tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76688681977128923572024-03-14T02:36:12.521-07:00Greening of Me - a lighthearted blogBonnee Klein Gilliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03066847619881682939noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668868197712892357.post-84568581941131406542008-10-16T12:12:00.001-07:002008-10-16T12:12:13.479-07:00All Bound UP.... no more!<p>This week I wanted to share with you my journey through some natural remedies, what worked and why I began searching for something in the first place. On with my story... </p> <div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:8747F07C-CDE8-481f-B0DF-C6CFD074BF67:9587e062-e740-4d06-b03d-3738782ac632" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SPeR9f9wOcI/AAAAAAAAALo/HskBRJbDPj4/littleweeme8x6.jpg?imgmax=800" title="Little Wee Bonnee" rel="thumbnail"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SPeR9wXim0I/AAAAAAAAALs/FtrlInAZje4/littleweeme3327.png?imgmax=800" /></a></div> <p></p> <p>Ever since I was born it seems I've been constipated. Whoops can I blog about this??? Anyway, I used to use all the common and OTC remedies like laxatives, psyllium husks, fiber, prunes, citrate of magnesia, etc. Think I tried them all. Fiber bound me up even more, most laxatives were way to harsh and I never understood the fascination with prunes. Didn't work at all. So I'd go once a week, if lucky, and usually felt miserable. The picture is the little wee me at 3. Awe! Was I ever that young?</p> <p>In 1986 went to the doctor, he poked and prodded around my abdomen. Couldn't find anything. Suggested some tests. Through ultrasound they found I had gall stones. I was completely asymptomatic but they wanted to take out my gall bladder. Was told that 'I was a ticking time bomb and if I didn't have surgery one day I'd have an attack and may die as a result'. Oh my GAWD!I asked my doctor if there was an alternative to surgery. He said not that he knew of and if I found one he wanted to know. I began searching and found a <a href="http://www.kitchendoctor.com/healthconditions/gallstones/gallbladder.html" target="_blank">natural gall stone flush</a> which I did several times. Saw the little green stones in my stool... it worked!Told my doctor about it. He was amazed and said, " I still think you need surgery." Hummm. My conclusion... he was fixated on surgery, rather then the cause of my constipation. Seemed there was nothing else he could offer. So I opted to keep my gall bladder and went on my own personal search to end my constipation. Looked to natural remedies, various colon cleansers and herbal laxatives like <em><a href="http://altmedicine.about.com/od/completeazindex/a/cascara.htm" target="_blank">Cascara Sagrada</a></em>. They worked about as well as the OTC I tried, but didn't fix the cause. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SPeR-Z7mOnI/AAAAAAAAALw/2llm-GeKwpI/s1600-h/healingcenterAZ18.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="173" alt="healingcenterAZ" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SPeR-7J8B5I/AAAAAAAAAL0/mvObivpWzcA/healingcenterAZ_thumb16.jpg?imgmax=800" width="218" align="right" border="0" /></a></p> <p>In May 1989 I traveled to Sedona, AZ for a week long healing retreat at the Healing Center of Arizona. I wanted clarification that a decision I made was on target. I wasn't really looking to be healed, rather wanted to experience everything I could. The week was filled with all sorts of treatments, crystal healing, 'Life Healing', massage, veggie diet, acupressure, past life regression, daily walks on the land and nightly dancing. It was a veritable feast of alternative treatments, joy and fun. I met lots of folks who felt like family and felt truly at home. It became clear that my decision was on target. I felt full of energy and purpose. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SPeR_AnhWfI/AAAAAAAAAL4/-o33v9Gd6NA/s1600-h/cassiaangustifolia17.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="141" alt="cassia-angustifolia" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SPeSBCg2CXI/AAAAAAAAAL8/j9-BD8rZOnM/cassiaangustifolia_thumb10.jpg?imgmax=800" width="146" align="left" border="0" /></a></p> <p>Fast forward... January 1992 started a 3 year spiritual journey  traveling and camping all over the country without a stationary home. Well you can imagine the effect traveling and camping in the backwoods had... hummm, no private bathroom to sit and cogitate. In early 1993 made a brief stop in Sedona where I met a chiropractor. Told him about my constipation and he suggested a product he sold called ChiroCleanse. I bought a box and tried it... was a miracle! It moisturized the stool, was gentle and effective. The main ingredient was <em><a href="http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/HerbsTake/0,3927,4029%7CCassia%2Bangustifolia,00.html" target="_blank">Cassia Angustifolia</a></em>. But I couldn't find it anywhere else so was still in a bind... so to speak. Blush, ahem. </p> <p><a href="http://www.lacilebeau.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1&zenid=0d772086c81e6958f86def6a954ec0b2"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 5px 0px 5px 5px; border-right-width: 0px" height="148" alt="LaciLaBeau" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SPeSBTV4RZI/AAAAAAAAAMA/G9P77LRhcPc/LaciLaBeau9.jpg?imgmax=800" width="113" align="right" border="0" /></a> On another trip (1994) through Sedona I met a man who had the same difficulty. He used <em><a href="http://www.lacilebeau.com/" target="_blank">Laci Le Beau Super Dieter's Tea</a></em> and enemas. I opted for the tea, thank you. It was widely available at health food stores and contained <em>Cassia Angustifolia</em> which I already knew worked for me. Everything was good in my life. I drank a cup of poop tea, as I affectionately began calling it, every night before bed. </p> <p>Back in Sedona again (early 1995) rented a room for a couple of months from a woman who talked about the value of coffee enemas and <a href="http://www.drfostersessentials.com/store/juicing.php" target="_blank">green juice fasting</a>. You guessed it! I did a week long fast with daily <a href="http://www.ineedcoffee.com/01/enema/" target="_blank">coffee enemas</a> and poop tea too. Even opted to do another gall stone flush in the process. I felt squeaky clean as a result... but, afterward was still bound up. The only thing I didn't try during all of this was a colonic. <a href="http://www.cksinfo.com/food/meals/page2.html"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="135" alt="oatmeal" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SPeSCNYRuGI/AAAAAAAAAME/HYc32CGm4qU/oatmeal9.png?imgmax=800" width="188" align="left" border="0" /></a></p> <p>Fast forward again... in 2004 a friend suggested I read <em>Outlander</em>  by <a href="http://www.its.caltech.edu/~gatti/gabaldon/" target="_blank">Diana Gabaldon</a>. Are you thinking, "What that heck does <em>Outlander</em> have to do with any of this?" Well it was one of the steps that lead me to a solution. In the 'Outlander series', Jamie and his Scottish comrades protest the lack of <a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=54" target="_blank">oatmeal</a> in their diets because they swore it kept <a href="http://www.mdidea.com/products/new/new078.html"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 5px 0px 5px 5px; border-right-width: 0px" height="114" alt="flaxseed" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SPeSCXJSGVI/AAAAAAAAAMI/DZf16ZmLFBM/flaxseed027.jpg?imgmax=800" width="143" align="right" border="0" /></a> them regular. When I read this a bell went off. I added oatmeal a couple of times a week which made a difference. Then another friend suggested I add ground <a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=81#healthbenefits" target="_blank">flaxseed</a> too and sent me some to try. It also made a visible difference.</p> <p>In 2006 still doing nightly poop tea and oatmeal with ground flax... I began wondering about long term deleterious effects of the tea on my body. I didn't notice any, but hey 13 years of doing any herb nightly seemed excessive to me. Enter my x-husband, his fiancee, son and great aunt. While they were <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SPeSCukmWoI/AAAAAAAAAMM/oQj5oKDJu-Q/s1600-h/concentraceminerals5.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="204" alt="concentraceminerals" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SPeSDBpvJVI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/Tqfpx1XfJk0/concentraceminerals_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="108" align="left" border="0" /></a> staying with me for a couple of days he let me try some <a href="http://www.traceminerals.com/research/colloidal.html" target="_blank">ionic minerals</a> which he took daily and swore by. He mentioned that too much gives one loose stool, so gave me a smaller dose. Wow such an effect. I stopped drinking nightly poop tea. I bought some of the same product he suggested online, used it up and started looking for a local source. Ended up buying <em><a href="http://www.traceminerals.com/products/drops.html" target="_blank">ConcenTrace Trace Mineral Drops</a></em> and taking 1/2 teaspoon in orange juice daily. I thought the minerals would be a replacement for the nightly tea and most likely I'd be taking them for the rest of my life. Wrong! After 8 months of taking a daily dose, my body started having reactions after I took it. This was an indication the body had enough so I stopped altogether. I thought I'd have to go back to poop tea again. Joyous surprise... I haven't taken any more tea since. </p> <p>I continue to eat a bowl of oatmeal with ground flax regularly. I haven't been constipated at all. Thank God for small miracles!