Educate Nic

Those of you who actually managed to make it all the way through our recent video on lightbulbs probably noticed our tongue-in-cheek irresponsibility in reference to disposing of CFLs. This was done partly for the meager humor we found in it and partly because we hadn’t really had the chance to research the issue before filming. So, the question is . . . how should we properly dispose of our spent CFLs?

I found one article already that seemed helpful, but I figured I would ask all the smart readers who inexplicably read this blog to chime in. Drop some wisdom in the comments.

Now, typically I avoid politics as a topic unless I am writing for an overtly political publication. I don’t discuss individual politicians, candidates or policies and I’m not going to start now. I am, however, interested in the structure of our government and the influence its members have on the various policies that effect the things we care about. For this particular blog, I am curious as to what sort of power our elected politicians and their appointees have over environmental policy, particularly in terms of green building and conservation incentives.

So, my question is this:

How important is the environmental stance of the future president and why? How much power does the future president have to effect the course of our environmental destiny and is this power granted by law, tradition or some other, less concrete type of influence?

Please avoid a discussion of particular candidates for public office and try to stick to a simple discussion of the position itself. I know many people have strong feelings on candidates, but I can hear about those anywhere (whether I want to or not). I am more curious in your thoughts about the structure of the government and its effect on environmental concerns.

As with all editions of Educate Nic, I could have found more information on my own with a little research but I am lazy more interested in your thoughts on the issue. So, let me know what you think in the comments.

Guest writing is often seen as its own reward. It is a chance to stretch the mental muscles, gain some exposure and practice that ancient and elusive art of writing web content. In addition, these guest appearances can be used to subtly promote sites and events in which the writer has some interest (not that I would stoop to such a tactic). Rarely, if ever, does a guest writer request remuneration. Rarely does he have the gall to extend an empty hand and ask something of his benefactor, the site owner.

This is particular true in my case where Chad, my friend and partner in many an imagined “thousandaire” venture, is the one for whom I am writing. Chad is generous with his ideas and with his beer. He is quick to offer advice and food. Begging further favors would be crass, uncouth, a faux pas of the highest order. And yet, alas, such ungentlemanly behavior is unfortunately in my blood. I will ask one more thing. In fact, I will state my request as a sort of challenge.

Lately, I have read about something called a “writing hut”. Apparently Mark Twain had one and so did George Bernard Shaw. Two great writers, both with huts . . . coincidence? Perhaps, but perhaps not. It could be that the writer builds the hut, but then it could also be that the hut builds the writer. Maybe it is the hut itself that bestows writerly genius. Maybe that small enclosed structure focuses some sort of cosmic energy that stimulates creative force and enables perfect articulation. Crazy? Of course, but worth a shot.

Now, I would never ask Chad to build or even design such a structure for me. That would be taking things too far, but I am sure that, in his memory and vast collection of links, he has a great deal of information about such huts. In fact, knowing the way ideas constantly form in that over-occupied head of his, I am sure he has some hare-brained plans for just the sort of structure I’m talking about. So, all I am asking (along with the continued beer generosity) is for a post here on postgreen. Just one blog post about writer’s huts.

So Chad, there is my challenge, my request. I am adding one more small item to that full plate you keep. Give me and the faithful readers here on postgreen (who I know care as deeply about writer’s huts as I) one post. What do you say?

Oh, and readers, you aren’t off the hook either. I have, after all, written for you. The least you can do is throw a couple of links to writer’s huts in the comments.

Nic is pretty sure that Chad is going to regret waiving his right to review these posts before they go up.

Though I have often been called a know-it-all (a compliment I think), there are actually quite a few things I about which I am relatively uneducated. Pride tells me to ignore these things as beneath me or scan the internet for just enough information to seem up-to-date. Usually, being somewhat weak of ego, I bow to pride and slink off to Wikipedia for a dose of Internet knowledge. However, occasionally an issue seems important enough to actually ask someone, and that is what this post is all about.

What do you know about clean coal? I know enough not to trust the billboards, erected by coal companies, that tout its world-saving potential, but not enough to validate everything on a site like Coal is Dirty. I know that clean coal isn’t necessarily clean (come on . . . it’s coal), but are there potential benefit? Do those benefits outweigh the dirtiness? Can I use my years of saved Christmas stocking gifts to cleanly power my home? Basically, is coal redeemable?

Use the comments to educate me, or send me an email.