First saw the announcement of Good Magazine on Treehugger and then came across the Gawker "review". I was surprised they struggled with totally trashing it. I subscribed and chose to give my $20 subscription price to the Millennium Promise Fund. You have a choice of organizations where your money will be donated.
This is the 3rd tree that sits on the lagoon. When these trees mature they are going to create a Robinson Crusoe feel owning the areas along the bank.
This is the banyan we remembered and it seems to be getting stronger by the day. There is a nice forest floor surrounding the tree that sits right on the creek. There are 3 things in this photo that make us happy.
I've hesitated posting about biofuel because for me it's a bit complicated. A NY Times article helps to get my head around it. "Biodiesel comes from soybean, palm or oil-seed plants like canola and mustard, as well as from animal fats. Corn oil can also be extracted for fuel. Some start-up companies and university scientists are testing algae, which is attractive because it would not dip into the nation’s feedstock reserve." According to the article there is big investment in this technology across the board and the involvment of environmentalist, farmers and investment bankers has all the ear marks of something both creative and promising for satisfying energy needs. "But the strongest incentives are high petroleum prices and federal tax credits. “If one of those two fall, the industry’s growth would slow significantly, but would survive,” said Eric Bowen, a lawyer who helped found San Francisco Biodiesel, which plans to build refineries based on rendered animal fat and recycled vegetable oil from restaurants. “But if both fall away, the biodiesel industry would be in serious trouble.” It is a little disturbing that if gas becomes more affordable again all of this new technology could go out the window. As if the price of gas is the real problem we face.
I've seen 2 of these creatures so far. It appears to be vines and round thorny fruit dangling from palm trees. I hope this isn't obvious but what is this? It looks like it will start moving its tentacles any minute. I hope it is something I can find and plant on our lot but it seems to have come from another world.
I get a little lost when it comes to understanding the design of windows. One aspect I do understand is "The most fundamental climate-responsive design consideration in terms of windows is orientation." That would be passive sustainable design. Design your building for the start to work with the movement of the sun. Our waterfront view faces north and south which is a negative in terms of the duration of sun that our window wall will receive. "In the continental United States, east- and west-facing windows have low sun angles, meaning big solar gains and glare that’s difficult to control. Controlling solar gain and glare through overhangs or lightshelves on south- and north-facing windows is much easier. South-facing windows can provide winter solar heat gain if desirable, and north-facing windows can be great in hot climates." I'll have to explore local window companies but I am starting to understand the basics.
The Rocky Mountain Institute's 2030 challenge calls for all new buildings and renovations to be designed carbon-neutral —meaning their operations will release zero carbon dioxide into the atmosphere."We have already seen some pushback from clients," he said. "I think this is healthy, especially as people try to understand what this level of performance entails for them. Most people I have spoken with are excited about trying to achieve the 2030 Challenge and are coming to RMI because we can deliver extra-high-performance buildings. However, some don't see why they should change from business as usual in fact, this is where the real excitement of this proposal lies! These 'status quo' people are the ones who will really make a difference when they discover that it is not painful, and may even be profitable, to make a significant difference and the bar will be raised." Victor also noted that getting to 50 percent (or 100 percent) carbon reduction is something that is within reach of all designers and builders—the only requirement is commitment." It seems to me the inevitable will occur. Once the American consumer is educated and green building/design are understood as common sense, the old way of building will be out the window. A lot can happen in 24 years.
Our poor dog Jasper has been missing Brooklyn probably more than anyone. A bit reversed considering a country life would be the preferred life for a dog. It's a different kind of country down here, however. Up to now he's been feeling a little left out and neglected. We're trying to find a new routine and it takes time. He used to run Prospect Park every morning off leash, fetch his ball, and freely answer the call of nature. Here has been a bit confining for him as everywhere nearby requires a leash. Now we can take him, in the evenings, to his future home for a real run. Jasper is once again a happy pup. I have to say SWFL is a little strict with dog rules. We'll have to look into that and see what we can do.
Mr Gottfried finally got the mower working and we were able to mow through some tall grass to get a better feel of this mostly foreign land. We vaguely remembered that the land was beautiful and found ourselves experiencing a bit of buyers remorse. Once we could move around, however, we discovered areas we could only realize once we walked under them. There is a small child laying on the quilt. I think it is time for a new camera to do this justice. It was a great feeling to sit under a beautiful tree.
