Action Day Blog - Earth Pirates

"If you're not spending every waking moment of your life radically rethinking the nature of the world - if you're not plotting every moment boiling the carcass of the old order - then you're wasting your day." - Douglas Coupland, Girlfriend in a Coma

When it comes to Mother Earth....we are all her Pirates: raping, pillaging, looting and polluting. There are innumerable damages that we have caused and must very soon put right - or suffer the consequences. Sometimes the damage seems so vast, it feels hopeless.


Hopelessness is not the goal here. In fact, precisely three times in as many days I have encountered a spark of hope by the means of complete strangers. Each spark re-kindled the memory that humankind can be exactly that - kind. Today I met a kindred spirit who reminded me that there are more and more people who care. There are so many issues that face us today, as we urgently scramble to undo what we have desecrated. What can I say that has not been said a thousand times today? All I know is that all of us know, whether through admittance or denial, that we must change our ways...after all, isn't the only constant change? If we all admit to what we know deeply to be right, then we can set and example for our children, who can then turn our world around into a world living in harmony. I know it is possible. Anything is.

" And if you help everyone else in your worlds to do that, by helping them to learn and understand about themselves and each other and the way everything works, by showing them how to be kind instead of cruel, patient instead of hasty, cheerful instead of surly and above all, how to keep their minds open and free and curious... then they will renew enough to replace what is lost through one window." - Philip Pullman, The Amber Spyglass.

IT is Electric

Price and Options Info, as promised:

DYNASTY ELECTRIC CAR CORP.

Manufacturers Suggested Price
(X-FACTORY)

LSEV BASE VEHICLE
Year 2007: 4 Door (utility is 2 door, tropic has no doors), Seats, Seat Belts, Traction Batteries, 110 Volt AC Charger, Side and Turn Signals, Halogen High/low Beam Headlights, Back-up Lights and Alarm, Windshield Wipers and De-mist, Rear view and side mirrors, Battery Level Indicator, 12V accessory plug, Front Disc/ Rear Drum Brakes, 4 wheel Independent Suspension, Heavy Aluminum Underbody Frame, Infusion Molded Fiberglass Body, Molded Plastic Bumpers, Laminated Safety Glass Windshield.
- Range up to 30 Miles, Road Speed 25 MPH
MSRP $CAN

Sedan $19,000
Sport $19,000
Van $19,000
Utility $19,000
Tropic $11,995

Options:
Kenwood FM/CD Sound System w/ 5 ¼” speakers $600
Kenwood FM/CD/MP3 Sound System $650
w/ 6 ½” speakers And wireless remote control

Wheel Covers $ 75
Mag Wheels $ 1100
Maintenance-free Batteries $ 700
17ft GFCI extension cord $ 50
A/C Drive system (range up to 40 miles) $3100
- increased acceleration (top speed in 6.5 seconds)
- increased hill climbing ability
72 Volt 3 speed heater $ 350
Air Conditioning System (only draws 7 amps) $3,100
Dashboard with glove box $ 150
Battery Equalizer System (recommended) $ 390

Shipping Extra – Quote required

There is no Dealer in Vancouver but you can buy direct from Dynasty however there are no financing options. The other option is to purchase through a Dealer (Western Canada Dealers listed below - for others go to Dynasty web site www.itiselectric.com)

Arbutus Repair & Communications
Louis Vallee
Mayne Island, BC, Canada
Phone: (250) 539-5317
Fax: (250) 539-5317
Email: valleel@island.net

Maxwell´s Auto Service Ltd.
Doug Maxwell
249 Westminster Ave. W.
Penticton, British Columbia, Canada
V2A 1K1
Phone: (250) 492-6723
Fax: (250) 492-7278

What's Solar Cookin' Good Lookin'?

I took my daughter to the Solar Road Show this past weekend (June 9). There were so many things to do this weekend, it was really difficult to decide and we in fact had a much busier day planned. Then came the rain washing away all other possibilities. We were going to go to the Electric Vehicle meet in Spanish banks, but seeing as there are no buses that run that way (ahem, what's the deal with that?) and I don't drive and we weren't about to cycle in the pouring wet onslaught, we chose a safe and dry trip to Granville Island for some fun, imaginary sun, activities.
The Solar Oven Road Show was held in the Kids Only Market and, as you can imagine, was extremely loud (recommendation: make sure you have had lots of rest before going to this place!).
It was difficult to hear the presenters though they made themselves available to help everyone make a unique, functional (? - haven't exactly tried it yet) solar oven. Materials provided were an assortment of shiny aluminum paper squares, staplers, strings, springs and straws. They demonstrated what worked and what didn't using a bright flashlight and fake chocolate. We opted for something we could both set up and fold up again easily. I guess you could say it worked but my daughter and I have yet to work out the kinks before we market our design.

