Water conservation
"Conserving a vital resource is far less costly than developing increased supply capacity."
The word needs to be spread to all that conservation is not a fad nor a trendy thing, it is part of survival. Our PUD should be at the forefront of this important effort. Water is essential to live and there is only so much water to go around.
When you sit by a large rushing river you may ask why, with all this water flowing before me, is there any limit to the amount available for our use. Well, the answer is not simple but to maintain our environment, a complicated ecosystem, we must share the water to allow native plants and animals to survive. Then, there are all the governmental limitations restricting the amount of water that can be taken.
How can we conserve water? Well, there are always the old standards, only run your dishwasher and clothes washer when they have a full load. By the way, this also conserves electricity and saves you money. Not letting the faucet run while you brush your teeth or any other similar activity would make a great difference as would repairing any leaking pipes or faucets. How about water miser toilets? They, too, would help our cause
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Want to really go for tech in water conservation, consider installing a residential domestic hot water recirculating pump. Without such a system, when you want hot water, you have to let the cold water in the pipes run down the drain until the hot arrives. These pumps are installed under the sink or basin farthest from your hot water source. They connect between the hot and cold water pipes coming out of the wall under the sink cabinet. When the thermostat senses that the water at the hot faucet has fallen below a certain level, the small pump draws water from the hot line and pushes it back through the cold piping until hot water reaches the sensor. This way, you have instant hot immediately while practicing conservation. While on the subject, how about insulating your water pipes?
Tomorrow night, lets chat about saving water outside our homes, See you then.
Tony
Tony
Monday, June 9, 2014
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Conservation take 2
"On occasion, what seems to be an obvious, logical solution goes untried because it seems either too simple to work or too complex to attempt. Either assumption is frequently incorrect".
Following up on my previous post, I visited the light bulb section of a couple of local stores to see if there were any rebates offered through our PUD on more energy efficient lighting solutions, such as LED bulbs. I found no such rebates. This may be something that the PUD tried in the past, or was just too complicated to initiate.
Conservation of all resources, especially electrical power and water, should be an individual as well as an organizational priority. Our PUD should, I feel, spearhead and coordinate local efforts to reduce consumption.
I understand the PUD provided free energy efficient bulbs at last years Jefferson County Fair and, I would assume, plan to do the same this year. This is a step in the right direction, but only affects fair attendees and only occurs once a year.
To me, a bigger impact could be made on the conservation effort if the PUD offered rebates on these lighting options a at local stores all year long. This would assist our local businesses compete with vendors in Clallam and Kitsap Counties, where rebates are offered. As a bonus, this would help keep the retail dollar in our community.
If an "instant" rebate was too difficult to develop, possibly consider a mail-in rebate or, better yet, give the purchaser the option to donate the rebate to the PUD's Power Boost program, making more dollars available to provide assistance to our low income neighbors in paying their utility bill.
Just my thoughts
Have a great evening and a wonderful day tomorrow!!
Tony
P. S. (June 10) As to the mail-in rebate, I wondered if it could be set up so that the customer could include their rebate form, with receipt, could be included with their next bill payment and the rebate amount could be applied to their next bill or they could choose to donate the amount to the Power Boost Fund.
Still think on this one
Tony
"On occasion, what seems to be an obvious, logical solution goes untried because it seems either too simple to work or too complex to attempt. Either assumption is frequently incorrect".
Following up on my previous post, I visited the light bulb section of a couple of local stores to see if there were any rebates offered through our PUD on more energy efficient lighting solutions, such as LED bulbs. I found no such rebates. This may be something that the PUD tried in the past, or was just too complicated to initiate.
Conservation of all resources, especially electrical power and water, should be an individual as well as an organizational priority. Our PUD should, I feel, spearhead and coordinate local efforts to reduce consumption.
I understand the PUD provided free energy efficient bulbs at last years Jefferson County Fair and, I would assume, plan to do the same this year. This is a step in the right direction, but only affects fair attendees and only occurs once a year.
To me, a bigger impact could be made on the conservation effort if the PUD offered rebates on these lighting options a at local stores all year long. This would assist our local businesses compete with vendors in Clallam and Kitsap Counties, where rebates are offered. As a bonus, this would help keep the retail dollar in our community.
If an "instant" rebate was too difficult to develop, possibly consider a mail-in rebate or, better yet, give the purchaser the option to donate the rebate to the PUD's Power Boost program, making more dollars available to provide assistance to our low income neighbors in paying their utility bill.
Just my thoughts
Have a great evening and a wonderful day tomorrow!!
Tony
P. S. (June 10) As to the mail-in rebate, I wondered if it could be set up so that the customer could include their rebate form, with receipt, could be included with their next bill payment and the rebate amount could be applied to their next bill or they could choose to donate the amount to the Power Boost Fund.
Still think on this one
Tony
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Conservation on the store shelves
"Frequently, when trying to reach the largest audience with your message, success can be found in high traffic areas".
