GoingTrueGreen's Blog Postings

Does 5G Have A Counter Punch?

4/29/2022

5G, EMF, FCC, Department of Interior, 777, Wi-Fi, Johns Hopkins University, University of Washington, wireless, cell phones, lead-lined holster, cell towers, radiation, radio-frequency, infrastructure, sustainable living, 5G network, GoingTrueGreen

A Cell Phone Tower

Some twenty years ago, before the Feds quietly told phone manufacturers to reduce the stand-by power of all cell phones by 50%, I had my cell in my own homemade lead-lined holster. A nice felt material wrapped the lead that hung on my belt between my body and the phone’s antenna which was the main source of Electromagnetic fields (EMF). Once the level of stand-by power, aka cellular radiation, was dropped, I dropped attempts to run tests that would determine how well my lead shield performed. Nevertheless, I had a conversation starter on my belt and an accessory that placed me in predicaments at airports because x-rays couldn't see through the lead.

My lead-lined phone case was retired soon after, but here we are again with multiple studies and reports from researchers that show how EMFs produced by the new wireless 5G infrastructure rolling across America may cause harm to living organisms. The research released is a three part review around 150 pages long from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Washington. Apparently the FCC didn’t do a complete study before giving the “green light” to roll-out 5G cell towers from coast to coast. Courts have now ruled that the FCC did not do enough to address facts or evidence connecting radio-frequency radiation to negative health effects.

So immediately we have an uphill battle just for wanting to know facts, causes and effects. Even with the Department of the Interior citing 5G issues with migratory birds and studies from universities, we have CNN in 2020 saying all the talk is a conspiracy and experts say not to worry. Okay, then show the proof that there is absolutely no harm being done by non-ionizing electromagnetic fields produced from 5G and Wi-Fi infrastructures. Below is a list of who or what can be effected:

Amphibians such as frogs, bats, bees, birds, cervids such as deer, cetaceans such as dolphins, insects, microbes, reptiles, seals, species of flora, humans and Boeing 777 planes at airports.

Seems like we the people have to show proof that harm is being done, but when reports are released, so too are the hounds of greed. Politicians and the media who hold the power have their narrative for making money broadcasted loud and clear. Meanwhile, regular people who ask questions and do studies are blocked out.

If the FCC did their job in the first place and was completely transparent, the world would be a better place. At this rate, all of nature and humankind may need a little more than my homemade lead-lined holster, so get ready for the sale pitch on CNN that all will be okay in your new lead-lined home.

I am sorry, I hate to be cynical, but I am tired of blatant incompetence by those who are supposed to be serving us the people. To LEAD, one must SERVE.

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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GoingTrueGreen Helps CORA's Emergency Preparedness Project in Haiti

3/23/2022

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Anse-a-Veau Bay

I have used the following line many times to inspire students and adults at domestic and international events where I teach or lecture…

If not now, then when? If not you, then who?

When I was informed about a Haiti project Marie Fouche was working on as an administrative volunteer for CORA, I changed the “you” in the above line to “I” and volunteered my services.

After a few weeks of presenting my credentials, conversations, and discussions for the project, I was honored to be welcomed. The time table and finances for us all are tight and several deadlines have to be met by me and the organizing team here in New York. Nevertheless, please allow me to summarize the project’s mission and needs:

THE WHO:
CORA is a Coalition pour le relevement de l’Anse-a-Veau. The translation “a coalition for the raising of Anse-a-Veau” is from French, one of the three languages spoken. This not-for-profit [501(c)3] organization was created to rally and motivate individuals that are born in Haiti and have a desire to make a difference. Currently the president of CORA is Mr. Labissiere and he works with the Salesians Sisters, who teach in Haiti and Msgr. Louis Merosne at the Catholic Church in Haiti.

THE WHAT:
To train a core group of high school seniors at a four week summer program in July on Emergency Management Preparedness. They will prepare for and how to respond to major types and phases of disasters. Preparedness, response, relief, recovery, mitigation, and pre-implementation of "sustainable" projects to prevent unwelcome issues. This initiative will enable the town’s youth to obtain the necessary knowledge and skills needed to immediately respond on the ground when an emergency occurs. With their commitment and continuing drill schedule, they will be the first line of defense to go into action to assist in evacuations, organizing volunteers, provide needed assistance to survivors, assessing damages or seeking proper help from other sources.

THE WHERE:
Anse-a-Veau is a remote bay community in Haiti. Located on the northern edge of the southern outstretch of land. When the earthquake hit in 2010, the community was swollen by refugees from heavily afflicted areas. Some initial aid to the community was airdropped, but they did not receive significant help until six weeks after the quake hit.

THE WHY:
The area is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes. The population is not equipped to address these emergencies and have to wait extended periods of time for outside assistance. Waiting weeks or months for help creates additional safety concerns, such as sanitation, health, clean water, and food. The basic needs for living are not consistent. We all need Air, Shelter, Water, Food and Support. For the people in this remote part of Haiti a strong shelter, clean water, plentiful food, and emergency support is scarce. Even air that is clean outside, is polluted when inside, because most of the community burns charcoal for cooking and for heat. Additional, toxic kerosine would be used at night for light. Compounding the lack of electricity and means to communicate (no cell phone towers or internet) over long distances, even a small emergency situation can become a deadly one.