Break Time

I have come to the decision to stop "Take Action Daily" postings - at least for now. I simply don't have the time at present. I will however continue with product reviews and, when possible, event feedback.

Take Action Daily - Cool It

This one is perfect for the summertime. The more you use hot water, the more energy you waste. Fortunately for Big Momma, there are dollar saving options that everyone, everyone, can incorporate easily into their daily life. Try washing your laundry in cold or at least warm water. It's also better for your clothes. Have a shower instead of a bath. If you don't believe me, plug the tub while you shower and see how much it fills up until you are done. It takes a pretty long shower to equal the water consumption of a bath. If you do use a dishwasher, make sure it is full before you start it. If washing by hand, fill the sink halfway rather than washing under running water. Lastly, wrap a blanket or towel around you hot water tank and have it serviced regularly to maximize it's efficiency - aka, money in your pocket.

Electrified

Vroom, Vroom.....

Two weeks ago I decided to take it upon myself to investigate the foggy situation shrouding the response to alternative fuel vehicles. I have been going to dealerships and scouring the Internet and magazines for any realistically viable choice for the common person to choose a vehicle fuelled by anything other than gas. It's no wonder everyday folk such as you and I aren't already actively involved. The options just aren't up to speed - yet.

Though I've had some difficulty seeking purchasable, pollution-less local quadrupeds, there are headlights just around the corner.

It was one of those regular dreary, damp mornings that Vancouverites have gotten so used to. Two buses, one seabus, and a quick shot on the skytrain landed your questful explorer on the corner of Cliveden Avenue and Chester Road in Annacis Island. Just a couple short blocks down Chester Road and there it was in all it glory....da-da! The factory for our future - Dynasty Electric! Alright, so it wasn't exactly spectacular from the outside, but what do you expect, it is a factory after all. It was with mixed feelings of nervousness and excitement that I approached the looming building. Before I reached the door a friendly figure stepped outside. Danny Epp, Engineer of Dynasty Electric, greeted and welcomed me inside. Although large, the building was not huge and was filled mostly with large work trucks equipped with custom electric arms which is actually the company's main staple of business. But there, right smack in front of me, was the entire assembly line of tomorrow's transportation.

The company makes four models based on the same chassis called the IT. Available are the Sedan, Pick-up Truck, Van, and the open Tropic. In various stages of production were a truck and two tropics. These petite vehicles are surprisingly spacious and very stylish. While the machines are equipped similarly to regular gas guzzlers, front wheel drive, e-brake and a suspension system mimicking that of a Porche or BMW, they are quite sparse otherwise.The reason for being so minimalistic is to keep the cars light. The heavier they are, the more energy they need, therefore the less distance one can run. The IT has a payload of approximately 1,000-1,045 lbs. and an extra battery hook-up option is available allowing you to travel further. Currently the battery is lead acid which the company hopes to switch to lithium in the future once the cost goes down. There are two options for your battery, one being the normal flooded cell or the no-maintenance cell for an extra cost.

Safety features, such as air bags and crash absorbing frame, are practically non-existent save for the low-impact bumpers. Again, one reason being weight, but the main reason is cost. Protection equipment and crash testing are all very expensive and would drive the price of the vehicle to unreasonable rates. To combat this problem, the IT's speed limit has been capped off at max 40km/hr. as a Low Speed Electric Vehicle (LSEV) in the Motor Vehicle class Neighbourhood Electric Vehicle (NEV). Obviously when the speed limit is 50km and you can only go 40km, governments are realizing this proves a hazard in itself. There are two states so far, Montana and Washington, who have recognized this and passed legislation allowing for Medium Speed Vehicles up to 60km/hr. That, at least is a more realistic start, if only others will follow.

