Image by Mike Behnken / Creative Commons

I have seen a number of posts recently pertaining to famous quotes on a variety of different topics. One post I haven’t seen, however, is something about renewable energy, solar and the power of the sun. So, I figured why not put one together?

In honor of both the power our sun provides us on a daily basis along with our current and future use of that power, here are some of the interesting and/or inspirational quotes I found about renewable energy, solar power and the ultimate power of the sun:

“We are like tenant farmers chopping down the fence around our house for fuel when we should be using Nature’s inexhaustible sources of energy – sun, wind and tide…I’d put my money on the Sun and Solar Energy, what a source of Power! I hope we don’t have to wait until oil and coal run out, before we tackle that.” – Thomas Edison

“I have no doubt that we will be successful in harnessing the sun’s energy. If sunbeams were weapons of war, we would have had solar energy centuries ago.” – British Chemist, Sir George Porter

“We simply must balance our demand for energy with our rapidly shrinking resources. By acting now we can control the future instead letting the future control us.” – Jimmy Carter

“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.” – Gautama Siddharta

“The use of solar energy has not been opened up because the oil industry does not own the sun.” – Ralph Nader

“What we’re going is planing the seeds of alternative energy providers, so that a few years down the road we will have a diversity in sources of energy. That’s a far better position for an institution to be in than to be stuck with not many sources and sources that cause a lot of pollution and environmental problems.” – Paul Ruskin

“The two most abundant forms of power on Earth are solar and wind, and they’re getting cheaper and cheaper…” – Ed Begley, Jr.

“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not every man’s greed.” – Mahatma Gandhi

“There is sufficient (energy) in the Sun to maintain its output of heat for 15 billion years.” – Sir Arthur Stanley Eddington

And last but not least, an Apache Blessing: “May the sun bring you new energy by day, may the moon softly restore you by night, may the rain wash away your worries, may the breeze blow new strength into your being, may you walk gently through the world and know it’s beauty all the days of your life.”

Image by Tim Samoff / Creative Commons

Renewable energy, such as that found in the power of the sun, is an intrinsic part of our future. By tapping into the renewable resources found on the Earth and in the skies, we will be able to bring power to our world like never before. I look forward to seeing what the future of renewable energy holds.

Image by EnecoMedia / Creative Commons

“May all your months be November.”  So goes the ancient Chinese curse. Well, actually, the curse really goes: “May you live in interesting times.”  You see, “interesting” times – those that you read about in the history books – are times of war and famine and terror.

If you operate a solar generating system, November is an “interesting” time.  It is the month when there is the least solar radiation.  Short days and lots of clouds.  At least, that is the way it is here where I am writing from in eastern Ontario.  I know many readers might have a different climate, but your November will come, even if in a different month.

This is one of the things that many people don’t think about when they sign up for the solar panels.  In our case, the system was hooked up in November, so we have several months to go before we start to benefit truly from the Sun’s good graces.

What else do some people overlook when setting up their solar power?

Individual panel monitoring: Sure, you can monitor the total power generated, and through the inverter you most likely can monitor a whole bunch of things.  On my Aurora Inverter, I like to watch the fluctuations in watts/hour – I will figure out how to interpret  the rest of the readings later.  But what if you notice that the system is underperforming?  We have 24 panels on each of our two posts.  How do you know which panels are the laggards?  We have a Tigo Maximizer installed, so that we can monitor each one’s performance and also to make sure that one underperforming panel does not drag the others down with it.

Good installation company: In my neighborhood, solar installations are popping up like weeds.  The government is offering a fairly good compensation, locked in for 20 years.  Plenty of rumors that the compensation will decrease next year (we signed up at 75% of the original compensation of a couple years ago), means there is a “rush” to sell as many solar installations as quickly as possible.   Before you respond to all those just-sign-on-the-dotted-line sheets being shoved in your face, take the time to make sure the company you sign up with has a long-term record and has its own construction crew, not just solar technicians.

Paperwork: If you are allergic to paperwork, solar power is not for you.  The forms, the waiting, the fixing incorrectly filled forms…it is a lot.