</p> <p>Here's a couple of oatmeal/flaxseed recipes I created:</p> <p><strong><em>Bonnee's Yummy Breakfast Oats</em></strong> (microwave or stovetop) for 1 serving</p> <p>1/2 cup regular organic oatmeal, 1 cup filtered water, pinch of sea salt, handful nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts, etc.), handful pumpkin seed (shelled), handful sunflower seeds (shelled), handful chopped or whole dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, apricots, dates, etc.), 1/4 to 1/3 cup ground flax seeds.</p> <p><em>Microwave:</em> Put all ingredients except flax into large microwave safe bowl. Cook 3 to 4 minutes. Add flax, stir and serve with real maple syrup or vanilla almond milk.</p> <p><em>Stovetop:</em> In a small stainless steel pot bring water and salt to a boil. Stir in oats cook till soft about 3 minutes. Transfer to serving bowl stir in flax meal, seeds, nuts and dried fruit. Serve with real maple syrup, vanilla almond milk or whatever you like.</p> <p><strong><em>Bonnee's WoW Soft Oatmeal Cookies</em></strong></p> <p>Bake 350° 11 minutes. Makes about 2 dozen 2" cookies.</p> <p>1 cup organic whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup ground flax, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 lb. (1 stick) organic sweet butter, softened, 3/4 cup packed brown cane sugar, 1 large organic egg, 1/8 cup organic unbleached sugar, 3/4 tsp real vanilla extract,   1-3/4 cup organic oatmeal, 1/2 cup mixed raisins, gogi berries and dried cranberries (softened in hot water and drained) and a handful of each pumpkin seed (shelled), sunflower seed (shelled) and chopped walnuts.</p> <p>Sift together flour, salt, spices, baking powder and soda. Stir in ground flax seed, set aside. In another bowl cream butter, add sugars and beat until smooth and creamy. Add egg and vanilla, beat until well incorporated. Slowly add sifted flour. Dump in oatmeal, nuts, raisins, and seeds mix to incorporate well. Drop by tablespoon onto Silpat, parchment or greased cookie sheets. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly brown. Cool 2 minutes on sheet and transfer to cooling rack. Enjoy!</p> <p><em><strong>Conclusion:</strong></em> My chronic constipation seemed at least in part to be the result of a mineral deficiency. When the minerals were balanced my chronic constipation was gone. Hope my discoveries and journey were interesting and helpful. </p> <p><em>Caveat: Always use discernment with everything in life. Never ingest something to which you are allergic and ask your doctor's advice before trying something new.</em></p> Bonnee Klein Gilliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03066847619881682939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668868197712892357.post-68879985911336537952008-10-09T07:47:00.001-07:002008-10-09T07:47:02.461-07:00Exciting New Environmental Technologies<p>I've been reading up on some innovative new products and technologies. It's so exciting I just had to blog about what I found.</p> <p><strong><em><a href="http://www.effens.com/" target="_blank">Effective Environmental Services</a> - Organic EM </em></strong></p> <div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:79c04604-ff54-4acd-8f47-32585ff30817" style="padding-right: 20px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; width: 224px; padding-top: 5px"><div><object width="224" height="187"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DJRDMFsF-4w&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&fs=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DJRDMFsF-4w&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="224" height="187"></embed></object></div></div> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Discovered by Dr. Teruo Higa, EM or Effective Micro-organisms are Probiotic, non-harmful, and non-genetically modified. They are the same cultures found in yogurt, cheese and beer. Some uses of EM include: <em>agriculture</em> - organic fertilizer increases crop yield by 30%, 90% decrease of antibiotic usage in livestock, <em>sewage treatment</em> - 50% increased efficiency, 90% reduction of toxic gas, <em>organic mold handling</em>, <em>home</em> - extends shelf life of produce, reduces laundry detergent use by 2/3 and more. A list of EM products are available <a href="http://www.effens.com/products.php" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.petroalgae.com/" target="_blank"><strong><em>Petro Algae</em></strong></a><strong><em> - Oil from Algae </em></strong></p> <div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:60d331b8-c63b-4180-adee-23e7eb91a261" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: right; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; width: 224px; padding-top: 0px"><div><object width="224" height="187"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wECYL5QCfxc&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&fs=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wECYL5QCfxc&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="224" height="187"></embed></object></div></div> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>PetroAlgae Melbourne, FL owned by <a href="http://www.xltg.com/" target="_blank">XL Tech Group</a> is growing a renewable, sustainable, essentially carbon neutral source of oil. High yield - can produce 200x more oil per acre than traditional biofuel crops like soy. PetroAlgae systems do not need arable land for production, so are not in competition with traditional food crops. Algae oil can be used for transportation and home heating fuels, bioplastics, nutraceuticals, pigments and cosmetics. In addition the byproducts can be utilized for livestock feed, fertilizer and biomass for electricity generation.</p> <p><a href="http://www.petrosuninc.com/" target="_blank"><strong>PetroSun</strong></a> Rio Hondo, TX algae bio-diesel plant started production April 2008. <a href="http://gas2.org/2008/03/29/first-algae-biodiesel-plant-goes-online-april-1-2008/"><em>First Algae Biodiesel Plant Goes Online: April 1, 2008</em></a> (29, March 2008) 4.4 million gallons of algal oil and 110 million lbs. of biomass per year off a series of saltwater ponds spanning 1,100 acres. Twenty of those acres will be reserved for the experimental production of a renewable JP8 jet-fuel.</p> <p><a href="http://www.greenfuelonline.com/"><strong>GreenFuel Technologies</strong></a> high yield algae farms recycle carbon dioxide from flue gases to produce biofuels and feed, reducing net carbon dioxide production as waste becomes profit. Harvesting algae for biofuels enhances domestic fuel production while mitigating CO<sub>2.</sub></p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.greentechmedia.com/" target="_blank">Green Tech Media</a></strong> <em><a href="http://www.petroalgae.com/docs/GreenTech.pdf" target="_blank">Life on Mars: The Secret Ingredient for Bio-fuel</a></em> (27, May 2008) writes about algae bio-diesel applications and companies. </p> <p><strong><em><a href="http://absalutecology.com/home.html" target="_blank">ABsalutecology</a> - new filtering system cuts CO2 by 99.95%</em></strong> </p> <div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:0c135cdb-ab7a-4caf-8baa-5aecb1d210fd" style="padding-right: 20px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; width: 243px; padding-top: 5px"><div><object width="243" height="201"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aenx0d4Avqw&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&fs=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aenx0d4Avqw&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="243" height="201"></embed></object></div></div> <p></p> <p>ABsalutecology Karaganda <br />Kazakhstan has developed a new filtering technology which removes Sulphur dioxide, CO2, Nitrogen and particulates from factory smoke emissions. This new filter removes 99.95% of harmful particulates and toxic gas. </p> <p>Amazing! A great interim step to help clean the atmosphere while other environmentally friendly manufacturing processes are developed.</p> <p><strong><em>6 ways Mushrooms can save the world</em></strong></p> <div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:1934274f-38ab-4f8c-af1d-09c12dc68435" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: right; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; width: 262px; padding-top: 0px"><div><!--cut and paste--><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" width="262" height="172" id="VE_Player" align="middle"><param name="movie" value="http://static.videoegg.com/ted2/flash/loader.swf"><PARAM NAME="FlashVars" VALUE="bgColor=FFFFFF&file=http://static.videoegg.com/ted/movies/PaulStamets-2008_high.flv&autoPlay=false&fullscreenURL=http://static.videoegg.com/ted/flash/fullscreen.html&forcePlay=false&logo=&allowFullscreen=true"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"><param name="scale" value="noscale"><param name="wmode" value="window"><embed src="http://static.videoegg.com/ted2/flash/loader.swf" FlashVars="bgColor=FFFFFF&file=http://static.videoegg.com/ted/movies/PaulStamets-2008_high.flv&autoPlay=false&fullscreenURL=http://static.videoegg.com/ted/flash/fullscreen.html&forcePlay=false&logo=&allowFullscreen=true" quality="high" allowScriptAccess="always" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" scale="noscale" wmode="window" width="262" height="172" name="VE_Player" align="middle" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></object></div></div> <p><a href="http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/energyappropriatetech/gGxlVd/commentary" target="_blank">Paul Staments</a>, Mycologist talks about fungi. He says partnering with mycelium can save the world and illustrates its' beneficial effects. Some of these include: <em>medicinal</em> -fungi has strong antibiotic action against Pox and flu viruses, <em>natural pest / bug control</em> - testing shows desporated fungi kills most insects, <em>petrochemical spills</em>  - mycelium cleaned up a diesel spill and regenerated the soil restoring life, <em>ethanol production</em> - fungi is fast growing and can be converted into ethanol<em>, nerve gas breakdown</em>, and <em>agricultural applications</em>. Staments holds 22 patents for mushroom-related technologies.