Eric Jensen

Treehugger.com posted this story about Sun Chips halting production of their biodegradable bags.  Apparently sales of the chips are down 11%, and this is being associated with complaints about the chips bag being too noisy.  I will agree that these biodegradable bags are noisier than the traditional chip bag, but is this reason to take a step backwards?  The extra noise is due to the molecular structure of the bags being more rigid, making more of a crinkle noise similar to that of foil wrapping paper.  

Consumer complaints compared the noise to that of a lawnmower or a jet engine.  Really, c’mon people, a jet engine?  How are you eating your chips that is causing so much noise?  Let’s really think about this.  What is the actual duration of the noise, maybe 3 seconds while you grab a chip?  That is of course unless you are acting like the couch potato you might be and shoveling the chips into your mouth straight from the bag, only then could I see the noise being compared to a jet engine.  Here is another idea to deal with any sound issues that you may experience, put the chips into a bowl!

I am extremely disappointed in this outcome and in America for moving anything but slow towards a sustainable world.  God for bid, people are inconvenienced at all while products, packaging, and services try to move towards sustainability and change their products for the good of the environment.  This proves that this road is rocky and will take time and patience, and lots of education, oh and did I mention patience?

Today prepare to wish everyone you know a ‘very, merry unbirthday’  in celebration of Mad Hatter’s Day.

The story behind this day was really interesting.  The Mad Hatter wears a top hat, and on the front of that hatis a piece of paper with ‘”10/6″ on it. It is believed that this piece ofpaper was the order to make the hat, and that it cost ten shillings sixpence. Therefore, October 6th became the day to celebrate the silly character.

In the 8th Century, mercury was used in hat making in a process called “carroting”. Hatters became victim to mercury poisoning during that timewhich is still known as ‘Mad Hatter’s Disease’, with symptoms similar towhat is seen of the character on the Disney favorite.

~~Lynnea Cameron~~ (my sister)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7Id9caYw-Y&feature=player_embedded#!

Birke Baehr is on the right track.  Educating the youth of today will help push the sustainable movement harder for the future.  Birke is going to be one to watch.  I’m very interested to see what and how he will further contribute to the sustainable world.  He is definitely one to keep your eye on.

Growing up I never thought twice about the traditional incandescent light bulb, then again what mid-western boy thinks about things like that.  It wasn’t too long ago that the compact fluorescent (CF) bulb made it into the store and our homes.  I remember working at Home Depot in the electrical department in 2003 when CF bulbs started making a push.  We had mandatory training on their potential benefits and were told to push them to customer looking for light bulbs.  I found this to be new and exciting, and saw this as the new light bulb.

Then I went out on the sales floor and the battle began.  A majority of customers pushed back and were very resistant.  I heard things like “they are too expensive”, “they are ugly”, or “I don’t like the light output color”.  I saw the need for these “new” bulbs to be on display, so I took a few of our floor model lights and ceiling fans and install CF bulbs.  Sales increased a little, but we were still getting feedback.  I was then explained that people living in this area (Central Illinois-Mattoon, IL) were more resistant to change and set in their ways and would need time to adapt.

Less than ten years later we are already starting to make the transition to Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting.  These systems reduce energy consumption even more than the CF bulbs.  These are still in their infancy and the prices are still pretty high for most consumers to make the switch.  As soon as the price drops I personally will be making the switch as my CF bulbs burn out.

Treehugger.com release an article today about LED systems and how designers and builders are making the switch.  This mean that prices are starting to fall a little.  Once more and more installation are completed they will also catch on.

“The study found that 81% of industry professionals are looking to energy-efficient lighting solutions. 84% of building and lighting professionals cite energy consumption at an important factor when making lighting decisions.”

Hello All–

Well I used to have this site as just place for me to jot down random ideas.  During an update to the WordPress software I lost everything.  So I figured why not reinvent the site into something I’m passionate about.  I will try and stay up-to-date with postings while I’m in school.

I think I’m going to post things that interest me in the work of sustainability, and possibly issues that just bother the crap out of me (there are a few-I will try to spread them out).

Well I hope you enjoy coming to the site, and the topics covered here.  Be sure to check out my blog on my aquaponics system…aquaponics.ezjensen.com