Brett Talks Tech

Simple Ways To Prepare For Winter Storms

2011-01-06T08:38:00.007-05:00

With rains, floods, and mudslides in the west, spectacular snow storms in the northwest, blizzards across the northeast, tornadoes in the Midwest, and even snow in the southern belt winter has arrived with a bang.

During this time it is important to consider doing some simple things to assure safety and security for you, your family, and your community.

In areas that experience heavy snow, ice, and wind, power is often interrupted by tree limbs falling on the electrical wires. So the time to prepare for lost power is now, before the interruption.

If your home or business is not protected from power outage by a backup generator it is important to ensure that there are plenty of flashlights and batteries around the house or business. Ensure that your car also has a strong flashlight with extra batteries.

Although many like to use candles during a power outage, always think safety first. Many house fires in winter are caused by candles falling over during the day or evening. Fighting house fires in any circumstance is a differcult job, but in winter it is compounded by delays due to street conditions (fallen power lines), ice, snow, and even automobile accidents. Play it safe by avoiding candle usage.

Before the storm arrives make sure you have plenty of water. Whether purchasing bottled water or filling bottles from the sink ensure that there is several gallons of water per person available. I like to keep at a minimum five (5) gallons per person in the house during a storm period.

Food supplies for a minimum of a week for each member of the house is important. Keep in mind how you can cook if power is out for a week. If you rely on microwave ovens, and electric stoves for cooking you may be out of luck. A barbque may not be feasible in blizzard conditions unless you have a covered deck or screened porch, always keep in mind that fumes from charcoal is poisonous and can only be used in an open air environment. Every year there are countless deaths associated with carbon monoxide poisoning, an easy proventable tragady.

Talking about carbon monoxide poisoning, if using your cars heater for warmth and if in a garage, make sure that the door is open to allow the exhaust to dissipitate into the air, again every year people die due to not following this simple instruction.

If you have a woodstove, ensure that there is enough fuel for a week or more kept and stored in a dry, easy access location.

In our house we are able to cook soups, stews, pasta, really anything that needs to be boiled or cooked in a pot on our woodstove. This past week I made delicious "grilled" sandwiches by wrapping the sandwich in aluminum foil and placing on the top of the stove for several minutes.

Our wood stove and fireplace also supplies heat for the house and with the BioBricks I wrote about previously we are warm and comfortable even in the harshest of winter tempuratures.

For your car prepare an emergency supply kit in case you have differculty getting to where you need to be or the car gets stuck for any reason.

If you have an old blanket or two, neatly fold and place in the back seat, if you do not have an old blanket to use, go to a discount store and buy several, do this before the storm, by being prepared before the need arises you won't have to go out during the storm event. Have at least a gallon container of water in the car, and when leaving the car, take the water into work or the house with you so the water does not freeze during the time the car is sitting.

In an old duffle bag, small box, or paper/plastic sack, place a first aid kit, extra batteries for your flashlight (kept in the glovebox of your car), some dried fruit, nuts, trail mix, anything that you can eat that will not be affected by freezing.

Place a battery-operated radio in the car so that you do not have to use the cars' battery in case you are stuck for more than several hours. Always ensure that your cell phone has a full charge during winter when you are driving.

Also place an extra pair of gloves, scarfs, and hats in the bag, remember if stuck in the snow or due to icy conditions on the roads, the most important thing is to be able to keep warm without having to use the cars heater for long periods of time. If you do need to use the car heater while at the side of the road, ensure that the car exhaust is not blocked by snow. Do not keep the heater on continuesly, keep in mind not exhausting the car battery, wrap yourself and others with you in the blankets and turn the heater on and off as needed.

Surviving a winter storm, blizzard, or flooding is just about being prepared ahead of time and having the ability to sit out any condition. If your home or work place is well supplied to keep you warm, provide food and water, then its less of a chance you would have to be out driving.

Stay pro-active in your home supplies, survival is about food, water, and warmth. If power is out at home, and there is no TV, no computers, or video games, prepare to have a good time with board games, reading, and old fashioned story telling.

Being smart by being prepared is a very good thing and a very good thing to teach to our children.

Brett

New Year Ushers In New Decade

2011-01-03T11:46:00.005-05:00

As we usher in the new year, we also begin a new decade. What does this new decade offer? Only time will tell.

I think of the past decade, little did we know as we entered the first decade of the 21st century what changes would be in store for us.

As we entered the year 2000, it seemed our major concern was Y2K.

Computers stopping, satellites and planes falling from the sky, financial markets tanking. Not to be, Y2K proved to be nothing more than an opportunity for computer manufacturers and programmers.

But within two years of our new decade our world changed forever, and before the decade would end America would suffer greatly.

Terrorism killing thousands on American soil, two wars would cost thousands of American lives, tens of thousands of wounded, and financial and economic disasters.

We learned that the American dream had nightmares too. Millions lost their homes to foreclosure, millions more lost their jobs, hopes, and futures.

What is in store for us in this next decade? What will be the catalyst of the next major change?

I could not say.

What I do suggest is this.

Continue to reevaluate your life and material needs.

Teach yourself and your children the joys of sustainable living.

Learn to be as self sufficient as possible.

If able, plant fruit trees and berry bushes, plant a garden, grow organically if possible.

If able, put a small chicken coop in your backyard, harvest your own fresh eggs.

Seek alternative heating for your home, water, and cooking requirements.

Recover rain water for gardening purposes, and possible gray water uses.

It is not impossible to achieve, we have done all the above at our home.

Make a commitment to yourself that this year, the very first year of our new decade, that you will become more self sufficient. Teach your children the importance of self-reliance and self control.

All it took was one day in September of 2001 to change the world forever, what will cross our paths this new decade?

I wish all of you peace, goodwill, and hope. Have a very blessed New Year and decade to come.