</p> <p><strong><em><a href="http://www.betterfuel.org/ETHOS.htm">Ethos Environmental, Inc.</a> - Ethos FR reduces emissions by up to 63% and increases fuel efficiency as much as 10%</em></strong></p> <div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:2b9b4369-5efb-4ecf-8dbe-934edb90be95" style="padding-right: 25px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; width: 248px; padding-top: 0px"><div><object width="248" height="207"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ESZ3UWm6AZQ&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ESZ3UWm6AZQ&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="248" height="207"></embed></object></div></div> <p>Ethos FR is a fuel additive which helps engines burn liquid fuel more efficiently. It is non-toxic, non-hazardous and works with any fuel or oil. Ethos is free of carcinogens and is not derived from petroleum. It utilizes three specific cleaning and lubricating esters suspended in a 100% pure mineral oil base. One cleaning ester group penetrates the metal and dissolves carbon buildup, as well as cleaning and removing gum and soot buildup. The other two esters are lubricating esters. One is a surface lubricant the other a penetrating lubricant. Ethos FR, a great interim product to help lessen environmental impact now.</p> <p><strong>Some links you may enjoy:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.aarcherinstitute.com/">Aarcher Institute of Environmental Training</a> - courses address developing environmental management and regulatory challenges, while remaining centered on core environmental concepts and standards. </p> <p><a href="http://www.bgiedu.org/">Bainbridge Graduate Institute</a> - BGI's pioneering MBA and Certificate programs prepare diverse leaders to build enterprises that are financially successful, socially responsible and environmentally sustainable. </p> <p><a href="http://www.wri.org/">World Resources Institute</a> - is an environmental think tank that goes beyond research to find practical ways to protect the earth and improve people’s lives. </p> <p><a href="http://www.earth-policy.org/index.htm">Earth Policy Institute</a> - dedicated to building a sustainable future as well as providing a plan of how to get from here to there.</p> Bonnee Klein Gilliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03066847619881682939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668868197712892357.post-15481179112511679842008-10-02T11:17:00.001-07:002008-10-02T11:17:11.690-07:00Green ecology, Green finance, Green consciousness<p>This week I've been talking to people and reading a lot about the condition of the economy. But from the most gut wrenching levels... the effect financial mis-management has had on the people and the world at large. </p> <p><a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/19/national/main4460034.shtml"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="152" alt="tentcity" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SOUQI4ekEWI/AAAAAAAAAKc/fuIy8TP_Gps/tentcity%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="193" align="left" border="0" /></a>Did you know there are increasing numbers of people who are jobless and homeless too? <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jun/26/usa.creditcrunch">Some people are living in their cars</a> or in <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/19/national/main4460034.shtml">tents</a>. I lived in a tent and a car for 3 years so I know what it's like, but mine was by choice, not necessity a very different thing. </p> <p>The <a href="http://www.inman.com/news/2008/09/9/august-foreclosures-top-100000">foreclosure rates are soaring</a> in the USA. 102,000 in August alone. Year-to-date, 1,450,000 US homeowners (19.6 of every 1,000 households) faced pre-foreclosure. That is mind boggling.</p> <p><a href="http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/bad-credit-card-debt-could-next/story.aspx?guid=%7BDE0C0B15%2D4760%2D491C%2DA0F4%2DD34CBD96F7B7%7D">Credit-card debt is on the brink of imploding</a> and will be the next storm to hit. Innovest StrategicValue Advisors, a consulting firm, forecasts that banks will charge off $18.6 billion worth of credit card receivables in the first quarter of 2009 and $96 billion in 2009 -- that would be 261% more than in 2007 and 131% higher than the level it expects by the end of 2008. </p> <p>Makes one wonder why? Since 2004 the interest rates on credit cards have climbed from 4% to more then 24.99%. This is for those with good credit scores who maintain a balance and pay their bills on time. The credit lenders promoted card usage by upping available credit limits, issuing checks and offering 0% rates on some new cards. Some credit card companies even issued cards to those who had just filed bankruptcy. Would this be considered questionable credit lending practices? Some people abused the system, over spent and were irresponsible. But many, perhaps unwisely, used credit cards to supplement income; to buy food and pay bills, insurance premiums and medical expenses. Thinking they'd be able to payoff the balance at the current interest rate. But the rates kept getting higher and higher which can be devastating financially.  </p> <p>As well subprime and prime mortgages were written with questionable financing. I have a disabled friend that refinanced his home in 2007. Said he couldn't afford the principle and interest payments, so opted for interest only for 5 years. Another woman I know purchased a home 3 years ago and her payments ($4,600/mo.) are more then 75% of her income. Why would any responsible lender do this? Why didn't they deny the loans? Have we put our trust in a faulty system? </p> <p>Even if the lending practices were responsible life circumstances can change. Another woman I met over coffee last week said she lost her primary income source and is doing everything she can to keep her home. She has it up for sale, but the slow markets keep her house poor. What little income she's able to generate goes to the house payment. She applied for food stamps but was ridiculed and investigated because she owned a home. She opted instead to visit the local food bank to survive. Do we sometimes judge others to harshly? Or come to sweeping conclusions which are erroneous? </p> <p>These 3 good, honest people are on the brink of financial collapse. If anything else is added to their plates they may all end up homeless. And these are only a few of folks I know. Imagine what it must be like nationwide or perhaps worldwide? </p> <p>And we've got the opposite end of the spectrum. <a href="http://blogs.moneycentral.msn.com/topstocks/archive/2008/09/30/the-best-temp-gig-in-history.aspx ">WAMU's CEO Alan Fishman</a> worked 3 weeks, now is headed out the door with $19 million in his pocket. There are too many other stories like that I won't write about. I'm certainly not against people getting bonuses, but when the CEO gets $19 million and the stock holders get zip... that's convoluted. </p> <p>When there is so much disparity, one may ask, 'What's wrong with this picture'? </p> <p><strong><em>Global Financial Crisis?</em></strong> </p> <p><em><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/money/world/2008-10-01-korea-economy-recession_N.htm">U.S. turmoil churns up an ill wind worldwide</a></em> (1 October 2008) Park Yung-Chul, a Korea University economist, who also has taught at Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology says of the USA, "On finance, you're becoming a second-class economy. How could you do so badly managing your economy and managing international affairs? And now you've created this global financial crisis for which everyone is going to suffer!" </p> <p><strong><em>Put </em></strong><a href="http://www.nrel.gov/data/pix/Jpegs/00560.jpg"><strong><em><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="191" alt="pollution" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SOUQJhCsk7I/AAAAAAAAAKg/TNtAe65RoxA/pollution%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="258" align="right" border="0" /></em></strong></a><strong><em>Climate Change Solutions on hold?</em></strong></p> <p>In Australia there is talk about a 60% or even 90% reduction  in green- house emissions by 2050. <a href="http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,24424571-421,00.html" target="_blank">News.com.au</a> (30 Sept 2008) <em>Rudd's expert wants tougher carbon goals.</em> Top climate change adviser Ross Garnaut has warmed to the idea of a deep cut to greenhouse emissions - but he thinks it probably won't happen. The Business lobby group, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) said tackling climate change must be approached cautiously because of <a href="http://www.news.com.au/business/story/0,27753,24423756-462,00.html">global financial instability.</a></p> <p><strong><em>Let's rethink this...</em></strong></p> <p>Global financial instability is a reality. Global warming is also a reality.</p> <p><strong><em>Green ecology</em></strong>...