About six months ago, in a flurry of post New Year’s activity, I launched this blog and entered the highly addictive world of self-publishing. With 24 hours of laid-off time at my disposal and a naturally curious disposition, I had the time and energy in abundance to research every little thing that captured my attention. [...]
Author Archive > Kim Kochaver
Sustainable Energy Plans for California
Several weeks back, I mentioned that I was taking a class at Stanford entitled, “A Practical Guide to Building a Sustainable Energy Plan for California.” Well…the class is now finished, and I thought I’d share a few tidbits from my experience.
The class was taught by Sally Benson, Executive Director of Stanford’s Global Climate and Energy [...]
Canary in a Coalmine
If this title sets your heart all aflutter for Sting in his glory days, then you’re entirely too old for your own good. If, however, it brought to mind the funky, relatively new advertising campaign from Crispin Porter geared at educating the masses about clean(er) coal, then you ARE the young, hip cool thang I [...]
3/28/09: Earth Hour
Mark your calendars now, for on March 28th, the World Wildlife Fund is leading their third annual “hour of darkness.” No, not a satanic cult rite, but in fact a short, global shout out that folks everywhere care about this big orb we live on. For one hour on Saturday night (8:30-9:30pm local), you’re asked [...]
“Alternative” Alternative Energy
Capturing energy from the sun? Been there. Harnessing the power of wind. So yesterday. For those of you out there on the bleeding edge - the foks who think blogs are passe, only attend events that are flash announced on twitter, and were driving their priuses long before the rest of us knew how to [...]
It’s not all fun and games. Or is it?
Is anyone else feeling the February blahs? I thought that this might be a good time to infuse our energy conversations with a little levity. After all, there’s no reason that saving the planet can’t be enjoyable, too! So to that end, here are a few discoveries that will not only educate and inform, but [...]
Easy Ways for Renters to Help Save the Planet
I’ve noticed that a lot of the articles about energy efficiency seem to focus on homeowners. Caulk this. Insulate that. Buy EnergyStar. But what of those poor schmucks amongst us who are still renters? We live in old buildings, don’t have a clue where our hot water heater is, and would kill for a washer [...]
A Layman’s Guide to the new Stimulus Package
You’ve probably seen chatter going back and forth in the news about Obama’s new effort to jump start the economy. His stimulus package, formally called the “American Recovery and Reinvestment” Plan, aims to infuse over $500 billion into the economy as well as keep more cash in our pockets by cutting taxes. I most certainly [...]
What is a Watt Worth?
I was flipping through my bills the other day when I paused to look over my electric bill. With all of this talk about energy, I realized that I didn’t know much about my own personal energy use.
I know how much I pay each month to Pacific Gas & Electric, but how much energy do [...]
Keep a Cool Head with a Living Roof
So far, I’ve written mostly about nifty new ways to create energy. But the supply side is just one half of the equation. The other side is the increasing demand for energy.
While great steps are being made to find new and cleaner sources of energy all around us, the exponential use of power necessitated by [...]