Brett

The Original BioBricks - Pictures

2010-12-22T10:50:00.007-05:00

Easy to store, stack and use. The Original BioBricks offers a clean, sustainable, 100% natural (wood) alternative for fireplaces, wood stoves, and fire pits.

No more splitting wood, sore backs, bugs or spiders for me.

The Original BioBrick Proves Good Things Do Come in Small Packages

2010-12-10T10:18:00.017-05:00

This past week I had the pleasure to meet with the partners and visit the factory of The Original BioBrick company, a Connecticut based company. (http://www.biopellet.net/).
Currently selling in the Northeast, from New Jersey to Maine, this sustainable energy (product) company is growing leaps and bounds.

As always, my disclaimer is that I have no financial interest in this company or product, have received no incentive for this article, and have purchased my test "bricks" at retail price.

So what is a BioBrick? Partners Steven Lanata and Jason Blakeslee describe this all natural product as "the cordwood alternative". The BioBrick is 100% wood, manufactured from recycled sawdust acquired from such sources as mills, and hardwood flooring manufacturers. The BioBrick uses no glues or artificial binders, being formed into a brick by the molding process and natural fibers and oils from the wood itself.

But what makes this product so good to use?

First I would say the ease of use. Since starting to use BioBricks in my wood stove and fireplace, I have not had to split and pile any wood, which has been very good for my back. Packaged into a 38 lb wrap (recycled plastic), each wrap contains 20 bricks, it is easy to carry into the house, and easier to store, as one 4' X 4' X 3' pallet equals a cord of wood.

Ease of use and packaging leads to another benefit to the homeowner, cleanliness, not having the dirt, dust, bark, insects and spiders associated with my wood pile of the past is actually a pleasure. No longer do I have a trail of debris following me to my wood stove or fireplace.

Cleanliness is also evident from the small amount of ash that the BioBrick produces, and Partners Steven and Jason have shared with me that commercial users of the BioBrick (restaurants that use wood burning brick ovens) have also noticed less creosote from using this product. They also like the consistent burn the BioBrick offers, allowing them to use only the bricks needed to arrive at the temperature required for their ovens, taking the guess work out of the equation of using wood.

I have noticed the same consistency of heat within my wood stove, and have particularly have enjoyed the fact that I can load the wood stove when I go to bed and find enough hot coals available in the morning to easily restart my stove. Steve and Jason told me that this is due to the density and uniformity of the brick, important to maintaining that consistency of burn.

Besides wood stoves and fireplaces (I highly recommend) other uses for the Original BioBrick are camping (many State Parks no longer allow the gathering of wood on site), RVs (again ease of carrying, use, and cleanliness), and cooking (wood burning brick ovens).

Like any great product, copycat companies and products are springing up. These copycat products come in different sizes, grades and quality, so don't be fooled, look for the package that says The Original BioBricks, The Cordwo0d Alternative. It is printed right on the recycled plastic wrap along with instructions for use.

Because of this consistency, density, and manufacturing quality, The Original BioBricks are endorsed by wood stove manufacturers around the country.

I have always been careful not to bring politics into my articles. I have always maintained that sustainable living is not political left, right, republican or democrat issue, but an individual, family, community, state, national, and global issue to address. However, one sad note about this sustainable and natural product has been the lack of interest and support from the local and state political community.

Even though partners Steven Lanata and Jason Blakeslee have made a substantial investment in manufacturing and labor to bring us this recycled product (saving countless trees in doing so), there has been no excitement or interest by local and state politicians here in Connecticut.

Maybe its not high tech enough or even glamorous enough to peek the interest of the politician, I don't know. I do know is that in my opinion, it is the only product that a homeowner should use in their wood stoves and fireplaces, I know from this moment on, it will be the only one in mine.

Brett

A Thanksgiving Prayer

2010-11-25T09:33:00.003-05:00

Today in The United States Of America we celebrate a National Holiday, Thanksgiving.

The origin of this day, was a harvest festival celebrated by our earliest settlers and the original inhabitants of the Cape Cod region (Northeast Massachusetts), whose growing and harvesting techniques assured the survival of the English newcomers.

Today it continues to be a day in which family and friends gather together for company, food, and drink.

It is also a day that offers each and every one of us the opportunity to reflect on those things that are most important to us, to give thanks, and to offer prayers for those no longer with us, and blessings to those that are still here.

I would like to give a special thought and prayer today to all the men and women in America's military service.

It is not the time to debate the right or wrong of our country's national and international policies.

It is the time to appreciate those men and women that risk their lives every day so that we at home can spend this day with family and friends.

It is the time to pray for the safe return for each and every man and woman in the service of our country.

It is the time to pray for those families that have experienced the ultimate sacrifice, the loss of their sons, daughters, husbands, wives, sisters, brothers, aunts, and uncles for our American freedoms.

As we feast, drink, and enjoy the company of our own families and friends, please take a moment to think about all those that may not have the blessings that we enjoy today.

I want to say thank you to all those men and women that live, are injured, and die, for my ability to sit safely in my home and enjoy those around me.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, oh brave Americans of our Armed Forces.

I pray for your safe return, I pray for your families and friends, and pray that you may be in the arms of your loved ones again.

Brett

Welcome Aboard Glenn Beck

2010-11-17T20:50:00.006-05:00

For over a year I have written about sustainable living and the need for simplifying ones life. I have purposely remained a-political, writing that sustainability is nether a political left or right, democratic or republican issue. I have also tried to remain out of the debate concerning global warming because of the divisive nature of that discussion.

However.

I am surprised and impressed that (Fox Corporation) pundit Glenn Beck has dedicated portions of his television show to talk about the need for Americans to simplify their lives and to begin the process of sustainability.

Now I have to say that to many Americans Glenn Beck represents the far right of republican thought. Mearly mentioning his name in many circles brings out the ugliest of opinions and comments.

However.

I want to thank Mr. Beck for his actions. I believe that someone of Mr. Becks stature talking about the importance of sustainability and offering opinions on how and why to do so, is very important to the "cause".