</p> <p>Massive change is needed in the world financial markets for survival of the global economy. Just like massive change is needed in the current pollution of the environment for survival of life. While the financial world is being restructured it is an excellent opportunity to consider greener ways of doing business, living life, interacting with each other and our environment. </p> <p>This is Green ecology -  the interrelation of people, the environment and the economy. It considers the big picture.</p> <p><strong><em>Green finance</em></strong>... </p> <p>Green finance specifically considers money and how it is managed. The creation and distribution of money with consideration given to how it impacts not only the economy but society as a whole, the earth, and all life. How we can wisely manage money to benefit all... not just a few. </p> <p>With wise restructuring of money also comes the wise use of resources and the impact on society and the environment. Green finance as I see it is a holistic approach. It is no longer possible to live on our small planet without rethinking... implementing and living in harmony with consideration given for all life.</p> <p><strong><em>Green consciousness</em></strong>...</p> <p>Green consciousness considers our interactions with one another. It addresses the issues of our peaceful co-existence and the creation of a worldwide balanced, equal, loving, supportive, helpful environment.</p> <p>The way things have been done in the past no longer work. Rethinking, devising a plan and implementing changes on all fronts is necessary for our survival financially, economically, socially and environmentally. The alternative... we have economic chaos, social disorder and an inhabitable planet.  </p> <p>It is a critical time. An exciting time. It's not too late to turn this mess around if we all jump on board and come from a place of  compassion and love for all life. It's time for action...</p> Bonnee Klein Gilliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03066847619881682939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668868197712892357.post-43444187570572090412008-09-25T17:52:00.001-07:002008-09-25T17:52:04.226-07:00Green Concepts, Green Action, Green Change<p>As ever I seem to be stumbling upon a lot of wonderful and exciting concepts and actions being taken for environmental change. Here are a few of the coolest.... </p> <p><a href="http://www.carrotmob.org/" target="_blank"><strong><em>Carrot Mob</em></strong></a><strong><em> - consumer mobs for environmental change</em></strong></p> <div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:f75bc406-f893-4fe1-8b7c-822ebb7338aa" style="padding-right: 20px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; width: 255px; padding-top: 0px"><div><object width="255" height="213"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LUz0kM1u_jk&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LUz0kM1u_jk&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="255" height="213"></embed></object></div></div> <p>Consumers have the power to make change. Carrot Mob located in San Francisco, CA, the brain child of Brent Schulkin is proving that by organizing consuming mobs for environmental change. They interview businesses and pick one that offers the most toward change. Then organize a large group of consumers to mob the store and buy something. The first mob in March 2008 called 'We Make it Rain' was a resounding success. The mob spent $9,276.00 at K & D Market in a couple of hours. The store committed to spend 22% of the money on greening their store with guidance from the San Francisco Energy Watch Program. And the local SF Food Bank received 366 pounds of food. Carrot Mob has taken off, is growing and has lots of great ideas for the future. The second mob of a Cafe in downtown is currently being organized. You can find out more at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/carrotmob" target="_blank">Facebook Carrot Mob</a>. </p> <p>A mob is also being planned in <a href="http://carrotmobkc.com/" target="_blank">Kansas City</a> at World of Spirits on October 21, 2008. This great new idea is expanding worldwide too. The UK has jumped on board. The first <a href="http://www.carrotmobuk.org/" target="_blank">UK Carrot Mob</a> took place September 16, 2008 in London at <a href="http://www.fancyapint.com/pubs/pub3136.html" target="_blank">Redchurch bar</a>. It was a resounding success. A second UK Carrot Mob called <a href="http://www.carrotmobuk.org/mob/2" target="_blank">'Maddness in the Minimarket</a>' event is planned for November 6, 2008. According to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wall.php?id=14030715421&page=1&hash=9da6450343661296e7bda437e7e95420" target="_blank">CarrotMob.org facebook</a> all of Finland has jumped on board and 2 mobs are currently in the works. This is exciting... grass roots activism at its best!</p> <p><strong><em></em></strong><strong><em><a href="http://www.helpothers.org/ideas.php" target="_blank">HelpingOthers.org</a> - Random acts of environmental kindness</em></strong></p> <p>HelpingOthers.org is a website dedicated to offering ideas and stories of people helping each other. They suggest the following ways we can help the environment...</p> <p><em>Practice kindness towards the environment.</em> Participate in beach or park cleanups. Reduce air pollution by carpooling, taking public transportation, biking, or walking. Recycle all aluminum, plastic, and paper materials. Cut down on the energy you use by lowering the heat and turning off lights and unused appliances. Learn more about solar energy. As gifts, give houseplants to teachers, friends, or coworkers. Plant a tree in your neighborhood. What a terrific website based on the concept of <em>'Pay it Forward'</em>. How cool is that!</p> <p><strong><em><a href="http://www.sherylcrow.com/" target="_blank">Sheryl Crow</a> singing in environmental change</em></strong> </p> <div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:4cd923bb-1212-492d-a360-b4351ad65b9d" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 10px; float: right; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; width: 257px; padding-top: 0px"><div><object width="257" height="214"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/o4Gbphh4U1Y&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/o4Gbphh4U1Y&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="257" height="214"></embed></object></div></div> <p></p> <p>Sheryl Crow, singer/song writer and environmental activist is singing about change. Her latest album <em>Detours</em> is her most out-spoken record to date. She says about the album, “the most honest record I’ve ever made. It’s about being forced to wake up.”</p> <p><a href="http://environment.about.com/od/activismvolunteering/a/sheryl_crow.htm" target="_blank">About.com</a> <em>Sheryl Crow Interview: Can "Detours" Help Pave the Way to a Better World?</em> by Larry West. Sheryl says, "Although I hate that a movement can be inspired by fear, at least people are talking about it, talking about ways they can incorporate green living into their homes and workplaces. If the <a href="http://environment.about.com/od/globalwarming/a/ipcc_reports.htm">IPCC reports</a> are right, then we’ll see a third of our species, counting man, become extinct, a thing of the past. It’s very worrisome, but I have to believe that there is hope and that we can incite a sense of urgency in everyone. Our farming community [in Tennessee] is trying to go wind and solar, to remove ourselves completely from the grid. If we’re successful, hopefully we can be an example to other communities of how they can come together, work as a community, and become part of the solution." Thanks for your great work Sheryl!</p> <p><strong><em><a href="http://www.biggreenchallenge.org.uk/" target="_blank">UK's Big Green Challenge</a> working together for change  </em> <div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:bc5daebc-a9e0-4d55-96aa-b1ff61234587" style="padding-right: 25px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; width: 264px; padding-top: 0px"><div><object width="264" height="219"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/J5uyyVk0jOM&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/J5uyyVk0jOM&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="264" height="219"></embed></object></div></div> </strong></p> <p></p> <p>Big Green Challenge, the people-powered innovation prize from NESTA. The £1 million prize fund is designed to encourage and reward people who work <em>together</em> to develop new ways to save energy and lower CO2 emissions by 60% in their communities. 350 projects were entered, of them 10 finalists were selected. Each team of finalists were given £20,000 to develop their ideas further over the next year. <a href="http://www.biggreenchallenge.org.uk/finalists/" target="_blank">Here is a list of the finalists</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2008/09/12/big-green-challenge-finalists-up-for-1million-enviromental-prize-115875-20733389/" target="_blank">Mirror New</a>s (12 September 2008) <em>Big Green Challenge: Finalists up for £1million environmental prize</em>. Nesta chief executive Jonathan Kestenbaum told the Mirror: "The fact that we had over 350 communities submitting strong ideas demonstrates there is the passion and knowledge across the UK to devise imaginative responses to climate change. "We are confident the 10 finalists will step up to the challenge of tackling the biggest single issue facing the planet." A very exciting contest can't wait to read who the winners will be. Yahoo!