-- Scotts Contracting - StLouis Renewable Energy: October 2011

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10.31.2011

Senate Bill 321 =Nuclear Energy Rate Hike Bill




that has migrated into other bills allows Ameren Missouri to raise electric customer rates $45 million to subsidize an early site permit for a second nuclear reactor.
  
MCE opposes any legislation allowing investor-owned utilities, like Ameren Missouri, to erode the ban against charging ratepayers for a power plant before it is operational. The ban on "Construction Work in Progress" charges or CWIP has protected Missouri ratepayers since voters passed it in 1976. Language circulating in Jefferson City by Senator Mike Kehoe and Rep. Jeanie Riddle gives Ameren Missouri the ability to raise electricity rates $45 million now for an "early site permit" for a second nuclear reactor. The $45 million rate hike creates no jobs, provides no service, and the reactor may never be built. Socializing the financial risk of nuclear power for a corporation's private profits does not serve Missourians' interests. 

You can help by calling your legislators and urging them to oppose Ameren Missouri's $45 million rate hike for an early site permit. Learn more at www.nocwip.org.


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Solar power is beginning to go mainstream – USATODAY.com

Solar power installations doubled in the United States last year and are expected to double again this year. More solar energy is being planned than any other power source, including nuclear, coal, natural gas and wind.

"We are at the beginning of a turning point," says Andrew Beebe, who runs global sales for Suntech Power, a manufacturer of solar panels.

Solar's share of the power business remains tiny. But its promise is great. The sun splashes more clean energy on the planet in one hour than humans use in a year, and daytime is when power is needed most. And solar panels can be installed near where people use power, reducing or eliminating the costs of moving power through a grid.

Solar power is beginning to go mainstream – USATODAY.com

10.29.2011

Fire Proof-Air Tight-Electrical Junction Box Cover


Air Sealing a Ceiling Electrical Junction Box

CAD Design-Weatherize-Insulate-Fire Block-Electrical Junction Box
Air Sealing Ceiling Electrical Junction Box
CAD Diagram explains how to Build and Air Tight Electrical Junction Box located in most Attics

Sealing Air Leaks

Warm air leaking into your home during the summer and out of your home during the winter and can waste a lot of your energy dollars. One of the quickest dollar-saving tasks you can do is caulk, seal, and weatherstrip all seams, cracks, and openings to the outside.



You can save on your heating and cooling bill by reducing the air leaks in your home.

Fire Proof /Air Tight Electrical Junction Box Cover used in Attics

Hint: Use Fire Rated: 5/8″Fire Rated Drywall or Sheetrock with Fire Proof Caulking to 

Create the Air Tight Seal

Tips for Sealing Air Leaks

re-posted from:http://www.energysavers.gov/tips/insulation_sealing.cfm
Pie chart shows how air escapes from a typical home: 31% floors, ceiling, walls; 15% ducts; 14% fireplace; 13% plumbing penetrations, 11% doors; 10% windows; 4% fans and vents; 2% electric outlets.How Does the Air Escape?
Air infiltrates into and out of your home through every hole and crack. About one-third of this air infiltrates through openings in your ceilings, walls, and floors.
  • First, test your home for air tightness. On a windy day, carefully hold a lit incense stick or a smoke pen next to your windows, doors, electrical boxes, plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, ceiling fixtures, attic hatches, and other locations where there is a possible air path to the outside. If the smoke stream travels horizontally, you have located an air leak that may need caulking, sealing, or weatherstripping.
  • Caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows that leak air.
  • Caulk and seal air leaks where plumbing, ducting, or electrical wiring penetrates through walls, floors, ceilings, and soffits over cabinets.
  • Install foam gaskets behind outlet and switch plates on walls.
  • Look for dirty spots in your insulation, which often indicate holes where air leaks into and out of your house. You can seal the holes with low-expansion spray foam made for this purpose.
  • Look for dirty spots on your ceiling paint and carpet, which may indicate air leaks at interior wall/ceiling joints and wall/floor joists. These joints can be caulked.
  • Install storm windows over single-pane windows or replace them with more efficient windows, such as double-pane. See Windows on page 18 for more information.
  • When the fireplace is not in use, keep the flue damper tightly closed. A chimney is designed specifically for smoke to escape, so until you close it, warm air escapes—24 hours a day!
  • For new construction, reduce exterior wall leaks by installing house wrap, taping the joints of exterior sheathing, and comprehensively caulking and sealing the exterior walls.
  • Use foam sealant around larger gaps around windows, baseboards, and other places where warm air may be leaking out.
  • Kitchen exhaust fan covers can keep air from leaking in when the exhaust fan is not in use. The covers typically attach via magnets for ease of replacement.
  • Replacing existing door bottoms and thresholds with ones that have pliable sealing gaskets is a great way to eliminate conditioned air leaking out from underneath the doors.
  • Fireplace flues are made from metal, and over time repeated heating and cooling can cause the metal to warp or break, creating a channel for hot or cold air loss. Inflatable chimney balloons are designed to fit beneath your fireplace flue during periods of non-use. They are made from several layers of durable plastic and can be removed easily and reused hundreds of times. Should you forget to remove the balloon before making a fire, the balloon will automatically deflate within seconds of coming into contact with heat.
Cutaway house illustration showing areas of home where air leaks. Refer to caption for list.Sources of Air Leaks in Your Home
Areas that leak air into and out of your home cost you lots of money. Check the areas listed below.
  1. Dropped ceiling
  2. Recessed light
  3. Attic entrance
  4. Sill plates
  1. Water and furnace flues
  2. All ducts
  3. Door frames
  4. Chimney flashing
  1. Window frames
  2. Electrical outlets and switches
  3. Plumbing and utility access
Scotts Contracting is available to assist you in improving your Home or Business Energy Demands.  Please use this form below to Contact Scotty, Scotts Contracting to schedule a FREE Energy Analysis for your Property.