Mr. Beck appears to be "walking the talk". How so?

To me, when a person of Mr. Becks financial success speaks about going throughout his house to look for items that he no longer needs or wants with the desire to rid himself of those items, that speaks volumes to me. When Mr. Beck pleads with his viewers to eliminate their own personal debts and to think about simplifcation and sustainability in their daily lives, I am impressed.

As the holiday season and new year approaches what is the longterm interest for your family and home? Mr. Beck is challenging his viewers by providing simple steps they can use to begin a process, a process for personal change and personal empowerment.

For bringing this discussion to his viewers I have to say, Mr. Glenn Beck, I salute you.

Brett

What If It All Stopped Today?

2010-11-12T09:31:00.004-05:00

Let's say a huge solar flare erupted from the sun, sending a massive wave of electro-magnetic energy hurling towards the earth.

Let's say it was such a massive amount of radiation that virtually every power grid, satellite, computer, cell phone, well lets say, everything that relies on an electric or electronic signal failed.

What if it all stopped today?

Do you think that that is impossible? If you do I challenge you to use whatever search engine that you use for the keyword solar flare.

I think that you will be quite surprised at the number of articles concerning the consequences of a massive solar flare.

Of course there are other catastrophies both natural and not, that could cause a disruption or failure of our technilogical society. But to maintain that a-political stand, lets keep it with the solar flare.

What would you do?

How long would you be able to feed your family with the food in your home today?

How much fresh water do you have available?

How would you heat your home in winter?

What services (national, state, local) would be available to you?

Will the skills you posses allow you to maintain the security and health of your family?

I could go on and on but I think you get the message. But what would you do if everything stopped tomorrow?

As we close this year, I am going to be talking about what each of us can do to answer each and every question above.

Each question will satisfy the most basic human needs for sustainability, food, water, shelter, heat/cooling, and personal safety.

Please feel free to offer any comments and/0r personal experiences that will benefit the discussions.

Brett

One Step Forward Two Steps Back

2009-12-03T10:00:00.002-05:00

You have probably noticed that I have been away for the last two months.

I needed to take a step back, and take a look at where the blog was going.

I needed to understand what was my purpose for writing my articles, and attempting to engage in an interactive discussion with others about new technologies in smart homes, alternative energy and sustainable living?

With the Internet filled with just about every bit of information, article, post, and opinion on any subject that one may think of, so what more could I offer?

I noticed that my articles became less about new or green technology, but focused more on establishing a sustainable living practices.

Perhaps it was due in part to "a sign of the times", with so many people out of work, encouraging home (victory) gardens, and basic food pantry storage methods might not have been a bad thing.

Even though my blog reached The Executive Office Of President Of The United States, I wondered if I was giving my readers anything of value?

I realized I did offer my readers something of value. Sustainable living for the individual, the family, local communities, states and nation(s) is vital in today's world of technology and economy.

In this new world of economics, employment, and technology, sustainability is what it is all about.

So, I have sustained!

Brett Talks Tech is back and will be here daily with thoughts, information, articles of interest.

I welcome all readers to suggest a subject or technology to discuss and away we will go.

Brett

Quality Of Life or Quantiy Of Materials - A Personal Choice

2009-09-25T10:24:00.005-04:00

I have decided that I am not going to play anymore - consumer that is.

But what does that mean?

No, I am not going to live in a cave, and contemplate my navel.

I am going to keep a roof over my head, food in my stomach, and the necessary tools of day to day living such as health care and long term financial planning.

But what do I mean when I say, not playing consumer anymore?

The honest answer is that I don't know.

Maybe it's the simple, little things. Like the other day, I was going to buy my favorite BBQ sauce, at $6.95 for a 12 ounce jar. But something made me stop, and read the label, again. The ingredients were pretty simple, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, honey, molasses, mustard, and spices. All ingredients that I have at home. I put the jar back on the shelf, finished shopping, went home and mixed the tomato paste and other ingredients together and had about a quart of delicious BBQ sauce for about 3 dollars.

I am not sure how this equates to "not playing consumer". Does saving a few dollars shopping make me less of a consumer? I still had to buy the ingredients didn't I?

Or this past weekend, when I decided to cook a large pot of tomato sauce instead of buying the usual jar or two. Organic crushed tomatoes, Organic whole tomatoes, three cans of tomato paste (organic), spices, and now sits in several containers, a gallon of homemade sauce in the freezer for less then ten dollars.

I don't go to the neighborhood restaurant for breakfast anymore, I cook at home. In the past, I probably would eat out, between breakfast, lunch, and dinner about nine times a week. In the past two weeks, maybe three times. I have noticed that I am not filling my gas tank as much and the food I am eating is much healthier now, I know what's in it, and what's not. I also know I am not paying taxes or tipping for service when I choose to cook at home.

I find that I am seeking the simple now, not denying what I am desiring, just going about it differently.

Willing to stop and think, do I really need to purchase this today? Whatever it is. Do I really need it?

I notice every month that my utility bill usage is almost cut in half from the previous year. But what changes have I really put into effect? I don't know, maybe it's just being conscious of how I use electrical power, maybe not, I just know that I am using or consuming less. Perhaps it's because I am willing to take the time to hang dry my laundry outside and not use the dryer. But I don't know for sure.

I think about when and how I want to use my car these days, think about where I am going. Without effort, I have noticed that I am using half the gas that I used a year ago. How can that be? Can it really be from just being conscious of how and when I drive? I don't know, but I am consuming less. Less driving means that I am not changing oil as frequently as before.

For the past year, I have noticed that I really don't need to buy the books that I want to read, that I can go to the library. The same for DVDs. I have not re-subscribed to several magazines that I have enjoyed in the past, they have the same content on the web now.

My bank just sent me a notice, they are not going to be sending out paper statements anymore, I can now read all my banking information online. So be it, if I am interested in my statement, now its always available, perhaps even less visits to the bank in the future.