THE HOW:
The curriculum I am writing up has been added to the four week syllabus. However the lessons need to be translated into the Creole language and Marie Fouche, a volunteer administrator for CORA, will be completing that major task next month. With the development of these classes, I will use my backgrounds as an Environmental Scientist, Naturalist and an Instructor of Team Building, Survival Classes, Communication Skills, along with certification for citizen preparedness and emergency services by United States Homeland security. Thus, the following three sections for the program are established:

Communication and Team Building Skills
Readiness, Emergency Preparedness and Survival Skills
Solutions and Truth for a Sustainable and Resilient Tomorrow

Additionally, we will explore immediate solutions to current needs of everyday and survival modes Before, During and After an emergency. Several lessons will teach what some of my previous GoingTrueGreen.com blogs have covered: Educational data such as LED lights that run like Cuckoo clocks with gravity. No electricity needed! How to make a Bow Drill to make camp fires. How to make a Water Still for clean drinkable water. How to build a temporary shelter to stay warm and dry. Mixed in with these lessons will be field trips, hands-on work and collaborating with the surrounding communities.

CORA Members and Friends, Queens, N.Y.

THE NEED:
Perhaps you may wish to help with a small donation to this project.

Mr. Labissiere, president of CORA, is making arrangements with the Diocese of Nippes in Haiti to receive a shipping container filled with supplies not only for this program, but also for everyday needs. Msgr. Louis Merosne in Haiti will hopefully be able to work with Mr. Labissiere again and have the container clear customs and brought to Anse-a-Veau from Port-au-Prince.

Naimoly Freight in Ozone Park has been used in the past, but the costs have increased. CORA is looking to raise rental fees for the container, U-Haul truck rental, workers to load and unload the truck, container loading fee, and tips. The total for the New York end will be approximately 8 to 9 thousand dollars.

The cost at Haiti will be for Seaboard Marine of Haiti, Veconinter, Port Lafito, Broker Fee, Transport Port-Au-Prince to Anse-a-Veau, Unloading and tips. The total cost in Haiti will be approximately 4 thousand dollars.

To help out or make a donation, please visit CORA directly for contact data at:
https://anseaveau.wordpress.com/contact-us/

Thank you for reading and always looking at the complete picture with GoingTrueGreen.com.

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

2/7/2022

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gray whales, Endangered species preservation act, sustainable living, going true green, going green, whales, extinction, nixon, we the people

North Pacific Gray Whale

Gray whales were hunted to the point of extinction by the 1950s. If the U. S. Congress didn't pass the Endangered Species Preservation Act in 1966, under President Nixon, many whales may have gone the way of the Sabertooth tiger and Dodo bird.

However, because of the Endangered Species Preservation Act and a rewrite in 1973, the eastern North Pacific gray whale became the first marine mammal removed from the Endangered Species Act's list back in 1994. They have since rebounded better than any other animal populations. The gray whale is another success story.

We are seeing more and more improvements to our planet's environment due to the actions taken decades ago. Despite the naysayers yelling otherwise to drum up more ways to make themselves money or keep power, us - the individuals, the "we the people" of decades past, are now seeing the bounty of our positive actions. The reason is simple, we did what had to be done, because it was the right thing to do. Not because we could manipulate the narrative so that we made money.

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

1/24/2022

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Salt, road salt, blacktop, roads, winter, black ice, EPA, Prochlorococcus, rain forests, going true green, going green, sustainability, plastics,

Road Salt on Blacktop Roads

In many GoingTrueGreen blog posts I have written about what is on our streets will go into the sewers and then everything will be deposited in our waterways. Yes, everything from animal waste to dental floss. Our streams, rivers and oceans are the recipients of our careless littering and blatant use of toxic products such as paint and road salt.

With winter coming every year for many parts of the world, road travel becomes difficult. So many townships use Road Salt and this will end up in our oceans. Perhaps causing issues with Prochlorococcus, the invisible green forest in our oceans. These microscopic marine cyanobacteria are probably the most abundant organism on Earth. For millions of years they have made our oxygen. So the panic claim made by some people with a big loud speaker about the Rain Forests being the lungs of Earth, is not true.

We have many environmental impact questions about Road Salt and very few answers. We already know Prochlorococcus are being damaged by plastic pollution in our oceans, so perhaps a closer look into Road Salt is needed.

Road salt prevents black ice and saves many lives from winter road accidents. The minerals use are calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. Combined with water, this is a solution that doesn’t freeze and is operational in less than 30 minutes.

Nevertheless, what are all the ecological issues created by road salt? I don’t believe we know. EPA states that high levels of salt in water can affect wildlife, insects, fish and humans. Salt has found its way into our drinking water tables, wells and reservoirs. A report out of Columbia University suggested that the road salt's accumulation problems we have today, is from applications made decades ago. Additionally, we do know that soil erosion is enhanced by road salt.