Danny was kind enough to let me get behind the wheel and cruise around the lot for a feel. I was electrified! It was really weird because there is no shift, only a knob you turn instead to go forwards or back, yet I kept trying to shift the darn thing. When you turn the key, one expects some rev but there was none, merely a quiet purr. Even as I stepped cautiously on the gas (?) pedal, the car was very quite, almost eerie. If it wasn't for the fact that we were moving, I wouldn't even know it was on. When not in motion, say at an intersection for example, no energy is used at all and the car is dead silent. Very cool.

Despite the lack of gusto and security, the IT is extremely popular. In fact, they are so popular that Dynasty just can't keep up with the production, being merely a small operation. It's the old Catch-22 that so many businesses fall into: In order to make more money, you need to keep up with demand; In order to keep up with demand you need more money. This is where wise investors come in (hint hint). It's a no-brainer when a product is so successful that the company needs expand, if one were to invest in that company, chances are high that one would also be successful.

As far as options, prices, and wait lists go for the average person, I am still working that out. So stay tuned for another addition of IT Is Electric! www.itiselectric.com

Take Action Daily - Life Unplugged

Maybe you've heard the term "power vampires" splashed around in the green world jargon or maybe you haven't. What might spring to mind is an ominous, lusting creature vying for ultimate power and supremacy, while sucking the life out of life itself. Ok, so that's not exactly what it is, although the real power vampires may truly be sucking the life out of life itself. If you turn off your stereo once the music is over, is that it, the end? Kaput? Not a chance. Life is still buzzing and alive as a steady trickle of energy is uselessly, needlessly, sucked up and evaporated by your boombox. But it's just a little, minuscule, teeny weeny drop of energy, surely it can't be that big of a deal - can it? You bet your bill it can. How many vampires do you have plugged in right now, that you aren't even using? A toaster? Lamp? DVD player? Cell phone that is already charged? Now what about your neighbour? And their neighbour? What about all the power vampire living and sucking energy from all the homes in Canada? The World? All of a sudden the teeny tiny amount becomes a very large amount of wasted energy.
Get Unplugged!
Sounds simple at first, and some things are, but most of our electrical gadgets are plugged in and tucked away behind or under other large objects. Couches, TV's, Fridges, Computers, etc. So another option, if you can't reach the outlet, plug groups of gadgets into a power bar and turn the off switch when you are finished using everything from that group. This stops the flow of energy and works especially well for computer systems and TV set ups. If you really want to get extreme about it, one environmentalist in the group which I am a member (http://www.meetup.com/ - Environmental Activist Network, Vancouver - EAN), suggested switching off select room breakers. Obviously you don't want to do this in the kitchen, although it could work for the living room. I haven't tried it myself as it is a bit extreme, however it is a great idea if you will need nothing in a certain room for a while. There was actually quite a heated debate about the validity of this suggestion on the group's forum. We all thought real blood was going to be shed! If you sign up with the group you can read all about it. For everything else accessible, all that is required to do some good is a simple, tiny, little action - unplug it.

*** Tonnes of happenin' events going on this weekend people, it would be hard to decide - if I didn't have to work :( But for those of you who aren't check out June's Events link (sidebar).

Take Action Daily - Diluted Delusions

Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow? With careful planning and waterwise splashing, that's how every garden should grow. As languorous sunny days span with scorching heat, our luscious green gardens sizzle. Contrary to common belief, our beloved blankets of nature do not need constant dousing to quench the drought. The average British Colombian saturating their lawn, uses an estimated 677 litres of water. This method of consistent drenching actually does not help our gardens to cultivate a deep-rooted, tolerant system for which to flourish. Instead, the opposite is achieved as the roots grow along close to the surface, rather than seeking moisture deep within the earth. This leads them vulnerable to disease and infestation. Rather, measure the amount you water by placing a tin can in the soil. Once the tin is filled to approximately one inch, you have your optimal watering measurement. Do this once a week in the morning (as opposed to evening or afternoon) to retain moisture without giving the plants a chill. Use mulch to increase moisture containment, protect plants and squash weeds. Also consider alternatives to the thirsty lawn such as tastefully designed landscapes using mulch, stones, and small, purposefully placed, decorative shrubs and herbs (which you can use in your cooking also). When done properly, you will have a self dependant, esthetically pleasing as well as functional yard that you will be proud of and want to hang out in. For ideas try looking at http://www.landscapingbynature.com/

For great gardening tips this book is a must:
A Year on the Garden Path : A 52-Week Organic Gardening Guide
by: Carolyn Herriot. $24.95
found in stores or at www.earthfuture.com/gardenpath