GoingTrueGreen's Blog Postings

2018 Golden Leaf Award

10/29/2018

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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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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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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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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Read a Historical Novel that presents data based probabilities proving the truth.

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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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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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