I have read about many alternatives to Road Salt, but will the supply of sugar beet juice or pickle juice meet the demand? Brines help, but will a certain mixture be as effective as Road Salt? Are sustainable de-icers any use? What are the cost comparisons in money, damage, supply and lives?

Many questions need answers, sadly too many pretentious scientists and other salty people from both extreme camps, are busy making money off of politicizing our environment, instead of actually studying and respecting our environment. To sum everything up, use this LINK to visit the recent past after reading this GTG post.

If any reader or someone you know is associated with a study being done on these topics, please let me know. Any additional data from a university or lab study that can be shared would be greatly appreciated so I may update this GTG blog post.
(Click this LINK now.)

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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Working so your equipment is as Energy Efficient as possible

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PROCESS OF ENERGY PROGRESSION

1/2/2022

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The world has stalled with our progress toward hydrogen fuel cells as an energy answer. Additionally the far left, with the acquiescence of the far right, have blocked the production of carbon free transition energy such as 4th generation safe and low waste nuclear power plants, as well as modern hydroelectric dams. Both of these energy sources would help lower our emissions as we progress toward hydrogen fuel cells. Fuel cells that will work with FREE rain water and FREE sunlight. Why is this stall taking place? So both extreme sides can make money.

Energy created by humans started with the burning of wood. From wood we made charcoal. The making of charcoal is an ancient technology. Basically make a fire in a pit, cover it with mud and later reclaim the partially combusted pieces of wood, now called charcoal, to burn again. (Charcoal burns hotter and is used today by people in poor nations.)

From charcoal, humans progressed to coal, a rock dug out of the ground; and mixed in that time frame also came energy from: wind, hydro, oil, gas, solar, nuclear, geothermal and finally the energy answer: Hydrogen Fuel Cells operating with hydrogen molecules obtained from collected FREE rain water.

Needless to say the trauma doesn’t conclude with our stalled energy progress. The process of progression for energy production is also halted in all the disadvantaged nations among us. From Haiti to the Congo the far left, with the unspoken approval of the far right, are helping to keep poor nations poor. In the name of saving the environment, the far left prevents disadvantaged nations from progressing with their energy production process like we did. Harboring arrogance and greed, while yelling, “We must help the poor,” both sides have denied these countries the transition away from wood and charcoal.

The people in disadvantaged countries become trapped with using charcoal and kerosene, causing ill health and carbon footprints that harm our environment. Who are we, in the already energy advanced countries, to tell the people who are poor that they can’t progress on their own toward better solutions?

Perhaps from one of these poor nations a young student with morals and scruples will provide us with the break-throughs for successful hydrogen fuel cells to be our world’s solution. We all know that many countries already have hydrogen fuel cell technology, sadly greed is preventing further development because after equipment purchase there is only maintenance fees, no monthly fuel or utility bills.

A hydrogen fuel cell energy answer would work with a system that collects FREE rain water and as needed, the membrane component, will separate the hydrogen molecules from the freely collected rain water (not from natural gas) with FREE electric power created from the Sun with a few solar panels. A small battery back up will suffice for cloudy days and night time because the electricity made by the fuel cell will always be recharging the battery. The hydrogen molecules run the fuel cell that makes FREE electricity to power the house, office and our car. The byproduct is water.

So because our energy answer and carbon free energy solution has an equation filled with the word FREE, greed has prevented all the established and wealthy nations around the world from reaching the energy answer goal needed for humankind.

The far left and the far right in unspoken harmony hurt the poor even more by causing harm to our world’s environment just to show a profit or secure their position in office. Let it be done through donations, fear mongering, movies, books, corrupt politicians, pseudo-education, implausible plans, suspicious deals, mislead organizations or sales of fuels such as gas and oil.

Now allow me another minute to answer the question that has been circling through everyone’s thought patterns as reading this promulgation.

Why on the topic of energy, would the far right, agree with the far left?

There is information and evidence, on this ungodly agreement showing millions of dollars have exchanged from one hand to another in political donations and failed solutions. The reason for the far right to support the far left’s failed solutions are obvious. In the 1990s, both sides started in earnest to prevent the opening of safe and low waste 4th generation nuclear power plants. Nuclear power is also carbon free. In the name of the “environment,” the emphasis placed on solar and wind to replace oil, hydroelectric dams, gas and nuclear was put on steroids… while keeping their sinister secret just out of sight.

This secret has taken me some time to come to terms with, because after all, we all want to believe the sales pitch. Sadly, we are all being sold a bill of goods. The media doesn’t care about the complete truth because sensationalizing makes them far more money than journalism. Corruption can infect everyone. These dishonest people in the media, politics, Hollywood and corporations, belong to the COC, “Collective Of Corruption”.

