Florida Needs Water

South Florida made it on the news this morning on CNN.com and it would be a crime if I didn't report it! No, it wasn't for a voting crisis or illegal immigrants crossing any borders. According to CNN, we are unfortunately facing the strictest water restrictions...well...ever.

This is our 18th month in a dry spell and evidence of our lack of rain is everywhere. Browning grass, low lake water and a miserable sugar cane crop are attributes of South Florida agriculture at this time. CNN says, "Lake Okeechobee, the region's primary reservoir, is down to 9.3 feet above sea level -- less than half a foot above its record low. Farmers and the area's 600 golf courses must use 45 percent less water in the hardest-hit areas, and home sprinklers are restricted to once a week. Officials are comparing the drought to another in 2001 that caused an estimated $400 million in agricultural losses."

Florida agriculture is already suffering with a decrease in farms throughout the state, many local farmers hurt by the state Greenbelt Law. It is far too easy for companies to claim their lots as farms and benefit from tax breaks in my opinion. These laws aren't protecting the neighborhood farmer in West Palm Beach who simply wants to sell what he grows in his community.

Although rainclouds and thunder could be heard throughout the southern part of the state during the weekend, many parts didn't see a drop of rain. For those that did, it was sparse and may have only lasted minutes. CNN reports, "Voluntary water restrictions were recommended around the start of this year, and mandatory limits came in March. Tighter clamps were ordered in April, and last week the toughest restraints in history took effect in some areas, limiting home watering and cutting commercial use by almost half. Authorities hope the rainy season, which typically begins June 1, will wash away the trouble, but the area is so dry that even an average summer wouldn't break the drought."

It seems that this hurricane/rainy season may be welcomed with open arms for once. I know I don't appreciate rainstorms everyday at 3 p.m. but the way things have been going, I'm looking forward to them! Just leave out anything hurricane-related.

Gas Prices Rise in Florida and...everywhere

Just when you thought that refreshing $2.75 at the pump was here to stay, the next time you stopped at your local Chevron, the figure had jumped to a staggering $3.02. No, it's not a joke. This is the harsh reality in South Florida and across the United States.

AAA just put out a list of the top ten, most expensive states to buy gas in:

Most expensive:

• Florida: averaging $2.90 per gallon...I guess I live in a town where we're 12 cents above average...wonderful.
• Idaho: averaging $2.90 per gallon
• New Mexico: averaging $2.90 a gallon
• Arizona: averaging $2.97 per gallon
• Connecticut: averaging $2.98 a gallon
• New York: averaging $2.98 a gallon
• Nevada: averaging $3.11 per gallon
• Oregon: $3.12 a gallon
• Hawaii: $3.14 a gallon
• Washington: averaging $3.15 a gallon
• California: averaging $3.35 a gallon

Least expensive:

• Arkansas: averaging $2.74 a gallon
• Mississippi: averaging $2.74 a gallon
• Tennessee: averaging $2.74 a gallon
• Ohio: $2.72 a gallon
• Kentucky: $2.72 a gallon
• South Carolina: $2.72 a gallon
• Oklahoma: averaging $2.69 a gallon
• Missouri: averaging $2.68 a gallon
• New Jersey: $2.67 a gallon (my home-sweet-home...how I miss it..they even pump your gas for you)
• Minnesota: $2.67 a gallon

If your state is somewhere on these lists, I hope its the second one! It's going to be a pricy summer if these are the figures in April!

Ethanol 101

You've heard about it, but what exactly is ethanol? Well, according to Driving Ethanol, this chemical is really a fuel-alternative made from grains like corn or milo. There are many interesting facts related to this hot new commodity:

• There are 110+ ethanol plants in America
• 4.8 billion+ gallons of ethanol were produced in the US last year
• The U.S. ethanol industry supported the creation of over 160,000 jobs in all sectors of the economy in 2005, boosting household income by $6.7 billion.
• Ethanol is the highest-performance fuel on the market, with an octane rating of 113 in its pure form.
• Auto manufacturers approve, and even recommend, fuel enriched with up to 10% ethanol for all cars.
• 10% ethanol-enriched fuel reduces carbon monoxide better than any other gasoline — by as much as 30%.

