Today I give the first of a series about going off the grid. I discuss energy conversion and power efficiency and why you should look at it BEFORE going off grid.

* Housekeeping:

* zello

* First Aid Kit and Trauma Kit Webinar coming soon

* News Segment by J.Bradbury of PreparePDX.com (Let me know if you like this segment and maybe we can make it a regular thing):

* GMO Video: Josephine County Measure 17-58 Leadership Recap

* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UK9bACCPI4A&feature=share

* Two Oregon Counties Vote to Ban Genetically Engineered Crops Despite Massive Contributions by Monsanto and Corporate Agribusiness

* http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_30081.cfm

* Boil alert… Is Portland ready for a disaster? Experts say no (J.Bradbury

* http://www.katu.com/news/local/Is-Portland-ready-for-a-major-disaster-260608591.html

* Financial: The Size Of The Derivatives Bubble Hanging Over The Global Economy Hits A Record High

* http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/archives/the-size-of-the-derivatives-bubble-hanging-over-the-global-economy-hits-a-record-high

* Mudslide: Colorado 4 MILE LONG Landslide

* http://youtu.be/1o9cvLE66ps

* 3 missing in Mesa County mudslide

* http://www.9news.com/story/news/local/2014/05/25/large-mudslide-mesa-county/9584285/

* Different Parts to Going Off-Grid

* Lower Power Consumption or Energy Use of your home

* Consider which alternative power option works for you

* What you need to know about batteries and battery banks

* Everything you need to know about inverters

* Many other items that we need to create a great battery bank

* But what about Generators?

* Lower Power Consumption and Energy Use of Your Home

* Real Cost of off-grid solar system

* Panels: $20,000

* Batteries: $20,000

* 30 years cost recovery

* Benefit of off-grid system

* Grid-Down Scenario

* Regional Disaster

* If grid-energy costs go up

* You save more on raising efficiency over purchasing power generation.

* $40k vs $30k (25k + 5k)

* Get real efficiency expert for consulting

* Work on effeciency

* Seal up cracks in home

* windows

* doors

* attics

* basements

* fireplaces

* Attic insulation

* roof pitch

* attic vent fan

* Seal ductwork

* 1/5 of energy costs

* our ducts disconnected

* duct cleaning

* Programmable thermostat

* cell phone control

* constantly turning it on and off

* Energy Efficient windows

* over $10k

* Wood insulates better than aluminum

* Storm Windows is cheaper

* Add Blinds or Curtains

* winter=black

* summer=silver

* black curtain=air flow

* Efficient doors