Here is the bottom line: If solar and wind replaces oil and gas completely, more harm will be done to our environment due to the need for back up systems. The mathematical equations showing power production comparisons DO NOT add up for these systems. The far right knows this and thus, by supporting solar and wind under the table, they ensure their sales of oil and gas. Oil and gas need no backup batteries, they need no vast amount of land like solar or wind farms. The amount of harm to our environment and land confiscation for solar and wind to meet the world’s energy needs will create more problems in the long run. From carbon emissions with manufacturing to more wildlife displaced or killed as land is consumed. From short production lifespans to toxic waste buildup. The complete picture is unavoidable and unfeasible.

For example, Hydroelectric dams are not popular due to the amount of land needed to hold the built up water. This will displace wildlife and plant life. Yet, why are solar farms popular when they take up more land and produce less power per square meter? More wildlife and plant life is disrupted by solar farms. Additionally, dams last longer, use less material that is toxic in production and in recycling. Some calculations state similar solar output would use 16 times more materials and 300 times more waste than a modern dam. Then the E-Waste goes to poor nations where the toxins will leach into their ground water supply.

As far as a transition source of energy toward Hydrogen Fuel Cells that work off of rain water and on demand so we do not risk storing hydrogen, dams are better than solar. Sadly, these complete facts are not presented by the media which only wants to sensationalize the story. Some data on the scraped plans for a modern carbon free hydroelectric dam in the Congo would produce enough electric power for the entire country… no wait, enough power for the entire continent of Africa. Thus setting the people free to improve life on their own. They could start by finding better politicians, inventing cost cutting technology for fuel cells and telling foreigners to stop mandating policies upon them under the lie of saving earth. When energy advanced countries keep people poor in energy and spirit, after their own country moved ahead and only to stop before hydrogen fuel cells save the world, that is a sin. Where there is hypocrisy, there is corruption.

The math doesn’t add up for solar and wind as the complete solution, nor are dams, geothermal, oil, gas and nuclear. However, for those with the authoritarian power:

The more payoffs accepted to stop transitional 4th generation nuclear plants that are safe and operate for 60 years with a fraction of waste; the more oil and gas sold.

The more land needed for solar farms and battery back ups that provide no reasonable payback or needed duration of supply; the more oil and gas sold.

The more wind farms that take up space, kill migrating birds, insects and bats, along with windless days and aged out equipment; the more oil and gas sold.

The more prevention of developing the energy answer hydrogen fuel cells, that operates on demand with water; the more oil and gas sold.

Now don’t misinterpret what I am saying, I have solar, I use solar, I produce more than I consume. However, while I have no electric bill due to my energy efficient house and solar panels, I still need to make hot water and heat my home. So I use the cleanest transition fuel available to me along with my 95% energy efficient heating system. That fuel is natural gas. The previous owner used oil with a 72% efficient heating system. When I researched using solar instead of gas, I found that I would need to double the number of solar panels that I am already using. I don’t have the space nor the money for 25 more panels. Additionally, I would need another 25 solar panel just to charge up batteries for nights and cloudy days so I could be off the grid. Again, I don’t have the space or the money. Then there is no reasonable payback on the costs for the battery backup system and I have yet to charge up any electric car. Additionally, what about the recycling issues after an expected 20 year lifespan for the panels? Read more data at my Dead Solar Panels blog post.

As an individual, I am doing the best I can on many environmental fronts. I must because this isn’t just my job, this is a passion. Yet, I am distraught, because one doesn’t have to look far to see hypocrisy like a major city pretending to help the environment with passing policy that stops new construction from using natural gas. Electricity must be used instead, but what fuel is being used at the utility’s power plant in the neighborhood with high cases of asthma to make that electricity? Most likely oil, not a solar or wind farm. And yet these same policy makers cry out that we need environmental justice for the poor. Who is hurting the poor when you block one of the cleaner fuels, such as gas, to help us while we transition toward carbon free hydrogen fuel cells. Alas, we are not in transition anymore because monthly money can’t be made off of everyone with their own hydrogen fuel cell in their home, office and car.

These are the truths. Humankind has always faced truths such as these. Until regular honest people step up to serve the people and not get rich off of the people, we will always have the poor, along with the poor of heart, mind, soul and a politicized environment.

To LEAD, one must SERVE.
Wishing and praying for all of us to have a happy New Year.

If anyone wishes to see sources of implicating data in support of this blog, please email me with full contact info and I will be happy to respond.

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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Collegiate Commencement: 1978

11/4/2021

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Montauk, Montauk Point, the end, erosion, long shore drift, Hamptons, Giorgina Reid, President Reagan, Lighthouses, George Washington, Mother Nature, Prof. Nieter, Dr. Stalter, Bill Lauto, Boy Scouts, ski vests, sustainability, going true green, going green

Montauk Point, 1978

Sometimes to have a photo of oneself at the commencement of a career, helps put additional elements into perspective. I am 20 years old and a junior studying Environmental Science under the tutelage of Prof. Nieter and Dr. Stalter. The year was 1978 and this was one of several "hands-on, improvise a solution" field trips.

