Energy Policy // Current

Architecture is the missing piece of climate legislation

The House passed their climate change bill last spring, and the Senate Environmental... more

slovelett
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4 days ago
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Cap and Trade Changing Everything

From the Lovington Leader by John Graham--Cap and trade legislation may be one of the... more

bluehelen
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30 days ago
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FERB Ex-Shell Executive Proposes Master Agency

W.H. Graham for the Lovington Leader--Hobbs--Hard to believe. A veteran oil company... more

bluehelen
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30 days ago
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Drugstore Handcranks/IKEA Solar Flares

Without trying and, it follows, without activism, I stumbled across two simple devices in the space of a month that I'm surprised haven't received more attention in discussions of energy conservation.

One is a flashlight charged by a hand crank, selling for $2.93 at the Duane Reade across the street from me. The other was a solar powered desk lamp at IKEA, which, for $20 also included a donation to a non-profit organization. Otherwise, I assume it would have been cheaper.

Now, I'm sure I'm as naive as they come on topics like "Energy Policy," but why aren't these small-scale developments, and others like them, on everybody's lips? If we truly face an energy crisis that feeds into a climate crisis that feeds into an economic crisis, I would think that small-scale solutions like these would get more air time.

Of course, I get that the Chevy Volt, the Tesla, the Prius, etc. are more exciting, and have more news value. I understand that a Presidential candidate cuts a much better figure when standing in front of a graceful wind-turbine, poised on a hill top, than if posing with a crankable flashlight.

But I wonder if the real revolution in the way we meet our energy needs will come more rapidly and be more sustainable -- from a cultural perspective -- if it grows out of small efforts anyone can make. In that sense, a more appropriate "Cash for Clunkers" program might be one that allows people to trade in some their plug-in appliances for alternatively powered ones.

Would it kill me to crank up my phone in the morning, for example?

Now, I know the first barrier to acceptance of these devices is style. We’re talking about a crank, after all. Plus, the solar cell on my IKEA lamp, while clearly the result of thoughtful package design, is not anybody's idea of chic.

On the other hand, I have confidence in the American genius for design and high-concept art. We have oodles of talented people who could make these products attractive, trendy "must haves" that would coordinate with every possible taste.

So, I'm asking: What would it take to get alternatively powered devices and appliances into more American homes, to make them, in other words, the standard within a decade? I can't help thinking it would do more to help people understand the energy equation than 1,000 appearances by the President or Members of Congress on TV talk shows.

Yes, these appearances create buzz for new energy policies and emerging technologies. But sometimes, the most effective way to sell something is to put it directly into people's hands. A "cash for plug-ins" program might be one way to accomplish just that.Without trying and, it follows, without activism, I stumbled across two simple devices... more