Although the US is jumping on the bandwagon of ethanol production, Brazil still takes the lead in sugarcane ethanol production. Currently, there are 2 availabilities of ethanol:

• E10 - (10% ethanol / 90% gasoline) Widely available and approved for virtually every car on the road today.
• E85 - (85% ethanol / 15% gasoline) Gaining in popularity, E85 is the highest-octane fuel available and can be used only in Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs).

According to DrivingEthanol.org, the state of Florida does not use ethanol-enriched fuel enough. A press release from EPIC says, “Florida has one of the nation’s fastest growing populations,” said Reece Nanfito, the senior director of marketing for EPIC. “The demand for fuel will obviously continue to grow in the state, so it is critical that Floridians have the opportunity to make a choice at the pump for a more stable, environmentally-friendly energy future.”

Today, ethanol is currently blended in 46% of our nation’s fuel supply with the majority of the fuel blended with 10% ethanol. Ethanol-enriched fuels need to be made available to the remaining 54%. In many cities, such as Tampa, consumers currently do not have access to purchase even a 10 percent ethanol blend, although it can be used in any of today’s cars.
If all consumers have the option to purchase a 10 percent ethanol blend by the end of 2009, the U.S. can anticipate offsetting the need for 14.5 billion of gallons of gasoline.

E10 is a blend of 90 percent gasoline and 10 percent ethanol and is approved for use in any vehicle built after 1980. E85 is a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline and can only be used in Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs). There are more than 6 million FFVs on the road today.

Ethanol is a 100% renewable fuel, distilled from high-starch crops, primarily corn in the United States. By the end of 2007, nearly 140 plants will be producing approximately seven billion gallons of ethanol.

“Ethanol’s performance and environmental benefits resonate with consumers,” said Nanfito. “It may take time, but ethanol-enriched fuels need to a part of Florida’s energy future.”

The US Department of Energy says, "The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 mandated the sale of oxygenated fuels in areas with unhealthy levels of carbon monoxide. Since that time, there has been strong demand for ethanol as an oxygenate blended with gasoline. In the United States each year, approximately 2 billion gallons are added to gasoline to increase octane and improve the emissions quality of gasoline.

Blends of at least 85% ethanol are considered alternative fuels under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct). E85, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, is used in flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) that are currently offered by most major auto manufacturers. "

I think increased use of ethanol blends is a great idea and one that needs to be implemented by a government mandate. Since moving to Florida, I have noticed my allergies have gotten worse and I fear the air quality is not up-to-par with New Jersey's, where I previously lived. There are no annual automobile inspections required in Florida and this can take a toll on the air quality. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has driven down I-95 and seen a beat-up '82 Kia with a cloud of black smoke emitting from its engine, going 40 miles-per-hour down the highway.

These are problems that could be resolved through annual inspections as well as a law mandating the use of higher percentages of ethanol in our fuel.

It's Glamour*ous to be green

As much as I enjoy reporting environmental concerns, finding fuel deals and ranting on current events, I *am* a young woman and *do* enjoy fashion. To my surprise, the April 2007 issue of Glamour magazine devoted about 15 pages to a "how to save the planet" guide. Not only was it jam-packed with great information, I even learned a few things! Here are some useful tips that Glamour suggested in order to stop that thing called global warming:

