Comments fotografx has made

  • Carbon Offsets

    It seems the idea of carbon offsets trading if in fact an international set of limits is adopted would be a good way to provide a mechanism to balance resources in an overall positive way to obtain a reduction that would be less of a burden to those least capable of investing in the means to reduce carbon emissions output.

    But on an individual basis it seems much less productive compared to finding ways to actually reduce one's carbon footprint by adopting ways to use less energy by efficiencies that conserve while providing the same level of living benefits. For instance many Europeans enjoy a standard of living equal to or better than Americans but on average have a carbon footprint half that of Americans. Identifying the differences and why we in American use more carbon based energy would assist greatly in reducing our emissions without any substantive reduction in living standards.

    David B. Brooks On Umbra on carbon offsets posted 2 years, 1 month ago 7 Responses

  • Umbra On Ethanol

    I believe both ethanol and biodeisel should be looked at as first steps towards replacing petroleum with plant based resources that are re-newable. The plant resources and their cultivation can be expanded and diversified as processing and distribution infrastructure is constructed.

    But like petro fuel government strategy today, a sensible, realistic and achievable national policy does not exist independent of the influence of the petroleum industry. So what we really need first is new human resources in government who are independent and true representative of the people who will advocate to pursue all viable and responsible avenues to a sustainable energy future.

    A good part of that must be a restructuring on the socio-political environment that will favor effective conservation, and not at the expense of just people but equally shouldered by business and industry so the waste of commuting is lessened by shortening the distance people and products are transported to get the nations work and commerce accomplished.

    This is not a new idea for a more efficient and less wasteful America. Jerry Brown when governor of California advocated a de-centralized "small world" approach to social and economic organization and was called governor "moonbeam"  because of it. Ahead of his time what he advocated a quarter of a century ago needs to be revisited. The distance the food on your table travels to get there is an absurdity as is the horrendous long commutes alone in a car every day so many millions of Americans make to work, are the real causes of our excessive dependence on imported petroleum, and besides ethanol and biodeisel, must be as much a part of the solution.On Umbra on ethanol posted 3 years, 6 months ago 28 Responses

  • Take It To The Limit

    For a 1970's automobile 55MPH may have been an optimal compromise for gas saving. In 2005 for current automobiles (excepting SUV's) the most efficient speed is probaly closer to 75.
    Current passenger cars are far more aerodynamic than they were in 1970, and they are geared for much higher speeds at which the engine is functioning most efficiently.On Umbra on speed limits posted 4 years, 2 months ago 10 Responses