Focus on the Good!

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The uptick in concern about indoor air quality is meeting the need to make real progress to get off fossil fuels.

Natural gas as a cheap, efficient, and reliable fuel source was the standard for new construction and remodeling of old houses for decades. Even in 2009, when I bought my home, switching off diesel heating fuel and in-efficient electric systems was a priority. “Cooking with gas” was the lobbying tagline that made it into our communications and memes!

In 2023, however, using the power of the sun, wind, and water are our best bets for renewable energy.

Eugene has become the first city in Oregon to outlaw new construction having natural gas fuel. Portland and Bend won’t be far behind, the State and other states will follow.

How does this effect you?

Photo by Vivint Solar on Unsplash

  1. Remodel to high efficiency electric appliances and HVAC.

  2. Don’t install a new natural gas line. It’s no longer a draw to home buyers.

  3. Add solar panels and make sure your roof has 20+ years on it’s life

  4. Switch to an electric vehicle

This is the current Way of the Future. It may (and should!) change and we’ll all need to keep working towards not sucking the life out of our planet. Don’t get caught up in fuddy duddy ideas like “but this was what they told us to do for decades” or “but I’m used to being able to see the flame” or “a gas fireplace is so easy.”

If you are reading this in the comfort of your dry, safe, clean, heated, and plumbed home, then you are already one of the luckiest humans on the planet. Making choices is a privilege, let’s use that privilege in responsible ways.

Thanks for reading my TED talk.


Sources:

OPB

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