For Blog Action Day I debated myself about what to write. I have written several posts on environmental topics and my thoughts seem to have run dry at the moment. I would bet that there are several blogs written about Global Warming and what everyone should do to slow it down or counteract greenhouse gases. There will probably several bloggers referring to Al Gore and his movie.
However, in a recent post I discussed how a different approach should be made toward environmental topics. I believe that all of the hype and controversy of Global Warming have shut the door on some people and made some lose sight of what Environmental Topics are really all about.
So, let's forget about Global Warming for a moment. The topic of my post is that it just makes sense.
Let's consider Renewable Energy. Many people around the World are starting to utilize Solar and Wind for Electricity and GeoThermal for A/C and Heat along with other sources for both. How fantastic is it that we have found a way to use what is given to us freely for what has become our necessities? Instead of using coal which is mined, we pay for, and that in turn negatively affects the Environment in more ways than one-we can use the free sun, free wind and the ground's free natural cooling and heating. You can even sign on to get electricity from companies that use Renewable Energy for your service at a comparable rate as coal. As technology takes us closer to using these at a reasonable cost, it just makes sense.
Energy Efficient and Healthier Homes- Let's think about Low VOC paints and glues, High Efficient HVAC systems combined with the tighter construction of homes, Double/Triple Pane windows, and so on. All of these lead to a healthier level of indoor air quality and lower utility bills. This means allergy and asthma sufferers can lead a better quality of life, rates of cancer and other diseases would be expected to decline and not only that, you can save a significant amount of money on utility bills. These homes, as a system, are in the end better for the environment as well. Why not reap the benefits of healthier and energy efficient homes? It just makes sense.
Locally Grown Organic Fruits and Vegetables- I remember as a child going across town to the Farmer's Market where we could choose our fruit. It tasted so much better than what we could get in the store, not to mention the price was less. It was always the highlight of my week to go there. How does this help the environment? So many ways. Consider the fuel and shipping from across the nation or out of the country, consider the fertilizers used in large crops that cause a domino effect whether it is when we eat it or when it rains and goes downstream. Why don't we support our local farmers? Instead of buying fruit that was picked before it was ready, buy local to get it fresh and cheaper? It just makes sense.
My list of how going green should just be common sense could also go on and on. Conservation of water, cutting down trees that everyone loves to live around, etc. It can be related to every aspect of Environmental issues. No one needs to change overnight, no one really needs to be told how many squares of toilet paper to use. Let's just remember what Stewardship means and make an effort to be better. Let's turn around our approach for Eco issues. Instead of weighing heavily on the negative aspects of our current lifestyle, let's explain how changing and using new technology can benefit everyone.
Stephanie,
Great post! 'Common sense' is not common anymore! We have thrown out the 'natural law' in favor of our own whims and fancies! We are reaping what we have sown! Thanks, Fran
Stephanie, I really enjoyed reading your post about practices that make sense for the preservation and cleaning up of today's world. One habit changed at a time, every little change makes a huge difference when thousands and millions of people take part.
I haven't lost faith yet and I believe that mankind has the intelligence and common sense mixed with passion and insight to do what needs to be done to reverse some of the damage we've already caused. Perhaps one day, with the wonders of genetic engineering, we may even be able to bring some of the species back that we've caused to go extinct.
Jo
Stephanie,
You are the goddess of green....another great post. Thanks
If you were to calendar the earths existence into one year mankind would have shown up on December 31st after 11:00 p.m. I have 100,000,000 year old rock behind my house from the Ordivician Time period when Ohio was actually the Bahamas. (So hold onto that foreclosure long enough and it will be ocean front property) Sorry - I had to tie this into Real Estate somehow since I thought that's what this blog was for. Isn't there a think green blog somewhere?
There are eleven untruths in Al Bores Nobel Prize winning movie. I'm not a scientist but I know a tax when I see one coming. Mankind has been beaten down so badly and made to feel guilty about everything. I have a college education for what it's worth... I read books... I know how to turn on and off a light bulb.... Personally I think this whole environment thing is a way for some people to aliviate guilt they possess for some strange reason, which is why it's primarily a liberal platform more so than a conservative one. Think about it - it's usually liberals who are always telling us that we should feel bad about this or bad about that, and so why not make this "global warming" thing a new tax platform for democrats? Makes sense. They probably saw the private sector making money on bottling water and thought hey... if you can sell water in a bottle and make people feel good about it you can probably tax air - and make people feel good about paying the tax! Brilliant!
Please. Look - I don't litter because I don't lilke looking at trash all over the place, even though I know it will bio-degrade or given enough time become fosilized. I don't pour my motor oil down the sewer drain because I'm not retarded. The point is, I still don't believe in this whole global warming thing and you can send me photos of iceburgs melting and a lonely polar bear drifting out to sea on a piece of ice and I still don't believe it. It's ridiculous that it's gotten this far. I was glad to hear a judge in England actually address the fiction of the Al Bore movie to ensure that children weren't being mis-lead like their guilt ridden parents. Peace prize or no peace prize, if anything it was given to him for his good intentions - unfortunately in Reality we're not judged on our good intentions - we're judged upon our actions. Something that liberals simply just don't get.
I've never done this before but I think I'll actually print this blog out. Every bit helps.
Jon
Hi Stephanie-
Now, if common sense was a little more common...
Stephanie - what a smart post!
When I was little and my mom told me I couldn't have a cookie it wasn't because the cookie wasn't good for me...it just wasn't good at the time. For everything there is a balance and a time. We have used up our time for fossil fuels and it is time to look at the alternatives...renewables....
Oh...that cookie jar was renewable...when my Mom baked again! With 6 kids and 47 friends coming in and out of the house it ran out too often....I just don't want my electric to do the same!
Mary, It's lollipops around here. It's so cute to hear that little voice say "I want pop, I want pop." He says everything twice when he wants something. So cute. "Go outside, Go outside." I guess he thinks that he is trying to get his point across. :)
Congratulations on YOUR FEATURE!!
**This really does make sense...how hard is it to add an extra step when it can help us all the way around! I love the fruit stands...I'm there at minimum once a week! Hmmm...it makes me think I need to blog about it!
Very true and well put. I'm totally for it. We need to take care of this planet that takes care of us!
Good post, thanks for sharing it.
Take care and good luck to you.
I could not agree more Stephanie!
Energy efficient home do make sense on so many levels and I love going to our farmer's market on Saturday mornings and getting fresh fruits and vegetables, because they do taste better .
Stephanie~
Congratulations on your Featured post. With 40,000+ members at AR, you shine as an example of how to write "good stuff" and I think you are an inspiration for those of us who would like to practice real estate in an eco-friendly way. Thanks for your post.
Stephanie,
I enjoy reading all of your posts on this topic. One of your last points about trees is one that hits home with me. I hate seeing the new developments where they clearcut down ALL the trees. As soon as people move in they spend money planting new trees it seems like such a waste.
Hi Lane, Interesting. Fran posted yesterday about Nitrogen for tires. (I noticed that you are the car guy. :) It was an interesting post....and it is supposed to save green!