I set out to write a blog this week addressing the changes people make and the attitudes they have after they get solar power in their homes. I assumed I would find a plethora of happy customers exalting there new contribution to the environment, and I also assumed that maybe some had become more lax on their energy conservation activities around the home since their energy is now practically free. Instead, I spoke with happy customers who had made no change in their daily routines, as they already were energy conscious before solar, and continued with this mindset even after solar was installed. Their opinion towards the solar panels on their home is that it is their duty to the world. I was surprised to not immediately find the answer I was looking for, but instead to speak with individuals who were truly energy conservationists.

In my mind, the moment I knew I was getting free energy, I would feel no remorse in running the dryer two more times, or leaving my computer on all day. This was a response I expected from at least one of our former solar customers. Instead, I spoke with two of Astralux's past customers who had a completely different attitude. Most of the customers I spoke with replied with a "Why wouldn't I?" sort of attitude towards their solar arrays.

Mr. Alex Wyche, who’s system was installed in May of 2008 said "It [solar] doesn't change anything - we consume less electricity, see our electricity bill cut in half, there's no action on my part, it's invisible." His opinion on the matter is "Why would you not if you have a place for it? It's just a matter of time before they pay for themselves. We have been very pleased."

I later spoke with Mr. Richard Bluhm who shared that he installed solar on his home in September of 2008 for "altruistic reasons". "I know things are desperate. What I do is a drop in the bucket compared to what really needs to be done. We're so far behind." Although Mr. Bluhm has a very substantial 9kW system on his home (the average is about 5kW), which produces about $125 a month of electricity, he admits "I go around turning everyone else's lights out in my home."

Speaking with these individuals opens a new window into how we all should see our energy usage. If we have the means, the location and the ability to install solar - why not? Furthermore, even when we do begin to incorporate significant sustainable energy solutions into our lives, such as solar energy, we must still remain vigilant to maintain an overall energy conscious lifestyle.

We would all benefit from every citizen of this tiny blue planet to adopt this same attitude. The more individuals who contribute their "drop in the bucket" adds up and eventually we will have a puddle, which then could amount to a full bucket. If you have a south facing roof, what is holding you back? If a 3kW system has the same effect on the environment as taking one car off the road per year and 5,208 pounds of coal from being burned each year, imagine the impact if even 10% of Americans made that upgrade.

Earth Day, celebrated April 22, was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in in 1970.

"Rising concern about the environmental crisis is sweeping the nation's campuses with an intensity that may be on its way to eclipsing student discontent over the war in Vietnam… a national day of observance of environmental problems... is being planned for next spring… when a nationwide environmental 'teach-in'... coordinated from the office of Senator Gaylord Nelson is planned..."

The "Green" movement has had its ups and downs since then, from the Solar Thermal heyday of the 80's to the universal solar, wind, and smart-grid movement of today. Since the first Earth Day, the environmental movement has increasingly transformed itself from a largely grassroots, citizen crusade to a professionally-organized and increasing sustainable enterprise. Environmental organizations now employ tens of thousands of full-time employees, including leaders who often make $150,000 or more, as well as a small army of scientists, lobbyists, lawyers and public affairs specialists.

It is readily apparent that the Green movement is no longer a fad or phenomenon. It is a staple in industry and policy - having created its own economy and job classification (the Green-collar Worker). Green is no longer activism; it is a smart way to be more efficient both functionally and financially.

Earth Day is now observed by more than a billion people in 174 countries. It is coordinated by the nonprofit Earth Day Network (EDN) and is considered "the largest secular civic event in the world."

Join us today by turning off the lights, driving a little less, buying a few CFL bulbs, or whatever you can to join the billions around the world in creating a cleaner and more sustainable tomorrow.

[Sources: Wikipedia, earth911.com, NCPPR]