Financing: Yes, it does cost a few dollars to build a solar generating system.  Ours cost close to $100,000 for a two-post, track-the-sun, 10 kw system.  We did not sign any contracts until we had word from the bank that every penny we would need was available.

Bridge financing: Ah…so you start to generate power and earn money.  But it takes 2 to 3 months to see your first check.  At least, that’s what we were told; we will have to wait and see.  Meanwhile, you are paying interest on a very big loan.  Allow me to rephrase that last sentence in the previous paragraph: We did not sign any contracts until we had word from the bank that every penny we would need – and a while pile more – was available.

Maintenance: This consists primarily of lubrication (only with very specific lubricants) and tightening bolts.  A rooftop system probably needs almost no maintenance, but ours does.  Looks like I will need to buy the lubricant, and appropriate ladder and a torque wrench of some sort.  Or a $500/year maintenance plan – but my preference is to do it myself.  A solar system is a much bigger investment than a car, so you really do not want to let it go to seed.

Insurance: Yes, this might seem obvious, but I understand that a lot of people do overlook it.

By-laws: Do you need a building permit?  Do you need to know about municipal easements?  Is there a by-law preventing “eyesores” – you might not think a solar generating system is an eyesore, but have you ever noticed how your neighbour has funny taste?  Exactly.  Before you spend that kind of money, make sure.

Maybe there is something I have overlooked here, either because I missed something when setting up my own system, because I overlooked it when writing this article, or because it is not applicable in my jurisdiction.  Please feel free to add anything I might not have mentioned in the comments below.

In some of his social media profiles, David says, “I love nature, but I live on the Internet. Go figure.”  Blogging about Solar Power gives him a way to love nature on the Internet.  You can visit his Solar Ontario blog to learn more about his real-life experience setting up solar power generation.  And if you happen to be a fellow Canadian, he invites you to participate in his Canadian social bookmarking community at Zoomit.ca.

Many thanks to David for his interesting and insightful guest blog post covering some of the key things people overlook when setting up their solar power.

Image by Stefano Paltera, U.S. Dept of Energy / Creative Commons

Happy Monday! This week I decided to start off the week with a solar edition of my weekly greens. There has been so much, good and not so good, news about the solar industry recently that I figured it might be good to gather a few of the solar articles that crossed my plate this week and share them with you.

Here is this week’s solar edition of the weekly greens:

Solar, the Emerging Power: You’re probably quite familiar with the solar industry by now, even if simply due to the Solyndra scandal. However, there is one thing to keep in mind, regardless of what happened with Solyndra, the solar industry continues to move ahead. Who knows, at the rate it’s expanding, we may see solar stepping in as a major player in the not too distant future.

Solar Power in California: California continues to tap into the power of solar, making it one of the most popular renewable resources in the state. But what do you think is behind all the interest in solar power? Why are people all of a sudden turning to solar?

Solar Roadways (the company) to Build Solar Panel Parking Lot: It looks like Solar Roadways has received a grant by the Federal Highway Administration to build a solar panel parking lot in Idaho. It is a pretty innovative idea when you think about it. Plus, if all goes well, we could be seeing solar sidewalks, streets, and highways generating energy day in and day out.

Producing flexible CIGS solar cells with record efficiency:Solar panel and solar cell design continues to advance. One of the latest advancements is a flexible solar cell which yields a 18.7% record efficiency. Lightweight, flexible solar cells have a huge potential and could allow solar to be used in areas previously thought impossible.

University of Maryland wins Solar Decathlon for house design: Speaking of innovation, the University of Maryland managed to win 1st place in the U.S. DOE’s 2011 Solar Decathlon. Their winning design incorporated a number of sustainable features, including a green roof, rainwater collection, an indoor waterfall, and solar panels which will provide year-round power to the home. And better yet, their design is something that could be used in building homes starting…now.

