Solar v. Redwoods

Oh, California.
You sue-happy, tree-hugging nuts.

Just look at this nonsense from Sunnyvale.

A man sues his neighbor because the neighbor's redwood trees are blocking his solar panels.


image (c) New York Times

Thanks to the Solar Shade Act of 1978, your neighbors' trees actually can be considered a nuisance. California Senator Joe Simitian has introduced a bill to rectify this situation, ensuring that trees planted pre-solar enjoy the right to grow in peace. The bill will undergo committee vote this month.

As for the panels-vs.-trees feud, it ended up in Santa Clara County criminal court, with the tree owners convicted and ordered to ensure that no more than 10 percent of their neighbor's solar panels will be shaded.

Goooooooooood grief.

Tesco is Coming

Britain's equivalent of Super Wal-Mart will cross the Atlantic soon.


This may not be a terrible thing. Tesco has made some strides towards rectifying the negative impacts of big chain stores on neighborhoods and the environment.

The largest solar roof in the world will sit atop Tesco's California distribution center.

In the UK, they offer a 10p shopping "Bag for Life," replaced for free if it wears out.

And! It is starting to label its produce with carbon footprint stickers.

How cool is that?

But, as Harry warns, Tesco and other UK big businesses might be in it for the image, not the environment. "[Poll] respondents held BP, Tesco and British Airways most guilty of 'greenwash' aimed at creating an eco-friendly corporate image." I don't care why they do it as long as they're greening up, but this business of misleading greenwashing does concern me a bit.