Gore Talks But Does He Walk

[kateyes]

Al Gore talks the talk on Global Warming and what WE can do to help reduce our carbon foot print, but does he practice what he preaches???

http://www.tennesseepolicy.org/main/article.php?article_id=367


"

Al Gore’s Personal Energy Use Is His Own “Inconvenient Truth”
Gore’s home uses more than 20 times the national average​

Last night, Al Gore’s global-warming documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, collected an Oscar for best documentary feature, but the Tennessee Center for Policy Research has found that Gore deserves a gold statue for hypocrisy.

Gore’s mansion, located in the posh Belle Meade area of Nashville, consumes more electricity every month than the average American household uses in an entire year, according to the Nashville Electric Service (NES).

In his documentary, the former Vice President calls on Americans to conserve energy by reducing electricity consumption at home...................................".

 

[Willamena]

How is that hypocracy; I don't get it. Is he supposed to move to a smaller house?

 

[Engyo]

I love the straw man attack! We can't contradict his message so we will attack the person instead! gotta love it - it's a true sign of desperation!

 

[kateyes]

The Gores in ONE MONTH use almost double the amount of electricity used by the average American household in a YEAR. Under those circumstances YES it does seem hypocritical for him to be lecturing the American public on what they must -do to reduce thier energy consumption. I don't deny the message--but expected him to practice what he is busy preaching, particularily as he certainly has the financial resources, to use any and all energy conservation alternatives.

 

[Engyo]

Oh, I don't know about all that- he's not any different than any other politician, is he? Preaching about fiscal responsibility while running up the deficit, or talking about justice while writing laws that exclude congresscritters, or voting for their own raises while blocking an increase in the minimum wage, and so on and so on ad nauseum.

 

[SoyLeche]

I love the straw man attack! We can't contradict his message so we will attack the person instead! gotta love it - it's a true sign of desperation!

That's ad hominem - not strawman

 

[SoyLeche]

How is that hypocracy; I don't get it. Is he supposed to move to a smaller house?

In a word - yes. That would be nice.

 

[SoyLeche]

I love the straw man attack! We can't contradict his message so we will attack the person instead! gotta love it - it's a true sign of desperation!

It doesn't show anything about whether or not MMGW is happening. It may be an indication that the main spokesman for the cause isn't really as concerned about it as he wants the world to think he is. I understand the use of private jets - those may be necessary for the cause and he may be reducing more emissions than he is causing. His house doesn't fit into that equation though. He could reduce world emissions more if he lived in a smaller house - and not just by his own consumption, but from his example.

 

[Engyo]

That's ad hominem - not strawman

Sorry, mixed up my debate-attack tactics there!

 

[kateyes]

Oh, I don't know about all that- he's not any different than any other politician, is he? Preaching about fiscal responsibility while running up the deficit, or talking about justice while writing laws that exclude congresscritters, or voting for their own raises while blocking an increase in the minimum wage, and so on and so on ad nauseum.

But Global warming isn't just a political issue--and he and his family have financial resources not available to the average American--he could easily convert to solar or wind driven generation--and hasn't. I would love to take at least some of those steps and frankly don't have the financial wherewithawl to do so. How many things on the list below to you suppose the Gores do:

Here's a list of simple things you can do immediately, which will start to reduce your contribution to global warming. The items in this list will cost you no money at all and will in fact save you money.​

1. Sign up to a green energy supplier, who will supply electricity from renewable sources (e.g. wind and hydroelectric power) - this will reduce your carbon footprint contribution from electricity to zero
2. Turn it off when not in use (lights, television, DVD player, Hi Fi, computer etc. etc. ...) Click here to find out which electrical items in your household are contribute the most to your Carbon Footprint
3. Turn down the central heating slightly (try just 1 to 2 degrees C)
4. Turn down the water heating setting (just 2 degrees will make a significant saving)
5. Check the central heating timer setting - remember there is no point heating the house after you have left for work
6. Fill your dish washer and washing machine with a full load - this will save you water, electricity, and washing powder
7. Fill the kettle with only as much water as you need
8. Unplug your mobile phone as soon as it has finished charging
9. Defrost your fridge/freezer regularly
10. Do your weekly shopping in a single trip
11. Hang out the washing to dry rather than tumble drying it
12. Go for a run rather than drive to the gym

The following is a list of items that may take an initial investment, but should pay for themselves over the course of 1-4 years through savings on your energy bills.

