth. No individual, no matter the circumstance, should live a life that puts our future at risk. There are a conglomerate of solutions available on these topics. Living a more Sustainable life does the opposite of what most people think. We save money, energy, environment, by living a more sustainable life. Sustainable living has reasonable and amazing paybacks on investments when implemented correctly. Money is saved and so is our environment. In addition, we are happier and healthier, while making no sacrifices to the lifestyle we know.

For more information about my presentation at the IVBEC, please visit my Speaking Engagements page and scroll down. Thank you.

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

9/13/2018

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Two colleagues and members of the Going True Green team created a video when in Boston last month. They saw an opportunity to send me a zinger and they were intrigued to see my reaction. Below is the video:

My return text to them was one word, NUTS. The same answer used by Brig. Gen. Anthony C. McAuliffe's in World War Two's Battle of the Bulge. When I saw them a few weeks later, they were laughing as I slowly shook my head. We then laughed and shared how they made the short video.

Nevertheless, the point made is well known and with that understanding, the improvement and development of energy storage advances each year.

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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Venture Into the Past to Prepare for the Future!

8/2/2018

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Oceanswide, sustainability, going green, going true green, Bill Lauto, Scuba diving, flying ROVs, ROV, Caumsett State Park, Marshall Fields, environmental classes, saving energy, 100% sustainable

1925 Marshall Fields III Mansion, aka OceansWide's Land Base

Sitting on the top of a hill and overlooking the waters between Long Island and Connecticut is a 1925 Mansion built by Marshall Fields the third. This roaring twenties structure is now in the care of OceansWide organization that will be operating educational adventures at sea and on land.

I am very happy to be one of the teachers with OceansWide organization. Programs are already underway for this summer and signing up for any one of the programs offered will not disappoint. Building and Flying ROVs, Scuba Diving, Mansion Tours, Nature Walks, as well as Sustainable Living and Survival classes are just a small selection of the ventures waiting to be discovered.

Some of the programs allow a lunch break where you can enjoy the view of Long Island’s Sound or walk the trail rumored to be used by patriots of the Revolutionary war and then have lunch at the Cove where some say the 21 year old Nathan Hale came ashore from Connecticut before being captured by the British.

This month of August, adults who pay utility bills can sign up for one of the two times I will be teaching Sustainable Living. Learn how to save money, energy, and earth by living a more sustainable life without any sacrifice to our current lifestyle. The class is offered on Thursdays, August 9th or the 16th starting at 11 in the morning. Students of all ages will enjoy sitting on sofas in the Mansion’s main living room for the class and lunch will be on the promenade overlooking the Long Island Sound. Class will conclude around 2:00 pm. For more information please visit:

Information on OceansWide Organization
Info and Schedule on Programs (My program is titled Environmental Science-Outside and Inside the Home)
Register for a Program

OceansWide is a non-profit organization whose mission is to put students of all ages together with scientists at sea and on land. OceansWide’s team is made up of a dedicated group of scientists, teachers and marine professionals who believe it is important to educate people about the amazing and mysterious world we live on.

Please consider signing up with your family and friends for various programs now and throughout the year. I will look forward to seeing Going True Green members at my programs.

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