Poll: How can I help you save money on your Winter Time Heating Bills?

Click Here to take the Poll: How can I help you save money on your Winter Time Heating Bills? you will be redirected to the Sister Site at Word Press

Example: By adding the suggested Inches of Insulation you will save 10-30% amount on the Energy needed to heat your Home = Lower Heating Bills and Greater Comfort Levels for you and your family

Snow on Roof or Lack Snow is a sure sign...

Snow on Roof or Lack Snow is a sure sign...
On the Frosty Mornings when you are outside your house scraping your cars windshield to prepare for your drive to work. Take a look at the Roof of your Home. -Lack of Frost or Snow on your Roof is a sure indication that it was melted by the Heat as it rises from the Interior of your House into the Attic Area-

Snow on Roof or Lack Snow is a sure sign...

    • Does the Frost or Snow cover the whole roof?
    • Are there places where the snow and frost melt first? (not caused by the Suns Rays)
    • Is there Frost and Snow on the Garage Roof but not on the House Roof?
    • Does your Neighbors House have Frost and Snow on their Roof- but-Your Roof Doesn't?
Any or All the above may mean that:
    1. Lack of Insulation In the Attic
    2. Air Infiltration from the Interior of the House into the Attic Area
    3. Uninsulated Heating Ducts inside the Attic
Scotts Contracting can Inspect your Attic for Proper:
  1. Insulation Levels
  2. Adequate Ventilation
  3. Uninsulated Heating Ducts
  4. Air Infiltration
Email scottscontracting@gmail.com and Scotty will provide a Free Estimate to Fix any of the Above Issues on your Home. I will also provide a Cost Saving Analysis that will provide a ROI on your Investment.

Weatherization doesn't cost it Saves! - Rule of Thumb: For Every $1 Spent on Weatherization- You will Save $2-$3 on your Home's Energy Bills
  • Example: By adding the suggested Inches of Insulation you will save 10-30% amount on the Energy needed to heat your Home= Lower Heating Bills and Greater Comfort Levels for you and your family

Additional Green Blog Posts:Energy Star Home Improvement Tips ,Insulation and Thermal Performance ,Which Kind Of Insulation Is Best? ,Radiant Barriersfor your Attic,Insulating Roofs, Walls, and Floors, Roof and Attic Ventilation ,

Email scottscontracting@gmail.com Scotty will provide a Free Estimate to Fix any of the Above Issues on your Home. -- Scott's Contracting scottscontracting@gmail.com http://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com

St Louis Cardinals World Series Championship Celebration






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Cardinals News

Dear Cardinals Fan,

Please join the St. Louis Cardinals as we celebrate our 11th World Series Championship!

Please join the St. Louis Cardinals as we celebrate our 11th World Series Championship! The World Series Championship Celebration, presented by Budweiser, is the culmination of the World Championship Parade, and will be held inside Busch Stadium on Sunday, October 30th. Gates will open at 2:00 P.M.

Tickets go on sale Saturday, October 29th at 2:00 PM. Cardinals fans can purchase up to two (2) tickets to the celebration for just $5 per ticket. 100% of ticket sale proceeds benefit Cardinals Care, the Cardinals community fund. To purchase your tickets, simply click the "Buy Tickets" button below.

Buy Tickets

Thank you for your continued support during the 2011 season and the incredible Postseason run!

