Organica Sustainable Water on PBS (Huffington Post & National Geographic)

A few months ago I had the privilege of interviewing Melissa with Organica Sustainable Water. Since then they have been in the the Huffington Post and National Geographic. I'm sure with their publicity that many more news organizations will come forward to interview this great company that's on the cutting edge in dealing with our water crisis. This Thursday, November 17th the company will be featured and the centerpiece of PBS's Nightly Business Report. I hop you will support this great company and tune in! You can find the listings for PBS here.

Melvin Wylie

WATER: The Great Mystery

Amazing documentary about the power of the mind and the secrets of water.

Melvin Wylie

New Poll: 9 out of 10 Americans Support Solar

Survey by Kelton Research finds continued widespread public support for development of solar energy, federal incentives for solar, across political spectrum.

Americans overwhelmingly support the use and development of solar energy as well as federal incentives for solar, according to the 2011 SCHOTT Solar Barometer™, a nationally representative survey conducted annually by independent polling firm Kelton Research. For the fourth consecutive year, the survey found that about nine out of 10 Americans (89 percent) think it is important for the United States to develop and use solar energy. Support for solar is strong across the political spectrum with 80 percent of Republicans, 90 percent of Independents and 94 percent of Democrats agreeing that it is important for the United States to develop and use solar. The survey also found that more than eight out of 10 Americans (82 percent) support federal tax credits and grants for the solar industry similar to those that traditional sources of energy like oil, natural gas and coal have received for decades. Seventy-one percent of Republicans agree, as well as 82 percent of Independents and 87 percent of Democrats. "It's clear that solar has the strong support of the American people," said Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association. "Now it needs the support of U.S. policymakers in extending job-creating policies like the 1603 Treasury Program to make sure solar continues to work for America." Furthermore, when asked to select an energy source they would financially support if they were in charge of U.S. energy policy, 39 percent of Americans chose solar over other sources such as natural gas (21 percent), wind (12 percent), nuclear (9 percent) and coal (3 percent). "The fourth annual Solar Barometer shows that Americans overwhelmingly understand the benefits of solar energy for our country," said Tom Hecht, President, Sales, Marketing and Business Development, SCHOTT Solar PV, Inc. Eight out of 10 Americans (82 percent) think it is important for the federal government to support U.S. solar manufacturing, according to the poll. Also, a majority of Americans (51 percent) said they would be more likely to purchase a product if they knew it was made using solar energy.

Melvin Wylie

Dominion Virginia Power Proposes Community Solar Power Program

- Company would lease space for solar panels on rooftops of businesses, public facilities RICHMOND, Va. - Dominion Virginia Power, in continuing its exploration of alternative energy technologies, wants to lease rooftops and grounds of commercial businesses and public facilities for electricity-generating solar panels. The panels would generate enough electricity to power about 6,000 homes during peak daylight hours. The initiative would be part of a multi-year program designed to help expand the company's understanding of community-based solar energy, study its impact and assess its benefits. The company made its request for approval Monday to the Virginia State Corporation Commission. "To successfully implement solar energy projects, we have to understand how community-based solar energy will integrate in our existing distribution system," said Kenneth D. Barker, vice president-Customer Solutions and Energy Conservation. "In addition, the program would provide more renewable energy to our generation mix, support Virginia's renewable energy goals and further the goals of the commonwealth's energy policy." While specific locations have not yet been identified, at least four of the solar sites would be located in community settings, such as local government buildings, schools, community associations, neighborhood associations or nonprofit organizations. In all, the company plans to install solar panels on 30 to 50 sites in its service area. Participants would receive payment for leasing space for the solar panels. A Web-enabled monitor located at the facility would display information about the installation's output. Throughout the program, the company would report the study results of each project to the commission annually. The company would continue to own and operate the solar panels as generation facilities after a site has been operating for five years. The company's application also includes plans for a new rate under development in which the company would purchase solar energy from customers who have panels on their property. Additional information about the proposed program is available on the Dominion website, www.dom.com.

Melvin Wylie

Mining and Military Address Health & Safety with Eco Waste Technology

BURLINGTON, ON - Eco Waste Solutions (EWS) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded two new contracts to bring point-of-need waste solutions to the mining and military sectors. A multinational mining company operating in West Africa has selected EWS to supply 3 ECO Model batch incinerators. This equipment will process 23 tonnes per day - all of the domestic waste generated on-site. With large camps, the installation of these facilities can improve sanitation by reducing vermin and disease vectors, enhancing personnel health and safety. Utilizing clean burning systems to manage solid waste also minimizes the environmental impacts of the mine and is preferred to the long-term legacy of a landfill. EWS also has been awarded a contract to supply the ECO Mobile incineration system to a foreign Department of Defense. The fully containerized mobile system has been procured as part of a readiness program for public health protection. Crises in recent history such as the Avian Bird Flu and H1N1 have highlighted the need for governments to react quickly to quarantine and destroy diseased animals. In these emergencies, most agencies resort to open pit burning which is inadequate for infection containment and creates air pollution. The ECO Mobile will provide rapid response to the site of a disease outbreak and operates at temperatures that will destroy even the more resistant prion - the infectious agent associated with BSE (mad cow disease). The ECO Mobile is designed to international military specifications and is the most advanced mobile incinerator available globally. With on-board pollution control and monitoring equipment it will meet the strictest emissions standards in place today. "This year, despite the slowdown globally, EWS has continued to grow. Our business services markets that require proven solutions that operate reliably with high environmental standards" said Eco Waste Solutions President, Steve Meldrum. "Our equipment is unique in delivering on these objectives." Company Information: Eco Waste Solutions (EWS) is a privately-held Canadian environmental technology company that custom engineers and manufactures advanced thermal treatment technologies for solid and liquid waste. For over 17 years we have demonstrated leadership in design-quality, environmental integrity and excellent customer service. Unlike many emerging technologies still in development, the EWS systems are fully commercialized and process waste reliably. Our technological innovations include 4G controls, containerized mobile incinerators designed for rapid deployment and scalable modular incinerators that can offer heat recovery in the form of hot water, steam and small scale energy from waste. www.ecosolutions.com