I am standing between the Atlantic Ocean and Montauk Point, literally. Above me on top of the bluff is the Montauk lighthouse, sitting on the location selected when George Washington was president. That location then, was 300 feet from the bluff and at that time, the end of Long Island. In 200 years, just over 200 feet has eroded away. The Montauk lighthouse that was built in 1796, the first public works project of the new United States of America, was only 90 feet away from falling into the sea in 1978. Mother Nature's Long Shore Drift pitted Nature against Human and humankind was losing. A long term solution was needed fast to save the old historical lighthouse.

My fellow students and I all came well prepared, I had my Boys Scout backpack that was well stocked, binoculars and compass was around my neck. I carried reference books (no internet at that time), a clip board and the just becoming vogue ski vest. Our task was to save the point of Long Island's south fork from eroding away and subsequently save the light house. If not, we would lose land and the lighthouse to the ragging sea. My fellow students and I were determined to find an answer while evaluating all factors westward along the shoreline that are involved with the Long Shore Drift. At the conclusion of our field trip and study, we felt defeated.

Many actions were already taken by humans over the years and all failed or were failing. The system that I was observing in 1978 had thousands of rocks held together in wire netting. The system wasn't going to last. Even giant boulders were placed at the point prior to my field trip and in a hurricane, when the waves pounded the point, local residents could hear the boulders banging against each other like marbles in a bag being swung around. I witnessed the remnants of the boulders as the tide receded. The situation looked hopeless. The only solution to save the lighthouse was to start a major fund raiser and move the lighthouse westward. However, the move entailed going up and down two hills, this wasn't feasible.

What we undergraduates did not know at the time, was the fact that a tenacious woman in her seventies was already working on a long term solution for years. This "individual" named Giorgina Reid was researching an action called reed-trench terracing. Some of the techniques go back to the ancient Egyptians. She wanted to use cedar planks as risers and at each level trenches were dug out to be filled with reeds. This prevented rain from building up as the reeds absorbed the moisture. Stacked stones held tight in square grid formation by coated wire to prevent rust would sit on each level. However, she was unable to gather the attention of anyone for help with her solution, until a few years after my visit to Montauk's lighthouse. She corresponded with another individual, President Ronald Reagan and the wheels for a long term solution started to turn. After full implementation of Giorgina's solution, the erosion at the point stopped.

Studying Plastic Pollution In Our Waterways

Today, some 40 years later, recurrence of erosion has started again. This has prompted action by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, that is under the U. S. Army, which now oversees the lighthouse. A 1,000 foot long stone revetment will provide slope stabilization. Additionally, terracing and vegetation growth will be found above the crest to the revetment.

As for my Boy Scout backpack, I will be donating that with my uniform and equipment to my old Troop 22 so Scouts of today can compare then and now. My gear is made in the USA with metal and cotton, today's gear is made of plastic and comes from China.

(For additional facts on plastic in our clothes, air, waterways, food and drink, read my Previous GTG Blog)

I still have my binoculars, compass, text book and clip board. The scary part is... I still have that ski vest, but I don't have as much hair anymore.

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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How Many Miles Makes A Sustainable Supply Chain?

10/26/2021

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200 miles...

Everyone talks big and loud today about being sustainable. After all, the word has become a money maker and discussing the science has fallen by the wayside. So as money is being made by many today, none of them had any contributing part in the sustainability conversations 40 or 30 or 25 years ago. In fact, they were mostly making fun of those conversations and smirking at any innovation being developed.

The far right protects money already being made and the far left is making money by having the media protect their own talking points so they can project an image of saving the world, but the fact is they are making matters worse. When hypocrisy is incited by abundant finances we have examples such as:

Demanding actions by others to save the environment and then sell rocketship joy rides to multi-millionaires that punches a new hole with each launch in our Ozone Layer for no justifiable reason.

Watch and hear the media support the celebs and politicians who took a grappling hook to reports from the IPCC, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The narrative that was created stated that we haven't taken any actions to prevent a twelve year countdown to the existential threat of climate change. Yet, even if we don't read the IPCC reports and just read their Press Release, we know the report never stated any apocalypse or twelve years to doom. How then, could we ever believe anything sold by the media, celebs and politicians?

First, I take personal insult to any claim of inaction by all us "individuals" who have been studying, working and doing actions for over 40 years now. (more about "individuals" in two paragraphs)

Second, the 2018 IPCC report talked about how we can limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial times, by achieving a 45% reduction in our carbon emissions by 2030.

So a "money making, power grabbing and kiss my feet because I am saving the world" narrative came about from that report. The 12 years came from 2030 minus 2018 and the corrupt spin to the report has the sky falling. So why do they do this, simple: "vote me in or rent my movie". Countless unpretentious scientists, who do not get a second of the media's time, have stated the IPCC report has been misrepresented in one way or another.