I no longer have credit cards, cash only now, if I can't afford it, I don't need it. My debit card can be used for making airline, hotel, or car rentals if necessary. Besides, most of the time my credit cards were used for dining out, which I am doing with less and less frequency.

Someone recently scolded me, and I admit it now, I am solely responsible for the downturn in the economy. For I am not participating in the "trickle down" theory of economics. What of the wait persons, the restaurant owners, the gas stations, so on and so on?

I don't know about that, never enjoyed my economics classes, I do know that I am happier, maybe it's the real food that I prepare now, void of preservatives, or MSG. Maybe it's just the thought that I am simplifying my life, ever so slowly, but ever so forward.

I really don't know.

Brett

Obama's Speech To UN - Global Economies Vs Global Warming

2009-09-22T10:10:00.003-04:00

I just listened to President Obama's speech, which focused on the need for more urgent action concerning the consequences of global warming, delivered to the body of the United Nations. President Obama, while outlining his commitment for clean air, water, and energy, carefully stepped around how to balance those concerns with world-wide economic realities and growth from newly emerging nations.

I have written over many months that sustainable living (for individual, community, and nation), along with (smart) alternative energy practices, is not a global warming, political left or right, democratic or republican, American vs world issue.

It is a quality of life and social economic issue that should be in the consciousness of all people.

One sentence that President Obama stated that particularly stood out to me (I did not write it down at the time nor recorded it so I am not putting quotation marks) was.

What is the use of raising up the poor, if we can not harvest food or have clean drinking water?

Many of my previous articles stress the importance of water recovery, storage, and purification. Additionally, I have also stressed the importance of home gardens, and planting of fruit trees and berries on home properties.

Regardless of one's opinion on global warming, I am not a scientist and do not know enough "facts" to offer any judgement pro or con whatsoever (to quote a character from Mel Brooks, Blazing Saddles, "I am just a pawn in the game of life". ) However, I do believe in self-reliance through sustainable living practices.

Regardless of social, economic, religious, or political affiliation, we need to take a personal interest in some aspect of sustainable practices.

It can be as simple as how we consume as individuals. What we buy. What becomes important to us individually.

Will we buy that new car, or do we buy a water recovery system for our home?

Media center or new insulation?

Do we buy the latest in cell phone technology, or do we change all incandescent light bulbs for more efficient lighting?

Fast food tonight, or dinner at home made with fresh and healthy ingredients?

Our President promises change is on the way. My advice. Simplify your life where you can, get back to basics, and make home and family the focus, what will be, will be.

Brett

New Follower Randy - Blogger for Clean Water & Sustainable Living

2009-09-18T09:00:00.003-04:00

I want to welcome fellow blogger Randy Allen Bishop to Brett Talks Tech.

Randy has several interesting blog sites with articles and information about such things as organic gardening to clean water sustainability. Randy's bio and blog sites can be found under Brett Talks Tech followers.

Thank you Randy for past comments on postings.

I encourage all that care to offer their comments, questions, and suggestions for articles to do so.

From my very first posting, my hope has been that Brett Talk Tech can offer to the interested reader, an interactive exchange for ideas and information.

Brett

As Recession Ends - What's Next For The Consumer?

2009-09-16T11:53:00.002-04:00

While acknowledging that unemployment will continue to climb towards 10% of the work force, and that it may take several years for jobs lost to return, financial and news pundits have announced that the recession is ending.

This may be good news to millions of Americans that have worried about their job status, and it may help to lift the spirits of millions of Americans that have been laid off over the last two years, however, I wonder if we will fall back into the habit of consumption as before?

Americans have been saving more money than ever before, and I imagine that soon we will be asked to start spending again. Like the days after the 9/11 event, are we going to be asked to open our pocketbooks, for the good of nation and economy?

But do we really need to go back to motorboats, ATVs, new cars for a 16 year old, fast food toys, and stores filled with imported and cheap, merchandise again?

If we renovate our home, is it for larger rooms or to incorporate a new sustainable design?

Do we need to buy the newest model of high definition TV technology, or do we start to invest in a family greenhouse or water recovery system?

We have been good consumers in the past, going into debt from every conceivable hobby, interest, and toy sold to us. What we drive, where we live, the clothes we wear, influenced by Madison Avenue, sold to us by celebrity that we love so much, we gladly bought, spent, and increased our debts, just as we were told to do.

But during the last several years, millions of Americans have reduced their spending, while reducing debt, and saving more than ever before. Perhaps because of necessity, or perhaps because of fear, Americans were able to control themselves as consumers.

As Fall is about to begin, and with Winter around the corner, we will once again be asked to buy, buy, and buy. But does this coming Holiday Season have to be laced with the consumerism of the past? Or can we replace the "toys" of the past with the "tools" of the future?

I wonder.

Brett

American Infrastructure "D" Average

2009-09-15T13:59:00.007-04:00

Americans tend to be obsessed with ratings and grades.

Beginning with with our first days in school, we are graded with report cards.

In business and commerce, there are quarterly or annual reviews.

We playfully, (or not), rate women and men on scales of "10".

Our sports revolve around team standings and personal statistics.

It seems, to me, almost every week some entertainment media celebrate an "awards" program.

News and papers constantly poll, with 49% believing that and 49% believing this, and always with a plus or minus 3% of course.

So I was thinking that this particular grade would be of important to most Americans.

Every single day, tens of millions of Americans, are using bridges, roads, transit systems and drinking/waste water systems have been given a "D" grade by ASCE, The American Society of Civil Engineers.

How many of you would be happy to know that your personal doctor received an average grade of "D" throughout his medical school years?

Would you recommend your attorney to your friends knowing that he barely slid though law school with a "D" average?

Or maybe entrust your money and investments to your friend, that was barely able to pass economics with an overall grade of "D"?

Oh, and speaking about economics, how about this.