1. Fit energy saving light bulbs
2. Install thermostatic valves on your radiators
3. Insulate your hot water tank, your loft and your walls
4. 35% of heat generated in the house is lost through the walls. Installing cavity wall installation to a medium size house could reduce your heating bills by up to £100 per year
5. By installing 180mm thick loft insulation you could stop about 25% of your heating escaping through the roof
6. Recycle your grey water
7. Replace your old fridge / freezer (if it is over 15 years old), with a new one with energy efficiency rating of "A"
8. Replace your old boiler with a new energy efficient condensing boiler

------------Just cannot see Tipper hanging out the laundry.

 

[Willamena]

The Gores in ONE MONTH use almost double the amount of electricity used by the average American household in a YEAR. Under those circumstances YES it does seem hypocritical for him to be lecturing the American public on what they must -do to reduce thier energy consumption. I don't deny the message--but expected him to practice what he is busy preaching, particularily as he certainly has the financial resources, to use any and all energy conservation alternatives.

And if Mr. Gore, in replacing all his 10,000 light bulbs with flourescent ones has reduced his consumption by 90% as compared to the average household, who hasn't replaced even one of their 10 light bulbs and not reduced their consumption, is he still a hypocrite?

 

[kateyes]

And if Mr. Gore, in replacing all his 10,000 light bulbs with flourescent ones has reduced his consumption by 90% as compared to the average household, who hasn't replaced even one of their 10 light bulbs and not reduced their consumption, is he still a hypocrite?

Yes--because he is still using 10,000 light bulbs (although he would problably only need 5000 regular light bulbs--cause it just doesn't seem to me like the fluorescent ones put out as much light). I may have missed a few counting in my head but my house only has 35 including the outdoor lights--so I would say there is a bit of over consumption going on there.

 

[Willamena]

Yes--because he is still using 10,000 light bulbs (although he would problably only need 5000 regular light bulbs--cause it just doesn't seem to me like the fluorescent ones put out as much light). I may have missed a few counting in my head but my house only has 35 including the outdoor lights--so I would say there is a bit of over consumption going on there.

The flourescent ones put out more light per watt, which is why they are more energy efficient.

Here's a strawman for you... So the natural conclusion of your concept of conservation of energy is that everyone live in small homes in small communities sharing resources --i.e. socialism?

 

[jamaesi]

A report issued by the Tennessee Center for Policy Research, which, citing figures from the Nashville Electric Service, said that since last August, Gore burned through 22,619 kilowatt-hours at his house — more than twice the electricity in one month than an average American family uses in an entire year. His average monthly electric bill topped $1,359, the report said.
Since the release of "An Inconvenient Truth," the report said, Gore’s energy consumption has increased from an average of 16,200 kWh per month in 2005, to 18,400 kWh per month in 2006. Natural gas bills for Gore's mansion and guest house averaged $1,080 per month last year, the research center said. [18].
Another article by Peter Schweizer in July 2006, claimed that Gore had not switched to readily available green power at his Virgina residence. [19]
Mr. Gore responded by noting that he has signed up for 100 percent green power through Green Power Switch, has installed solar panels and uses compact fluorescent bulbs and other energy-saving technology. He said he also buys carbon offsets.[20]

From Wikipedia.

Looks like he just might be walking the talk...

 

[Willamena]

Looks like he just might be walking the talk...

Good. The world wouldn't make sense if he didn't.

 

[kateyes]

The flourescent ones put out more light per watt, which is why they are more energy efficient.

Here's a strawman for you... So the natural conclusion of your concept of conservation of energy is that everyone live in small homes in small communities sharing resources --i.e. socialism?

No I don't believe in socialism. My point is I don't care to be lectured by people who don't practice what they preach, I do think that is hypocritical. Al Gore over-consumes- by his own standards he has a huge carbon footprint-but has the audacity to lecture and advise everyone else on doing thier bit. He also purchases a large number of carbon footprint offsets ( which evidently helps him feel he is doing his bit). Just imagine how much he would accomplish if he actually reduced his consumption (even just to the level of the rest of us) AND purchased the offsets. I think it is very easy to be "GREEN" if you have unlimited resources--I think it is far harder for the average consumer, who cannot afford a Green Car--doesn't have access to bio-diesel options--doesn't live in a area offering Green Alternatives or Green friendly electrical sources. For goodness sake--the man has been nominated for a Nobel Prize for his efforts and he doesn't even live in the same world the vast majority of us do.

To me this is alot like a nutritionist lecturing the poor on balanced meals--if you are wondering how you are going to put food on the table--you don't worry so much about making sure there is a representative of all the food groups in the mix.

 

[Bishka]

From Wikipedia.

Looks like he just might be walking the talk...

Excellent find!

I'm glad to find out he does 'walk the walk'. He is a bit of an environmental hero of mine now.