Mary Ann & Ben Wilson

Hello Everyone,

I am pleased to introduce my buddy Mary Ann and her guest post on Recycling.  She and her husband, Ben, are some of the most awesome DoGooders around.  Thanks to Mary Ann for taking the time to share her thoughts.  Enjoy!

R-E-C-Y-C-L-E: find out what it means to me…

Greetings, dogooded-ones!  I’m Mary Ann Wilson, fan of Chappy and loyal blog-reader, here to share one of my family’s favorite ways of doing good.

One thing I’ve come to realize in my brief adult life is that doing good is so much easier when it is convenient.  My family always recycled, largely because the bright blue bin in our side yard had a standing date with the City of Homewood.  In these days of yore, we dutifully sorted our plastics, newspaper, and aluminum, set them on the curb on Thursday morning, and retrieved our empty bin by the end of that same day.  And as we returned our blue bin to its rightful place, we knew Mother Earth was smiling upon us.

That was then.  I currently reside in the City of Birmingham, which has many perks (how many cities can boast of four mayors in just over two months?), but curbside recycling is not one of them.  Now, when the trash can used for recycling (I have been provided with no blue bin) is full, I have to make the trek to the Birmingham Drop-Off Recycling Center on 1^st Avenue North.  As a busy and impatient person, I initially regard this recycling trip as a chore: another box on an interminable list of mindless to-dos.  However, my visits to the Drop-Off Recycling Center frequently become high points in my day, and they never fail to help me feel renewed myself.

The Drop-Off Recycling Center is run by the Alabama Environmental Council (www.aeconline.org), which is the oldest environmental group in the state.  While this particular site has taken recyclable items for many years, only in the past ten years has the AEC received the financial support to implement some very enjoyable upgrades.  First, you have friendly site-supervisors who can help you sort your items and answer any questions you may have.  Second, there are individuals completing community service hours who will unload, sort, and distribute your recyclables to their appropriate bins (this can be very helpful if you only have time for a stop-and-drop during your lunch hour).  Third, the 70’s funk music blaring in the background will put anyone in the mood to reduce, reuse, and recycle.  With Herbie Hancock in the air, you begin to see how this clearly surpasses a pick-up from the dry-cleaners.

While all these factors contribute to a great break from a usual daily routine, there’s something a bit more essential that makes my visits to the Drop-Off Recycling Center so delightful.  Nowhere else in my city have I found a place where community interest is so evident, palpable, and normal.  No matter what kind of car you pull up in, whether you’re sorting plastics in your best suit or your worst pair of overalls, you have a sense that you’re taking part in an important activity that is bigger than yourself, and that all of us in the community are in it together.  So while it still takes an extra trip down-town, rather than curb-side pick-up, I’m actually more than happy to make the trade.

Here’s a bit of info so you, too, can take advantage of our great local Drop-Off Recycling Center:

Address:

What the Drop-Off Recycling Center Takes:

• Glass (only place in Central Alabama!)
• #1 and #2 Plastics, without lids
• All paper, cardboard, etc.
• Mixed metal
• Electronics and batteries (part of a Technical Knock-Out Program)

Cost:

• Free!  However, there is a tip-box if you are pleased with your service (this goes to the individuals completing their community service).

Make Aretha, the current mayor, and Chappy proud, and R-E-C-Y-C-L-E—find out what it means to you!

DoGood!

Please feel free to email Matt@DoGoodedness.com with any comments, suggestions, questions, or your own guest post!

Volunteer and get your spin on!

My fellow Americans,

We are two playoff games away from deciding the participants of Super Bowl XLIV.   Are you excited?  I know I am.  Well, as long as the Jets are not involved.  But I digress…

Equally synonymous with the game itself, as you all know, are the commercials.  Companies pay a pretty penny to put their products on display and interrupt your bathroom breaks or beer runs.  Each year tends to bring out the usual players – a few beer companies, the soft drink conglomerates, cell phone carriers, financial institutions and the lot.  Last I checked, thirty-second spots were going for around two and a half million dollars, but there seems no shortage of takers, even in a down year.

Pepsi Refresh Project

That being said, the lineup in 2010 is devoid of one of its long-running contributors; Pepsi.  Instead, the corporate giant has decided on very different marketing campaign, one that I think is quite admirable of them.  Rather than battle it out with Coke on TV spots, Pepsico has turned their focus on a cause-centered campaign they call The Pepsi Refresh Project.  Each month, they will be accepting 1000 submissions from you (the general public) on how you can make a positive impact in your community with their financial assistance.  There are going to be millions of dollars given out, in increments from $5,000 to $250,000, the winners of each award being decided by online voters.  If you have ever wanted to dream big and make a difference, here is your chance for sponsorship!  Listed categories for submission include Health, Neighborhoods, The Planet, Education, Arts & Culture and Food & Shelter.