Infrastructure investment, estimated to be nearly 2.2 trillion dollars over five years, is not even mentioned at all by our government officials.

With TARP funding, health care costs, and two war zones threatening our nations financial future, how can we possible endure or pay for another multi-trillion dollar program?

And what happens if we don't invest in our American infrastructure?

Recently, I heard an expert talk on possible consequences of a "do nothing" approach.

What if electricity was unavailable for a month?

What if food supplies were disrupted and deliveries interrupted?

What if suddenly, the water from your taps was hazardous to drink?

What if waste water and sewage waters filled streets and towns?

And what if dams and levees suddenly failed?

Impossible? Improbable? These are all possible scenarios offered by civil engineering experts around the country.

Have we as a nation not learned any lessons from Katrina?

What if multiple "Katrina's" happened at once across our country, would you and your family be prepared to survive?

Sustainable living practices can help any family, no matter where you live, survive from natural or unnatural catastrophes.

Have a family plan for emergencies.

Learn to keep some food basics stored separately from your other food pantry. Foods like dried beans, rice, grains, and macaroni that only need water to prepare are great to store (I use large mason jars to keep out moisture and insects). Keep small jars of salt, pepper, spices, and flour. These basic foods can be used to make soups, chili's, rice and beans dishes that will provide filling and high protein meals in emergencies.

If you have pets or animals (chickens, horses, goats), always keep a months worth of extra food in a separate container. Rotate new with the old when re-buying.

Every bedroom should have a working flashlight and extra batteries.

Make copies of all legal documents and licence for each household member and place in water-proof envelope and place in duffel bag along with items below.

Keep one small duffel bag for each person in the house containing sleeping bag, extra clothes, socks, gloves, glasses, medicine, and first aid kit.

Most emergencies will be either a "Grab and Go" or a "Sit and Stay" circumstance. Be prepared for both. In a "grab and go" situation, as soon as you hear the alert to leave, place all duffel bags in car, place emergency food and water supplies in car, bring all flashlights, batteries, and pet food.

If an emergency occurs or is about to occur and and people are being advised to stay put, bring all supplies to one central location. Fill all available containers with water, fill bathtubs with water, depending on the type of emergency be prepared to shut off all gas and water lines if necessary.

Having a family plan, and emergency supplies ready in one central area will save time when an emergency arises. Remember simple, easy to forget items, such as, working flashlights, extra pair of glasses, work gloves, basic tools, vitamins and special medicines.

Sustainable thinking is smart thinking. Smart thinking is anticipating the future and being ready for anything.

Brett

Water Wheel And Solar Collector - Chinese Countryside 2009

2009-09-14T09:10:00.005-04:00

Photos courtesy of Catherine W. Berheide

Photos copyright Catherine W. Berheide 2009

Water Woes - Part 2 Continues - Conservation And Savings Room To Room

2009-09-08T17:32:00.004-04:00

"It is not suffice to invent new machines, new regulations, new institutions. It is necessary to change and improve our understanding of the true purpose of what we are and what we do in this world".
Vaclav Havel, 2001

Part two continues with our room-to-room walk, looking for simple and and easy ways to conserve water and energy. In an earlier article today, I offered some simple suggestions to conserve water in any bathroom, without spending a dime. With these simple suggestions, any household can save thousands of gallons of water each year.

By changing our awareness of "how" we use water, we can begin to practice conserving this most precious resource while maintaining our lifestyles and recreations.

Kitchen areas- Basic and simple changes associated with work around a kitchen also offers an opportunity for water conservation and awareness. Remember, changing just one activity that reduces even two gallons of water a day, equals to over 600 gallons gallons of water savings a year.

In terms of survival, six hundred gallons would be capable of providing a family of four with clean water for drinking or cooking for over thirty days.

So what are some easy to do suggestions in the kitchen that do not require us to spend a nickle to accomplish some real savings?

Keep a pitcher of cold water in the refrigerator, and teach your family to reach for that instead of running the water in the tap until it is cold.

Use the garbage disposal as little as possible, instead teach your children about composting vegetable waste at home (perfect for the home vegetable garden).

Clean your fruit and vegetables in a pan or tub with a natural antibacterial, rather than rinsing with the tap water running.

After cleaning fruits and vegetables, use the water for watering household or potted plants.

By the way, if you have fish tanks, when cleaning and replacing the tank water, pour that nutrient-rich water on your potted plants.

Have one glass or reusable bottle for each member of the family to use for the whole day. Any reduction in dishes translates into a reduction of water use.

Do not thaw food by running water over it, not only does it waste water but it is not safe food handling, allow food to properly defrost in the refrigerator for food safety.

Always turn off the faucets completely and look for and repair leaks quickly.

Soak hard to clean pots and pans first, do not waste water by letting it run as you scrape and clean.

When refreshing your pets water, pour the old water into household and potted plants.

If ice cubes fall on floor, don't toss in the sink, place in the closest potted plant.

Use waterless antibacterial soap when possible instead of running water to wash hands.

Saving water around the kitchen is really about understanding how we use water on a daily basis and reducing that use. The biggest savings in the kitchen will come from a reduction in dishwasher use and unnecessarily running the tap water.

These suggestions are just but a few that will help to change the way we use water without spending any money. You pay for water either from your municipal company, or by the use of electricity when using your well pump, so any savings in water use translates to real money savings, no matter how you look at it. And that is a very good thing.

Yes there are other methods of saving money and water, replacing an older hot water tank with a new on-demand model is one method. But the purpose of this article is to show that any household, and more importantly, any individual, can make a real contribution to water conservation by just changing a few habits.

Tomorrow we will explore the laundry room, HVAC systems, pools, and outside areas, for more cost savings and water reduction suggestions, without spending money.