Sincerely,

The St. Louis Cardinals

 

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World Series Champs! Shop Now >
© 2011 MLB Advanced Media, L.P. All Major League Baseball trademarks, service marks and copyrights used herein are the property of the applicable MLB entity. All rights reserved. Any other marks used herein are trademarks of their respective owners.


Postal Address: cardinals.com, c/o MLB Advanced Media, L.P., 75 Ninth Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10011.



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I took the Energy Pledge-Have YOU?


Take the Pledge to reduce Energy Consumption and Encourage Everyone Else to do their Part
  • Here are my Top 10 reasons for Green and Sustainable forms of Energy Independence and Reducing Energy by Weatherization
  1. Wars Over Oil
  2. Pollution
  3. Clean Air
  4. Clean Water
  5. Reducing Cancer Causing Agents caused by Pollution
  6. Saving Money on Energy and Electric Costs
  7. Safety of the USA
  8. Clean Energy Creates Jobs For America
  9. Reduce the Leverage of Big Oil Companies on our Politicians
  10. Sustainable Resources for Energy Efficient Buildings
  
If I can assist you in anyway in lowering your Energy use in your Home or Business shoot me an email at the follow link below, Scotty

image: LEARN MORE AT energystar.gov
BScott, Scotts Contracting S, thank you for making a difference with ENERGY STAR!
Here is what you committed to change and the special offers available to help you make that change:
Pledged Items
  • Turn off your lights when not needed
  • Change your system's air filter regularly
  • Seal leaks and repair disconnections in your duct system
  • Set or program your thermostat while asleep or away
  • Purchase and properly use a programmable thermostat
  • Add more insulation to your attic to block out heat and cold
  • Seal your home's envelope to stop air leaks and drafts by using caulk, spray foam, and weather stripping
Rebate/Special Offers
Now that you've taken this important step, here are some tools that can help you get started:
  • Home Energy Yardstick – Compare your household's energy use to others across the country. Get your score now, and then come back in 12 months to see how you've improved.
  • ENERGY STAR @ Home Tool – Take a room-by-room tour of ENERGY STAR @ home and learn what you can do to save energy, save money and help protect our environment in your own home.
  • Programmable Thermostat Video – This video teaches you to properly use your programmable thermostat.
  • At Home with ENERGY STAR Video – In this video, a home improvement expert takes you through a real home to learn energy-saving tips.
When you have completed your actions, show us how you made a change with ENERGY STAR by sharing a written or video story.
INVITE OTHERS TO THE CAMPAIGN!
Don't forget to spread the word to others and discover even more rewards!
INVITE OTHERS TO THE CAMPAIGN!
ENERGY STAR is a program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. For more information, visit www.energystar.gov.

©2011 ENERGY STAR®. All Rights Reserved.

If I can assist you in anyway in lowering your Energy use in your Home or Business shoot me an email at the follow link below, Scotty

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Join Me and Take the ENERGY STAR Pledge!


If I can assist you in anyway in lowering your Energy use in your Home or Business shoot me an email at the follow link below, Scotty

image: LEARN MORE AT energystar.gov
Hi Readers,
I've just made a change with ENERGY STAR and I'm inviting you to join me. And now saving energy is more rewarding than ever! With just a few changes, you'll discover many benefits—from saving money, to improving the comfort of your home, to helping protect our climate.
Make a change now and discover even more rewards, including special offers from leading ENERGY STAR partners.
Join the millions who are making a real difference. When we work together the rewards are great!
INVITE OTHERS TO THE CAMPAIGN!
ENERGY STAR is a program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. For more information, visit www.energystar.gov.

©2011 ENERGY STAR®. All Rights Reserved.

If I can assist you in anyway in lowering your Energy use in your Home or Business shoot me an email at the follow link below, Scotty


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10.28.2011

Bokashi For Students-Guest Post




Bokashi For Students

Composting is an increasingly popular habit that helps individuals, the environment and even the economy. For busy students in graduate programs online, who are often living in small housing like apartments or dorms; many methods of composting are unfortunately impractical due to space and time constraints. Bokashi offers a quick and convenient composting solution for students with little time and space.

Bokashi is the Japanese word for fermented organic waste. The microorganisms found in Bokashi break organic matter down quickly, compactly and in an odor-free way. Although it is referred to as composting, what is really happening is the microorganisms are fermenting the food waste in a Bokashi bin. Bokashi is a mixture that is added to food scraps. The mixture contains one of several different types of carriers such as bran, rice hulls or sawdust along with the effective microorganisms (commonly referred to as EM). The Bokashi mixture aids in the fast fermentation of the food scraps and helps significantly speeds up the process of composting, which will really help make the process faster for students.