If you are up for the challenge and make a submission, please tell us here at DoGoodedness so we can let our readers know to vote for your idea!   Email me at Matt@DoGoodedness.com!

Disney’s “Give a Day, Get a Day”

Another idea that I am very pleased with is Disney’s “Give a Day, Get a Day” campaign.  If you have Kids, they probably are quite fond of Disney World.  Heck, I am quite fond of it myself.  It may very well be the happiest place on earth.

The process is simple – volunteer your time with a registered program participant and Disney will give you a free day to one of their theme parks.   One might think that the parameters of this would have to be quite specific, but a quick search near my area code turned up a bevy of qualifying service opportunities.

Click this Link to get started.  I highly recommend a visit to Epcot Center.  Where else can you have a margarita in Mexico, ride the log flume in Norway, and take a nap in the Hall of Presidents in a day?

After a year that had too many front-page stories featuring “corporate greed,” it is wonderful to see that doing good can be a marketable concept.

Have a great week!

Matt

Photo by beatnickside via Flickr

Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers

As I mentioned in the previous post, my last five days have been spent aboard The Rock Boat – a floating, nearly non-stop music festival put on by Sixthman Promotions. The house still seems to be swaying, hearing is a bit dulled, and my voice is scratchy, but all in all things are slowly returning to normal. Oh, and I kept the rock & roll facial hair going to lift my spirits as I re-acclimate to the real world.

While I am still in the mood, let’s talk a bit about what the recording industry is doing to make this world a better place: the musicians, campaigns and efforts that are making a difference. This past week, I heard from a few bands regarding the organizations that are near and dear to their hearts. I want to pass some of those along and mention a handful of others as well.

Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers

Ill start with these fellas because a) they are awesome, and b) they were the toast of Rock Boat 10 putting on several great shows.

Stephen Kellogg and his band are involved with several non-profits through charitable auctions, merchandise sales, and free concerts.  Here is a little snippet from their story.

Our opportunity to do some good for children came in November 2006. With no gig available while driving through Memphis, Tennessee, our manager, Steve Bursky, offered our services to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital. They accepted and our lives were forever transformed. Seeing joy that wasn’t built on vanity but dignity, seeing little ones with so much to be angry or sad about who were so much less angry or sad than me…it just put things in perspective. That day SK6ERS developed the Rellogg Foundation concept where we would auction off personal items and donate the proceeds to the charities of our individual choices, based on what we cared about. That is of course only the beginning, we’re thinking out loud here…but to date the Rellogg foundation has donated to several charitable organizations including St. Jude, The Make a Wish Foundation, The Raptor Trust, Johns Hopkins University and a host of others. We’ve donated thousands of dollars and have had the privilege of performing for some of the most lovely audiences in our half decade of performance. 2009 has been a great year as far as SK6ERS involvement with the Armed Forces. The band traveled to Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, Germany and a half dozen other countries performing for troops and personnel. They even capped off the 4th of July by performing for Israeli Prime Minister Netentyahu. Thank you for taking the time to go beyond the music with us.

Sincerely,

SK, Kit, Boots and Steamer

Check them out!  The music is great and they are truly some nice guys.  Consider purchasing a band calendar – All the proceeds go to St. Jude!

The Edge and Bono (U2)

That’s right, I put The Edge first, because he by far has the sweetest nickname ever. These two have certainly put out some catchy tunes in their tenure, but their efforts off the stage are also worth noting.

David Howell Evans (The Edge) is a large supporter of Mencap, a non-profit based in the United Kingdom that strives to assist those living with learning disabilities. His efforts have also been linked to Angiogenesis (medical advancement that is showing promise against cancer) research and most notably a charitable auction that bought instruments for those who lost theirs in Hurricane Katrina.

Bono, as you are full aware, is quite the outspoken Irishman.  He has been a prominent figure with African and Humanitarian causes, namely DATA, EDUN, the ONE Campaign and numerous other civil rights efforts.  His vested interest in the (RED) Campaign to fight AIDS sang to the tune of $40 million raised on Valentine’s Day last year.  Undoubtedly, Bono has accomplished some great things throughout his career, both musically and on a global scale.

Sister Hazel

Here is another Rock Boat act (co-founder actually) that is doing great things through the Lyrics for Life Foundation. To quote their website:

Lyrics For Life is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to make a difference in the fight against pediatric Cancer. It was founded by Sister Hazel front man Ken Block in memory of his younger brother Jeffrey, who ultimately lost his four-year battle with Cancer.

The charity unites musicians and celebrities for concert events, auctions and other
fundraising efforts. The monies raised are donated to groups that are working to find a cure as well as those aiming to enrich the lives of patients and their families. From research to summer camps and family support groups, we are surrounding this disease and conquering it from every angle.

Check out their website if you would like to attend a Lyrics for Life event, donate, or bid on some sweet rock & roll memorabilia.