Brett

Waer Woes - Part 2 Continues - Consevation

2009-09-08T12:50:00.005-04:00

"When the well is dry, we know the worth of water".
Benjamin Franklin, (Poor Mans Almanac, 1746)

Like it or not, we live in an age where water, more importantly the lack of it, will affect the lives of millions of people across our nation, and every nation throughout the world.

There are many who predict that water will be the next (commodity) resource that countries will be willing to go to war with their neighbors to possess.

Others predict that cities in America, Las Vegas for one, will see such water shortages that they may even be abandoned within two decades.

Already, in some areas of the world water costs more than oil.

Every sustainable living practitioner must begin to harbor the awareness of water conservation.

Almost every action we do within our house offers opportunity to save.

Almost from the moment we wake, we can begin to conserve.

Bathroom visits - I remember some thirty years ago visiting my brother living in Northern California, and seeing for the first time - If it's brown, flush it down. If it's yellow, it's mellow.

Although it may be a very cool slogan, it is not the lifestyle I want to live, so for me, what else can I do to conserve water use in my bathroom?

First, let me say, that I hope to offer suggestions that anyone can do regardless of budget or available monies to spend.

Conservation is achieved more from personal observation, awareness and change of habits than from technology, spending, and regulations.

It is very easy to suggest that one immediately exchanges their current toilet bowl(s) for one that uses less water, or even models that offer a duel-flush option, that is one that allows you to use less water, let me say for one function, then the other.

But not many of us have the resources to immediately run out and do that, so what other options for savings besides the yellow is mellow method?

Here are some practical suggestions that anyone can do.

You can reduce the amount of water in your toilets by inserting or placing a displacement device in the tank. An easy way to do this is to take a soda bottle fill with water, twist on the cap, and place in the tank.

Always make sure that the flapper and ball mechanism is working properly. Continuous flow from a stuck flapper will waste a tremendous amount of water before someone is likely to come across it and notice that the toilet "running".

Water efficient shower heads can save up to 750 gallons a month, and showering for two minutes less can also save up to 150 gallons. Next time you shower, time yourself. Most people would be surprised to find that they can probably shower for a good five minutes less then their usual amount of time and feel as clean and hygienic as they normally do.

I have at times also kept a (clean) bucket close to the shower that I fill when showering, and afterwards, place near the toilet. The next time I use the bathroom, I just pour the bucket into the bowl and saved "1" flush.

When brushing your teeth, turn off water until you need it, saving over a hundred gallons a month of water.

When shaving, rather then letting the water run, I fill the sink once, rinse my face with that water, and then use it to "rinse" my razor, that action alone can save another 150 gallons of water a month!

If you like to wash your hair in the sink, turning off the water while shampooing can save 150 gallons a month!

Even dropping tissues in a waste container rather then flushing them can save hundreds of gallons of water over a year's time.

So with just a couple of ideas, by just changing just a few habits, and without spending a dime, we can literally save hundreds of gallons of water every month from just one room, the bathroom.

"All the water that will ever be is, right now"
(National Geographic, october 1993)

Brett

Water Woes - Part 2 Continues

2009-09-04T14:24:00.003-04:00

To become Master of the country,
first you have to control the water. Ancient Chinese Saying.

Regardless if you live in city limits, with water supplied from municipal sources, or a more rural community, with your own well water, water, water conservation, and water collection should be of concern to you.

For municipal users, cost of water use will continue to climb in many states across the country. This is mainly due to water supply levels dropping across the spectrum of municipal water sources such as regional lakes, rivers, and aquifers.

As water sources decrease, states that have traditionally shared water resources across state lines are now looking at ways, both legal and mechanical, to reduce the output and distribution of their precious water resource.

Even those homes with water wells on the property are not immune from water related problems.

New developments tapping into a shared aquifer can quickly lower water levels. I have a well on my property, at 130 feet we are drawing water, about the same as my other neighbors in our 2-5 acre 1970's home division (only 10 homes were built by this developer on this tract).

Last year my neighbor had to re-drill a new well - it was 300 feet before he had reached a comfortable depth for pumping.

Other rural communities have seen commercial water companies purchase land and place multiple wells on the property draining water resources that communities have relied on for generations.

So what can an individual or family do? Fight big business water companies? Fight municipal water costs and regulations?

The sustainable living practitioner must take responsibility for themselves to become as water responsible as possible.

How?

By conservation, collection, and reclamation.

Let us enter a typical home, and walk room to room, to discover together, what, if, and how water and (water related) energy may be reduced and conserved.

If you think that water or energy conservation is limited to only kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms then you will be pleasantly surprised to know that in such rooms as living, dining, family, and bedrooms, savings and conservation can be gained.

Water Woes part 2 continues today with, Conservation Methods For Water and Energy Savings.

Brett

Water Woes - Part 2

2009-09-02T15:47:00.004-04:00

Economic hard times, high unemployment, armed conflicts, health care and social debates, why should anyone be concerned about water issues when most Americans can simply walk over to the closest sink, turn a spigot, and have as much (seemingly) as they desire?

Recently, I read an article concerning a prediction for a colder then normal winter for the mid- section of our nation. In the comment section (and there were well over 100 comments) the discussion soon turned to opinions about cause and effects, global warming or not global warming.

I was amazed and shocked at the anger and insult delivered back and forth among readers and commentators.

I have written before, and I will write this again. Sustainable living, and sustainable practices, are not a pro-global warming nor a con-global warming issue. It is not a political right nor a political left issue. It is an issue that is vital to the health and welfare of millions of Americans living in hundreds of cities around America today.

Water, specifically fresh, clean, drinking water, is and will continue to be the most important aspect of sustainable living now and in the future. It's not solar panels, wind turbines, or lithium batteries and electric motors.

Let's look at some facts together.

Overuse and draught is shrinking the output of the Colorado River Basin, with possible water shortages for millions of people in seven western states.

Less then two percent of all water on the earth is drinkable water.

States already are in political and legal battles over water rights from Lake Lanier, a leading water supplier for Georgia (Atlanta), Florida, and Alabama.