We were shopping today in the Silverdale Costco. I try to keep our retail dollar local, but, at times, that is just not possible. While wandering down their light bulb aisle, I noticed that all of the compact florescent and LED energy efficient bulbs had a sign above them proclaiming that Puget Sound Energy (PSE) had arranged an instant rebate of, I believe, up to $5.00 per package. This seemed like a logical incentive program to assure that more efficient lighting was making its way into each and every household.
I haven't seen such a program, offered by our PUD, in our local stores but will check into it tomorrow. I would assume that our PUD has pursued a similar program, just seems to make sense as a low cost way to conserve energy.
Stay tuned for the rest of the story. ( Paul Harvey radio show)
Tony
"Frequently, when trying to reach the largest audience with your message, success can be found in high traffic areas".
We were shopping today in the Silverdale Costco. I try to keep our retail dollar local, but, at times, that is just not possible. While wandering down their light bulb aisle, I noticed that all of the compact florescent and LED energy efficient bulbs had a sign above them proclaiming that Puget Sound Energy (PSE) had arranged an instant rebate of, I believe, up to $5.00 per package. This seemed like a logical incentive program to assure that more efficient lighting was making its way into each and every household.
I haven't seen such a program, offered by our PUD, in our local stores but will check into it tomorrow. I would assume that our PUD has pursued a similar program, just seems to make sense as a low cost way to conserve energy.
Stay tuned for the rest of the story. ( Paul Harvey radio show)
Tony
In the guide
"If you take advantage of every opportunity to get your message out there, you are more likely to be found"
Yesterday, I supplied the required information to be added to the Jefferson County on-line voter's guide. I must admit, it was more like a test than filling out a form. There was no spell check or any other electronic assistant to assure that my misplaced finger did not result in some new form of language previously not seen.
Site for voter's guide: https://wei.sos.wa.gov/county/jefferson/en/pages/onlinevotersguide.aspx
Speaking of electronics and such, the battle continues between me and my new "smart" phone. Remember the days when a phone was connected to the rest of the world by a piece of wire, either bolted to the wall or conveniently located on the desk or nightstand? No need to try to find it, the wire leash kept in right where it belonged. Some of them had a calendar, but it was the paper type, taped to the phone and shared the months with some text such as "Joe's Garage, phone 491 (am I really that old?). Most calendars, however, used a different format, they hung on the wall next to the phone, not only showing the day and month but also serving as your contact list and note pad.
The more I work with this new (to me, at least) technology, the better my old flip phone looks. Please do not get me wrong, electronic devices are great tools for research and written communications and I am quite proficient in this area, I just wonder about the logic that requires you use a computer to research how to use a computer.
Ponder that, sports fans
Tony
"If you take advantage of every opportunity to get your message out there, you are more likely to be found"
Yesterday, I supplied the required information to be added to the Jefferson County on-line voter's guide. I must admit, it was more like a test than filling out a form. There was no spell check or any other electronic assistant to assure that my misplaced finger did not result in some new form of language previously not seen.
Site for voter's guide: https://wei.sos.wa.gov/county/jefferson/en/pages/onlinevotersguide.aspx
Speaking of electronics and such, the battle continues between me and my new "smart" phone. Remember the days when a phone was connected to the rest of the world by a piece of wire, either bolted to the wall or conveniently located on the desk or nightstand? No need to try to find it, the wire leash kept in right where it belonged. Some of them had a calendar, but it was the paper type, taped to the phone and shared the months with some text such as "Joe's Garage, phone 491 (am I really that old?). Most calendars, however, used a different format, they hung on the wall next to the phone, not only showing the day and month but also serving as your contact list and note pad.
The more I work with this new (to me, at least) technology, the better my old flip phone looks. Please do not get me wrong, electronic devices are great tools for research and written communications and I am quite proficient in this area, I just wonder about the logic that requires you use a computer to research how to use a computer.
Ponder that, sports fans
Tony
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
On respect and courtesy
"When we publicly show a lack of respect and professional courtesy towards our colleagues, the action diminishes us all and undermines the confidence, in us, of those we serve"
I attended the PUD Commission meeting this afternoon and I must question whether the Board has agreed to or abides by a code of conduct. On more than one occasion this evening, while being treated in what I would consider a questionable manner by his fellow commissioners, Commissioner Barney Burke consistently took the high ground, staying on point, on the issues, while showing more respect for his colleagues than he was receiving.
When professionalism is lost in a discussion, particularly in a public setting, how can those being represented maintain confidence in the people they have elected.
In 41 years serving on the Board of Jefferson County Public Hospital District No. 2, I have been involved in several heated discussions over matters before the Board but, except for a rare exception or two, the interaction was focused on the issue at hand without any member trying to demean or show disrespect for our fellows at the table or the public in the audience.
When you are the voice of the people, you must speak with a strong voice on the issues and demand the respect that your office deserves. I have never accepted inappropriate actions during a meeting and, if elected, that position would carry over to the PUD.
Tony
"When we publicly show a lack of respect and professional courtesy towards our colleagues, the action diminishes us all and undermines the confidence, in us, of those we serve"
I attended the PUD Commission meeting this afternoon and I must question whether the Board has agreed to or abides by a code of conduct. On more than one occasion this evening, while being treated in what I would consider a questionable manner by his fellow commissioners, Commissioner Barney Burke consistently took the high ground, staying on point, on the issues, while showing more respect for his colleagues than he was receiving.
