-- Scotts Contracting - StLouis Renewable Energy: February 2015

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2.28.2015

Missouri State Capital Building Pictures

These are the pictures I took of the Missouri State Capital Building while I was waiting on the SB830 Committee Meeting to get started.  For those that have yet to make it to the Capital.  Viewing the Architecture and Construction of the Capital Building is worth the stroll around the grounds.
Jefferson City State Capital Building
Jefferson City State Capital Building


Front Entrance to the Capital Building.  The Pillars and Statues are immense!
Front Entrance to the Capital Building The Pillars and Statues are immense!


Inside the Capital they have displays of times gone by
Stage Coaches were one of the first Public transportation systems
one of the first Public transportation systems

The remaining pictures are of the interior artwork of the Capital Building in all its grandeur!

Around the Central Hall of the Building they have Murals that reflect the lives and occupations of the Residents of Missouri.  Every walk of life is represented in a Mural.  Showing the Diversity of our Great State!
Pioneer Mother Mural
Pioneer Mother Mural

A Facteur-

Mural Native Americans the First Missouri Inhabitants
Aboriginals-Native Americans


Mural Early Builders of Missouri
Builders

Machinist Mural at Capital Building
Machinist

Mural Miners of early Missouri
Miners

Scientist Mural at Jefferson City Capital Building
Scientist 

Early Riverboat Pilot Mural
River Pilot

Cattleman Mural Early Missouri Ranchers
The Cattleman

Railroad Builder Mural at Jefferson City Capital Building
Railroad Builder

Freighter Mural
The Freighter

The Great Hall and its Arch
My Eco Friendly Trip to the Capital
Here is a copy of the speech notes and actual presentation notes I gave to the Missouri Legislative Ways and Means Committee Members in support of the HB830 Industrial Hemp Bill working through MoLeg. - See more at: http://blog.stlouisrenewableenergy.com/search/label/hemp%20moleg#sthash.LWFyKCXe.dpuf

Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources via: Scotty- St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog
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2.27.2015

Scottys Speech HB830 Industrial Hemp for MO

             Here is a copy of the speech notes and actual presentation notes I gave to the Missouri Legislative Ways and Means Committee Members in support of the HB830 Industrial Hemp Bill working through MoLeg.

              Knowing that my papers would get submitted with my testimony I went a little off my scripted notes and addressed a few concerns that I noticed the Legislators had made during the meeting:

  • During the discussion it became clear that the Legislators were concerned about how Law Enforcement Personnel would distinguish the difference between a Industrial Hemp plant and a Cannabis Plant used for Medical or Personal use.
               Luckily I've been following how the Kentucky Law Enforcement have found in their states latest Hemp Legalization laws and quoted what I read about the Sheriff and what he learned: PR 


FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner James Comer applauded Christian County Sheriff Livy Leavell Jr. for supporting the production of industrial hemp in Kentucky during the annual conference of the Kentucky Association of Counties today in Louisville.

              I informed the committee that by reading the Sheriffs suggestions of coaching and training it was easy to distinguish the difference between the two types of hemp plants.  


  • And tied that line of thought into a prior concern that was mentioned by another Member on the Height of the Hemp Plant.
               I honestly had no idea how little the Committee Members knew about the Industrial Hemp plant.  I do know they understand growing Corn in Missouri.  So I tied how growing corn: tall and with multiple ears was desirable on the farm I grew up on.  

                My line of thought was on growing the Industrial Hemp for seeds and use in Hempcrete I wanted the plant to grow as tall as I've seen in the UK.  Where the Plants were as tall than the harvesting machinery.

  • A member also addressed the use in Rope and the previous war effort.  (I got the drift he was implying: people don't use as much ropes as we once did.  Why do we need hemp plants for rope)
                 I made sure of mentioning that almost everyday I learn of a new and innovative use for the Industrial Hemp Plant.  And recently was just reading about how they were used instead of copper in low voltage applications that save the worlds natural resources.  

                  I also touched on the bio fuel applications.  And how the seeds could be turned into non polluting fuel to be used by autos and machinery.

                While I was on the Pollution subject I also mentioned how the Hemp plant is a Carbon Sink that traps the CO2 carbon emissions from the Air into the Soil.  And how when used in Hempcrete it continues trapping the Carbon Emissions within the wall from the chemical reaction of the Natural Products used to make Hempcrete.  

                I made sure that they also were aware of Climate Change and the harmful CO2 emissions that are threatening everyone.

  • The only negative thing I heard about the Industrial Hemp Plant while at the HB830 Committee meeting came from the last witness was by the Farm Bureau Representative.  The Rep had based her presentation on outdated material from years ago by the Missouri Highway Patrol; in that: they were not in favor of the Hemp plant due to the THC issues.

