Repower America- Take Action

Dear Friends,

The last few weeks we have had more than our fair share of unseasonably warm days here in the Hocking Hills. During this supposed heat wave, it has been said more than once, "It's hot! When can we turn on the air conditioning?". I have been reluctant to do this for a few reasons and will stand my ground as long as I can bear it.

First and foremost, I love the smell of the fresh air that the spring brings. There is nothing better than being able to open all the windows in the house and let a breeze blow through, unless you suffer from a pollen allergy, that is. The old, stuffy winter air is replaced by the smell of flowers blooming, the spring rains and freshly cut grass. The fresh air seems to lift everyone's spirits.

Secondly, I dread the rising electric bill that results from the use of the central air. Our electric bill will normally double, and sometimes triple when the air is turned on. And even though I am expecting it, the "sticker shock" always gets me that first month. Each year I vow to "suffer through" the heat and not use the central air, but I always seem to give in in the heat of the moment.

This year I have a new and even more important reason for not wanting to turn it on. I have been reading about the energy crisis that is taking place in the world, and am convinced that everyone can make a difference.

Repower America has taken charge and is leading the fight for a more energy efficient world. Their idea that we should use fuels that are not expensive, don't cause pollution and are abundantly available right here at home may be the key to end our reliance on carbon-based fuels and ending the destruction of our planet.

These fuels are already available to us. According to the Repower America website, "Scientists have confirmed that enough solar energy falls on the surface of the earth every 40 minutes to meet 100 percent of the entire world's energy needs for a full year. Tapping just a small portion of this solar energy could provide all of the electricity America uses. And enough wind power blows through the Midwest corridor every day to also meet 100 percent of US electricity demand. Geothermal energy, similarly, is capable of providing enormous supplies of electricity for America."

We can begin the change, by making homes and businesses more energy efficient, increasing renewable energy generation and constructing a unified smart grid to carry electricity. We can begin transitioning to energy efficient plug-in cars to reduce our fuel usage.

Check out the Repower America website for more details on the current plans, meetings being held near you, and things you can do start conserving energy now. For us, it is resisting the urge to use the air conditioner. What is it for you?

For a Greener world,
Ellen and Terry

Innkeepers