Now is Not the Time to Back Down from Solar Innovation: Needless to say, it is not time to back down from solar innovation. With technologies advancing and maturing, now is the time to promote high-quality production and reward improved performance standards. The need for clean energy is not going to go away. We need to tap into the all the benefits of solar energy, in addition to the other forms of renewable energy.

Chu: Solyndra’s collapse doesn’t dent solar investment case: Energy Secretary Steven Chu made it clear that despite the bankruptcy of Solyndra, there is still a need for federal investment and support of clean, green energy.

As Secretary Chu stated:

“It’s not enough for our country to invent clean energy technologies – we have to make them and use them, too.”

The time to tap into solar, and other renewable energy resources, is now. If we can ween ourselves away from our current sources of energy in favor of more sustainable energy sources, we will go a long way. Solar plays an important role in the future of worldwide energy, don’t you agree?

The sun provides an amazing amount of natural energy each and every day.  It’s a resource, that thankfully isn’t going to disappear anytime in the near future. However, surprising enough, until recently it hadn’t been gaining the wide-spread popularity that some said it should.

Image by Ricardo Samaniego

I mean, with the cost of fossil fuels (both financially and to the environment), alternative energy options are finally being sought after and are in high demand. Everything from wind energy to tidal energy, from algae biofuels to solar powered energy and more.

So since we’re on the subject of alternative energy and solar power, let’s take a look at some really cool ways people have tapped into the power of the sun to run these solar-powered machines:

1) Solar Powered Plane: Wouldn’t you love to take a trip in a solar-powered plane? Personally I think it would be pretty cool. And as you’ve probably heard, the Solar Impulse is the first solar-powered aircraft to complete an international flight. It also holds the record for the longest solar-powered flight. Now, as you can see from the following video it’s not a very fast airplane, but it is solar-powered and that’s pretty cool!

2) Solar Powered Car: Another great machine is the solar-powered car. Designed and built by students, this particular solar vehicle is completely powered by solar cells. Even though it only generates enough energy to power a toaster, that same amount of energy was enough to secure it in the Guinness Book of World Records for the fastest solar car in the world.

3) Solar Powered Carousel: Now this is one you may or may not have seen before. The solar powered “Carousolar”. Debuted at SXSW 2011, this solar powered carousel shows that even your fondest childhood memories can go solar! Put together by GE, the “Carousolar” is a traditional carousel, except it is white and it’s powered by 100 80-watt ‘thin film’ solar panels. Now, how cool is that?! Just take a look at how they brought this solar machine to life:

4) Solar Powered Eco Train: I love trains, so this is one I think is pretty cool. Designed by an Argentinian industrial designer as part of the Bombardier train competition, the Inter Urban Eco Train was 100% designed with local transit services in mind. A clean, eco-friendly way for commuters and students to get to and from work or school. It’s powered by solar and better yet, it generates zero carbon emissions. Read here for more information and pictures of this innovative form of urban transportation.

And check out this video for more information on Bombardier Transportation:

5) Solar Powered Boat: I’m sure you’ve heard of the Turanor, the world’s largest solar-powered boat. If not, the Turanor set out in September of 2010 intent on being the first boat to circumnavigate the globe powered only by solar energy. It was a big goal and a long “road” ahead, but they are doing it. You can check out the original unveiling of the Turanor in the following video. Then to get the most up-to-date information on the Turanor and where it is on its journey, go to Planetsolar.org.

6) Solar Powered Theme Park: Of course, if the above solar-powered machines don’t float your boat (pardon the corny pun), how would you like to see an entire theme park powered by solar power? I know I would!

Unfortunately I don’t have any video or pictures of this one yet, however it’s one I plan on following. Announced in January of this year, Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park intends to become the first theme park in the UK to run its roller coasters on solar power. I know I’d love to check it out in person! How about you?

When you think about it, one of the nice things about solar power and solar-powered machines is that the possibilities are endless. So many things that currently use other forms of energy or fuel can be engineered to run on solar. What’s your favorite solar-powered machine?

Solar energy is a hot topic these days. Solar power, along with other forms of alternative power, continue to gain popularity not only with individuals but with companies, governments, manufacturers, etc.