However, we are taught today to blame another, but who is the other? Who operates or controls the market, society or business? An "individual" is our answer. Who owns a business? Who is in government office? Who has a big microphone because they are a famous person? Who is the Chair of an organization? Who is the CEO of a media network? An "individual" will be the answer. Now none of that is an issue when said individual has high morality and scruples, because those individuals, like you and I, are the heroes and the solution. However, the problems we now face are from our individual attitudes and the corruption of an individual. A complete and in depth view reveals that the true reasons come from: greed, indifferences, misguided goals, misinformed conclusions, lack of morals and virtue, self righteous assessments that place a higher value on one self over other humans, animals, and nature. These elites ignore long term consequences “So Not” to spend more money on a better way or solution; knowing there will be no consequences in their lifetime as long as the media covers for them. Thus in one word: anthropocentrism.

So the media misrepresents the truth by being sensationalists in order to make money and negates being journalists. According to many headlines, captions, reports, summaries, soundbites and editorials, in 2015, the media manipulated versions of Pope Francis' Encyclical Letter on caring for our common home. This is just one more example of how the media extracted selected verbiage and then claimed that the Pope blames man’s society and markets for creating Climate Change.

When reading the Encyclical letter, we learn that Pope Francis provided that while our creativity has produced products, actions, and inventions that are contributing to Climate Change, that is not where we should place blame. In fact, Pope Francis states that humankind has invented amazing products, produced life saving actions, and has wonderful accomplishments. The blame falls not upon “WHAT” we have, but the “HOW” we use them.

Does the last line above from the Pope's letter, sound like a joy ride in a rocket? Thus, to conclude this blog on the current events from my title, let us venture from joy rides into space that go as high as 52 to 62 miles up, to a sustainable supply chain that has an approximate 200 mile radius. Not half way around the world that equals 11,000 kilometers or 6,800 miles. Yet, that is what we have for many of the items that we NEED. The difference between a supply of items that we NEED to be sustainable from 200 miles away to 7,000 miles, is life and death. Perhaps now we really have the sky falling? Why do we have corporations and politicians allowing items such as medicines, a NEED - not a WANT, to be made nowhere in the United States? Ingredients for medicine isn't a "want" such as a component for a video game and should not be shipped from thousands of miles away.

Everything is connected, but a sustainable supply chain beyond 200 miles for items that we NEED is a farce. Where we are today for the items we need to be sustainable is a lie. Ships are lined up off the coast of California almost half way back to China. The same goes for any NEED coming from beyond 200 miles in any direction. Our crooked politicians and corrupt individuals are walking us to an edge of a cliff with a drop-off that is greater than the descent of "joy ride" rockets.

To LEAD, one must serve all others. Just like someone taught us, some 2,000 years ago.

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

7/28/2021

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rain barrel, rain collection, save water, water, storm water, cisterns, Bermuda, water collection, water bill, groundwater, alternative water supply, rain barrels, sustainable living, drinkable water, economist, Thomas Malthus, rainwater, rainwater capture, rain basins, gardens

Rain Collection with Rock Look

Our world's supply of clean drinkable water is not increasing, yet the number of humans living on our planet is growing. (Some have estimated that our supply of clean drinkable water is less than 1% of all the water on Earth.)

I have recently heard some very well educated and well-to-do people express the view of economist Thomas Malthus who argued that the continued increases in the world's population would overtake the development of sufficient crops and drinkable water, thus diminishing our ability to sustain ourselves. Mr. Malthus lived 1766 to 1834 and as for the people of today expressing this argument, I disagree 100%. Mr. Malthus was wrong with his doomsday outlook then and those claiming the same today are also wrong.

Are these people stating this chilling statement today suggesting that the recommendation made by Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, should be implemented?

As a reminder, Scrooge is visited by two benefactors wishing to collect provision for the destitute at Christmas time. Scrooge angrily replies that prisons and workhouses are the only institutions he is willing to support. One of the benefactors states that many can’t go there; and many would rather die. Scrooge then takes the Malthusian view to another level by claiming that the poor and ill are surplus to the needs of society and if they would rather die, they’d better do it, and decrease the surplus population.

Later in the novel A Christmas Carol, Scrooge's own words are used against him by asking if he will get to decide who lives or dies? No human has that right over another human.

Additionally, the nay sayers harboring this pessimistic prediction are wrong because they omit the ingenuity of free men and women. They are wrong because they have no faith in humankind coming together as one team to find another way, like we have done time after time. Additionally, they are fearful of this doomsday outcome, because in my opinion, they are most likely Godless.

Having a collection, a Rain Collection, is the most valued collection we can have. Water Is Our Most Precious Commodity and by clicking on those words highlighting the title of our on-line Water class for all GTG members, more info on our membership page will open. So what do I see that makes me believe in a positive outcome with our drinking water supply?

For years I have been collecting rainwater off my roof to reduce my water use outside. People all over the world are using systems to collect rain water that are centuries old. The Island of Bermuda probably leads the world in collecting rain water off rooftops and not just for outside use, but also for drinking.

I have rain barrels, but more and more people are setting up cistern systems for an alternative supply of water. This reduces the use of groundwater, reduces storm water run off that will reduce litter entering our sewers that go directly to our waterways and reduces our water bills. When collected off a slate roof, the collected rain water can be used to wash off outdoor items, such as chairs or a car. When rain water is filtered and distilled properly from a well maintained slate roof and cistern system that has regular tests checking for bacteria, then washing clothes, showering, and drinking becomes possible.