Dave Matthews

This quirky South African native may or may not have accidently allowed his tour bus to drop 800 pounds of poo off a bridge outside Chicago (and on to a riverboat), but we will forgive this on account of his dedication to helping the city of Charlottesville, Virginia. Through his Bama Works Fund, Matthews (and his band mates) supports programs that provide for disadvantaged youth, the disabled, protection of the environment, and the arts and humanities in this area. Since its inception, more than $5 Million has been put to good use.

Elton John

Driven by the loss of close friends to the disease, Sir Elton set out to help fight the AIDS epidemic and established the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992 (1993 in the UK).  This organization has since raised $150 Million: implementing a host of programs that seek to educate, advocate, and establish preventative measures against HIV/AIDS.  Take some time to read this letter from Elton himself.

Willie Nelson

In 1985, Willie was instrumental in establishing the Farm Aid Concert, which is still active today – raising money for Midwestern farmers in financial crisis.  He is also a huge advocate of Biofuels, personally investing in manufacturing and distribution facilities across the country.

Dispatch

Although their current existence as a band may be questionable, Dispatch has been unwavering in their philanthropic involvement.  In the likeness of their song, the Elias Fund was founded in 2005 with the mission statement “To provide hope and opportunity to Zimbabwean youth through community development and education while empowering the American youth culture to embrace their global role and make it an active one.”  Keep it up guys!

In a self centered industry, it is great to see that there are those who still give back to the community and world around them.

DoGood!

Matt

Please email me: Matt@DoGoodedness.com with any suggestions, comments, or feedback that you may have.

Greetings!  I hope everyone celebrated the New Year in style.

Aside from a spike in calendar purchases, the one thing synonymous with January 1st is the New Years resolution.  Admittedly, we all make at least one.  Embedded in our less-than-perfect nature is the inherent love of a fresh start.  Whatever you did last year, here is your chance to do it better.  We love the opportunity to have a clean slate.

Along with this idea, I wanted to offer up a little support to keep you on track and motivated as the year progresses – because nothing sucks more than failing to keep a promise to yourself.  From my experience, here are the best ways to stay in the groove and accomplish those goals.

Read This

If books are your outlet, then here are a few of my favorites by category:

Environment: If you want to lessen your environmental impact and put in the extra effort to do good this year, I suggest “The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget.”  This handy work will keep everything in perspective while holding you accountable.  All credit to Santa Claus for delivering this one to the Chapman house.

Health: As most of our resolutions fall into the “getting into shape” realm, I have a few to get the blood pumping.  If you find that keeping up the regular exercise as easy at is used to be, then pick up “Every Second Counts”  by Lance Armstrong (with Sally Jenkins).  Whatever difficulties you are going through, they probably isn’t as stifling as a bout with multiple forms of cancer.  Leave it to the seven-time Tour De France champion and Cancer activist to get you off your butt.

If running is your passion, I highly recommend “Born To Run” by Christopher McDougall.  It will definitely help you find joy in putting one foot in front of the other.  This helped me get ready for a 200 mile relay, and the highly entertaining romp is enough to get anyone moving.

Community: If you want to feel like your altruistic self is lacking, then pick up “Mountains Beyond Mountains.”  In this revealing account, Tracy Kidder details the life and efforts of Paul Farmer, an M.D. who has done more good for the world than any of us can imagine.  Mad props to my buddy Ben Wilson for this one; it completely changed my perspective on what one person can accomplish.

Watch This

Maybe I’m just a goob, but Rocky IV gets the job done, regardless of what type of motivation I require.  Once you see Sly running up snow covered mountains, chasing chickens, and carrying logs, you might just want to get things together.  Unless you are taking on the Communist regime and a juiced up Giant, then whatever you have in the works will seem much more doable.  (ps – this is just a movie, but you and I both know it rocks your face off).

“Without Limits” will get you signing up for every road race on the calendar…guaranteed.  This mini-bio of Steve Prefontaine is the stuff of legends.

My wife highly recommends “Pay it Forward” if things are looking down for your non-profit efforts.  This will give you the inspiration necessary to keep going and do as much good as possible.

If All Else Fails…

Nothing will keep you going like a buddy.  I have trained for several marathons by myself, and the outcome for both was regrettable.  Make things easier on yourself and find a partner to corroborate your efforts.  Whether it be an athletic goal, a fundraising effort, or a resolve to detach from the grid, it always helps to have someone on your side. 

DoGood!

chappy

Please feel free to email me with any comments, suggestions, or ideas: Matt@DoGoodedness.com.

Admittedly, I have had a lot of downtime lately, what with the holidays and all.  Work is slow, and you can only play so much Wii before pulling a muscle or five.  Consequently, yours truly has been tearing through some books at a blistering pace.  Hence the recent post on Outcasts United and today’s feature on another.  I promise not to inundate you with a discussion on every literary work that comes across my desk, but every now and then I find one that drastically changes my perspective.  A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah is just that.