You may be aware that global wind energy took a big jump in 2009.  And while that is a great and needed advance in the alternative energy arena, solar energy also managed to hold on strong. Per a report from the Solar Energy Industries Association, the U.S. solar energy industry continued to expand in 2009. Residential photovoltaic (PV) installation doubling in size was a key factor that helped rocket solar energy installations by 37% in 2009.

But let’s be honest, State and Federal incentives and credits may have had a little impact on that increase as well.

Here’s a quick look at how photovoltaic solar cells got where they are today:

As we know, the sun has been used as a source of power and energy for centuries. As early as the 7th century B.C. man was using the sun’s rays to make fire or even to burn ants (which is something kids still do today to show the power of the sun).

Between the 1st and 4th centuries A.D. Roman bathhouses would often have south facing windows and/or open roofs to let in the sunlight and use it to warm the bathhouse.

That type of design is still used in buildings today so homeowners and business owners can take advantage of the natural light/warmth the sun provides. It saves on heating and electric expenses without even the need for solar panels.

Skylights, daylights, lots of windows or even a small atrium are simple and relatively inexpensive ways to let the sun provide light and warmth to a building.

In the late 1700′s Horace de Saussure was credited with building the world’s first solar collector. That same solar collector was what Sir John Herschel used on his South African Expedition, during the 1830′s, to cook his food.

De Saussure also put together a small greenhouse around the same time period, in order to test how effective glass would be at harnessing the power of the sun.

Greenhouses and solar ovens/cookers continue to provide us with a way to grow and cook using the power of the sun. Go here for more information on de Saussure’s work.

In 1839 French Scientist Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovaltaic effect. Years later, in the early 1900′s, Albert Einstein even got into the “solar field” when he published a paper on the photoelectric effect. His research and paper helped win him a Nobel Prize in 1921.

In the 1940′s, as a result of scarce energy due to WWII, many families and builders voiced a strong demand for solar.

Then in the early 1950′s Photovoltaic technology was officially born in the U.S. At the Bell Telephone Laboratory, three men developed a silicon PV cell. It was “the first solar cell capable of converting enough of the sun’s energy into power to run everyday electrical equipment“.

The initial solar cell had 4% efficiency and was later improved upon to reach 11% efficiency.  Since then different solar cells vary on their efficiency and even include solar cells that collect energy at night.

Towards the end of the 50′s, despite the fact that the silicon solar cell hadn’t caught on commercially, it did become the accepted energy source for space applications/satellites, etc. It remains so today.

Now we not only have solar panels on our roofs, but we have solar shingles, solar skylights that pump energy into dark interior spaces, solar vehicle charging stations, entire solar farms, solar heaters, solar lights, solar cookers, solar radios, solar flashlights, solar spray, solar cell phone chargers, etc, etc. I could go on and on.

However, renewable energy sources on Earth, such as wind and solar, will only be able to go so far. How long until we no longer want to see large wind or solar farms polluting the landscape and taking up every inch of usable land in order to generate enough energy?

Well, that’s where Space Solar Power hopes to step in as a possible future for solar energy. By using space-based systems, the sun’s energy can be captured and converted into usable power here on Earth.

The future of solar continues to evolve as we learn and experiment with new and brighter ideas on how to capitalize from the energy of the sun. Where do you think the future of solar is going to lead?

For a more complete history of solar, check out “The History of Solar” from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Images courtesy of: lauren keith, spacepleb and doug88888 via flickr, archinnovations.com, blog.modernmechanix.com, sunflowerdaylighting.com and space.com.

When someone starts talking to you about solar, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Well, if you’re like most people, you probably think of the solar panels that are installed on homes and businesses around the world.  But, solar panels aren’t just for homes anymore. These days there are many creative ways people are using the sun to power up. You can find anything from solar backpacks to solar cell-phones and chargers to solar cookers to solar powered bicycles, cars and more.