With additional water supplies, gardens abound creating an increase in food access. Neighborhood carbon footprints are reduced as all people come together to share, promote, educate in the areas of health, nutrition and growing crops. Rain basins, rainwater capture and new water infrastructures utilizing new techniques or old, help our environment. Homeowners can save thousands of gallons of water each year. I have 4 barrels holding a total of 225 gallons of water and they are filled at least 7 times per year. That is approximately 1,575 gallons of water saved per year, just by me. So yes, Mr. Malthusian, Mr. Scrooge and some powerful people of today, your predictions have been and will still be proven wrong just as long as humankind has faith and is free.

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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ANNIVERSARY OF OIL COMPANY’S REPRISAL

6/29/2021

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Bosch, heating, oil, oil heat, sustainable living, sustainable actions, going green, going true green, sustainable steps, saving on heating bills, net zero house, oil companies, SSE, green house, global warming, co2, political leaders, paybacks, new windows, saving energy, helping the environment

OIL DROP

Twenty years ago I was using oil as the fuel to heat my house. This year is the Twentieth Anniversary of when I was shocked by an incontrovertible reprisal from my oil company. That is correct, steps were taken against me for the actions I took to save energy and our environment. There were no congratulations or rewards offered. I was scolded and punished for being successful. This wasn’t that much different from when I was scolded by my previous employer, a utility company. I was the manager leading their energy saving auditing department and we went well over our pre-set quota for teaching homeowners and companies how to save energy. That wasn’t acceptable according to the VP, but that is another story for another time.

Here is my story with the facts about my house and the oil delivery company…

The previous owners of the house had informed me that they were consuming a minimum of 1,200 gallons of oil per year. I knew that amount could be lower.

The “Heating System” for the house produced heat for the winter months and domestic hot water all year round for Faucets, Showers and the Clothes Washer. I did not have a Dish Washer appliance, but used hot water when washing dishes by hand.

The “Heating System” had 3 parts:

1st - Oil was the fuel
2nd - The boiler that created the heat
3rd - Hot water baseboards delivery the created heat throughout the house

So after moving in, I immediately changed the 1970 thermostats to new Multi-Set back programable clock thermostats. When the oil company’s manager, who my family knew and bought oil from for 40 years, saw my new thermostats - he lied to my face via the process of omission! After all, he probably was thinking, how much can this young kid know?

He proceeded to tell me that turning down the heat at night with these new thermostats would cost me more money, because I would be burning more oil in the morning to get the house warm again. I wasted my money buying them and I should return them, was his final proclamation.

Yet, the facts remained. My house wasn’t that old and the pervious owners added insulation and a new 81% efficient Retention Head boiler that replaced the old Steam heat unit from the 1940s. They also installed throughout the house a new Baseboard delivery of the heat to replace the steam radiators. The oil company’s manager omitted those facts from our conversation to secure his narrative.

My savings with the new thermostats was good, but not tremendous. Perhaps I decided to go “tremendous” because of being told calculated lies created through the omission of certain facts. At least that was the catalyst for me working in earnest to really save, save big and save fast.

Over the next two years I addressed all three parts of the Heating System and lowered the consumption of oil from 1,200 gallons of oil per year to ONLY 290, then 250 gallons per year!

What I did was not Rocket Science. I implemented logic, current technology and trade secrets. Below is a list of what I did after changing the thermostats:
*I did an SSE test on the boiler. SSE is a Steady State Efficiency test and ALL Oil Heating systems need this test EVERY year. If you don't have an Access hole on your boiler's stack, the SSE test was never done! See image below. Details about this are available through previous Going True Green blog posts and in our GTG Membership.

*I put in a separate Hot Water Heater that used Natural Gas as the fuel, not oil.

Wrapped Hot Water Pipes

*The next action was wrapping all the Hot Water pipes with insulated foam.
See image on left.
*The Biggest action, which immediately saved 1/3 the oil I was using, was the addition of a Cold Start Control Panel. See box mounted on right side of my heating unit in first image below. This cost $400.00 and I saved that within the first winter! Details about this are available through previous Going True Green blog posts and will be available in our GTG Membership.
Just type in “Cold Start Boiler” in the Search box at the very top of this page.

