There's always something.

Not thinking things all the way through is what got us here in the first place. We have to proceed using wisdom. While it's better than what we had there is a problem with the curlies (the light bulbs). Seems to me that the curlies were marketed to us without telling us the details (or did I just miss the small print).

This website (if you can find the section) mentions how to safely clean up a broken curlie so that the mercury isn't a problem and then take the broken parts to the local cfl disposal site. Well now. Where would that be? Did you know all this? Did you even know this about the long fluorescent tubes that have been around so long? All I heard about the curlies was "buy this. It's good for the environment." Well . . . some details were left out of that little selling sound bite.

In a nutshell on the environmental defense website dave writes
--------------
One worry about the widespread use of CFLs (COMPACT FLUORESCENT LIGHTS)
is that they contain small amounts of mercury but because CFLs use less energy than their incandescent counterparts, compact fluorescents are responsible for less mercury contamination than the incandescent bulbs they replaced, What do you mean you ask? I'm glad you asked. The highest source of mercury in America's air and water results from the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, from utilities that supply electricity; incandescents burn way more energy, so, on a macro level, require much more energy to be produced. When that energy comes from fossil fuels, like coal it causes more mercury to be released into the environment.
---------------
So yeah, it's good for the environment. But watch those broken curlies. And eating that can of tuna, while you're watching for mercury. Must be all the improperly disposed fluorescent tubes over the years. Nah. It's the coal burning power plants.

And if you break a fluorescent . . . follow these tips to play it safe

1) Open nearby windows to disperse any vapor that may escape.

2) Wipe the area with a damp, disposable paper towel to pick up all glass fragments. Do not use a vacuum, broom or your hands.

3) Place all fragments in a sealed plastic bag and take to the nearest CFL recycling center.

This is what IL EPA posts.

So in the long run curlies help the environment until something better comes along. You can teach your children to come up with something better. (I've heard LEDs are next) I'm too busy negotiating the lifestyle transition that is required to have a minimum environmental standard for survival of the children 7 generations from now.

I've thought about what I'd need most when the
power is out for extended periods. I'm certain it's coming. I plan to get a solar power source for my electronic gadgets.

This certainly puts a damper on the electric car idea. Hmm? I wonder what the Cathedral Area Preservation Association would think about a windmill in the yard?

A simple way to perform
a revolutionary act

We're all destroying the earth, and buying an organic handbag ain't gonna help
By Sarah Fenske
Published Phoenix News Times: April 17, 2008
Last year, trees died so I could learn how to live "green."

Doesn't seem quite right, does it? But anybody with a magazine jones like mine undoubtedly triggered a similar herbicide. That's because Vanity Fair and Dwell and Elle and Shape and Wired have each produced a "green issue" (or three), and now even the local guys, like Java and Phoenix and Desert Living, are joining in. Even though glossy magazines kill an estimated 15 trees per ton of paper, each one is intent on spreading the gospel of just how easy it is to Save the Earth.
Usually, in fact, it boils down to supporting the issue's advertisers: Buy a Prius! Buy an organic cotton T-shirt! Buy vegan nail polish remover! . . .
---------------------------------------
All the ads you want by reading the rest of the article here.
and you can even print it out if you'd like . . . unless you'd consider saving resources.

I'm feeling pretty cynical these days but that's not going to keep me from trying to do my part. I know that those who matter most to me today will be taken care of because of my efforts.

Change is hard but don't let that be your reason to not begin.
It feels overwhelming but don't let that be your reason to not try.

water filters for tap water
reusuable water bottles for tap water

This video shows what one simple idea can do. Awesome.

I am learning to quit. I am learning to just stop being an unconscious consumer. I have enjoyment of electronic gadgets so I confess that I upgraded a gadget this year.

I am learning because this is a process I began years ago but now the reason why I am learning to be a conscious consumer is not as selfish as when the process began.

I also confess it anxiety producing to give gifts during the winter season that one will not find in a mall - or any store for that matter.

And this a gift to you. Why you can't get what you want from the feds.
informationclearinghouse

I took a vacation. I saw my family in Mississippi.

I now know I was very lucky to be there in the 60's - 70's. I stood in my back yard window and heard the gunshots at Jackson State University, a friend's mother took me to rallies where I heard speeches from people who demanded civil rights, I was in the first classes bused to another school. Yes. I was very lucky to meet wise people during that time.

05.14.70 jackson state university

things that make you go "hmmm"

http://worldwatch.org/taxonomy/term/44

Ah well.
This we have wrought over only a short period of time, really.
About a hundred years.
We enjoyed them.
And now we must grow up.

A person has to do what a person has to do. Thanks guy in the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mF_anaVcCXg