</p> <p><strong>A few interesting environmental links:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.peopleandplanet.net/" target="_blank">People & Planet</a> an online global resource for environmental issues and solutions and their impact on the peoples of the world.</p> <p><a href="http://www.emagazine.com/" target="_blank">E - the environmental magazine</a> - online and print magazine which provides independent coverage on a wide range of environmental issues.</p> <p><a href="http://www.grist.org/" target="_blank">Grist, environmental news and commentary</a> - “<i>Grist</i>: it's gloom and doom with a sense of humor. So laugh now – or the planet gets it.” An online environmental magazine with a sense of humor and a little seriousness thrown in for good measure.</p> Bonnee Klein Gilliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03066847619881682939noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668868197712892357.post-53459611286159063952008-09-18T08:33:00.001-07:002008-09-18T08:33:14.764-07:00Change Please!!!<p><strong><em>The girl who silenced the world at the UN for 5 minutes. <div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:388454c3-f49a-4dfe-8047-a4047d872a6d" style="padding-right: 20px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; width: 424px; padding-top: 0px"><div><object width="424" height="354"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TQmz6Rbpnu0&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TQmz6Rbpnu0&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="424" height="354"></embed></object></div></div> </em></strong></p> <p>Severn Suzuki a 13 year old Canadian who formed ECHO (Environmental Children's Organization) speaks from her heart to the UN. Her message is powerful and thought provoking. </p> <p>Severn says, 'I'm frightened for my future. I'm here to speak for all generations to come. I'm afraid to go out in the sun now because of the holes in our ozone. I'm afraid to breathe the air because I don't know what chemicals are in it. You don't know how to fix the holes in our ozone layer. If you don't know how to fix it, please stop breaking it."</p> <p>But she says so much more. It leaves one pondering if indeed our children's children will even have a habitable planet to live upon. </p> <p>In the late 1960s I joined with tens of thousands of other young people in Pittsburgh, PA in a peaceful demonstration. We chanted and sang for several hours with exuberant naive hopes of ending the war. Because of our efforts the park was renamed 'Peace Park'. Our message wasn't just about the end of war. It was also about love and respect for each other. The Vietnam war did come to an end eventually. But war didn't! How many wars have there been since? Our message of peace was forgotten. Peace is a collective worldwide vision. It's about love for all of humanity and a peaceful worldwide coexistence. Peace sustains us. It is something we carry forward through generations. Peace is a lifestyle. If we don't live in peace we could ultimately destroy all of humanity and the planet. </p> <p>As I see it the same message is brought forward again in our Green movement. Living green is about love and respect for ourselves and the planet. Green is a collective worldwide vision which sustains us. It is something we carry forward through generations. Respect for humanity and our eco-system. Green is a lifestyle. If we don't live with this respect we will destroy our eco-system and ourselves ultimately.</p> <p>Severn's message was given in 1992, 16 years later have we got it? In 2008 we have powerful spokespeople for climate change and perhaps we can turn things around. But we'll only do that if we all jump on board and make changes in our world, governments, societies, businesses and family.</p> <p>Change begins with me... so I'm doing what I can at home and at work and writing this blog to let you know what I've discovered.  And I trust my little bit is enough...</p> Bonnee Klein Gilliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03066847619881682939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668868197712892357.post-69221043298569496602008-09-11T07:34:00.001-07:002008-09-11T07:34:00.656-07:00Extreme Green - 'Zero Waste' Businesses<p>I just read the latest issue of <a href="http://tersus-terra.collectivex.com/uploads/files/x/000/00b/ff6/_Business.pdf" target="_blank">The McKinsey Quarterly</a> entitled 'Business strategies for climate change'. The report says, "Climate change is top of mind for many executives. We believe that the shift to low-carbon economy is already underway and that businesses must get ready for it, especially in energy, transport and heavy industry." The report suggests that businesses utilize existing methods to lower carbon output and suggests that it will be necessary to develop new low-carbon technologies to meet carbon reduction goals. It also suggests methods for implementation including reducing trash output, utilizing power from alternative sources like solar, wind and water, improving insulation and utilizing enzymes.</p> <p>Have any businesses jumped on the Green bandwagon and made positive changes to the way they do business, manufacture products or handle waste? The answer is, absolutely, yes! </p> <p>Here are some who are zero waste leaders...</p> <p><strong><em><a href="http://www.boulderoutlook.com/" target="_blank">Boulder Outlook Hotel</a></em></strong> - <strong><em>Zero waste program </em></strong></p> <div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:bf47fdef-f98d-45f6-9d24-a0c46d37fd8e" style="padding-right: 20px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; width: 257px; padding-top: 5px"><div><object width="257" height="213"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/y0FKm_51fKo&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/y0FKm_51fKo&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="257" height="213"></embed></object></div></div> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Boulder Outlook Hotel in Boulder, Colorado is actively working toward Zero waste. Currently it recycles or composts 80% of it's waste. The current goal is 90%. They hold weekly brainstorm sessions to generate ideas on how they can become even greener. They utilize cornstarch based straws, cups and to-go containers which are compostable, utilize enviro-friendly cleaning products and give all frying oils to a bio-diesel firm. Their slogan is 'The cure for the common hotel'. They even have allergy friendly rooms with air filtration and other features. How cool is that!!</p> <p><strong><em><a href="http://www.gm.com/corporate/responsibility/environment/" target="_blank">General Motors</a> - landfill free program </em></strong></p> <div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:ed2ab1f9-4192-4593-96db-26ab6688cc43" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: right; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; width: 262px; padding-top: 5px"><div><object id="FlashPlayer" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" width="262" height="191" id="player" align="middle"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="autoplay" value="true" /><param name="movie" value="http://karmavision.tv/player/flvplayer_elite.swf" /><param name="FlashVars" value="allowScriptAccess=true&allowFullScreen=always&autoplay=true&flv=http://progressive.karmavision.tv/newPSA/Extreme_Green_Landfill_Free.flv&config=http://karmavision.tv/player/skin/config1.php?ad=" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><embed name="FlashPlayer" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" allowScriptAccess="always" allowFullScreen="true" autoplay="true" movie="http://karmavision.tv/player/flvplayer_elite.swf" flashVars="allowScriptAccess=true&allowFullScreen=always&autoplay=true&flv=http://progressive.karmavision.tv/newPSA/Extreme_Green_Landfill_Free.flv&config=http://karmavision.tv/player/skin/config1.php?ad=" src="http://karmavision.tv/player/flvplayer_elite.swf" quality="high" wmode="transparent" width="262" height="191" name="player" align="middle" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" /></object></div></div> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><em>GM's Transmission Facility</em> in White Marsh, Maryland <a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/08/28/gm-two-mode-hybrid-transmission-plant-goes-landfill-free/" target="_blank">Achieves Landfill Free Status</a> (28, August 2008).<em> </em>It eliminates 8,000 tons of trash by smart plant design, recycling, reusing, or removing and unique partnerships. </p> <p>General Motors' goal is to have 1/2 of it's major manufacturing operations landfill free by 2010. Go GM go!!</p> <p><em><strong>Goodwill Industries</strong></em> works with GM disassembling obsolete containers. Then selling them to recyclers and compounders who turn the materials back into usable parts for the auto industry.</p> <p><strong><em><a href="http://www.anheuser-busch.com/" target="_blank">Anheuser Busch</a> - Work Green program </em></strong></p> <div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:e2af16d4-30aa-4754-9bde-c8d4f3d268d7" style="padding-right: 20px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; width: 254px; padding-top: 5px"><div><object width="254" height="209"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JfdEGQ6gDSk"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JfdEGQ6gDSk" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="254" height="209"></embed></object></div></div> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Anheuser Busch Brewery in Baldwinsville, NY institutes numerous eco-friendly changes. The brewery recycles 99.9% of solid materials. They have also under taken measures to further reduce their carbon foot print. This was done by  changing lighting -which led to a 40% savings, reclaiming heat, and utilizing an anaerobic digestion system (bio-energy) for waste - producing methane gas for 19% of their fuel needs.