About Show-Me Cannabis
Show-Me Cannabis is an association of organizations and individuals, who believe that cannabis prohibition is a failed policy, and regulating and taxing cannabis in a manner similar to alcohol would better control the production, distribution, and consumption of cannabis than the current criminal market system does. The group seeks to engage Missourians in a serious, public discussion about the issues associated with marijuana consumption, including medical cannabis, industrial hemp, public safety, and financial analysis in order to address problems associated with the current, failed policy.

Looking back I'm sure I was ad-libbing a bit more since there was so much information inside of me that needed to come out in support of Industrial Hemp for Missouri Jobs.


Scottys HB830 Witness Form


INDUSTRIAL HEMP BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENT HOMES NATURALLY



Building Product grown by Missouri Farmers
that could be used by Missouri Craftsmen
to build Missouri Homes
This is the Ultimate in Buying Local!

Thank you for allowing me to participate in what I feel will be a game changer for the Missouri Economy, that starts by helping our most treasured resource: The Missouri Farmers who grow our food.  

Which is especially important to me since I was raised on a 4,000 acre cattle operation in North Missouri.  So anytime I can help a farmer, to help me and my business I create a Win Win scenario.  

There is also the added benefit of creating employment opportunities for additional Missouri Residents.

The 3 main parts of the Hemp Plant where I see the most potential for generating income are:
  1. Seeds-for producing a Bio-Diesel
  2. Hemp Fibers for Building Insulation, Wall boards (Particle Board), Clothes, etc
  3. Hempcrete made from the Hurd from the center of the Hemp Stalk



My Goal with the Industrial Hemp plant is to build: affordable energy efficient homes from sustainable materials.

The easiest way I can find of keeping the costs low for the Homes I plan to build with Hempcrete is by utilizing the other parts of the plant to generate income and cost savings for the Farmers who will grow the Hemp Plant.



For me to build these Energy Efficient Homes it will require the cooperation of the Missouri Legislative Department and Farmers.
My initial plans on this venture is to enlist Farmers to enter into a income producing sharecropping venture with sales from Bio Diesel Production and the Bast Fiber to offset the land use.

Hemp Fibers
Hemp Stalk Cutaway
Natural fibers are an annually harvested crop, which produce thread like industrial grade fibers.
There are three outputs after harvesting and processing natural fibers.
The three outputs are as follows:
  • Bast Fiber – Fiber produced around the stalk.
  • Hurd (Core) – Stalk of the crop.
  • Dust – Dust created from processing the material


Why Hemp Biodiesel? BioDiesel info supplied by: http://www.hemp.com/hemp-education/uses-of-hemp/hemp-fuel/

  • Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel that runs in any conventional, unmodified diesel engine.
  • It can be stored anywhere that petroleum diesel fuel is stored. Biodiesel is safe to handle and transport because it is as biodegradable as sugar, 10 times less toxic than table salt, and has a high flashpoint of about 300 F compared to petroleum diesel fuel, which has a flash point of 125 F.
  • Biodiesel can be made from domestically produced, renewable oilseed crops such as hemp.
  • Biodiesel is a proven fuel with over 30 million successful US road miles, and over 20 years of use in Europe.
  • When burned in a diesel engine, biodiesel replaces the exhaust odor of petroleum diesel with the pleasant smell of hemp, popcorn or french fries.
  • Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel in the US to complete EPA Tier I Health Effects Testing under section 211(b) of the Clean Air Act, which provide the most thorough inventory of environmental and human health effects attributes that current technology will allow.
  • Biodiesel is 11% oxygen by weight and contains no sulfur.
  • The use of biodiesel can extend the life of diesel engines because it is more lubricating than petroleum diesel fuel, while fuel consumption, auto ignition, power output, and engine torque are relatively unaffected by biodiesel.
  • The Congressional Budget Office, Department of Defense, US Department of Agriculture, and others have determined that biodiesel is the low cost alternative fuel option for fleets to meet requirements of the Energy Policy Act.

 Mr G. Flavall, Hemp Technologies; advertises Industrial Hemp as having these characteristics when used as Hempcrete 
  • Thermal Mass Insulation
  • Negative Carbon
  • Low Density
  • Clean Air
  • High Thermal Resistance
  • High Thermal Inertia
  • Vapour Permeable (breathable)
  • Design Flexibility (adjustable thickness)
  • Fire and Pest Resistant (NO Termites)
  • Significantly Reduce Co2
  • Emissions
  • Inherently Airtight
  • No Waste
  • No Mould
  • No Termites
  • No Dry Rot
  • Natural Substrates for Plasters and Renders
  • Low Air Infiltration
  • ZERO LANDFILL




The following information was supplied by http://www.americanhempllc.com/



How many cubic feet of hempcrete can I make with one bag of hemp hurds?
When mixing hemp hurds with a localized lime binder and water you can produce approximately 4.5 cubic feet of hempcrete material.