Do you consider yourself solar-minded? Do you have a favorite solar powered gadget? What is it?  Here are a few creative and/or odd solar gadgets for the solar-minded individual:

1) Solar Powered CoolerBot: If you were hoping this was a solar powered beer cooler, I’m sorry to let you know it’s not. But it is a very cool robot made from a cooler. It was designed to be used for nature photography and surveillance. It’s rugged, water-proof and built to withstand the outdoors to help you get that perfect nature shot.

2) Solar Powered Water Bottle: That’s right….it’s a water bottle by day and a lantern by night. I know, it’s not exactly one of those jump up and down about gadgets. But if it works, it’s something that might come in handy while out camping or on an evening hike.

3) Automower® Solar Hybrid: The Automower® is like a Roomba® for your lawn. While it may be a little bit of a hassle to set up, it is the world’s first fully-automated lawn mower that is in part powered by the sun. During the day the solar cells help increase mowing time between recharges.  On top of that it comes with a timer and anti-theft alarm (so you don’t have to worry about the neighbor snagging your new mower). This is definitely not your daddy’s lawn-mower!

4) Sun Oven® (aka a solar oven/BBQ): This is a great solar gadget for people who enjoy the outdoors. Rather than hauling out and firing up the BBQ, only to deal with all the smoke, flames, etc., you just pull out the good ‘ole sun oven. It apparently requires only minimal sun to bake, boil or steam foods including meats, vegetables, breads, soups, etc. Your food won’t have that “cooked on the grill” taste, but that doesn’t mean it won’t taste good. Just let the sun do the work.

5) Solar Panel Mat: Just what any outdoor person needs, right?! Well, if you truly are an outdoors-type person then yes. The solar panel mat is a simple, flexible and easily transportable method of getting energy in a pinch. Whether you need to charge your cell phone, your laptop, your camera, your car battery, etc. the solar panel mat is the gadget of choice. Just lay it down and start charging.

6)  Solar-powered bra: This gadget is designed for the seriously solar-minded female to promote clean energy and eco-awareness. The solar-powered bra can be used to power a variety of electronic devices including cell phones, i-pods and even its built-in “chest-mounted electric billboard”.  Then as an added bonus, it comes with a pair of re-usable drink pouches. Interesting concept, but do you think it will catch on?

So, if you are a truly solar-minded individual, then you might want to get more information on some of these solar powered gadgets.  You may find they are right up your alley. Let me know what solar-powered gadget is right for you!

Image by Mike Weston (via Flickr)

Many people have taken advantage of solar technology as it is a great source of alternative energy during the summer months when the sun is high in the sky.  But what about during the winter months?  Will your solar panels work the same during the winter?  What about if the panels get covered with snow?

One good thing is that since solar panels work on light not heat, cold winters aren’t a factor in keeping your solar panels generating energy throughout the winter. However, during the winter months there are shorter daylight hours, so you’re pretty much guaranteed your panels won’t generate as much energy as they do during the summer. Additionally, snow is a factor in keeping your solar panels working. If the panels get covered by snow they might stop producing power.

Did you know “because of the way solar panels are wired together, a little bit of snow – or bird droppings or leaves – blocking just a portion of an array can dramatically cut the output“? Needless to say, your panels will work better with no snow on them.

So even though it’s not on the top of your list during the holidays, you’ll want to keep your solar panels clean and functioning as best as they can during the winter. Solar panels can still generate energy under overcast or cloudy conditions, but if your panels are covered with snow, it is less likely light will be able to get through.  Some tips I’ve heard about removing snow from your solar panels include:

1) Use a roof rake or similar tool to pull the snow off the panels.  Be careful though as you don’t want to scratch the panels.  Some people recommend adding a squeegee strip to the bottom of it, as it will be softer on your panels.

2) Clear away a small patch of snow and let the sun do the rest.  Once a small patch is removed, the solar panel attracts the sun and it can sometimes assist in getting the rest of the snow to melt on its own.

3) If it isn’t too cold, spray the snow off the roof and panels with a garden hose.

4) If you can keep your solar panels tilted, the snow will be easier to get off and sometimes will slide off on its own.