Melvin Wylie

Research Suggests Orange Juice Evokes Positive Emotions

BARTOW, Fla. - Americans have been enjoying the great taste of orange juice for decades, and now research suggests they may turn to this refreshing beverage for how it makes them feel. A new study from the Florida Department of Citrus found drinking orange juice actually made participants feel positive, carefree and rejuvenated. Through a patented research process designed to reveal unconscious emotions, consumers shared their thoughts and feelings about orange juice and its role in their lives. Findings showed that while participants view their daily life as a "hard road," the simple act of drinking orange juice provides a momentary "escape" to a more positive mindset. The rejuvenating feelings they get from a glass of orange juice helps give them the energy and resolve to take on the day. Research participants shared positive emotions about orange juice through analogies and memories. For example, one respondent likened orange juice to a "water station" in the marathon of life, while another described life as an everyday battle in which orange juice helps to "carry you through the day and help you win the war." Another participant shared, "orange juice almost makes me feel like a child again, where I was comfortable, cozy, and secure." The link between orange juice and a more positive outlook revealed through in-depth interviews with a small group of participants was also supported by a recent survey of 1,002 adults nationwide, which showed more than half of the respondents believe drinking a glass of orange juice provides an energizing boost, while 33 percent said it is a simple way to help improve their mood. Furthermore, when American adults drink orange juice, 56 percent of those surveyed said they feel rejuvenated, followed by calm, positive, happy and alive. Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a positive psychology expert and author of The How of Happiness, suggests the positive power of orange juice may do even more for people: her research shows happiness can actually lead to a more successful and fulfilled life. In fact, studies suggest happy people are more energetic and productive, have richer networks of friends, are better leaders and have stronger immune systems. Some research even reports happy people may live longer. "One key to happiness is focusing on the simple things that can improve your outlook on life," said Dr. Lyubomirsky. "No life is without stress or adversity, but by stepping back and appreciating the simple things, you can look at the bigger picture and learn to cope with obstacles. Such adjustments are small, but can have a big impact on many areas of your life." Further research suggests that adopting this approach to life can have added benefits throughout the years. Recent studies have found that those people who focus on and savor positive thoughts on a daily basis are the most well-adjusted and mentally healthy as they age. Moreover, this positive mindset can also support a more productive and fulfilling life as those who adopt an optimistic outlook are more likely to achieve their goals of growth and advancement. "Find pleasure in ordinary moments to give yourself a break and boost your mood," Dr. Lyubomirsky said. "Try taking a few minutes to appreciate the little things, even something as simple as the taste and smell of your glass of orange juice as you drink it each day." For more information on 100 percent Florida Orange Juice and additional tips from Dr. Lyubomirsky, please visit www.Facebook.com/FloridaOrangeJuice.

Melvin Wylie

S&C Electric Company Boosts Production at California Wind Farm

S&C Electric Company, a global leader in renewable energy integration, announces that it will provide a complete procure-construct solution for Coram Ridge Wind Farm in Mojave, California. S&C will procure and construct the electrical equipment necessary to connect 34 Vestas 3.0-MW turbines to the grid. The plant's capacity, at completion, will be 102 MW. The plant is owned by Coram California Development, L.P. Increasing renewable energy production at existing plants is a major priority in California considering the renewable energy goals set forth in the new California Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS). The new goals, as of April 12, will require 33 percent of total energy supplies to come from certified renewable sources by 2020 – one of the most aggressive renewable energy goals in the United States. However, upgrading infrastructure economically while minimizing plant downtime is both critical and extremely challenging. "Given the difficulties inherent in updating an existing plant, we wanted an EPC electrical system provider with a proven track record of swiftly completing complex projects," says Rick Ortiz Construction Executive for . "S&C offers extensive experience in developing customized approaches for renewable energy integration." S&C has provided EPC services for renewable energy projects around the world, integrating gigawatts of energy to the grid. For this particular project, S&C will integrate a 69-kV underground transmission line, which is very unusual for renewable energy projects and as such, requires a high level of technical expertise and customization. S&C will also develop two 66-kV substations and overhead and underground collector systems. "We are drawing on our extensive renewable energy and electric utility experience to customize a solution to increase the wind farm's capacity," says Dan Girard, director of renewable energy, S&C. "This is just another example of how working closely with our customers, we can develop effective approaches to meet even the most difficult renewable energy integration challenges." About S&C Electric Company S&C, with global headquarters in Chicago, USA, is applying its heritage of innovation to address challenges facing the world's power grids and is thus shaping the future of reliable electricity delivery. The mission of employee-owned S&C is to continually develop new solutions for electricity delivery, fostering the improved efficiency and reliability required for the intelligent grid. Additional information about S&C is available at www.sandc.com.

Melvin Wylie