on wednesday, I was at the hotel pouring organic wines for our guests during our evening wine hour, when an explosion caused the hotel to shake and tremble. as I looked out of the window, hoards of people were running down park avenue screaming. there were fashionable women with no shoes, businessmen covered in soot, mothers and children, all streaming passed the hotel in utter fear. one woman made eye contact with me, locked in on me, and shouted “it’s a bomb!!” at which point my own fear set in and shear panic ensued.

the thunderous roar grew louder and continued for 40 minutes. when we got the news that the reason for the explosion was a steam pipe that burst due to heavy rain cooling the underground pipe system, I could think of nothing else but how it was all connected. the explosion was indeed terrifying, but the cause of it IS what truly scares me and should affect us all.

the torrential downpour we had that day, and the day before. the summer heat that caused the grid to be overpowered and drained and surging from excessive air con power and energy use. the aging pipes still covered in toxic asbethos. the lack of alternative power/energy/fuel sources even in a population dense city like NYC.
how do you minimize energy consumption during the unbearable heat of summer? I use fans and pull the blinds and shutters closed during the day. I also save my shower till evening and then use that to cool me through the night. what tips do you have for using less and greener living during hot, humid days?

namaste.