</p> <p>15 other Anheuser Busch plants have bio-energy, some also utilize solar and one is brewing <a href="http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4191/is_20070615/ai_n19307888" target="_blank">organic beer</a>. You rock AB!!</p> <p><strong><i><a href="http://www.subaru.com/sub/misc/environment/index.html?from=topNav" target="_blank">Subaru</a> - WasteWise program<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SMksU9mf09I/AAAAAAAAAJc/Xw6DgfgcVKM/s1600-h/SIA3.png"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="176" alt="SIA" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SMksVw4SC0I/AAAAAAAAAJg/M27pR38el2c/SIA_thumb3.png?imgmax=800" width="241" align="right" border="0" /></a></i></strong></p> <p><font color="#000000">Since 2004 Subaru Indiana Automotive (SIA) has achieved zero waste by recycling 99.3% of its' excess / leftover steel, plastic, wood, paper, glass and other materials. The remaining 0.7% is utilized by the city of Indianapolis to help generate steam.  SIA was awarded EPA's Gold Achievement AwardOne in 2006 for its' long-standing environmental program 'Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics'.</font><font color="#000000"> It has heightened awareness for a clean environment by taking it's Leave No Trace program on the road reaching over 8 million individuals, in 48 states. Thanks Subaru you're leading the pack!!!</font></p> <p><font color="#000000"><strong><em>Other auto companies are greening their manufacturing facilities too...</em></strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://www.edmunds.com/advice/buying/articles/124147/article.html" target="_blank"><em>Subaru's "Zero Landfill Waste" Auto Plant Raises the Bar</em></a><em> </em>by John DiPietro says, "In the automotive high-jump event known as environmental safeguarding, Subaru set a world record of sorts by being the first automaker to achieve "zero waste to landfill" status. Indeed, the company set the bar very high, and it's great to see that others have been inspired to start clearing that bar as well. <strong>Honda's</strong> <strong>Alabama</strong> plant is also a zero-landfill plant. <strong>Rolls-Royce's Goodwood</strong>, England plant (opened in 2003) boasts an 8-acre "living roof." Covered with sedum plants, this roof provides insulation from the heat and the cold; of course, as is the case with all green plants, these sedum plants also clean the air by ingesting carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. The Rolls plant also sends waste leather (from the upholstery division) to shoe and clothing makers, and filters run-off water from the roof and parking lots before it enters an on-site lake. <strong>Ford's Rouge</strong> plant also employs a living roof and similar water-saving measures." </p> <p></p> <p>This is great!!! Now if we could only get all businesses, plants and products zero emissions too. Am I crazy to think that's possible?</p> Bonnee Klein Gilliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03066847619881682939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668868197712892357.post-52225180613730161092008-09-04T06:58:00.001-07:002008-09-04T06:58:38.045-07:00Makin' it Green<p>I was wondering if there were actually people out there who have changed their lifestyles to be more eco-friendly. I searched the internet to see who was doing what. Are people Makin' it Green? The answer is a resounding... Yes!!! </p> <p>One man moved to the New Mexico wilderness to live without oil. Another family in California changes their urban yard into a farm complete with animals. And a Canadian couple goes off the grid but keeps their middle class lifestyle. And there are a lot more. All wonderful stories which inspired me.  </p> <p><strong><em>Inspirational stories of folks 'Makin' it Green'...</em></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.dougfine.com/farewell-my-subaru/" target="_blank">Farewell my Subaru</a> - <em>a greener life in New Mexico, USA </em></strong></p> <div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:2838ce45-0edf-4460-9d1a-d0f4ec2a7058" style="padding-right: 25px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; width: 255px; padding-top: 10px"><div><object width="255" height="211"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/evjICqDFXgI"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/evjICqDFXgI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="255" height="211"></embed></object></div></div> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Doug Fine is the   author of 'Farewell my Subaru' a book about  his life without oil. Doug moved to New Mexico, USA with his girl friend. They built a green sustainable home, are raising goats, chickens, <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SL_pgcomrcI/AAAAAAAAAIw/BfDPHmG68qI/s1600-h/dougfine4.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="115" alt="dougfine" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SL_pg3xDNGI/AAAAAAAAAI0/9lD9rBLXxf0/dougfine_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="114" align="right" border="0" /></a>ducks and growing much of their own food. You can read the continuing story of his new greener life at his <a href="http://www.dougfine.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>. He is funny, charming and actually doing it... well. Amazing!!!</p> <p> </p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="http://pathtofreedom.com/" target="_blank">Path to Freedom</a></strong> - <em><strong>urban homesteaders in California, USA </strong></em></p> <div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:a0c41dca-d65c-4a27-8afe-b0ae18ceb0b2" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 5px; float: right; padding-bottom: 5px; margin: 0px; width: 273px; padding-top: 10px"><div><object width="273" height="222"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/W51JRTjoI1A&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/W51JRTjoI1A&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="273" height="222"></embed></object></div></div> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>An eco-pioneering lifestyle in Pasadena, CA. This is a story of a family who turned their lot into a 1/10th acre  farm which, produces 6,000 lbs. of organic food annually. On a path to self-sufficiency the Dervaes grow and preserve 99% of their <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SL_phn0irtI/AAAAAAAAAI4/WbXK90tVueI/s1600-h/ecopioneer.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="100" alt="ecopioneer" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SL_piJHuU9I/AAAAAAAAAI8/vSA0dXzj1xE/ecopioneer_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="118" align="left" border="0" /></a>own food, recycle, make bio-diesel, utilize solar power and more. You can read <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/dervaes?ob=1" target="_blank"></a>their <a href="http://urbanhomestead.org/journal/" target="_blank">blog</a> or watch more videos at <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/dervaes?ob=1" target="_blank">Dervaes' channel</a> on youtube.com. Awesome!!! </p> <p> </p> <p> <a href="http://aztext.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Off Grid Living</strong></a> - <strong><em>with renewable resources</em></strong> <strong><em>in Canada </em></strong></p> <div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:c3d8f591-3361-4d22-846d-d87187911e24" style="padding-right: 20px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; width: 285px; padding-top: 10px"><div><object width="285" height="237"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aansFzgV1SQ&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aansFzgV1SQ&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="285" height="237"></embed></object></div></div> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Bill and Lorraine Kemp live a normal middle class lifestyle in an average home with all the things you'd expect like a big screen TV, home office filled with computers and other equipment, washer / dryer, and even a cappuccino machine. But the thing that makes them unique is that they live completely off the grid. They have wood heat, solar/wind power for electricity, a well and waste water reclamation system. You can read their <a href="http://aztext.com/blog/" target="_blank">blog</a> or watch more videos at <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/aztextpress" target="_blank">aztextpress channel</a> on youtube.com.</p> <p>We can make it green living well and inexpensively. So exciting and inspirational! </p> <p><strong><em>Some wonderful sustainable resources...</em></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.peakmoment.tv/" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SL_pir9vu-I/AAAAAAAAAJA/WNqz4kG8GFI/s1600-h/JanaiaDonaldson5.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="119" alt="JanaiaDonaldson" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SL_pjMpo5RI/AAAAAAAAAJE/cybhTtpwDHw/JanaiaDonaldson_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="123" align="left" border="0" /></a>Peak Moment TV</a></strong> - A network dedicated to sustainability and issues of our changing world. There are 23 interesting 28-minute episodes hosted by Janaia Donaldson (photo left) you can watch at <a href="http://globalpublicmedia.com/specials/712" target="_blank">Global Media</a>. You can also read <a href="http://www.relocalize.net/peakmomenttravels" target="_blank">Janaia's blog</a> about the latest goings on at Peak Moment too.