But don’t forget, even though your solar panels may not be producing as much energy as they did during the summer months, you may have accumulated excess energy during the summer that can help offset your winter usage.  (Check with your local utility.)

If you don’t already have solar panels, it’s definitely an investment worth considering…you can get federal tax credits for energy-efficient improvements too. If you do have panels and have any other great tips for keeping your solar panels working during the winter, I’d love to hear them!

Image by Per Ola Wiberg (Powi)

A few weeks ago I wrote my blog about Carbon Dioxide and International Climate Action Day.  But I decided today that rather than writing a blog about something else, I wanted bring your attention right back to International Climate Action Day – which for those of you who aren’t familiar with it, is tomorrow (October 24th).

International Climate Action Day is a day where each and every one of us can take a little time out of our busy schedules and lives and do something that says “I stand for a safe climate future!” It doesn’t take much time or effort and thankfully, 350.org has tried to make it as simple as possible for people to join in and do something.

With everything from stencils to action maps showing where planned activities are taking place, from t-shirts to information to educate your community and more, there is no reason you too can’t be part of this global day.  There are already over 4000 events planned in over 170 countries – make sure you are part of it!

Let me make it simple:

1. Go to the 350.org website.
2. Read the invitation on their website which explains what International Climate Action Day is and invites you to participate.
3. Go to the 9-Step Organizing Plan page and follow those steps to plan and/or attend an event.
4. And, if you blog, write a blog about it – let others know!

It’s never too late to plan or attend an event!  350.org has the tips, tools and information you need to make any event, big or small, a success.  The more people that become aware of how their actions can lower CO2 levels, the better off we will be.  And please remember, lowering CO2 levels is something each of us can work on every day: bike to work one day rather than drive, take public transportation, use a proven fuel additive or buy an electric vehicle, car-pool, hang your clothes out to dry, conserve water and energy, buy local food or grow your own herbs and vegetables, plant trees around your home, install solar panels on your roof….the list could go on and on.

But the most important thing to remember is this isn’t just about one day, it’s about every day.  It’s about changing our habits and routines so that we will have a cleaner environment and many, many bright days ahead of us!

Image from GoodPlanet.info

I was reading a blog the other day on Mother Nature Network about the Top 10 Cleantech Countries and it got me thinking, what about some of the top cities?  What cities are considered being the best when it comes to being good for the environment and good for the people in them?   

That’s when I came across a website talking about cities for people.  What is a City for People?…”You would recognise a city for people quickly, because of the number of parks, cycle paths, and excellent public transport. You would not see unnecessary waste, too many cars, or lots of air pollution. You would probably see a move towards renewable energy, a great culture, and a strong economy.”

So, here are five cities for the people (and the environment):

1) Freiburg, Germany - Known for its use of solar, Frieburg prides itself on having over 13,000 of its residents living in sustainable districts.  Whole housing communities have been equipped with solar roofs and all new buildings must comply with the city’s low energy requirements.  Those who own houses equipped with solar panels can feed their surplus power into the public grid and get reimbursed for doing so.  

2) Malmo, Sweden – specifically the Western Harbour in Malmo.  A few years ago Western Harbour was apparently an old abandoned shipyard.  But the city decided it should be rejuvenated and now it is a major waterfront attraction powered by 100% local/renewable energy.  Buses in the area run on biogas (created from the waste of local residents), rainwater animates local water features and more. 

3) Portland, Oregon – Listed on SustainLane’s 2008 US City Rankings as the most sustainable U.S. city in 2008.  A lot of Portland’s sustainable actions are attributed to the forward thinking city planners that have apparently been thinking green for over 30 years now.  The city is known for its public transportation as well as being a bicycle-friendly city.  All of these things are above and beyond Portland’s natural beauty, its love of local growers and the city’s focus on green buildings and renewable energy. 

