On the radio yesterday, Brad Kava and I interviewed Cale Garamendi, a project developer at a local solar company, Sandbar Solar. We had a great, wide-ranging conversation about solar power, which you can access in this archive for a short time. (Click on the Nov. 11 episode.)
My favorite part of the conversation was when we veered into the philosophical (not surprisingly): Having solar power not only frees you somewhat from dependence on the grid, but also reminds you to use power intentionally.
Like anyone who is paying attention, I cycle through various emotions when it comes to our environmental problems. I have moments of pure grief. When I am on my morning walk in November wearing light clothing, it’s hard to keep away from thinking terrible things like whether there will even be redwood trees for our future grandchildren to enjoy.
I’m not holding myself up as a great example of virtuously green living: I do drive a car; I do use my clothing dryer; I do love a hot shower. But something that gives me great peace is a focus on intentional living.
Our solar panels aren’t up yet, but we’re already thinking about how we use power, and it’s not too far away from how people might have considered their power usage in the 19th century. Then, they likely heated with coal or wood, two things that needed to be procured. If they were in a city, it would be delivered, probably on a schedule. Use it up too fast, freeze for a few days. If they lived in the country, they likely used a local power source such as wood.
In any case, people used to have to consume power intentionally. Every time they lit a lamp in the evening, they had to think: Do I need to burn this oil?
We’ve gotten away from that. Although my family is really good about keeping lights that we don’t need off, I do know that we have been incredibly cavalier about those lights always coming on when we need them.
Intentional living has shown to make people happier because they are more engaged. Certainly, my solar panels, short showers, green napkins, and electric car are not going to save our planet. But if they help me feel more energized and hopeful—and if everyone feels more energized and hopeful—we have a little bit more of a chance of figuring this all out.