</p> <p><a href="http://www.naturallifemagazine.com/" target="_blank">Natural Life Magazine</a> - A paper and online magazine that is about how to create a greener, healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.</p> <p><a href="http://yourbackyardfarmer.com/" target="_blank">Your Backyard Farmer</a> Located in Portland, OR. A great concept people who love to farm, do it for you and it's all organic.</p> Bonnee Klein Gilliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03066847619881682939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668868197712892357.post-90625798841970568662008-08-28T04:21:00.001-07:002008-08-28T05:30:50.540-07:00Nanny, Nano, Boo, Boo Food?<p><font color="#404040">I've been finding a lot of interesting developments with regard to food lately. So thought I'd share them with you...</font></p> <p><strong><em><a title="Nano-tech products" href="http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/health-fitness/nanotechnology-7-07/overview/0707_nano_ov_1.htm"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="198" alt="Nanotechnology - photo by ConsumerReports.org" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SLaKGlAap6I/AAAAAAAAAIU/bIOq1XFeyJA/nanotechnology8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="242" align="left" border="0" /></a> Nano-food, nano-tech?</em></strong> </p> <p>Something new is being added to our table and life called Nano-foods or nano-tech products. What in heavens name is Nano-food? </p> <p>The internet is buzzing with a lot of stories. <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSN3044875220080730?&sp=true" target="_blank">Reuters</a> (2008, July 30) <em>Nano-foods: The next consumer scare?</em> In essence Nano-foods are produced by using nano-technology, which involves design and manipulation of the molecular level. Companies utilizing nanotechnology claim it can enhance flavor or nutritional effectiveness. </p> <p><a href="http://observer.guardian.co.uk/foodmonthly/futureoffood/story/0,,1971266,00.html" target="_blank">The Observer</a> <em>Welcome to the world of nano foods.</em> Claims the food industry is developing a colorless, tasteless programmable nano-drink that you zap in a microwave which has been encoded with your eating preferences. </p> <p>Sounds like sci-fi... Star Trek's Captain Picard ordering 'Tea, Earl Grey, hot' and it materializes in the replicater. That's an interesting concept. But I wonder about eating what appears to be synthetic food. What about the food's vitality?</p> <p><strong><em>Are there food products that currently contain nano-technology?</em></strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.foe.org/pdf/nano_food.pdf" target="_blank"><em>Out of the Labratory and onto our plate</em></a><em>.</em> (2008, March) A detailed report on Nano-tech products in agriculture and food funded by <a href="http://www.foe.org" target="_blank">Friends of Earth</a>. List of food products currently containing nano-products include: Canola Active Oil (Shemen), Nanotea (Shenzen Become Industry & Trading Co.), Fortified Fruit Juice (High Vive.com), Nanoceuticals Slim Shake (assorted flavors, RBC Lifesciences), NanoSlim beverage(NanoSlim), Oat Nutritional Drink (assorted flavors, Toddler Health), and 'Daily Vitamin Boost' fortified fruit juice (Jamba Juice Hawaii). </p> <p><strong><em>Do we know if there are risks consuming nano-foods or the potential toxic effects to the body?</em></strong> </p> <p><a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080720220640.htm" target="_blank">Science Daily</a> ETH Zurich/Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (2008, July 22). <em>Nano-modified Food: How Much Are Consumers Willing To Accept The Associated Risks?.</em> Reports, "Nanoparticles, however, are considered as highly reactive and it is not yet clear whether under certain conditions they can get the better of protective mechanisms and have a toxic impact on the body." <a href="http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/health-fitness/nanotechnology-7-07/overview/0707_nano_ov_1.htm" target="_blank">Consumer Reports</a> (2007, July) <em>Nanotechnology Untold promise, unknown risk</em>. Reports, "A growing number of scientists say the unique properties of nanomaterials might pose substantial risks, which are largely unexplored, to both human health and the environment."</p> <p>Besides food there are a lot of products containing Nano-tech over 600 and growing. <a href="http://www.nanoforum.org/nf06~modul~showmore~folder~99999~scid~421~.html?action=longview_publication&">NanoForum</a> offers an interesting report called <em>Nanotechnology in Consumer Products </em>(2006, October 25) which contains a list of products. As well <a href="http://www.nanocafes.org/nanoproducts" target="_blank">Madison's Nano Cafe</a> is a great resource for news and articles about nanotechnology.</p> <p>I like to make informed decisions about everything in my life. So I'm all for labels disclosing complete information. </p> <p><strong><em><a title="Cloned cow" href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/01/15/fda.cloning/index.html"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="191" alt="Viagen, Cloned Cow - photo by CNN" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SLaKHFdlbjI/AAAAAAAAAIY/c4D02vVuC8A/art_clone_cow_viagen7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" align="right" border="0" /></a>Cloned animals for food?</em></strong> </p> <p><a href="http://www.wired.com/science/planetearth/news/2007/12/cloned_meat">Wired</a> (2007, December 19) <em>Senate Votes to Keep Cloned Meat Out of Your Burger, for Now.</em> The Senate passed a Farm Bill measure intended to bar the FDA from approving meat and milk from cloned animals until further study was conducted. <a href="http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/CloningEFSA_PR01_18_08.cfm" target="_blank">Center for Food Safety</a> (2008, January 17) Press Release. EUROPEAN UNION GROUP ISSUES OPINION CALLING CLONING FOR FOODS ETHICALLY UNJUSTIFIED. <em>Center for Food Safety Praises Opinion; Calls for Swift Passage of Farm Bill Mandating Examination of Economic Risks to US Agriculture. </em></p> <p><strong>Public Opinion</strong> <a href="http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/CloningEFSA_PR01_18_08.cfm" target="_blank">Center for Food Safety</a><em> </em>Reports,<em> "Recent opinion polls show the majority of Americans do not want milk or meat from cloned animals in their food. A national survey conducted this year by Consumers Union found that 89 percent of Americans want to see cloned foods labeled, while 69 percent said that they have concerns about cloned meat and dairy products in the food supply. A recent Gallup Poll reported that more than 60 percent of Americans believe that it is immoral to clone animals, while the Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology found that a similar percentage say that, despite FDA approval, they won't buy milk from cloned animals."</em></p> <p><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/01/15/fda.cloning/index.html">CNN</a> (2008, January 18) <em>FDA OKs meat and milk from most cloned animals</em>. When introduced there will be no labeling required. The FDA asserts that there is no material difference between cloned and conventionally grown animals. </p> <p>What's up with the swift approval by the FDA? If cloned animal products ever hit the grocery shelves I'd sure like to know so I can make informed purchasing decisions.</p> <p><strong><em><a title="GMO Peas, Green Peace ad Campaign - Do you know what you eat?" href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/04/genetically-modified-organisms-greenpeace-ads.php"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="243" alt="GMO Peas - Green Peace ad campaign 'Do you know what you eat?'" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SLaKHXNoohI/AAAAAAAAAIc/2Ayi3iKva-M/gmopeas10.jpg?imgmax=800" width="187" align="left" border="0" /></a> rBGH and GMOs?</em></strong> </p> <p>Called old news. The newest hot topic is nano-tech, but they haven't gone away. FDA tells us both are ok. Their endorsement means companies aren't required to put this info on packaging. Since around 1996 about 70% of our processed foods have contained GMOs. I'd like to know by reading the packaging instead of having to do an extensive online search. My body has an adverse reaction to both of these technologies so I cannot eat them. </p> <p><strong>Public Opinion<em> </em></strong><em>A CBS/New York Times poll done recently found that 53 percent of Americans wouldn't buy genetically modified foods.</em> </p> <p>If you're interested here's a <a href="http://www.truefoodnow.org/shoppersguide/guide_printable.html" target="_blank">list of products</a> which contain GMOs. The photo above is an ad from <em>Do You Know What You Eat?</em><a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/campaigns/genetic-engineering">Greenpeace</a>'s advertising campaign against Genetically Modified Organisms. What a superbly done and wonderfully creative campaign. Kudos to BBDO Russia.</p> <p><strong><em>Organic vs. conventional food study underway some findings released</em></strong>. <a href="http://green.msn.com/articles/article.aspx?aid=295&GT1=10725" target="_blank">Green MSN</a> (2007, November) and <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7067100.stm" target="_blank">BBC News</a> (2007, October) reported - a Newcastle University study shows organic foods have far more nutritional value. They found levels of antioxidants in milk from organic cattle were between 50% and 80% higher than normal milk. Organic wheat, tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, onions and lettuce had between 20% and 40% more nutrients. </p> <p>Is this just the beginning of lots of comparable studies? To my taste buds naturally grown food (buzz word organic) has a fuller, richer flavor... like homegrown tomatoes vs. store bought. Studies proving what my mouth distinguished at first bite. Exciting! Tastes better and fresh organic food is better for you too! Yahoo!!!