• Look for "Energy Star"-stickered appliances and gadgets..they HAVE been tested and DO save energy.
• Those cleaning bottles you have in your cabinet may not necessarily be good for the environment. Windex? Mr. Clean? Try switching to brands like Seventh Generation and Mrs. Meyer's. Whole Foods also stocks a great line of natural products that won't pollute the groundwater. They may be pricy, but try switching just one of your usual products up with one from a safe, better-for-the-earth line.
• Buy produce at local farmer's markets. I cannot even begin to stress how important "buying local" really is. It helps the local economy, local agriculture, and even helps discourage the subsidization of farms in poorer nations who are practically robbed from by big agribusiness.
• Don't let that faucet drip, make sure you turn off all knobs when you are finished showering or brushing your teeth. If your toilet runs, call a plumber. You will save on your utilities bill while decreasing the need for water.
• Write a congressional representative at: www.nrdc.org/action to support legislation to end global warming and improve the Earth's resources.
• Ask for brown paper bags instead of plastic at the grocery store, or carry your own duffel bags to save on plastic.
• buy recycled paper products and greeting cards...my philosophy is, if there is more of a market for these products, more companies will be forced to recycle!
• Limit your dry-cleaning use. Glamour reported that about 85% of cleaners use Perc, a chemical that has been linked to cancer and pollution. Useful alternatives can be found on: earth911.org and findco2.com.

All eyes set on ethanol

Amidst student protestors and members of the Landless Worker's Movement waving signs reading, "Out, Bush!" and colorful banners depicting a Bush, pseudo-Hitler illustration, negotiations were made and hands were shaken in the sugar-cane fields of Brazil.

It was only 2 weeks ago that President George W. Bush made his presence known in the country, as well as several other Latin American nations (excluding any affiliated with his number one fan, Hugo Chavez). Ethanol, a newly emerging, popular alternative fuel source was on his top agenda as he met with President Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula de Silva, Laura in tow.

In a CNN article taken from the Associated Press, "Bush arrives in Brazil amid protests," it states, "Bush arrived in South America's largest city in the evening on a mission intended to promote democracy, increased trade and cooperation on alternative fuels. Riot police fired tear gas and beat some protesters with batons after more than 6,000 people held a largely peaceful march through the financial district. And in the southern city of Porto Alegre, more than 500 people yelled, "Get out, imperialist!" as they burned an effigy of Bush outside a Citigroup Inc. bank branch."

Many in the Landless Worker's Movement feel their land will be exploited for the rich and corporate profit, yet again. Ethanol is a hot, new commodity everyone is tapping into this market. "Going green" can be used by even the most money-hungry, power-driven to portray their concern for the Third World, but can we at least leave the word "democracy" out of it? We all know that whenever a new land is invaded or people are pushed aside, it's always to promote democracy.

Bush even went so far as to respond to his warm welcome with a so-called appreciation for being able to visit a part of the world where people are able to express their opinions and have the freedom of speech. CNN says, White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said Bush "enjoys traveling to thriving democracies where freedom of speech and expression are the law of the land." If only this rosy expression were a little more believable. Now, come on...we all know the man didn't travel to the Global South for a lesson in democracy. New Orleans was quite a democracy if I remember correctly...those folk simply wanted their voices heard.

Bush and the Brazilian president discussed ways to increase WTO influence, which include reduced tariffs on sugar-cane imports into the United States. Many Brazilian people fear Bush's Latin American visit may end up capitalizing on their natural resources, while they are left with none of the money and a destructed environment due to increased ethanol production.

How to save energy

I love "How-to" Lists, especially ones that will help save me cash while helping the environment. Here is a list of simple, how-to-save energy tips as compiled on an article on Energy Saving Trust:

1. Don't leave appliances on standby (think of that desktop that runs unused all day on your home desk that you don't see until 6 p.m. at night)

2. Install energy-saving bulbs (they last about 12 times longer AND save you about $10 on every electric bill)

3. Only boil the bare minimum of water you need (In other words, if you're going to boil up some spaghetti for dinner, you don't need a gallon of water, which takes longer to heat)

4. Insulate your attic or loft, so heat and air-conditioning don't go to waste.

5. Install cavity wall insulation (33% of heat lost is in un-insulated homes)

6. Upgrade or maintain your boiler.

7. Buy energy-saving appliances (they may be a little more pricey, but in the long run, they will greatly reduce your bills)

8. Reduce your thermostat by 1 degree. (It will save you about 10% on your energy bill)

9. Use cold water for laundry (You are using about 40% less electricity)

10. Don't drive the car on short trips (Ride a bike, carpool, walk if it's only a mile or two away)

Eco-friendly energy on oil companies' agendas?

