Lions, LEDs and Solar Panels....

How does efficient technology affect the rest of the world?  Check out the following story-   This 13 year old  African boy who was responsible for taking care of his family's cattle had a problem with lions attacking the herd.  Using the solar panel the family used for their home, an old car battery, and the LEDs from some broken flashlights, he rigged a system to emulate someone walking the property at night.  The lions equate the moving lights with humans and stay away.

This is truly a great innovation using parts that were not even available a few short years ago.  By promoting energy efficient and green technologies ourselves, we increase the demand, and make those technologies more commonplace and cheaper. Through our support of social justice projects, such as low cost solar to developing countries, we create a better life for others and make this type of innovation is possible.

How are you impacting the world?  What ripple effects will you start today by supporting energy efficient technologies?

13-year-old-kenyan-innovator-saves-cattle-from-lions-with-lights

Gallons of Light

With so many possible green energy technologies out there, which one is the best and which one will win out in the end?  We don't know.  There are positive and negative aspects about all forms of energy.  One of the most intriguing ideas, however, is the effort by Tesla motors to partner with Solar City to create a network of  supercharging stations for their new electric car that are powered by the sun.

One individual, Jordan Bloch,  who is a filmmaker and storyteller, thought this idea was pretty exciting as well, but thought Tesla's advertising was rather lacking.  So, he made his own commercial.  In his words-

"It was November 2012, and I had just moved from New York City to Los Angeles. My girlfriend and I were walking down the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica, CA, and I noticed the Tesla retail store.

I’d heard about Tesla, but seeing the car in person…I was floored. Beyond the car itself, Tesla was creating a network of free, solar-powered Superchargers in partnership with Solar City. This was the future of transportation.

As I looked around the store, my eyes wandered to plasma screens showing footage of the Model S. Frankly, I wasn’t impressed. Where was the cinematic flair, the story, the emotion? I knew I could do better.

As I stared at the monitors surrounding me, I saw an incredible opportunity: to create a commercial that tied together the Model S and the Superchargers.

I went home and contemplated the challenge I was up against. Where would I get a Model S for my project? A hot commodity, the car was massively back ordered.

The prospect was daunting to say the least…."

I am not telling you to go out and buy a Tesla (even if you could), or that this is the answer to everything. I just thought this concept and commercial are both pretty spectacular, and wanted to share....

Tread Lightly for Lent

As we go through the Lenten season, examining our lives and actions, take some time to think about your relationship with the creation God has given us.  Please take a few moments to pray for God's creation, our place in it, and the actions we might take to protect it.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Environmental Ministries group has produced a Lenten calendar to guide you through your reflections.  "Environmental Ministries is offering a calendar that encourages Presbyterians to learn about ecojustice issues and take action on the issues of waste, energy, water, consumption and food. Each of the 40 days of Lent has a topic to learn about or a suggested action for individuals and congregations."

You can download the calendar HERE.

Plant a Tree for the Chesapeake!

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation and partner organizations need help planting 1,000 trees from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 16 at Sunrise Farm in Gambrills.

At 800-acres, Sunrise is the largest organic farm in Maryland. The planting is part of a restoration master plan for the former Naval Dairy farm. The planting area drains to Towsers Branch in the Patuxent River watershed. Partners include the Maryland Association of Student Councils.\

The event is free, and suitable for adults, families and community groups. Dress for the weather as the event is rain or shine. Equipment and refreshments will provided.

To register visit www.cbf.org/calendar or email Carmera Thomas at MDRestoration@cbf.org.