Because composting is so beneficial to the environment, using a system like Bokashi is a great solution for students or others who need a compact and easy way to dispose of kitchen scraps in an environmentally friendly way. Here are some of the reasons Bokashi is ideal for busy students who wish to compost:

Location and Space
Those who use traditional composting techniques must carefully consider location when starting a compost pile. An article from The University of Illinois outlines some helpful tips for homeowners who would like to begin composting. The article suggests choosing a location with good drainage and avoiding too much direct sunlight or wind. Bokashi composting, however, can be done anywhere. Students can use any bucket or purchase a specially designed Bokashi bucket and place it almost anywhere.

Time
Turning the compost pile, watering and even monitoring temperature are all common suggestions for those trying to succeed at composting. For busy students, Bokashi is ideal because none of this is required. Kitchen scraps are added to the bucket, followed by a sprinkling of Bokashi. The only additional step is to drain the liquid from the bucket every few days. The liquid can them be diluted and added to plants. The simple process is repeated until the bucket is full at which point students can use their compost to grow their own apartment garden or donate it to someone else with space to garden. Materials can take months to break down into compost using other mehods, making Bokashi the quick alternative.

Money
Students will find that Bokashi composting is cost effective in a number of ways. The only equipment required is a bucket and Bokashi; no other special tools are required. Students can dispose of many types of kitchen scraps and create high quality compost quickly and easily. Students who would like to grow a small garden can even use their Bokashi to fertilize a small patio garden.

Students can choose to use any large bucket or make an initial investment and purchase a convenient Bokashi bucket. Students have two options when it comes to obtaining Bokashi to add to their food scraps. The least time consuming method is to buy pre-mixed Bokashi and simply sprinkle it on the layers of food scraps. This will require regularly purchasing bags of Bokashi, or you can mix your own. There are step by step processes for making Bokashi to mix with your food scraps. In this case the carrier Wheat Bran is mixed with warm water, molasses and EM (the microorganisms). A number of variations can be used like using sawdust or rice hulls as a filler. The requirement is that a carrier be mixed with the composting microorganisms to be effective.

Making an Impact
Students interested in reducing waste and helping the environment will find that Bokashi is the ideal way for them to do so. The Bokashi process allows users to compost almost any kitchen scraps, including meat and dairy that cannot be used in regular composting. Students will feel good knowing they are producing less waste and reducing pollution by using the Bokashi fermenting method to dispose of food waste.

Pest Free
Bokashi composting is odor free and contained in a small container; therefore it does not attract rodents and other undesirable pests the way regular composting can. For students who often rent or live in dormitories this is important.

With the many personal and larger environmental benefits that can be realized through composting; it is appealing to many people, including students. Unfortunately many students are not aware of this simple and versatile way to compost kitchen scraps and believe that composting is not practical for typical college living situations. Bokashi makes composting possible for people like students who would not otherwise be able to participate.
Anthony recently completed his graduate education in English Literature. A New Mexico native, he currently resides and writes in Seattle, Washington. He writes primarily about education, travel, literature, and American culture. garciaanthony39@gmail.com



Part 8: 1st Floor Weatherization

Part 9: See the Difference a Little White Paint Makes

Part 10: Interior Framing-Plumbing-Laundry Room

Part 11: Kitchen Framing Tip #36-Benton Rehab Project

Part 12: Water Main Repair- Benton Rehab

Part 13: Benton Rehab Project Drywall Installation and Tip: Number 1172

Green-Initiative gains support of the STL Post Dispatch


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New RES Initiative gains support of the STL Post-Dispatch
Dear Scotty,

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch featured an awesome political cartoon and article supporting the new Renewable Energy Ballot initiative.  It is a huge shot in arm for our initiative to have such a major paper's editorial board supporting us. 

 

Political Cartoon
By: R.J. Matson of the Post-Dispatch

Check out the story - it really captures our plans for the new ballot initiative: Missouri voters get chance to vote for renewable energy - again. 

 

 


Ballot Initiative UpdateRenew Missouri Logo

 

Since filing the first resolution, we have received excellent input from renewable energy industries and other shareholders, so we will be submitting a second draft by the end of the month.  Thirty days after submitting the second draft, we can begin to collect signatures to put the new Renewable Energy Standard on the ballot. Stay tuned, we promise the changes are worth the wait!

 

Meanwhile, we are continuing to hold campus trainings and rallying a strong team of enthusiastic, young supporters.   We are also planning additional trainings for the beginning of December.  Keep checking your e-mail for updates!

 

Best regards,

 


Carla Klein

Renew Missouri

 

Renew Missouri | 910 E Broadway | Ste 203 | Columbia | MO | 65201




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