"It's time to freak out about methane". -Rebecca Leber Let's not substitute one harmful energy source (natural gas) for another (coal). They are making big decisions RIGHT NOW about our how much renewable energy we will have in Georgia. Make your voice heard! |
|
|
ADVOCATE: Email the Georgia public service commissioners directly (yes, again)! Thanks to all of you, there have been over 300 public comments made!!! But it is the last thing that they hear that often influences votes. Let's bring this over the finish line! They vote July 21st. There is still promise for more "net metering" and energy efficiency measures. This may be your most impactful action this year (along with voting in November) Click here to follow how to email them.
|
|
|
LEARN: - Natural Gas is NOT good for climate or health.
- Methane is the main ingredient in natural gas and more than eighty times stronger than carbon dioxide as a heat-trapper.
- Climate scientists say that we need to cut methane emissions now in order to keep climate warming below 2 degrees Celsius.
Don't be fooled by companies saying that natural gas is "clean". Along with methane, natural gas also emits carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Nitrogen oxides are precursors to smog, and is known to be harmful to health. One of the ways that the gas company keeps us hooked on their product is by marketing gas stoves. But natural gas in your home actually reduces indoor air quality and is associated with higher wheezing in children and other health effects. In fact, the American Medical Association just adopted a resolution informing physicians, health care providers and the public that cooking with a gas stove increases household air pollution and the risk of childhood asthma.
|
|
- Drilling for natural gas, including "fracking" or unconventional hydraulic fracturing, causes health hazards such as respiratory symptoms and cardiovascular disease. It also disrupts wildlife habitats, and causes noise, water and chemical pollution.
- Builders can build for the same cost or even cheaper if they didn't have to put in gas infrastructure.
- A consumer could save money if they only needed one utility because there is a monthly cost associated just with having the energy source conncted to your home. Take a look at your gas bill-at least 30 dollars of your bill is just to have the line and manage your account.
- Here is a great article about why we need to freak out about methane.
|
|
|
ACT: So what can you do? Consider replacing your old gas furnace or water heater with a more efficient heat pump. If your contractor does not know how to install them, take a look at our list of heat pump water heater certified installers. Are you or someone you know thinking of remodeling your kitchen? Consider an induction stove. Have you seen Tasty cooking videos? They use portable induction stoves!
|
|
- One of the biggest selling points of induction stoves is speed. It simply takes less time to cook food because the pan heats up faster. Additionally, since there are no open flames and cooking surfaces cool quickly, induction cooktops are considered a safer option than gas or electric.
- Do you want to borrow a portable induction stove to try it out? We've got one! Email decaturclimate.com.
- Do a friend a favor. If they are in need of a new furnace or new stovetop, tell them about these options.
|
|
|
Upcoming Events: - MARTA is planning public transportation routes in Decatur. Attend an open house.
- July 28th at the Decatur Rec Center from 4-8 PM, the city of Decatur will be talking about its clean energy plan!
- Save the date tentatively for August 28th for an electric vehicle meet and greet. We will talk about EVs next month.
|
|
|
|
|
