Sunshine State of Mind

In 2007, California committed to install 3 gigawatts of solar power by the end of 2016. Halfway through that time window, the state is close to installing 1 gigawatt worth of solar panels on rooftops alone, according to a report [PDF] by nonprofit group Environment California. The rate of installation is growing exponentially too, and the state should easily meet its 3 gigawatt goal. By then, the cost of installation will have dropped so much that government subsidies for solar projects will no longer be necessary.

Via www.good.is 

Swarm Speed

http://falkvinge.net/2011/08/01/swarmwise-what-is-a-swarm/

Insightful article on the learning that we can get from the speed, accuracy and inter-dependency of swarms and shoals that have the capability of moving large objects (made up of small autonomous parts) very quickly.

Resource Roadmap

From the EC’s Resource Efficiency Roadmap (September 2011)

Over the 20th century, the world increased its fossil fuel use by a factor of 12, whilst extracting 34 times more material resources. Today in the EU, each person consumes 16tonnes of materials annually, of which 6 tonnes are wasted, with half going to landfill. Trends show, however, that the era of plentiful and cheap resources is over. Businesses are facing rising costs for essential raw materials and minerals, their scarcity and price volatility are having a damaging effect on the economy. Sources of minerals, metals and energy, as well as stocks of fish, timber, water, fertile soils, clean air, biomass, biodiversity are all under pressure, as is the stability of the climate system. Whilst demand for food, feed and fibre may increase by 70% by 2050, 60% of the world’s major ecosystems that help produce these resources have already been degraded or are used unsustainably. If we carry on using resources at the current rate, by 2050 we will need, on aggregate, the equivalent of more than two planets to sustain us, and the aspirations of many for a better quality of life will not be achieved. 

Come on in, the water's lovely

It's a joy to know that are team are doing a job to the best of their ability, and although Wales nearly pulled that off last week, it's great to see that the guide team at TYF are getting the level right, if this lovely bit of feedback is anything to go by.

"My brother and I visited St David's on a whim with no real plan, but had coasteering in mind.  On the friday we phoned TYF and from that point on we experienced nothing but great professionalism.  From the booking, to the registration, and to the activity itself, we were both very impressed by the operation and it made the whole experience even more pleasurable. 

Sam Nunn was our guide for the coasteering and was superb throughout the whole morning, a credit to the company. With varying levels of ability and enthusiasm in the group, he managed to make it fun for everyone of us.  A great guide. 

I'm struggling to express how impressed we were and how much fun we had, so I've attached a couple of photos from the day that hopefully show just what a great experience coasteering was for us.

Thanks again to all at TYF, I can't stop recommending St David's and your company to anyone and everyone.  I know we'll be back"

Go on, don't buy it.

Clothing company Patagonia's founder and chief inspiration officer, Yvon Chouinard, is by no means your average suited business leader. Apart from the time he spends riding waves and exploring, it's his views that distance him from the herd, when talking about Patagonia's Common Threads recycling programme. The reason that TYF signed up to be a Patagonia Pro-Shop is based on the leadership and commitment that Chouinard inspires:

“This program [Common Threads] first asks customers to not buy something if they don’t need it. If they do need it, we ask that they buy what will last a long time – and to repair what breaks, reuse, or resell whatever they don’t wear anymore. And finally, recycle whatever’s truly worn out.”

To read the article from Sustainable Life Media, click though here