In honor of the Live Earth concerts, I'm asking about your tree-hugging practices. Check out the Nature Conservancy website for more info......
What do you regularly recycle? Do you do anything else that consciencely helps the planet?
Saturday, July 07, 2007
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6 comments:
Well, I am definitely not a tree hugger. But I do a few things to help out the earth. I recycle aluminum cans, water bottles and occassionally plastic bags. We also keep our lights off alot and use the natural sunlight to light our house. Plus, that helps keep the house cool and reduce my electric bill. Woohoo! But with a 4 yr old at home, I am constantly running behind him and turning off lights.
With tia, I'm all about the financial gain of "being green" (lower electricity bills) but do recycle a few things -- mainly b/c it keeps our trash can emptier! Cardboard, cans, and newspapers. I keep thinking if I can just get on board with glass and plastic I may only have to take out the trash once or twice a week!
Most of our trips to Abilene include a swing by Walmart's Recycle bins -- aluminum and "tin" cans, glass, plastic, some cardboard. Greg Taylor describes recycling as a "spiritual discipline." I'm not sure I'm there yet, but I do it more to teach my kids to take care of the earth than because I'm convinced that one household's efforts will make a difference. Sadly but realistically, the thing that really motivates me is when I can see a financial benefit.
First let me say that I don't buy into a large portion of the environmental movement. However, IMHO the tree-hugger/Save-the-Earth folks have missed the boat. If they would push the money saving effects of being green, they would get buy-in from the majority of Americans.
My "green" efforts are focused directly on my bank account. If it costs me more money, then I will not do it.
Finally, read Michael Crichton's State of Fear. It is an entertaining, inside look at the myth of human-caused global warming.
Interesting that there has to something of a financial or personal gain to dispose of ones garbage or consume less electricity/fuel.
Also confounding is how this has become a political, even religious topic.
I may not literally hug trees - but I am completely aware of the immense importance of trees in our world.
My husband sells aluminum and steel... I think that might be more about the money than the saving the earth! I did have a student do a speech on why we shouldn't recycle (due to the cost factor) and it was quite enlightening.
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