Occasionally, I am consumed by an overwhelming desire to fill in my knowledge gaps.  Assuredly, there is plenty out there that I am unaware of, but omission of major topics is completely unsettling.  This is why A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldierjumped out as I scanned the book aisle at Target.  Aside from the $9.95 price (a pretty good deal methinks), my interest was peaked since I had never read a first person account of the Sierra Leone conflicts.  Aside from a Kanye West song and a documentary on diamond mining, I actually knew very little about the region and its inhabitants.

As someone who ascribes heavily to what my wife refers to as “stupid humor,” this book comes as a drastic change of pace.  Do not expect to be thoroughly amused or entertained by what Beah has to offer.  This is a gritty, uncensored, and heart wrenching view into the mind of a 12-15 year old boy enveloped by horrible circumstances.  To call such accounts “sobering” would be a massive understatement.  It is straight-up unbelievable at times.  However, I strongly feel that everyone should give it a read.

Something worth noting is the author’s style.  Initially, I was a bit critical of the unpolished and elementary arrangement.  The stream of consciousness storytelling does not appear to be well thought out or carefully edited.  Paragraphs jump around with little regard to coherence or flow.  I wondered why this fella (who obviously did not grow up speaking fluent English) did not sign on a co-author to polish things up.

But then my perspective changed.  When Beah enters the war, you will realize that there is no other way to tell the story.  Sugar coating would only decry his intent.  What this child encounters is unimaginable, and the only way to truly experience all of it is through his eyes and his words.  So, if you decide to give this book a chance, I ask that you stick with it through the first 100 pages.

Ultimately, this is a story of hope and overcoming unquestionable odds.  There is a positive light to celebrate, but at the same time, you want to cry for the thousands of children who were less fortunate.  After reading A Long Way Gone, you will start to pay attention when the world news mentions warring African Nations.  Why?  Because Ishmael Beah has provided a personal connection to what is really happening.  And this is why I mention his book on DoGoodedness.  A big part of helping a cause and doing good around the world is believing in change; understanding the bad and fighting for what is right.  Through his memoirs, the author has opened the eyes of millions.

If you want people to take up your flag and make a positive impact, then give them a first hand account.  Put a face and a story on your mission statement, because then it is personal.  This, my friend, is why you want to call up Sarah McLachlan and adopt all the abused animals they show on the Humane Society commercials.

Give your audience a connection, and they will believe.

DoGood, and have a Happy New Year!

chappy

Please feel free to email me with comments, suggestions, or whatever: Matt@DoGoodedness.com.

Can't Sleep?

Like many optimistic young professionals, I am constantly inundated with management parables.  Books, articles, and training seminars offer up more business advice than anyone could ever implement.  Most of this information has been logged away in the unreachable caverns of my brain, but a few thoughts have settled in to practical use.

One of my favorite references is the book “Rules of Thumb” by Alan M. Webber.  Instead of prosthelytizing the certain truths of Leadership, he dictates interactions with successful people and the traits that inherently drive them to greatness.  One of Webber’s favorite interview questions from his years of reporting is “What keeps you up at night?” because that unsettling feeling is the impetus to wake up in the morning and make things happen.

I love this, because a truthful answer will basically sum up what drives an individual.  It is the essence of what makes you tick.  This will tell you so much about someone: who they are under the surface and what kind of person they really are.

So why would this apply to what we are working towards here at DoGoodedness?  The answer is simple: We want to know what you care about.  Beyond work and family, what causes and issues occupy your thoughts? Take a minute and answer honestly: What keeps YOU up at night?  Note: “nothing” is a crappy answer.  Write these things down.  If you really want to affect change, this is where you will find your calling.

The things that keep me up at night: Illiteracy, the homeless population, providing a wonderful world for my kids (hypothetical children, of course – little Chappys are in the distant future), and being a better person.

Of the many reasons you can find to get involved, it is great to list one of them as “this really matters to me.”  With such motivation, it is much easier to stay committed.  The early mornings, late nights, sweat, tears, and money you sacrifice will be well worth it.  Believing in what you do makes your work special.

Please email me (matt@DoGoodedness.com) with what keeps you up at night.  Let me know how you want to challenge the status quo and make a positive impact on the world.  I will be delighted to help you get plugged in or start your own initiative.

DoGood!

matt

photo by stephmcg via flickr

I spent much of my day today at Auburn University visiting with their Engineering Staff and hearing about some research on alternative fuels.  It was a great chance to see what technology is coming down the pipeline.  During his presentation, one of my former professors was venturing onto the topic of sustainability when he threw out the term “Greenwashing.”  I had a pretty good guess at what he was referring to.   A quick Google search confirmed my suspicions.

For a while, I have been trying to think of an expression for this exact concept, and now I had it.  If you notice the previous titles to your right, you see that I must keep my article names succinct (or else they jumble up the spacing), and my creative allusion to Kermit the Frog was not going to fit on one line.

