Jim Gunshinan posted a discussion
Autonomous vehicles are here. Major car manufacturers like Ford and BMW have been developing self-driving cars for a decade. But how will having more AVs on the road affect the climate? Will it reduce or increase fossil fuel use? Here are some…
Friday
Jim Gunshinan posted a discussion
Every few years Californians vote on bond measures to fund infrastructure projects and schools, fight homelessness, provide affordable mental health services, and other programs. With concern about climate change top of mind these days, Proposition…
Sep 29
Jim Gunshinan posted a discussion
Today's buzzword for energy nerds, green builders, and environmentalists is "electrification." You might know some other buzzwords  like "renewable energy portfolios," "net zero energy use buildings," and "Passive House." These all refer to the same…
Aug 30
Laura Wehrley replied to Jim Gunshinan's discussion Remodeling Part 3: The Roof
"Jim- I love the popcorn analogy! And the subsequent paragraphs were so visual. I love the way you write!"
Aug 1
Jim Gunshinan posted a discussion
Water will be an essential and stressed resource in California, the West, and in any hot, dry climate far into the future. Politics and economic forces are at play regarding water and other natural resources. Besides advocating for local, state,…
Jul 28
Jim Gunshinan posted a discussion
Regenerative agriculture certainly sounds positive and healthy, but what is it? One way to find out would be to attend a screening of the powerful film "Kiss the Ground," presented by Sustainable Contra Costa and Unity of Walnut Creek. Narrated by…
Jul 1
Tina King Neuhausel replied to Jim Gunshinan's discussion Remodeling Part 3: The Roof
"Jim - thanks for sharing your home renovation experience! What is the estimated lifetime of the roof you are installing? Also, I'm curious why you chose engineered wood even though having a dog may scratch the surface and therefore it will likely…"
Jun 6
Jim Gunshinan posted a discussion
It's like being pelted with popcorn—the choices and decisions keep coming at us. But some popcorn is more significant than others. The house we are remodeling in Orinda had cement tile shingles, and though the shingles held a lifetime guarantee, we…
Jun 3
Jim Gunshinan replied to Jim Gunshinan's discussion The Secret to a Water-Wise Landscape
"I am no angel regarding lawns, but we, too, do what we can. Thanks for the great feedback."
May 1
Alison Clary replied to Jim Gunshinan's discussion The Secret to a Water-Wise Landscape
"Such great information, Jim! I wish we'd known about thyme lawns when our kids were little. We've replaced our lawn with many of the suggestions you've provided here but continue to learn and improve - thanks!"
May 1
Jim Gunshinan posted a discussion
Here is a juicy secret: The East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) and the Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) will give you money for taking out your grass lawns. It sounds too good to be true, but it's true. You can create a beautiful…
Apr 26
Jim Gunshinan posted a discussion
Remodeling our “Forever Home” is testing our patience! There are so many little details to study and decisions to make. For example, we decided to make our bathroom wheelchair accessible. After coming up with the design for the perfectly sized…
Apr 1
Jim Gunshinan replied to Jim Gunshinan's discussion Up In the Air
"Thanks Allison! I'm glad I can chronicle the journey through SCOCO's newsletter."
Mar 8
Alison Clary replied to Jim Gunshinan's discussion Up In the Air
"Excellent article that personalizes sustainability in the home! Good luck to you and Michele!"
Mar 6
Jim Gunshinan posted a discussion
Our house in Orinda has been “up in the air” since November. It’s jacked up because the foundation had partially collapsed. It didn’t happen all at once. The house was built in the early 1950s, and we think the foundation was exposed to water that…
Feb 29
Jim Gunshinan replied to Alison Clary's discussion Are Prop 65 Labels Still Relevant?
"Thanks for answering my question Allison. Prop 65 is alive and well, if a little tainted by led insulation."
Feb 17
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