Energy Horoscope

Aries March 21 – April 19
Are you too yellow to go green? Is the fear of the initial financial investment holding you back? A Toronto energy company appears to have just the solution with their low-cost low-tech solar heating system. Based on the concept that hot-air rises, these solar walls create a cavity where sun-warmed air is collected and distributed throughout the structure. Consider passive solar design ideas such as this in your future business or home building plans.

Taurus April 20 – May 20
Are you a green energy champion? In a world where many teach greenness to the masses, who will teach the teachers? If your work involves teaching (e.g. environmental organizations or green marketing firms) be aware that, according to research, simply providing information has little or no effect on what people or businesses do. If you happen to be in Toronto on April 1 & 2, consider attending the ‘Fostering Sustainable Behaviour Workshops’ where Dr. McKenzie-Mohr will be teach participants effective ways to inspire sustainable behavior such as energy conservation, water reduction, pollution prevention, etc.

Gemini May 21 – June 20
Chatting up a storm on your cell phone? Well, if they leave a carbon footprint, and if carbon footprints result in climate change and if climate change results in more storms, then the answer is yes. Literally. What with the amount of energy it takes to make and transport the parts, not to mention the toxic chemicals that end up in landfills after phones get discarded. But worry not, for the age of the green cell phone is at hand. Next time you’re out shopping for a new phone, consider Motorola’s carbon-neutral phone, the Renew, made with recycled water bottles. Free of polyvinyl chloride, asbestos, chlorofluorocarbons and halons, the Renew’s carbon footprint is offset through investments in renewable energy sources.

Cancer June 21 – July 22
In the mood for spring cleaning? Natural Resources Canada advises you dust and clean refrigerator coils, light bulbs, vents and filters for the dryer, dishwasher and dehumidifier. Build up in these filters can create obstructions, which make the appliance less energy efficient. Also, if you’re doing laundry, why not let the spring breeze do the drying for you? Hanging your clothes out to dry is just as effective and allows for a nice “fresh” scent.

Leo July 23 – August 22
Trying to alleviate emissions guilt? Well, planting a tree isn’t going to cut it. You may have heard people talking about trees as carbon offsets and thought, hmmmm, maybe I’ll just plant a tree and all will be well between me and the universe. According to David Suzuki, the science behind neutralizing carbon emissions through tree growth is kind of sketchy. Says the eco-guru, “It is much more difficult to quantify the amount of carbon that trees take out of the atmosphere than it is to quantify reductions in fossil-fuel use.” So what’s the solution? Cut down your energy use, invest in renewables and as for trees? Admire, climb, plant, hug…etc.

Virgo August 23 – September 22
Have you been a little absent minded lately? Many people unknowingly harm the water supply by carelessly dumping toxic substances, such as soap, pet waste and fertilizer down the drain. What does this have to do with energy use you ask? Plenty. In fact, energy use and water use are very much related. Did you know that the 2006 energy costs for water pumping and treatment cost the Region of Peel alone an estimated $25 million? This month, if you’re in the mood to help the community and the environment, why not participate in a Yellow Fish Road storm drain marking event. On Earth Day this year, they will be in Calgary, marking the storm drains with painted yellow fish symbols to remind residents that what goes down the storm drain ends up in the nearest water source.

Libra September 23 – October 22
Feeling frustrated lately? Like nothing seems to be getting done? Chin up Libra, because multiple advancements were made last month, especially on issues that matter, such as climate change. To the south we have the $787 billion that was signed into law for the economic stimulus bill, and which includes a whopping $60 billion for alternative energy alone. According to treehugger.com, that’s more than some environmentalists were hoping for. In Canada, though not as zealous as our neighbours to the south, we saw the investment of $53 million towards 16 projects that develop and demonstrate emerging clean technologies. So, you see, the hard work of environmentalists is starting to see results, which means you should keep pressing on with your personal efforts.

Scorpio October 23 – November 21
Trying to kill two birds with one stone? Some world experts think it can be done. In fact, the folks from Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change including the former chief economist of the world-bank are saying the world can solve both environmental and economic woes by injecting $400 billion towards green policies. They are calling on governments around the world to set money aside by this summer and spend it by mid 2010. So if you think what you’re trying to do is impossible, think again. Some people out there are trying to save the environment and the economy at the same time!

Sagittarius November 22 – December 21
Thinking of going the extra mile in your spring cleaning this year? Petro-Canada recommends including your heating, cooling and ventilation systems in your spring cleaning plans as regular maintenance and cleaning of air conditioning units, filters and ventilation fans can keep fuel costs down and help avoid costly repairs later on. Some tips they provide include opening the furnace humidifier damper, if you have central air conditioning, and cleaning the humidifier as well as vacuuming the radiator grilles on back of your refrigerator and freezer and the bathroom ventilation fan grille.

Capricorn December 22 – January 19
Thinking about putting your green towards the green? Many investors are increasingly concerned about new factors, like climate change, when it comes to making wise investment decisions. In recent years, institutional and individual investors have been pushing for increased disclosure of climate change related impacts on public companies including both risks and opportunities. Next time you’re thinking of investing, consider consulting the Carbon Disclosure Project to read up on the public companies vying for your dollars and how the very real threat of climate change is influencing or being influenced by their business operations.

Aquarius January 20 – February 18
Are you or a friend buying a new home this month? If so, why not treat this like a blank slate for beginning a new regime of carbon reduction? You should seriously consider getting a mortgage that recognizes your investment in energy efficiency. For example, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Genworth Financial Canada, offer a 10 percent refund on mortgage loan insurance premiums when a borrower buys or builds an energy-efficient home. If this seems a little too drastic, or if you aren’t buying a new home, Natural Resources Canada has a helpful listing of other incentive programs for energy efficiency in Canada.

Pisces February 19 – March 20
Bored? Why not find something to do that’s both fun and meaningful. This month on Earth Day, make a point to check out what’s going on in your city in celebration of this growing, awareness-raising environmental movement. In Calgary, Alberta, the TELUS World of Science centre will be holding a celebration featuring indoor and outdoor workshops, green games and environmental exhibits and displays. Some Canadian cities commemorate the special day all month, such as the Regina, Saskatchewan whose university library will be exhibiting environmental resources in the library’s collections from April 1 to 26th. Vancouver, BC will see many gathered for the Earth Run. Find out what’s happening in your area and get involved!