When the names "Shell" and "Chevron" come to mind, somehow they don't ignite a sense of responsibility-driven, environmentally-concerned companies. We've all heard about the outright environmental abuse some of these Big Oil names have become involved in. But, maybe all of our concern is having some effect on their views...

In a recent article titled, "Oil companies discuss energy challenges," there are talks going on revolving around fuel-efficiency and alternative energy sources. "When some of the industry's top executives gather in Houston next week to discuss global energy challenges, finding new and more effective ways to produce oil and gas — as well as alternatives to fossil fuels — will dominate the discussion."

Go figure. It's almost like McDonalds is holding a summit on how to stop coronary heart disease.

The article goes on to say, "John Hofmeister, head of Royal Dutch Shell's U.S. arm, and James Mulva, ConocoPhillips' chairman and chief executive, are taking part in separate national speaking tours with other representatives of their companies, talking and listening at town hall meetings in places like Edwardsville, Ill., and Little Rock, Ark.

Outlining his company's 35-city tour in Houston recently, Mulva acknowledged that he and others have traditionally done a poor job of conveying to the public how their businesses operate, the challenges they face, the advances they're making.

Often, consumers' main connection with oil companies comes from filling up their vehicles or, recently, reading headlines of record profits. For example, Exxon Mobil this month shattered its own record for the largest annual profit by any U.S. company, bringing in $39.5 billion. And ConocoPhillips reported its best-ever full-year earnings, $15.5 billion for 2006.

But what folks probably don't know, Mulva said, is U.S. oil companies have invested $11 billion in North America on renewable and other forms of energy in the past five years."

It goes on with, "Mulva called President Bush's proposal for expanding ethanol use to reduce gas consumption "very well motivated," but he said industry leaders "want a seat at the table" when state and federal officials set standards for the use and development of alternative energy sources. 'We believe very strongly the best way of meeting those metrics is to determine what they are and then let the industry ... come up with the resources and plans to meet those, (rather) than have mandates saying specifically, 'You have to do it this way and that," he said."

Pardon me, but we all know President Bush is NOT the environmental protector he wants to think he is...(see my blog post regarding Alaska). Therefore, whatever he proposes, I'm sure will be a bare minimum in actually being good for the Earth. Also, we have to remember that oil companies are corporations, and therefore, have one obligation: to maximize profit for their shareholders. No wonder Mulva mentioned that "the industry" should come up with guidelines regarding alternative-energy use. If bio-fuel and ethanol are not cost-effective, guess how long it will be before those ideas are thrown out? Nice try, Big Oil.

You might want to stock up on water...

because it may be gone in 73 years. If you thought that global warming thing was mere hype, think again. According to a Reuters article titled, "Millions to go hungry, waterless: climate report," a new global warming report mentions that, "By the end of the century, climate change will bring water scarcity to between 1.1 and 3.2 billion people as temperatures rise by 2 to 3 Celsius (3.6 to 4.8 Fahrenheit), a leaked draft of an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report said."

Fabulous. As if we want it any hotter here in South Florida, where this summer's temperatures hung out at a scorching 97*F for as long as I can remember.

"In Europe, glaciers would disappear from the central Alps, while some Pacific island nations would be hit hard by rising sea levels and more frequent tropical storms."

As we have all heard, polar bears have turned to cannibalism because of ice melting and starvation. The great tsunami that took hundreds of thousands of lives in the Asian region was catastrophic, but we hear nothing nowadays about relief efforts and what is being done to prevent further disasters of this sort. Everybody knows of Katrina, she's a household name now.

It is inevitable that this Earth is being slowly destroyed, but there are ways to slow the process down or revert it altogether. Why not recycle more so our oceans aren't as polluted anymore? Take your used batteries to battery-recycle locations instead of tossing them into your garbage cans and forgetting their consequences. Switch to cold water laundry cycles and turn the lights out when you leave the house.

All are things we can do everyday to help our struggling environment. Let's not let these haunting predictions come true..