With the Great Lakes experiencing their lowest levels in decades, bordering states and Canada are agreeing to plans to keep the water in the region.

More than half the states expect water shortages by the year 2013.

Water or the lack of it, is an issue that many Americans, and world citizens will face in the upcoming years.

One more fact.

The U.N. has declared that water demand will outstrip supply for two-thirds of the world population by 2025. If you think that doesn't effect you, then glance over at your children, or grandchildren, and realize that 2025 is only 15 years away. What quality of life is in store for them?

Every great city that has ever been built has a connection to a great body of water or river system. Water and the movement of water has sparked human invention and mechanical design.

It washes us, it settles us, we play in it. Food we could go weeks without, no water, we would die in less then a week.

If all of electricity and technology mysteriously stopped tomorrow, as long as we had water we could survive. But no technology could save us, if water was to disappear.

It is the most important thing for life, and economy.

This week we will explore ways to collect water, from rainwater to recycling our own water waste. We will explore ways to store, purify, and recycle water.

Please join us tomorrow for the continuation of Water Woes part 2.

Brett

Back From Vacation - And Much To Continue With

2009-09-01T09:10:00.006-04:00

I have returned from a two week vacation and anxious to continue our discussions and articles.

Today is September 1, and today's breaking news story concerns the fires in Los Angeles County, California.

As you know from previous articles, California is experiencing a severe drought condition, and the hills around Los Angeles are particularly dry. The historic Mount Wilson Observatory is threatened and it would be a great loss to the city's architectural heritage if it was to suffer damage in the fire.

Already there has been loss of life, and many homes are already razed. It is a story heard many times over in Southern California's history.

I grew up in Los Angeles and know well the lifestyle of canyon and hillside living, sometimes within minutes from city activities, it is one of the magic things about Los Angeles.

However, it is time for those that choose to live in fire-prone areas to take responsibility for that choice. By creating a sustainable home, using building materials that offer the greatest amount of fire protection possible, and to also install, roof top and property sprinkler systems, supplied by water storage and cisterns contained on the property.

My series of articles titled Water Woes will continue this week. Water Woes, part 1 left off with us entering into a typical home in Los Angeles with the idea of going room to room to see where household water can be conserved along with energy savings.

Water Woes, part 2 continues this week.

Water is going to be the major focus of all my articles this week. From collection methods to storage and purification.

Thank you to those that have continued to support Brett Talks Tech. My vacation is over and it's time to get back to work.

Brett

New Questions and Products For Sustainable Living

2009-08-18T08:50:00.013-04:00

It's been a few days since my last posting, I apologize to my daily readers. I have been consulting on several projects out of state.

In tomorrow's post,I will be sharing with you questions from a reader and concerned homeowner in Encino, California. Like many other Southern California communities, Encino is experiencing severe water restrictions, regulations, water penalties and surcharges.

I will be answering these questions and providing other information that will be important to all readers in a similar water crisis, as I continue my series of articles titled Water Woes (July 29, 2009).

I have also been asked to review several new products and technologies.

One of the products is a micro inverter for PV solar modules. An inverter is a device that changes DC electric voltage into AC voltage.

DC or direct current is the power most often associated with batteries. However, it is also the power that is produced by the solar module from sunlight.

AC or alternating current is power that is distributed through transmission lines to homes and businesses across the country. AC is the power that runs all of our appliances, lights, and air conditioners.

Inverters are often a very expensive component of a PV solar system. And when designing a system, is one component that can easily be undersized (requiring a future, expensive upgrade) or over-designed (spending extra money unnecessarily).

What is so special about the micro inverter?

For starters, cost. A micro inverter will allow someone interested in solar energy to start slowly and inexpensively.

There are many other interesting benefits to the consumer in regards to micro inverters, and I will be sharing that information in my upcoming article.

I am also going to be writing in more detail about several other products that I have touched upon in earlier articles.

With more and more people interested in rain water harvesting and contaminated water tables, it is time to take a real close look at water purification methods and technologies.

Several months ago I had contacted a northeast manufacturer about visiting their facility.

Like my visit and interview with OptiWind Corporation (July 12, 2009), I feel that by having an opportunity to visit and interview a product manufacturer, I can offer my readers a solid grasp not only of the company's product line or technology, but that I can also offer to my readers, the benefit of a reputable company, not afraid to let the consumer see "behind the curtain".

Brett

Solar Panel Glut & Project Cancellations

2009-08-13T16:29:00.006-04:00

Everything isn't sunny in the solar market these days.

Cancellations attributed to lack of financing, have plagued several major solar projects already this year.

At the same time manufacturers of solar panels are getting nervous as a glut of solar panels have flooded the market.

Even with the Federal and State rebates associated with the purchase and installation of solar energy systems, reductions in new home construction and existing home renovations, together with dwindling credit and home equities, have dampened the residential market for alternative energy systems.

If you are planning on building a new home, this may be the best time for you to talk to your architect, electrician, or sustainable living consultant about adding a PV solar system to your building and electrical plan. Price reductions in solar panels, government rebates, and trades seeking new work and clients, offer an interested buyer an opportunity for savings.

Brett

Straw Bale Home Construction - No Fairy Tale Story

2009-08-10T15:04:00.005-04:00

In a child's book of fairy tales, there is a story about three little pigs, each building a house out of different materials, one brick, one of sticks, and one built from straw. The hungry, big, bad, wolf seeking a tasty and easy meal, comes first to the straw house, and huffing and puffing, blows the house away.

The little pig, running to escape, is welcomed into the house of sticks built by his brother. The wolf, now anticipating the additional course to his soon to be meal, again and with great huffing and puffing, blows the house of sticks away too. Both little piggies now run to the last house built of brick, where the three little pigs sit comfortably as the wolf huffs and puffs to no avail. I won't have go into the details of the rest of the story but the message is, better to build your house with bricks then with straw.

