DiCaprio speaks out for climate change action at Oscar

"Be who you are and say what you believe (feel), because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Suess

Congrats DiCaprio for the Oscar. Thank you for speaking out for us all.

Programs for the North Texas Renewable Energy Group (NTREG)

For the next two years, I am a co-program manager for the North Texas Renewable Energy Group (NTREG). That means I'm in charge of bringing speakers to our monthly meetings as well as setting up field trips and hands-on projects.

A few examples of what we do:
Speaker: Our March speaker is the Passive House Specialist.
Field trip: Last October, we toured Oncor's Microgrid Facility in Lancaster.
Hands-on project: We are planning to build "portable mini solar charger w/battery system" for around $120 per system.

We promote renewable energy, clean transportation, energy/water efficiency and various clean technologies. If you know someone you could recommend to be our future speakers, please PM me.

Please note, we are a "serious" non-profit as we like to call ourselves. We stay away from "in your face" product/service promotions as well as political activities. In addition, if we see a proposal may not be a good fit to our mission (scroll down to Our Mission), we may/will decline.

Joining our monthly meetings and discussion group are open to the public. Please see NTREG discussion group (again, scroll down) for details .

"Negative Carbon Road Trip" dropped by NTREG meeting

This funky looking car belongs to Brian Kent.

Brian and his Nissan LEAF are taking a "Negative Carbon Road Trip" across and around The United States.

You see, driving across the US with Tesla is non issue thanks to its >250 mile range and the Supercharger Network.

But doing that with other EVs currently on the market, such as Brian's LEAF, is another story. Driving ranges of most of those EVs are still little over 80 miles.

Here in Texas, 80 miles does not get you very far. Between Dallas and Austin is roughly 200 miles. From Dallas to New Mexico border is roughly 430 miles even when the shortest driving distance is taken. (I don't recommend that route, but that's another story.)

Back to Brian and his LEAF. Despite the headwinds, they had driven to 33 states so far and stopped by NTREG (North Texas Renewable Energy Group) monthly meeting this Saturday.

As I still drive a gas car, 2005 Lexus, I'm keenly aware that I am spewing exhaust into the air each mile I drive. Until I can get the zero, or close to zero, carbon transportation, I will try to drive the least distance/time while letting me do what I want/need to do...

Striking the balance while making a small step forward each and every day.

Plano gets "Go Ape!" zipline and treetop obstacle courses

"Go Ape" Zip Line is coming to Plano!!!

I've been wanted to go to Costa Rica and do the zip line over the beautiful forest there someday, but this one will do for now.

The best part? I can walk to it from my home :)

It's in the Oak Point Nature Reserve, along the creek, a bit off the paved trail which circles around the pond(or lake?).

When I first heard about it, I thought "Oh, that's cute. It got to be a short zip line for little kids..."
Boy, was I underestimating Plano Park & Rec's dedication to provide over the top (pun intended) outdoor activities for us residents.

Not only it has four or five zip lines (and at least one zips across the creek), but also quite many over the canopy obstacle courses. My daughter and I agreed that this was something our family would love to do together. It would be even more beautiful once all the trees bud out and the canopy turns green!

If you don't live nearby, don't fret. Just drive to Oak Point Nature and Retreat Center at 5901 Los Rios Blvd, Plano, TX 75074. There are plenty parking spots there. And the Retreat Center is a cool place to chill. "Go Ape" is just a short walk from there.

To guarantee the spot for "Go Ape", you might want to reserve here. Enjoy your inner "Ape"!!!