GoingTrueGreen's Blog Postings - Going True Green

Rare Occurrence

1/6/2021

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Jupiter and moons getting in line with Saturn, Dec. 2020

Last year ended with a rare occurrence in the sky. Jupiter and Saturn had a rendezvous on December 21st right after sunset. Called a great conjunction because the planets would be in line with each other and separated by less than 0.1 degrees. The last time that these two planets were separated by that small degree was almost 800 years ago, in 1226.

With this rare occurrence taking place just before Christmas, many scholars theorized that the original Christmas star could have been a great conjunction of two or three planets. This theory is added to the other theories about the Star of Bethlehem being a supernova explosion, comet, or an act of God.

Nevertheless, passed down through the last two millennium is word about Three Wise Men using a bright light in the night sky to find the location of the infant Jesus. Christian lore later on gave names to the visiting Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. They gifted gold, frankincense, and myrrh. We celebrate the visit of Magi today on January six. Sadly with all of today's noise, a rare occurrence in the night sky goes mostly unnoticed. The complete opposite from two thousand years ago when people were enthralled with an occurrence such as this in the night sky.

I can only speak from my own experiences. Many years ago, I was blessed to see our Milky Way in the clear night sky. I was driving back to Miami from the island of Key West. I had just gone over the 7 mile Bridge, away from big city lights and small town lamp posts. I pulled off the road and stepped out of the car I rented. I took some timed photographs and stared upward while leaning on the car. Truly amazing and I was in awe. Such a wonder inspired by authority of the sacred and Sublime.

Happy New Year,
Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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Entrapped by 128 Million Pieces of Waste

10/17/2020

A Created Low Orbit View of Earth Entrapped by Space Litter!

Perhaps there is something within our genome that causes humans to litter, but I sincerely hope that isn't the case. Yet, too often when we are holding something that we no longer want, we drop that item to the earth at our feet. Most of us do not recycle, reuse or properly dispose of the object, we discard the object. We have become so infected with this syndrome that we also discard human life.

Additionally, look at what we are doing to ourselves. We do not exclusively just litter at our feet, but also far above our heads!

The image I created on the left is an example showing Earth and what is orbiting our planet... Litter, space junk or aka: garbage. We are at the point that we are entrapping ourselves on our own planet.

On October 15, just a few days ago, an old useless 2 by 17 meters Soviet Parus Navigation Satellite that weights 800 Kilograms almost collided with an old Chinese rocket stage, according to U.S. Space Surveillance Network. Object number 19,826 came within 100 meters of object number 36,123 at the event altitude of 991Km or 615 miles above earth. If they collided, these two large items could have created thousands of smaller MMODs which stands for Micro Meteoroid and Orbital Debris. There are 34,000 items larger than 10 centimeters and the balance of the 128 million pieces of orbiting litter are MMODs.

While some people are concerned about a meteor from outer space hitting our planet, we also should not rule out a future collision of two large pieces of space junk in low orbit possibly causing dozens of bullet size pieces to penetrate our atmosphere. If these pieces come in over an empty ocean, thank God. However, what if they rain down over a town or city?

Above is an image created by NASA showing space junk from a high Earth orbit. Two main debris fields are the objects in geosynchronous Earth orbit and the concentration of objects in low Earth orbit.

We are our worst enemy. Times are already challenging to launch a rocket and enter Earth's orbit among the current 128 million pieces of orbiting junk. No program is yet established to remove orbiting space junk, but I suspect and hope the new Space Force with the prototype Chaser space crafts will have that assignment.

So if you think that navigating home through rush-hour congestion is hard in your earthbound vehicle. What will your great grand children be saying when they are trying to visit Earth's orbit, our Moon or Mars? We cannot allow this space litter to freely increase as humankind works more and more in space.

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

A Comet Named Neowise, Why?

7/24/2020

When I learned about the comet called Neowise, I saw this as a good reason to venture an escape from our current world and go out into the night or early morning, before the break of daylight.

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Photo by Ross, Copyright © 2020

Discovered last year by the team at NEOWISE: Near-Earth Objects Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer program, thus an acronym for a name, we have been given several viewing possibilities the past few weeks. Being in the northern hemisphere we have been afforded two times a day to witness this flaming ball of ice that just went around our sun, 10 million miles closer than Mercury's orbit. As the Comet NEOWISE headed back out to the far reaches of our solar system, Earth came within 64 million miles of this 3 mile wide comet with a flair of a tail.

Alas, this wonder of the universe evaded this author several times with cloud cover, smog or haze. The mosquitoes weren't any fun either. Nevertheless, being outdoors to view a sunset from a beach and the open evening sky was a pleasure. Better still, is the hour before sunrise. The quiet air is spectacular. This is when I find the world at peace the most, because there is the knowledge of the coming sunrise. These were the two times to view NEOWISE, just over one hour after sunset in the North west sky and in the North east sky just before sunrise. Both times of day had the comet about 20 degrees above the horizon. That is about two fists high with our arm stretched out toward the horizon.

Most info about viewing NEOWISE from the media was incorrect... there is a shocker. No need for a telescope or binoculars was the claim by most, because NEOWISE will be visible to the naked eye. There are always variables to everything and viewing the comet without any aid only occurred on perfectly clear moonless night skies and far from humankind's artificial light sources. I guess most media reports didn't have time to present all the facts and details. The photo I am sharing with this GTG Blog post was taken by my good friend Ross, but the comet wasn't visible to him. Only after taking a photo with a 10 second exposure did the comet appear in the image.

