Sustainability

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    Early Sunset on Missouri Solar Utility Rebate

    The writing was on the wall; we knew it was coming.  In Missouri, the $2 per watt rebate being paid by investor-owned utilities (IOUs) was scheduled to be reduced to $1.50 per watt starting in 2014.  This reduction was designed to make the rebate last longer, since it represented as much as 2/3 of the…

  • Film Review: Chasing Ice

    The 22nd annual St. Louis International Film Festival, which ran from November 14-24, offered the typical variety of independent films.  I appreciated the chance to review a few of the movies featuring environmental issues. Chasing Ice was a riveting documentary about the melting glaciers in the great Arctic Circle.  James Balog, a photographer for National…

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    Film Review: Uranium Drive-In

    The 22nd annual St. Louis International Film Festival, which ran from November 14-24, offered the typical variety of independent films.  I appreciated the chance to review a few of the movies featuring environmental issues. Uranium Drive-In highlighted a bleak situation in Colorado, illustrating an ongoing debate about nuclear power and the environment vs. jobs and…

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    Update on Missouri Solar Coaster

    Since writing my November Going Green column, a lot has happened.  Ameren Missouri, the largest utility in Missouri, filed a petition with the Missouri Public Service Commission stating that they had reached their 1% cost cap over which they could no longer offer solar rebates. In reviewing Ameren’s calculations, the PSC testified that some of…

  • Green Gift Envelopes

    Once again, ‘tis the season to give gifts.  We are conditioned to think that these gifts must come in boxes or bags, but an attractive alternative may be shared in a simple envelope.  I’m not suggesting cash (even if that’s the quintessential green!) or gift cards, but something more personalized that shows the recipient how…

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    Celebrate Energy Awareness Month

    In 2011, President Obama and the Department of Energy established October as National Energy Awareness Month.  Given the importance of energy to both our economy and environment, this month is a time to focus on how we’re using energy in our homes and businesses. Many of us grew up in an era of inexpensive energy,…