Recently, I have been asked about the merits of straw bale home construction.

Straw bale construction offers tremendous benefits to any sustainable home renovation or new construction project.

Many of today's sustainable construction techniques are not new. People have been using earth, plant, other local natural resources (dung mixtures for example) or some combination of each, all through history and on every continent.

In fact there are homes in Europe constructed using straw, that are over 200 years old. Straw when covered by plaster or cement has an extremely high resistance to fire, being equal to requirements in hospitals, roughly two hours of (fire/burn) protection before possible ignition.

The threat of fire from electrical wires or sparks is extremely low within the wall of the bale construction. This is because the process of compressing the straw bales during construction literally squeezes the air out of the "compressed" bales eliminating the oxygen necessary for fire propagation.

That compression also aids in the natural insulation characteristics of straw bale construction.

By using straw bale construction, homeowners can receive the benefit of a natural, sustainable material that offers greater insulation ("R" values) then most fiber products.

In the southwest, adobe bricks (mud, straw/plants) have provided a natural way to cool homes during summer months and warm in cold winter nights, centuries before air-conditioning.

Straw construction, interestingly enough, also offers a natural, sustainable, earthquake proof stability not offered by current building materials. To really appreciate the sustainability of mud and straw construction just look to the Spanish Missions running along California's most active fault lines.

Cost should be comparable to standard construction costs, although you will definitely want to contract with someone experienced in using straw bales. Framing is still necessary, and although the straw can be cut for windows, doorways, electrical, and necessary piping, savings are achieved by the elimination of other construction materials such as insulation and sheet rock (dry-wall), brick, siding, and etc.

Using straw bale construction also offers the architect and homeowner the opportunity to integrate curves and waves into any home design. The ability to "shave" the bale expands the creativity and uniqueness of home design and functionality.

Brett

Solar Projects Delayed In California - Unions And The New "Green" Employment Opportunities

2009-08-07T09:35:00.008-04:00

Several recent projects in California have been delayed because of union objection to non-union workers. (This article is neither pro- nor anti-union. In good faith I should say that I am a former member of a Motion Picture Industry Association trade union myself.)

A collaboration of electrical, plumbing, and mechanical/boiler workers unions have filed papers to halt projects, citing environmental concerns while trying to negotiate union demands for employment. Included in the negotiations, is the provision that new workers are to become union members also, complete with membership fees and dues.

It was inevitable that trade unions would seek involvement in the new alternative energy projects, and that the grand announcement of "new green employment opportunities" would spark direct conflict with dwindling union organizations.

Most of the larger equipment manufacturers, engaged in these new projects, for example GE, already have their own division and employees, and regardless of union representation, have their own employee agreements and hiring practices.

It is true that many of the small entrepreneurial companies entering into the renewable or alternative energy business, either as a manufacturer or parts supplier, may not be large enough today for the unions to be concerned about membership. But at what point will unions demand that equipment used on (union) projects be built by union factories?

Here are some of my predictions about future employment opportunities for the green economy.

My guess is that unions will demand that their members be trained for the new technologies first, at government expense.

Local business (trades) owners seeing a new opportunity will start attending dealer classes as the local manufacturers representative for installation of wind, solar, and Geo-thermal systems.

Although it's not rocket science, state and local governments will begin to regulate and require new certifications for installation work that is already being done by small businesses daily.

Everyone's favorite neighborhood electrician is already knowledgeable enough to learn the interconnections for any solar or wind system, motors and generators. "Joe the plumber" (forgive me) will be able to pipe the necessary components from the Geo-thermal pump, and the boiler man already is familiar with heat pumps, compressors, and associated equipment. Nothing within the sub-systems or components are new to the trades, and the need to go out and fill jobs will only happen when consumer demand for the technologies builds.

My experience talking to owners of small residential electric services (your local electrician), that are already starting to install solar systems, that they are not necessarily hiring "new workers" at this time, but view this new installation (product line) as a supplement for their current employees along with their current (service) to their residential and commercial customers.

Based on the current economic and employment condition across our country, that will not happen soon enough for the promised "explosion" of new "green" employment

So, the unions will have the large scale projects and local trades will learn the installation of the particular technology for their own trade, and will continue business as is, with just another product offering for their client base, while trying to maintain their current employees.

Small manufacturers and the American entrepreneurial spirit will add some new opportunities for employment. But millions of "green" job opportunities will not be there, I'm sorry, to say.

Brett

White House Visits, Reads Brett Talks Tech!

2009-08-05T11:06:00.004-04:00

When I started my blog Brett Talks Tech I had hoped to enter into discussion with other people interested in sustainable living practices and alternative energy technologies.

It has been my intention from the very first post, to offer a practical discussion on the merits of sustainable living and alternative, renewable energy, and offering, in simple, layman's terms, an unbiaed, informative format, that welcomes all interested readers to participate and contribute.

The importance of these subjects should transcend our nation's political divide. These are not a politically left or right issues, nor opinions on global warming, or climate change, two current issues that tend to divide American public opinion.

Instead, I contend that sustainability and renewable, alternative energy is a benefit for the long term (economic) security of the individual, family, community, state, and the nation as a whole.

And so I have been, and continue to be, excited, and enthused by, and grateful for the growth of readers to Brett Talks Tech, and I have acknowledged and thanked new readers in my earlier posts, as Brett Talks Tech has attracted readers from across (almost) every US state, and on every continent (except Antarctica).

Imagine my surprise when I opened my site monitor and found that I had a visit from the White House!

Well, I am going to be more specific, the site registered a visit from the Executive Office in the White House of The President of the United States.

I want to express my gratitude to our White House visitor, and I thank you sincerely for reading my articles and posts. I am honored beyond words for this most simple gift of your time.

To all of my readers, I thank you for continuing to visit and read Brett Talks Tech. I value and welcome all your inputs, opinions, comments, and your own practical experience.

Brett