Greenwashing, as defined by Wikipedia, “is the practice of companies disingenuously spinning their products and policies as environmentally friendly.”  Or as I like to call it, “color fraud.”  The Susan G. Komen Foundation is familiar very familiar with this concept.

You might recall the thousands of pink ribbon adorned objects for sale in October, where many of them do absolutely nothing for the battle against Breast Cancer.  Greenwashing serves to similarly draw on the heartstrings of consumers and fool them into endorsing companies that do little or nothing for the environment.

As everyone is aware, being green is all the rage these days.  The problem, as with any marketing fad, is discerning who is for serious and who simply changed their color scheme. The challenge is being an informed consumer.  Take time to look at the facts.

Surrounding a product with healthy vegetation in a TV commercial does not make it beneficial for the environment.  A large SUV atop a mountain is no more in tune with nature than one that is inching through rush hour traffic.  Don’t be fooled by creative packaging and pretty pictures.

If you are employed at an organization that throws around the “Green” concept liberally, then hold your company responsible.  If the proof is not apparent, then ask your boss what is being done to support the image that is being purveyed.  I have run into this façade, as has my wife at in her job.  When all is said and done, is your business jumping on the promotional bandwagon, or are they really making an effort?

One of my goals from the outset of this site was to focus on being “Environmentally Conscious” and avoid any associations with the previously mentioned term.  This is partly in an attempt to dissociate from this growing trend and additionally to remove any ambiguity.  Our goal here at DoGoodedness is to provide reasonable and effective means of lessoning your environmental impact.

All being said, I am not here to rip someone a new one for changing the background on their website or redesigning their literature to look more more natural, but being “green” is simple.  We should hold ourselves to higher standards, and question the intentions of those who wear a false altruism.  Finding a new term wouldn’t hurt either…

Just keep Doing Good, and the world will be a better place for it!

Thanks,

Matt Chapman (or Chappy if we’re cool)

Not Your Typical Commute

My love affair with the automobile began rather early in life.  I don’t know if it was the go-kart or Bigfoot Power Wheels, but somehow my right foot became directly linked with a feeling of bliss.  As the son and grandson of stock car racers, I felt that my destiny would eventually lead to the field of motor sports.

Moving on to Auburn University, my interest and a pursuit for a Mechanical Engineering degree led to involvement with the Solar Car Project.  This turned out to be a tremendous undertaking, consuming two solid years, $200,000, and a team of about twenty students to pull off.  Our preverbal light at the end of the tunnel was the North American Solar Challenge; a race taking us across 2,500 miles, eight states, and three Canadian Provinces over the course of ten days.

This experience completely changed my perspective on the modern automobile.  As one of our three drivers, I learned (sometimes reluctantly) how to drive conservatively, to save as much energy as possible.  Although this felt rather Un-American, the concept made a lot more sense than the lead-footed approach I was so accustomed to.

Nowadays, when I hear about a two-passenger car having 400+ Horsepower (a la 2010 Camaro), my first question is “why is that necessary?”  Most daily commutes are a far cry from the Daytona 500.  Our project vehicle could easily run highway speeds with an 11 HP electric motor, by the way…If you can safely and speedily accomplish your daily driving with much less, then why do we indulge in the excess?

Rest assured, I am not here to sell you a solar-powered car (this concept isn’t commercially viable), but I do want to speak to the ideas of fuel conservation and reducing emissions.

If you look at countries that are already dealing with high gas prices and increased congestion, you will notice some obvious differences in the vehicle market.  Ford, an American staple, recently released a 65mpg (diesel) compact in Europe that may never see the light of day on our side of the pond.  What does this say about us as a country?  Are we so obsessed with mechanical muscle and third-row seating that we aren’t even being considered as a marketable audience?

I think most can agree that we will have to adopt some new technologies in order to meet higher emissions standards and combat petroleum dependence.  Below are some existing technologies that could offer viable alternatives for today, tomorrow, and ten years from now.

The Hybrid

I remember when the first Prius came on the market eight years ago.  It was ugly, small, and exuding as much masculinity as a man purse (or satchel, if you will).  The argument I heard repeatedly was “It would take too many years to pay back the cost difference in gas savings.”  Well people, the year is almost 2010; gasoline prices are increasingly volatile, and the sticker for a Prius is about $22 Grand.  Now what do you think?

2010 Prius

By the numbers, here is what we are talking about.  First of all, the Prius has a 51mpg rating in the city and 48mpg highway.  How does it accomplish this?  There are two main things that contribute to such exceptional stop-and-go longevity: the electric motor and regenitive braking.  By virtue of being a hybrid, this vehicle can operate completely under power of the electric motor or assist it with the gasoline engine.  Under 15 mph, the Prius does not use the internal combustion engine – thus the off-the-charts city rating.

Another plus with this hybrid arrangement is regenetive braking.  Essentially, the car reverses its electric motor (turning it into a generator) to slow the car down, which serves to return some of the energy back to the batteries.  Our solar car had this technology on board, and it really came in handy for stop-and-go driving.

