environment, solar panelsCalifornia is known all across the country as a state that has been going green before it was a political buzzword. Until living in the state, I never really thought about it. After getting here all the hype about Californians working hard to save our environment is true. I have never seen more hybrid vehicles then in the Malibu area. Routinely there are young people with clipboards standing outside a local organic grocer asking for going green legislation and sometimes financial support.  I live in Southern California and while many people are interested in saving the environment there is still lots of pollution. This comes with any major city. As long as state leaders keep the environment on the ballot things are only going to get better.

After a couple days of winter storms like what we saw yesterday, the beauty of the area really shines through. There is nothing like heavy rain to clean up the air. This morning, on the way to breakfast, I could see normally invisible snow covered mountain peaks off in the distance. It reminded me of the beautiful landscape of the Pacific Northwest. Now that is a place friendly to the environment.

I was not surprised this morning after reading a New York Times article called French Nuclear Giant Buys Calif. Solar Startup. The gist of the story is a Mountain View, California solar thermal energy company worked out a deal with a massive Paris energy company to sell their research and technology. France is looking to increase their solar panels around the country.

This is just another example of the world looking to make a difference in how we treat the environment. It is further reinforcement to websites like American National Solar at http://www.americannationalsolar.com/ who have been emphasizing the importance of solar panels for a long time. Within this decade I see solar power really catching on ten times more then it has already. Everyone wants it; the prices will continue to come into line with people who can then afford it as the years roll by. I see a future where the resale of a home is going to be directly in line with how well it works with the surrounding environment. This is a decade of efficiency so expect to see some big changes the world over. America has done a good job at leading the way in this arena but I think we can all take it a step further.