4) Copenhagen, Denmark – With the upcoming Climate Conference being held in Copenhagen this December, you’d assume the city would be at the top of its game.  Did you know that they hold a world record for consumption of organic products? (51% of food consumption in the city’s public institutions are organic and 23% in the private sector.)  They’ve apparently reduced their CO2 emissions by 25% since 1990, which they credit to their switch to natural gas heating.  They also offer more than 300kms of bike paths and plan to be the world’s leading bicycle city by 2015. 

5) Curitiba, Brazil – Sometimes referred to as the ecological capital of Brazil, Curitiba is well known for its urban planning.  The city reportedly has about 12 acres of parkland for every 1000 people and with 1.5 million people, that’s a lot of parkland.  It should also be noted that many of the parks near rivers and streams also serve as flood buffers between the water and the city.  And in terms of making the environment part of the city, even their Opera House is surrounded by the beauty of nature.   

I know there are many more cities for the environment (and the people), but these are just a few I thought were worth mentioning.  Do you have a city you feel is worth mentioning? 

Image by biofriendly 

When it comes to lowering your carbon footprint and doing something about climate change there are many actions each of us can take.  Now, you may ask yourself, “I’m just one person, what can I really do?”.  As far as I’m concerned, it’s going to be people just like you and me who are going to be the driving force that can really make a difference. 

You can add solar panels to your home, you can add a wind turbine in your yard, you can grow your own vegetables and herbs, you can unplug your appliances/computers when not in use, you can use a fuel additive to lower harmful emissions coming from your vehicle or get a hybrid/electric vehicle, you can use public transportation, bike or walk to your destinations, you can cut down on your meat consumption, you can volunteer and help clean up your local beaches/parks, you can educate your children on water and energy conservation and the list goes on and on.

Of course there are also big steps that companies and governments can take, but without individual people changing their own actions and demanding that change in others, it’s going to be a much longer road.  Here are a few more steps you, as an individual, can take to do something positive about climate change while educating others to do the same:

1) The No Impact Project starts this Sunday (Oct 18th).  The No Impact Project is a basically a one-week carbon cleanse.  Whether you want to create as little impact on the environment as possible or you just want to save some money or you want to see how no impact living would affect your life, this is for you!  It’s a day-by-day project that lays out simple ways for you to impact your own life and habits, your community and the environment.  And remember, this project isn’t designed to preach about all the things we are doing wrong, it’s designed to give each of us tips and suggestions to help live a better life and have less impact on the environment.  Check it out!

2) You can get your child’s school to join the I count for my Earth Campaign. I count for my Earth is a program created to get our children educated and more environmentally aware of the world around them.  It also helps empower them to be able to do something to make a difference.  My daughter always makes sure lights that don’t need to be on, get turned off and reminds us that leaving them on “wastes power”.  Get your child(ren) more environmentally aware and knowing ”I count for my Earth”. 

3)  Last week I wrote about carbon dioxide and International Climate Action Day.  On October 24, 2009 people around the world are being asked to take one day – one moment of their life – to help get the word out….actually, get the number out.  You can organize your own activity or attend an already planned activity in your area, that helps draw attention and awareness to the number 350 and what it means to all of us.

4) You can go to the Seal The Deal! website and sign the petition for a fair climate agreement at the upcoming Climate Change Conference.

5) From December 7th-18th, 2009 world leaders are gathering in Copenhagen for the United Nations Climate Conference 2009.  Their goal is to negotiate and come to an agreement on a new climate treaty.  You can do your part by requesting your leader takes the bold actions needed to reduce greenhouse gases.  You can even submit your own video with your views, opinions and questions on climate change.  (The best ones will be aired on December 15th during the COP15 CNN/YouTube TV debate.)

6) And last, but not least, blog about it.  Today is Blog Action Day ’09.  It’s a day uniting bloggers from around the world to write about climate change all on the same day.  Bringing awareness to the issue is the first step.  Hopefully this action will not only bring about more awareness to the issue of climate change, but will result in global discussions and actions.

Hopefully these tips will help you answer the question “What Can I Do About Climate Change?”.  Let me know….I’d love to hear your ideas and find out more about what you are doing about climate change.