We recommend purchasing the necessary materials for the lime binder (High Calcium Hydrated Lime, Water, and Cement, but sometimes NHL 5, NHL 3.5, or pozzolans are added as well)  



Thank you for taking the time and allowing me to share some of what I have learned about the Industrial Hemp Plant.  

Although I have just focused on 3 of the uses for the plant, I've read about hundreds of additional uses. 

  With such a game changing opportunity for Missourians I strongly urge you to enable Missourians the opportunity for employment in the Hemp Industry. 
End of speech



 In the end I feel they gained a better understanding of the multiple uses and the game changing job creator that Industrial Hemp can bring to Missouri. 

           I also feel that after I explained how Hempcrete has the Energy Saving aspects of Insulation, while being as tough as Concrete, the Missouri Legislative Ways and Means Committee Members have a better understanding of the Greatness of the Hemp Plant 
        And my favorite use for the plant- Hempcrete! 
- See more at: http://blog.stlouisrenewableenergy.com/2015/02/2015-HB830-Industrial-Hemp-missouri.html#sthash.dcnHV5HW.dpuf











Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources via: Scotty- St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog
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2.25.2015

2015 HB830 Industrial Hemp Missouri Legislative

          
          After a late start the meeting finally got started and I feel the meeting went extremely well. 

           The Missouri Legislators also impressed me in the questions and concerns they had about Industrial Hemp as it was discussed in the Committee Meeting.  

           In the end I feel they gained a better understanding of the multiple uses and the game changing job creator that Industrial Hemp can bring to Missouri. 

           I also feel that after I explained how Hempcrete has the Energy Saving aspects of Insulation, while being as tough as Concrete, the Missouri Legislative Ways and Means Committee Members have a better understanding of the Greatness of the Hemp Plant 
        And my favorite use for the plant- Hempcrete! 
See the full speech after the fact speech notes and comments I made addressing the MoLeg committee: Scottys Speech HB830 Industrial Hemp for MO





HB830 Industrial Hemp


Missouri Legislative: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND BUSINESS ATTRACTION AND RETENTION Committee HB830 Information


Date:Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Time:Upon Afternoon Adjournment
Location:House Hearing Room 6
98th General Assembly , 1st Regular Session

DateJrn PgActivity Description
2/04/2015H 391Introduced and Read First Time (H)
2/05/2015H 399Read Second Time (H)
2/12/2015H 494Referred: Economic Development and Business Attraction and Retention(H)
2/24/2015Public Hearing Completed (H)

The activity can be referenced in the House or Senate Journal. The JRN PG column indicates the H-House or S-Senate journal printed for that activity date and the page number for the activity.

In the following photo I took as the hearing was ending I blacked out the faces of the Committee Members because I did not ask for permission to take the photo.
I was impressed by the questions from the House and Means Committee Members of our Legislative branch asked in re to the Industrial Hemp Plant.
Missouri Legislative Branch House and Means committee 
I was impressed by the questions from the House and Means Committee Members of our Legislative branch asked in re to the Industrial Hemp Plant.

The following photo is my Witness Appearance Form


The following Google Cloud Document is the notes I presented to the Committee Members


See the full speech after the fact speech notes and comments I made addressing the MoLeg committee: Scottys Speech HB830 Industrial Hemp for MO

While I was at the Capital Building in Jefferson City I took a bunch of photos of the Great Architecture of the Building and the eco friendly trip getting to Jefferson City.  I will post these pics in an upcoming blog post.



Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources via: Scotty- St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog
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2.24.2015

Hemp trip to the Capital

Ecofriendly hemp trip to Missouri Capital for the House Committee meeting on HB830 Industrial Hemp Production for Missouri

Find additional information on the Industrial Hemp Bill here

First Metro bus #10  at 8:15  Right Next to the Kids School!  Too cold to be nervous.  I'll type more when fingers thaw out.  What luck 1st bus early. 

I'm headed to train station, for next leg of the Hemp trip to the Capital!

Made it too the StLouis Amtrak station with time to spare.  The tickets cost me- $42 round trip, not a bad price.  Sure beats driving and fighting traffic...
                           ... the icing on the cake is its a eco friendly trip!

I also choose to wear my StLouis Rams coat to lend support for keeping a NFL team in town.