Now, let me reiterate that the Prius is not the only Hybrid on the market, but it is currently head and shoulders above others in the US.  Most major automakers are now adding this option on several of their popular models.  Buying a hybrid version of larger vehicles will certainly increase their fuel mileage, but bumping up your Lexus to that technology will cost a chunk.

Electric Vehicles

The electric vehicle, or EV is making headway as a viable alternative, but it will be a while before the common man (or woman) can justify such an investment.  As you may have heard,  the highly publicized release of the Chevy Volt will be taking place in 2011.  Although touted as the savior of GM and American oil dependency, the limited initial production will probably keep them out of your reach for a while.  Additionally, the $40,000 price tag may be a little steep for most consumers.

2011 Chevy Volt

The general concept of the Volt is to operate on electric charge (about 8 hours) until the 40 mile capacity, and then will use a gasoline engine to take you up to a 300 mile range.  For those who rely on their vehicle for extended commutes, this car is not even close to being practical yet.  The technology is out there, but it will be years before this will catch on.  It is also worth noting that the grid system will need to be beefed up if we are all charging our cars every night.

CNG

Due to our stake in the natural gas industry, my company has recently invested in several CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) powered Honda Civics.  This technology has been around for a while, and this is not our first foray into a CNG fleet, but significant strides in recent years have brought it back into the conversation.  First of all, natural gas is plentiful and cheap.  Additionally, the US has enough locally to be self-sufficient, thus avoiding dependency on other countries.

With regards to emissions, CNG vehicles produce much less than the gasoline equivalent.  For example, the regular civic (1.8 Liter Engine) produces about 6.3 tons of CO2 per year (15,000 miles/yr), while the natural gas version is rated at 3.6 tons CO2.

What about the cost?  While the CNG outfit will raise the price tag slightly, the estimated fuel costs will save nearly $500 per year.  However, most sections of the country do not currently have the infrastructure to support such vehicles.  Natural gas filling stations are few and far between, but are growing steadily.  If you are willing to make the large initial investment, there are in-home compressors that can be hooked up to your existing gas line.  They typically take a solid overnight (8 Hour) cycle to completely fill the vehicle.  People tell me they are also quite noisy.

Diesel

Undoubtedly, we are no strangers to the diesel powered car.  Currently, these are much more popular in Europe, as evidenced by the previously mentioned Ford compact. Diesel is no longer just the smelly, clunky fuel for 18-wheelers.  Some of the most efficient cars on the road are now turbo-diesels, and for good reason.

Hydrogen Internal Combustion

What about Hydrogen-power you say?  The technology works, but as long as people still remember the Hindenburg, I wouldn’t bank on this being widespread.  The emissions are much lower for this fuel.  However, the H2 has to be manufactured somewhere.  Implementing an infrastructure and manufacturing for this would also be quite the undertaking.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell

This one is definitely one of the coolest methods of producing power, but it is currently way too expensive and inefficient to be taken seriously.  The basic concept is to break down hydrogen, draw oxygen from the air, and put these through a proton exchange membrane, thus creating electricity.  The byproduct of this reaction is water, making the overall emissions much lower than an internal combustion engine.

Ethanol

Fun fact: in the US, you must obtain a permit before making your own ethanol, because the fermentation very closely mirrors that of moonshinin’ (in the south, there is no “g”).  It is one step in the process away from being ingestible Pure Grain Alcohol.  Chances are, your car is already running off of a small amount ethanol, as the government mandates that your gasoline contain some.  Benefit: it doesn’t come from the Middle East, burns a little bit cleaner than petroleum based products, and it already works in most new cars.  Downside: unless you are using a very sugar rich plant in the distillation process (sugar cane, sugar beets), then the amount needed to make fuel is a bit gaudy.  Using corn for this, frankly, is quite inefficient.

And there you have my take on where are automotive options are headed.  Please feel free to comment or send me any questions you have: Matt@DoGoodedness.com!

Thanks,

Matt

In my day job, I am an engineer for a natural gas distribution company.  With the shroud of uncertainty surrounding the gas and oil business as of late, it has been an interesting place to be employed.  Prices fluctuate constantly, inciting friends to request that my discount be applied to their bill each month.  Unfortunately, no such discount exists, and even I cringe a little when my company sends a bill to the house (especially when it gets cold outside).

As a consumer, it sucks to feel helpless while everything around you is slowly getting more expensive.  Cost of living raises are falling by the wayside, even as the cost of living continues to go up.  I’m here to tell you that there is hope.  There are plenty of ways to combat your energy bills.  I have assembled a list of cost-effective and very doable options for reducing your home energy consumption.  Added bonus: these cutbacks lessen your environmental impact!  I have broken all the options down by cost and difficulty, so you can choose your speed.

We’ll begin with some very simple things you can do around the house.  Anybody can do these with relative ease and very minimal investment.  You will see a difference in your bill immediately!