When professionalism is lost in a discussion, particularly in a public setting, how can those being represented maintain confidence in the people they have elected.
In 41 years serving on the Board of Jefferson County Public Hospital District No. 2, I have been involved in several heated discussions over matters before the Board but, except for a rare exception or two, the interaction was focused on the issue at hand without any member trying to demean or show disrespect for our fellows at the table or the public in the audience.
When you are the voice of the people, you must speak with a strong voice on the issues and demand the respect that your office deserves. I have never accepted inappropriate actions during a meeting and, if elected, that position would carry over to the PUD.
Tony
Monday, June 2, 2014
A day of learning
" The more you learn, the deeper you delve into a new endeavor, the more successful you will be"
Today I met with PUD Commissioner Barney Burke. He took time from his busy schedule to share with me some of his knowledge and experience in the area of running a PUD. He covered areas from current project and regulations to accomplishments made and problems yet to be resolved. From this visit, I could see how passionate he is about public power and keeping control of our utilities in the hands of their owners, the citizens of our District. Over coffee, he suggested that I attend the Local 2020 meeting later in the afternoon.
The individuals the 2020 meeting were very knowledgeable and dedicated to making our county a better place in which to live, for everyone. The areas of conversation and planned action ranged from conservation and alternative energy generation to economic development. Watching this group in action strengthened my belief that this is the a great place to live, populated with highly motivated and energetic people. Here is their current, soon to be updated, site address: https://l2020.org/Home
I learned a great deal today, but have yet to learn so much more.
Have a great evening!
Tony
Remember, regular PUD Board meeting, Tuesday, June 3, 5 PM, at the PUD office, 230 Chimacum Road
" The more you learn, the deeper you delve into a new endeavor, the more successful you will be"
Today I met with PUD Commissioner Barney Burke. He took time from his busy schedule to share with me some of his knowledge and experience in the area of running a PUD. He covered areas from current project and regulations to accomplishments made and problems yet to be resolved. From this visit, I could see how passionate he is about public power and keeping control of our utilities in the hands of their owners, the citizens of our District. Over coffee, he suggested that I attend the Local 2020 meeting later in the afternoon.
The individuals the 2020 meeting were very knowledgeable and dedicated to making our county a better place in which to live, for everyone. The areas of conversation and planned action ranged from conservation and alternative energy generation to economic development. Watching this group in action strengthened my belief that this is the a great place to live, populated with highly motivated and energetic people. Here is their current, soon to be updated, site address: https://l2020.org/Home
I learned a great deal today, but have yet to learn so much more.
Have a great evening!
Tony
Remember, regular PUD Board meeting, Tuesday, June 3, 5 PM, at the PUD office, 230 Chimacum Road
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Walking the tightrope
"As the campaign moves ahead, at times, I feel like I am walking a tightrope, without a net. I tend to be a bit on the humble side, so how do I express my strengths and accomplishments, which does not come easily to me, without sounding egotistical. Where is the balance between saying you can do the job better while still respecting the contributions of those you run against? How do you state that things need to change at our PUD without compromising the community's confidence in it?"
The thoughts above is quite lengthy, but these are the questions I ask myself each time communicate with our citizens, either in person or in print. Some who run for office have a staff or a group of supporters that can help them shape their campaign. In my case, aside from a couple of friends, who I trust completely, my campaign committee consists of my wife and I, neither of us politicians.
I consider this blog, at times, as a way to think out loud and, hopefully, share a bit of myself with you. My wife listens to me as I ponder the issues, but who wants to listen to political stuff all evening. Thank goodness she has ear buds for her Ipod. I would say that my lifetime of community service and my 41 year record as a Hospital Commissioner could speak for themselves, but I am not sure how many are aware of either.
To those of you that share a few moments with me in this blog, thank you and, please, if you like what you see here, share the site with your friends.
Tony
"As the campaign moves ahead, at times, I feel like I am walking a tightrope, without a net. I tend to be a bit on the humble side, so how do I express my strengths and accomplishments, which does not come easily to me, without sounding egotistical. Where is the balance between saying you can do the job better while still respecting the contributions of those you run against? How do you state that things need to change at our PUD without compromising the community's confidence in it?"
The thoughts above is quite lengthy, but these are the questions I ask myself each time communicate with our citizens, either in person or in print. Some who run for office have a staff or a group of supporters that can help them shape their campaign. In my case, aside from a couple of friends, who I trust completely, my campaign committee consists of my wife and I, neither of us politicians.
I consider this blog, at times, as a way to think out loud and, hopefully, share a bit of myself with you. My wife listens to me as I ponder the issues, but who wants to listen to political stuff all evening. Thank goodness she has ear buds for her Ipod. I would say that my lifetime of community service and my 41 year record as a Hospital Commissioner could speak for themselves, but I am not sure how many are aware of either.
To those of you that share a few moments with me in this blog, thank you and, please, if you like what you see here, share the site with your friends.
Tony
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