Let’s talk about going beyond recycling – the creative’s guide to clean energy.
Let’s talk about going beyond recycling…this is what I call the creative’s guide to clean energy.
I’ve always been on the trash-to-treasure bandwagon. It’s a crafter’s rite of passage. You know, using plastic containers to make shrink art, art sculptures from cardboard boxes. Fabulous!
Things are different now. I recently participated in a program called “Climate Cultura,” where a group of us spent two full days with energy experts learning about everything from solar power to battery storage and more. It blew my mind, because in all these years, I never knew the ins and outs of how much we underutilize the sun.
Mostly, how accessible it is to make better choices when it comes to our environment.
As a Phoenix native, we’ve experienced a HUGE shift in our heat. We used to have to wear coats and scarves in October, now? Halloween is as hot as summertime.
This is a serious matter no upcycled cardboard can fix. Baking cookies on the dashboard isn’t cute anymore, it’s a warning sign.
So… I’m leveling up and making changes in my habits as well as mindset. I want to share the process so you can as well!
Let me know in the comments if you have any tips to share, questions, etc. We’re all here to learn together!
First up – here is a previous post about Basic eco-friendly craft tips
Beyond recycling: The creative’s guide to clean energy
Battery storage
I always thought of battery storage as something huge, like a noisy generator. Something way above my skill level.
OMG. It is so much easier than that. You know how we have power banks for our smartphones? They have ones like that! You can also get a special storage battery that connects to your home solar to store power, if you have home solar. There is a whole collection of different sizes and price points of portable power banks. Think of it as a handy reservoir for your electricity.
How it works: Simplified, but basically you let the sun charge the power bank, then you can plug your items into it. And you don’t have to wait for a power outage to use it. Give your home electricity a break, and use the power bank every so often for things like fans, craft tools, charging devices, etc.
Solar energy is FREE and we have plenty of it, so let’s use it more often. Not only in crafting, but everyday life.
I’m currently shopping for a portable power bank and want to take my sewing machine to the park! There are so many ways to be creative!
Solar panels
The industry has come a long way. You don’t need to hire a massive construction crew. There are plenty of options for different price points. I researched for our home, approximately 2000 square feet and it would be between $15-20K out-of-pocket. Just an FYI for context.
Contact an expert to walk you through the calculations to see how much money you will save throughout the decades of owning your home. Not only are you helping the planet, but that is extra money to share with your family, take a dream trip, house remodeling, etc.
Tips for choosing a company:
Make sure they have proper licenses and certifications. North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is the gold standard. Also verify state credentials.
Read reviews on Yelp, Google, and the BBB.
Research various companies.
Review/verify warranties and tax breaks and how they will play into your investment.
If you don’t feel ready to put solar on your roof, here are other options:
Portable Solar: These are bigger than the portable battery pack, and smaller than rooftop. They are foldable panels perfect for artists or photographers who need to charge gear on location, or take your work outside.
NOTE: This is still a very new technology (they haven’t standardized them for this kind of use yet in AZ) but I’ll update you when they are! In the meantime, you can help by advocating for them. Learn more here, it explains it with more detail.
Community Solar: If you rent your studio or apartment, see if you can “subscribe” to a solar farm nearby. You get the credits on your bill without ever touching a screwdriver. Here in Phoenix, we have at least five community solar farms citizens can use!
Community activism
Did you know you can become involved in your state’s decisions when it comes to energy? Become involved by researching the power companies in your community. Track what they are doing to utilize solar to better the environment.
There is a board of directors you can research to see their interests, and how they affect decision making. We have a power company here in Phoenix who profited $617 million dollars last year, and they are still raising prices!
WHY.
So yes, personally, I want answers. We can use our passion as a megaphone.
Write to your local representatives.
Share your stories on social media.
Show up to public hearing meetings and speak up. Share how these price increases affect your life.
Join community groups if you don’t want to do it alone.
Take time to document, journal, paint the ways clean energy would look in your neighborhood.
Host eco-mixers where like-minded people can come together and share resources.
Advocate for policies that make sense for living your best, clean energy life.
Make an power outage emergency kit
Power outages are a real issue! Out of everything I’ve shared here, this is the one to tackle first. Every household should have a power outage emergency kit ready.
Most of these are for three-days worth.
Lighting + Power:
Flashlights for sure, and if you feel super fancy headlights (literally flashlights you strap around your head) for hands-free lighting.
Batter-powered lanterns and/or lamps.
Extra batteries, power banks for smartphones, even an analog radio.
Food + water
One gallon per person, don’t forget extra for pets.
Non-perishable foods, can opener, utensils, cups.
A cooler/ice packs (this one can be a challenge, but we’ll try!)
Other items:
First-aid set, important documents, tool set, whistle, personal hygiene items, blankets, hand fans, medications, and journal and pen set, of course!
One more thing to consider, the benefits of clean energy!
These are my common sense thoughts, feel free to share your ideas in the comments!
Cleaner air and water. All of this goes into our bodies, we want junk-free air and water!
Smaller carbon footprint. Reduced heat/lower temperatures, especially in areas with a lot of streets, buildings, etc.
Lower electricity bills! More sustainability in costs, if everyone adapted to using more solar, it will put less pressure on power plants, less spikes in usage, making our bills more predictable. Lessens risks of power outages.
Whew, this was a lot, right? I hope all of this information comes in handy!If anything, I hope it motivates you to embrace clean energy.