BTW: The NEOWISE program uses a space telescope to hunt for asteroids and comets, including those that could pose a threat to Earth. During its primary mission, NEOWISE detected more than 158,000 minor planets, 34,000 of which had never been discovered previously.

Making the best of experiences like seeing a comet is priceless, especially with family and friends. However with NEOWISE, if anyone is thinking about marking their calendar to see this comet the next time around, then we better figure out all the science behind aging and Telomeres. NEOWISE will not be back for 6,768 years.

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

7/3/2020

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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.

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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
Contribute your comments!

Goodbye To EnergyHotWire.com

6/11/2020

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EnergyHotWire.com (EHW) Home Page

Hard to believe that we are going to be saying goodbye to EnergyHotwire.com. Almost 20 years after we started to build the website EHW, we created over 180 web pages of data. All to help everyone save money, energy, health and our Earth.

An interesting note is that EHW wasn't our first website. By 1994 the Internet was being explored as a tool to provide energy saving information. Recognizing a need, I first launched the Light Bulb HotLine web site off of my company's Domain in 1996. Then in April of 2001, EnergyHotwire.com was created. At the end of 2001, EnergyHotwire.com started to work on a stronger effort to present energy saving data and the Light Bulb HotLine web pages were phased out.

Today, most of the data on EHW is now on GoingTrueGreen.com. Instead of pages with text and photos, we now have videos, online classes and an official Blog dating back to my published articles from the 1980s. Over recent years we have continued re-presenting data from EHW on GTG. Obviously, most information has become redundant between the two websites. So at the end of this June, EnergyHotWire will be retired.

Below are just a few of the comments and emails, in part, that we received over the years:

Hello, I live in Kodiak Alaska. I recently purchased a 15 watt bulb from your company and I would like to buy more. What would be the lowest possible shipping charges to Alaska for a whole case of ESL-15T bulbs?
Best Regards, PV

Bill, Thanks for the quick response. I found out about these bulbs at Safeway and I wish I knew about your website sooner, I would have saved myself about $40 to $50 bucks or more and had better bulbs too. I'm going to buy the case and take them out to my cabin over on Afognak island.
PV - 2002

Bill,
I just emailed my brother Frank to read your outstanding article posted at www.Energy Hotwire.com
Phenomenal writing, I really enjoyed it.
Joe, Buffalo New York - 2002

Thanks for your response, Bill. I'm impressed with your power usage. Here in Texas with the daily high typically hitting 100, my electric bill last month was $128. Many of my friends were over $250 for similar houses. I use geothermal heat as well as all CFC light bulbs and it really makes a difference.
I'll keep in touch.
Brett in Texas - 2003

Dear Bill,
Thank you for your fantastic presentation at the North Shore Audubon meeting. I had such positive feedback from our members and I believe you gave them enough information to actually make a change. Even my husband, the electrician, learned a thing or two. Thank you especially for coming out under such a stressful time.
Wish you peace and happiness in the coming year.
Mary - 2007

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

Earth Day Impaired

4/22/2020

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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!

50 Years Ago

4/16/2020

These days many of us are using our "stay at home" time to become better connected with God, family, friends, nature and memories. Many of us have caught up on the books we were reading, projects in progress and working to heal our own faults. I have done so on all cited.

With going through albums, yearbooks, cards, letters and photos, I came across memories of the first Earth Day that was many years before I would learn how to drive a car. So bicycles were the way for me and my friends. Let them be a 3 speed, 10 speed or a bike with a Banana seat!

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I remember many people, places and events, but I don't remember as a young boy screaming or demanding solutions. We were part of the solutions. Over the years, we organized bike rides with signs and later as an adult, I became the energy advisor to the Earth Day committee on the twentieth anniversary. On that twentieth anniversary I was given the nickname "Lightbulb Bill" and I continue today with presenting an educational approach to Nature's complete picture. Having a complete picture of the facts helps to present real solutions for each one of us. Mainly because each one of us, is the solution.

For Earth Day this year, the 50th anniversary, I have been working on another exciting way to provide and help share the facts for a complete picture. My next GTG Blog will be posted on Earth Day to formally introduce Going True Green's Membership program with benefits for all of us to work together as a team, while implementing solutions on our own. Until then please stay safe, be smart and be well.

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

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Published by BBV Publishing

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.

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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.

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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.

First Presentation For Earth Day's 50th Anniversary

1/21/2020

Since the middle of last year I have been talking with different organizations, schools, and universities, about presenting for this year's 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. My main purpose is to speak the truth about our multi-level and very complex environment. I wish to share data, stories and suggestions on how, we as Individuals, 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 our Earth without making any sacrifices! I know, because I practice what I preach. I have no electric bill and what I have done over the years within my own "budget of time and money" is not rocket science. I made no sacrifices. The facts, the trade secrets and encouraging support, is what the world needs. Each of us as an individual is the solution, not some government, corporation, political party, politician or celebrity. Yes, all of these entities have a role and can assist us in our goals, but only when they have the complete picture, all the facts and not just coffee or tea table chatter.

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Chapel Entrance to St. Anthony's HS

Nevertheless, I hope to be a positive contributing factor. I have three speaking engagements already confirmed. The first will be at St. Anthony's High School in Huntington. The administration approved my presentation last week and I will be speaking to 500 National Honor Society students. That date is February 5 and my Earth Day talk is scheduled for 5:45 to 7:00pm.

Just after Earth Day, on April 28, 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.
Thank you.

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

Top 100 Environmental Blogs

1/15/2020

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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
Contribute your comments!