Turn off Stuff You Aren’t Using

Here’s a shocker!  If you are not in a room, turn the lights off.  If you aren’t watching the television, listening to the radio, or benefitting from any other electronic device, then they should be in the off position.  That is, unless your household pets or ghosts seem to be enjoying their use.

Close the Refrigerator

Another less-than novel revelation, but an effective thought nonetheless.  Try not to leave the fridge open for extended periods of time, and let any warm food cool before throwing it in there.  Fun engineering/nerd fact: a refrigerator with its door open long enough will actually heat up the surrounding space.  This is largely due to the amount of energy needed for a compressor to cool the air.  All totaled, this appliance accounts for roughly 25% of your electricity costs.  See below on how to buy a more efficient version.

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

Unlike the previous options, this one will actually cost you a little extra money.  However, using compact fluorescent bulbs is a no brainer.  When compared to incandescent light bulbs, these last four to ten times as long (less waste!) and use about a quarter of the energy.  As your other bulbs die out, start replacing them with these.

Turn Down Your Water Heater

Turn your water heater down to 120 degrees during when you aren’t home.  When going on vacation, you can turn it down even lower.  Doing this could save you in the neighborhood of 10% on your heating bill, booyah!  You can also save a little by ensuring that the pipes are insulated properly and losing as little heat as possible.

Cut Back on Washer & Dryer Usage

As a dude, I admittedly was not aware of this, but did you know that many clothes can be washed on a cold cycle and hung on drying racks instead of using the dryer?  Minimize your dryer time with smaller loads and a low- or no-heat setting.  Cold cycle washing can save around sixty bucks a year, and air drying could reduce costs by close to $120 (source: peachygreen.com).  Also, be sure to clean the vent so that the dryer works more effectively.  Otherwise, you are restricting air flow.

Here a few more ambitious options for those of you who aren’t afraid to spend some money for a return on your investment in the near future.

Programmable Thermostat

If you still have a manual thermostat, it might be time for an upgrade.  Programmable thermostats are reasonably priced (about $100) and will save you a ton of cash when used appropriately.  This handy device ensures that the temperature is regulated 24/7 whether you are home or not.  Check here for tips in finding the appropriate unit.

Adding Insulation

One of the best ways to increase the efficiency of your home is to add insulation in areas where it is lacking, especially in older houses.  This will help retain the heated/cooled air that you pay so dearly for.  Target areas for this are the attic and walls.  For less than $1,000, you can hire someone to blow insulation or you can rent equipment and do it yourself.  Be sure to read this before going it alone.

Laptop

If you are looking to purchase a new computer this Christmas, consider buying a laptop instead of a desktop model.  Laptops consume one-fifth the electricity!

Double Pane Windows

Along the same lines as adding insulation, replacing older windows with double paned ones will help reduce the energy loss from your home.  I have these in my house, and they really do make a difference, especially since my place was built in the 1950s.

And for the grand finale!  These are for those who are planning on being in the house at least a few years and want to make significant cutbacks in your grid-based energy consumption.  I shall call you my overachievers!

Energy Efficient Appliances

As I mentioned earlier in this post, the typical refrigerator can constitute 25% of your total electricity bill.  Why then, would you not consider getting one that uses less power?  While the higher efficiency appliances do cost more up front, most will pay back the investment within a year or two.  This goes for just about anything with a 220 Volt plug that you use on a regular basis.  A little research before heading to the appliance store could save a lot of money in the long run.

Solar Panels

Sure solar technology is great, but it’s super-expensive, right?  Well I have good news: the cost of solar is dropping rapidly.  Whereas, rich hippies have traditionally been the only ones with panels on their roofs, the price point is steadily migrating into the middle-class range.  Depending on where you live and how much sun your house receives, the payback period for complete off-the-grid solar power could be much less than the ominous 30 years that has been intimidating buyers.  Additionally, if the up front investment is too high for a complete system, consider a step-by-step removal from grid power.  Start by powering your outdoor lighting with solar.  Then gradually build up the capacity to handle indoor lighting and appliances.  The great thing about using solar technology is that adding on to the system (panels, batteries, etc) is relatively easy.  Stay tuned to DoGoodedness for instructions on how to build your own solar panel.

Solar Hot Water Heater

In addition to powering your home, solar is also great for heating your hot water.  The payback period for these systems can be two to three years, and installation is much less complicated than the panel-type.  If you have an older hot water heater, check and see if a solar replacement is viable for your area.

Wind Turbine

I have to preface this option with a “only if you live out in the country” clause.  Wind turbines are a great source of energy, but as with solar, the potential is largely dependent on your region.  There are plenty of people out there who have put one of these on their property and produced enough electricity to run their house and then some.  Whatever extra you produce, the power company must buy back, so with the right setup, a wind turbine can turn into a profitable venture in time.