After a late start the meeting finally got started and I feel the meeting went extremely well.  The Legislators impressed me in the questions and concerns they had about Industrial Hemp.  And in the end I feel they will gain a better understanding of the multiple uses and the game changing job creator that Industrial Hemp can bring to Missourians.  I also feel that after I explained the Hempcrete has the Energy Saving aspects like Insulation, while being as tough as Concrete, the Missouri Legislative Department HB830 has a better understanding of the Greatness of the Hemp Plant!


Here are the notes I took to the meeting.  There was a bunch of people, to make sure everyone had a chance to make a case for the Industrial Hemp plant I skipped a bunch of the more technical / numbers in favor of promoting the variety of uses for the plant.

I made sure to point out that Hempcrete is Carbon Negative which will help reduce the CO2 emissions that are causing Global Warming.

I left 10 copies of the speech with the Show Me Cannabis and they were planning on passing the notes onto the Department Heads.
http://show-mecannabis.com/



I'll post additional information as well as the photos I took of the Great Architecture of the Missouri Capital.  It amazes me every time I see it!   2/2515.

2.21.2015

Food Labeling they tricked me

How the Food Industry tricked me with product packaging 

How Big Business Food Industry Tricks the Consumers
Bottle shaped like Honey Bear on left is 100% pure natural honey.
Bottle on right also shaped like Honey Bear is 100% man-made, not a product of Nature.


The food industry tricked me

into eating engineered man-made foods, that I do not trust.

Bottle shaped like Honey Bear on left is 100% pure natural honey.
Bottle on right also shaped like Honey Bear is 100% man-made and not a product of Nature.
Read the Labels.
Food Industry Tricks-Product Label ManMade Honey-High Fructose Corn Syrup
High Fructose Corn Syrup is not Honey


Who would try to trick someone into eating what they thought was natural honey? Clarks Honey Farm Inc POBox 270193, Louisville CO 80027

Does this company realize that someone who provides Natural Foods to: "Sunflower Farmers Market, Whole Foods, Sprouts, Vitamin Cottage,...." can seriously damage their reputation by putting out a copy cat product that is not 100% Natural?


How the Food Industry tricked me with product packaging and because of this I will never buy or use a product from Clarks Honey Farm in Louisville CO.  They have damaged any chances of me every purchasing a product with their name on the Label.  They will not get a chance to "Fool me Twice".

Because this is the first and last product I will buy from Clarks Honey Farm.  This is an example of how Social Media gives power to me consumer over the Food Industries tricks.  
Join me in boycotting Clarks Honey Farms until they change their misleading and deceptive packaging concepts.


Address:
Clark's Honey Farm
PO Box 270193
Louisville, CO  80027
Phone: (866) 44-HONEY
             (866) 444-6639

3/5/15 Update Recycling

Here's a couple of photos of the best use for the product
Best use of Clarks Honey Farm Inc manmade honey-pour it down the drain then recycle bottle to hold 100% Natural Honey
The Best use of Clarks Honey Farm Inc manmade honey-pour it down the drain then recycle bottle to hold 100% Natural Honey

and Here is my recycling tip of the week for the Honey Bear Bottle- unpaid advertisement and example of buying locally from my neighbors in Ava IL.
Substitute or Recycle Clarks Honey Farm Inc manmade Honey Bear Bottle with 100% Natural Honey I used Millers
Use bottle to hold 100% Natural Honey from a company such as Miller's and buy Local











2.19.2015

Net Zero Container Home Prices

Since learning how affordable shipping containers are in StLouis-2015 Spring Shipping Container Special: 20ft $1,700, 40ft containers $2,100 with additional discounts on purchases of 5 or more

I wanted to share the open floor plan I had in mind for the 5 Container Layout with open concept living areas. 


Design by Scott Net Zero 5 Container Open Floor Plan Shipping Container Layout
5 Container Layout with open concept living areas

Design by Scotty Net Zero Container Home Layout
Rear View Shipping Container Layout Design

In a few days I'll publish the remaining Interior Designs Scotty.

Design Note: The Width of the distance between the container homes will be determined by the Client Budgets.  Wood Trusses are available in spans upto 100 feet.  The real question is how big do you want your open floor  plan to be?

If you have a specific Container Home design in mind and would like an opinion or design assistance contact me via the contact form and I'll get back with you.  Usually with 24 hrs.  Scotty

2015 Spring Shipping Container Special: 20ft $1,700, 40ft containers $2,100 with additional discounts on purchases of 5 or more.  Shipping Available.


Part 1: Net Zero Energy use from 4k Wind Turbine and Solar Panels System.

Part 2: Pricing Net Zero Container Home Interior View

Part 3: Finished Floor Plan Design for Net Zero Container Home published at a later date.




Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources via: Scotty- St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog
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