Cold Start Control Panel

clock thermostat, thermostats, Bosch, heating, oil, oil heat, sustainable living, sustainable actions, going green, going true green, sustainable steps, saving on heating bills, net zero house, oil companies, SSE, green house, global warming, co2, political leaders, paybacks, new windows, saving energy, helping the environment

Multi-Set Back Thermostat

Access Hole for SSE Test

*Then I added additional insulation giving me a higher R value. Details about this are available through previous Going True Green blog posts and will be available in our GTG Membership. You can also use the Search box for Insulation.
*I changed shower heads and faucets to low flow efficient ones.
*I caulked each 1942 window in the house and put new weather stripping around the doors since I did not have the money to change all my windows and doors to new ones. Additionally, the payback with changing windows is found in comfort and connivence, not dollar savings. For more info about this fact, please see my previous 6/15/21 GTG blog called: The Big Picture Review

So after two years of energy saving actions, I was using as little as 250 gallons of home heating oil per year. This was such an apparent astonishment for my oil company that they responded not by offering me any congratulatory comments, but by demanding I buy 800 gallons minimum per year. When I stated that wasn’t possible, because I was only consuming 250 gallons held in a tank that only holds 250 gallons, they retaliated by refusing to sell oil to me. They dropped me as a customer, because I didn’t buy enough oil from them. Perhaps they thought I was buying oil from another company between their oil deliveries. Of course this was a completely false presumption.

I asked if what they were doing was legal and apparently, yes. They could sell or not sell, to anyone they want. Wow, a heating fuel that is a necessity to keep warm, to keep alive through the cold winter months and they could just drop me on the spot. This isn’t like buying some other product that we could still live without. Utility companies can’t just shut off your electricity due to a few unpaid bills, they have to wait months and investigate the complete story behind the belated payments. Yet, an oil heating company can just drop us like a rock. Thank you political leaders NOT really looking out for us or our environment.

NEW 95% EFFICIENT HEATING UNIT

Over the years I purchased oil directly from other oil companies who offered the lowest price until I was able to upgrade to a 95% efficient instant hot water heating system.

So the moral of this story is to do your homework and then implement. Don’t wait for some government or politician or celebrity or company or organization to save the day for you. They haven't and they won't.
You are the super hero !

Today I have a Net Zero house for electricity and still working toward True Green within my own budget of time and money. One more thing, I am doing this without sacrificing anything in order to save, because there is always another way for accomplishing.

Yes, this is a Happy Anniversary.

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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The Big Picture Review

6/15/2021

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Percy vs Goliath, GMO, going true green, going green, sustainable living, sustainability, artistic license, supreme court, big picture, landmark cases, agricultural, farmers, farming, GMO seeds

American-Canadian-Indian biographical film

I recently watched the movie Percy vs Goliath and while this Going True Green blog post is not a movie review, I am using this as a segue way to present a glimpse of the Big Picture, that is our environment.

First, here is some historical background on the movie Percy vs Goliath. The film is based on a true story and did not deviate much or exaggerate much in the name of “artistic license” or to create action scenes. Percy was a small Canadian farmer who defended himself in a landmark case all the way to the Supreme Court against a giant agricultural corporation who claimed that Percy was stealing their patented GMO seeds. Seeds that were resistant against that same company’s weed killing product. Everyone should know about this story and court case.

Additionally, this story allows us to realize that the complete picture must always be examined. Just like a murder mystery the detective must learn about everything from motives to the complacent actions such as “rounding up the usual suspects.” Other elements may be injected by the sensationalists in the media or forced by some higher political authority.

Let us just review some examples that echo these points in the realm of our environment:

The United States had a situation where a new candidate was thrust into the primary race for president. He was presented as the one that was going to be the best person for our environmental issues. Specific details on why, were not offered by the media.

I have stated many times that I don not look toward any politician, celebrity, corporation, organization, government or make believe super hero to save our environment. Only us, the individuals are making the difference. Nevertheless, this politician said in a previous speech that people needed more grey matter to work in the technology field. To keep the words spoken in context, this was a comparison being made between the “agrarian society” and “industrial society.” So to prove his point he stated, “I can teach anybody, even people in this room, so no offense intended, to be a farmer. It’s a process. You dig a hole, you put a seed in, you put dirt on top, you add water, up comes corn.” This man didn’t even have a clue about what is involved with farming. From seed collection to weeds, from weather to insects, from micronutrients to disease, from time management to family responsibilities, from farm equipment to bank loans, from supply and demand to supermarket shelves!

Another example is how misleading advertisements were used for years to sell new energy saving windows.

“Save 15% On Your Energy Bills!”

windows, going true green, going green, sustainable living, sustainability, big picture

New Windows Save???

The truth was a 15% savings on your heating bills and that 15% saved was only on the amount of heat lost through the old windows. So if the old windows were losing 7% of the heat to the outside, you would save 15% of the 7% lost. To know pay back times on the costs for new windows, a heat-lost study was required. After overseeing thousands of these studies, the average payback on putting in new windows was 28 to 30 years. Reasons to change windows are: Comfort with less drafts and outside noise reduction, ease of cleaning, better locks for security and then saving some money on the heating bill.

So where were our political environmental super stars to end that misleading campaign taken up by some window selling companies? For years those commercials were broadcasted. They were lies through the process of omission and they should have been stopped immediately. Yet, they were not, care to speculate why?

Again the individual was left to find out all the facts on this issue and they ranged from greed to environmentally unfriendly manufacturing.

Last point of this blog, but not the least, is how all those on both extreme sides create fear, confusion and hate for each other. Thus, destroying hope for us working as one team to implement solutions that garner success, income, better health and a better environment.

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