LED Lights

For the uber-ambitious among you, consider replacing all of your lights with LED bulbs.  Outfitting your entire house can be quite pricey, but the energy savings can be rather impressive.  These last up to ten times longer than compact fluorescents (see above) and use less than a third of the power.  If you are looking at switching to solar power, then these babies will drastically reduce the number of panels that will be needed.  Read more here.

Feel free to send in your tips for cutting back to me (matt@DoGoodedness.com).  I would love to hear them!

DoGood!

Matt

Photo by Jeremy Levine Design

Rush Hour in Amsterdam

Now that you have heard my spiel on the health benefits of cycling, it is time to hold on to your butts for part two!  I’ll begin with a personal experience…

Amsterdam

Back in April, my boys (translated: guy friends) and I spent ten days exploring the western side of Europe.  As expected, the trip was a great time.  I love travelling, particularly because you get to see how people live outside of your bubble.  Whether it is simply getting out of the state, country, or hemisphere, there are always things you can learn from a different culture.

Along with Belgian Beer and English Soccer (or “Proper Football” as they call it), the iconic bicycles of Amsterdam were a notable experience.  Of course, I was aware that the Dutch were fond of the machine, but the approximately 550,000 bikes in the city limits speak volumes of their passion.  Stepping out of the Central Train Station, my buddies and I where a bit overwhelmed.  At first, the melee of cyclists, pedestrians, cars, and trams seems like a no holds barred free-for-all.  But after senses adjust, you realize this is all a well-coordinated dance; a well oiled system of understanding.  The only cause for interruption is a confused tourist (or four in our case).

Far and away, this was the happiest and fittest population I have ever interacted with.  The more sassy of you may be quick to correlate the “coffee shops” and red light district with the abundance of smiles.  While there might be an ounce of merit to that point, I will take the liberty of offering up another explanation.  A brief aside first: You have to understand, I am a bit annoyed by parking lots.  There is no better way to ruin a city block.  Here in the U.S. (an auto-centric society) we have ample parking space.  In fact we have enough to cover the state of Connecticut.  In the city centre of Amsterdam, I saw very few, if any, parking lots.  The numerous canals and social plazas would have to be sacrificed to accommodate an influx of cars.  So, unlike our typical approach in the States, their city government has historically opposed any initiatives that would favor blacktop over bike paths and walking space.  The locals certainly appear to appreciate the lifestyle.

Bicycle Friendly City Planning

Want proof that this will work in our country?  Check out the towns of Davis, California or Portland, Oregon.  These are model examples of how shifting emphasis away from the automobile can have a positive impact on the community.  Believe it or not, increasing interstate accessibility may not always be the best solution.  Even here in Alabama, Auburn University is converting their campus and surrounding areas to be more pedestrian and bike friendly.  In a multi-year phase that is baffling a lot of people, they are actually reducing parking spots and eliminating roads that used to run through the middle of campus.  That deserves a War Eagle!

The Savings

If the decision to ditch the car comes down to dollars and cents, then give this next part some thought.

As someone who has most of the basic necessities (grocery, restaurants, medical, night life) within a five mile radius, I have strongly considered getting rid of one of our two vehicles.  Based on what I spend for gas, maintenance, parking, and insurance, I could save nearly $5,000 a year (not including sale of the car) if I ditched the “MattMobile.”  While the machine and I have had some good times together, this thought is rather tempting.  Obviously, if you switch to a bike, there are costs involved.  However, unless you are a Lance Armstrong wannabe, then a ten-thousand-dollar road bike shouldn’t be necessary.  There are plenty of great bikes out there under a grand.  Maintenance is nominal when compared to that of a car.  If the weather is prohibitive for cycling, then there are plenty of other ways to get around.

With the added exercise, there also may no longer be a need for that gym membership.  Extra-bonus: your local municipality or state govenment may also offer incentives for utilizing alternate modes of transportation.  Check into it, because you could get paid for every day you commute by bike!  Birmingham residents, here is your link for incentives.

Environmental Benefits

Last time I checked, my bike has no tailpipe.  So, other than the times I ride after a visit to Taco Bell, there are zero emissions being produced by rider and machine.  Here’s a real world example: Say you drive 12,000 miles annually in your 2008 Honda Civic (manual transmission).  In this scenario, you would be emitting 7,826 pounds of carbon dioxide in a year.  Simply commuting three times per week by bike (for a round trip of 10 miles) would reduce your CO2 emissions by over 1,500 pounds.  If you drive a less fuel efficient vehicle, the savings would be even higher!  I am certainly not here to debate global warming, but if you prefer car exhaust and smog over clean air then please have your head examined.

One more bike on the road means one less car.  Reduced congestion means people spend less time sitting in traffic burning fossil fuels and smogging up the city.  Not to be cliché, but you can either be part of the solution or part of the problem!

DoGood!

Matt

Feel free to comment below or email me at Matt@DoGoodedness.com!

picture by nakedsky via Flickr