</p> <p>Now if we could only get those crazy prices down...</p> <p>P.S. I've been eating locally grown and organic produce all summer and I started walking. Really strange. I haven't desired to walk in years. But now most mornings I walk to the Post Office and evenings around the neighborhood; about 2 miles total. I have more vitality and feel better too. Don't know for sure if it's related, but it's sure interesting.</p> <p><strong><em>Here are a couple of links you may enjoy</em></strong>:</p> <p><a href="http://www.foodroutes.org/buylocal.jsp" target="_blank">Food Routes</a> - A resource on locally grown foods. Why to buy and where to buy.</p> <p><a href="http://www.organic.org/" target="_blank">Organic Made Easy</a> - A guide to understanding and buying organic produce on a budget.</p> <p><a href="http://healthyliving.msn.com/default.aspx?section=main&contentType=article&contentId=Get%20the%20Most%20From%20Your%20Farmers%20Market&GT1=25037" target="_blank">The Practical Guide to Healthier Living</a> - Lots of videos and articles about natural healthy living. Why to buy at Farmer's Markets, recipes and more.</p> Bonnee Klein Gilliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03066847619881682939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668868197712892357.post-7689406400799619392008-08-20T08:45:00.001-07:002008-08-20T09:15:58.582-07:00Crazy CFL Contamination<p><strong><font color="#77b74d">Update on CFLs...</font></strong></p> <p><strong><em><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SKw8Doq73tI/AAAAAAAAAHk/CLEgRYFkWhM/s1600-h/cflbulb2.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="177" alt="cfl-bulb" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SKw8IJF_NiI/AAAAAAAAAHo/QRLnnOiGOCo/cflbulb_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="120" align="left" border="0" /></a> CFL Light Bulbs?</em></strong> Had a CFL energy efficient light bulb break the other day. Luckily it broke inside a glass fixture cover, everything was contained except a bit of the gas. None the less I did get a headache and begin to sweat as a result of breathing it. Went online to find out more about them. </p> <p>Like all florescent bulbs CFLs contain small amounts of mercury and require special hazardous waste handling when they burnout or break. Mercury is a potent neurotoxin, and is especially dangerous for children and fetuses. Some states require that CFLs be taken to a recycling center and not thrown into the trash. <em>EPA states, 'If you improperly dispose of products with mercury in them, they may break and release mercury vapors which are harmful to human and ecological health</em>.' When they break there are very specific instructions for cleanup which I didn't know about. Here they are...</p> <p><strong></strong><strong><a href="http://www.epa.gov/mercury/spills/index.htm#fluorescent" target="_blank">EPA's recommendations for broken CFL bulb clean up</a> </strong>  </p> <p><strong>Before Clean-up: Air Out the Room</strong> </p> <ul> <li>Have people and pets leave the room, and don't let anyone walk through the breakage area on their way out. </li> <li>Open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more. </li> <li>Shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system, if you have one. </li> </ul> <p><strong>Clean-Up Steps for Hard Surfaces</strong> </p> <ul> <li>Carefully scoop up glass pieces and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a glass jar with metal lid (such as a canning jar) or in a sealed plastic bag. </li> <li>Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder. </li> <li>Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes. Place towels in the glass jar or plastic bag. </li> <li>Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces. </li> </ul> <p><strong>Clean-up Steps for Carpeting or Rug</strong> </p> <ul> <li>Carefully pick up glass fragments and place them in a glass jar with metal lid (such as a canning jar) or in a sealed plastic bag. </li> <li>Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder. </li> <li>If vacuuming is needed after all visible materials are removed, vacuum the area where the bulb was broken. </li> <li>Remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister), and put the bag or vacuum debris in a sealed plastic bag. </li> </ul> <p><strong>Clean-up Steps for Clothing, Bedding and Other Soft Materials</strong> </p> <ul> <li>If clothing or bedding materials come in direct contact with broken glass or mercury-containing powder from inside the bulb that may stick to the fabric, the clothing or bedding should be thrown away. Do not wash such clothing or bedding because mercury fragments in the clothing may contaminate the machine and/or pollute sewage. </li> <li>You can, however, wash clothing or other materials that have been exposed to the mercury vapor from a broken CFL, such as the clothing you are wearing when you cleaned up the broken CFL, as long as that clothing has not come into direct contact with the materials from the broken bulb. </li> <li>If shoes come into direct contact with broken glass or mercury-containing powder from the bulb, wipe them off with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes. Place the towels or wipes in a glass jar or plastic bag for disposal. </li> </ul> <p><strong>Disposal of Clean-up Materials</strong> </p> <ul> <li>Immediately place all clean-up materials outdoors in a trash container or protected area for the next normal trash pickup. </li> <li>Wash your hands after disposing of the jars or plastic bags containing clean-up materials. </li> <li>Check with your local or state government about disposal requirements in your specific area. Some states do not allow such trash disposal. Instead, they require that broken and unbroken mercury-containing bulbs be taken to a local recycling center. </li> </ul> <p><strong>Future Cleaning of Carpeting or Rug: Air Out the Room During and After Vacuuming</strong> </p> <ul> <li>The next several times you vacuum, shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system and open a window before vacuuming. </li> <li>Keep the central heating/air conditioning system shut off and the window open for at least 15 minutes after vacuuming is completed. </li> </ul> <p>This is frightening, especially since I'd imagine most folks don't know about it. I didn't! Mercury is extremely toxic! What doesn't make sense to me is why? Knowing the toxicity of mercury, why make bulbs utilizing even a little bit for sale on such a large scale? A lot of little bits add up to... well, a big toxic mess. It got me really wondering does the end justify the means?</p> <p>My conclusion... NO! I replaced all of my CFLs with incandescent bulbs again, because I don't want the potential contamination of myself, my family, my pets or the earth. I'd rather keep the lights turned off as much as possible and use candles. </p> <p>After reading all of this I sure won't recommend using CFL bulbs again. Yes, they help reduce mercury from coal burning power plants which is good. But potentially poisoning myself in the process isn't a good trade off. Maybe I'm over reacting here... but the way I see it 'forewarned is forearmed'. </p> <p>Perhaps a better use for all the money spent on CFLs (advertising and sales) would have been to upgrade the electric power plants to solar, wind, water or other eco-friendly methods. Then there wouldn't be mercury from either coal or florescent bulbs poisoning us and our beautiful earth. </p> <p>A thought... according to the U.S Census Bureau <a href="http://www.census.gov/main/www/popclock.html">Population Clocks</a> as of August 20, 2008 there are 304,922,151 people in the U.S. If every person bought 1 CFL at roughly $6.00 each that comes to <em>$1,829,532,906</em>. That is almost 2 billion dollars and that's a conservative figure. If that money were spent on upgrading power plants we would be much further along in the process of our environmental stewardship. </p> <p><strong><em>Plus, there's got to be a safer, more eco-friendly, cheaper lighting solution! I'll let you know what I find.</em></strong></p> Bonnee Klein Gilliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03066847619881682939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668868197712892357.post-35835208440595288002008-08-14T05:25:00.001-07:002008-08-14T05:25:03.705-07:00Horrible Harmful High Housing no more...<p>Thought you might enjoy reading about some of my adventures.  <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SKQkAnNmmYI/AAAAAAAAAGM/nkEumFAs3WY/s1600-h/campredwoods11.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="189" alt="Redwood Camping - photo by Light. ©2002-2008 Bonnee Klein Gilligan. All rights reserved." src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SKQkBoi_lcI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/IHSjDDbBZ2U/campredwoods_thumb9.jpg?imgmax=800" width="160" align="left" border="0" /></a></p> <p>For 3 years my husband and I traveled around the country, without a home and everything we owned in our very small car. We camped in a lot of great places, met many wonderful folks and were invited to stay in many homes. It was an amazing spiritual journey. </p> <p>We crossed the USA about 4 times driving through all the states at least once except Alaska and Hawaii. Spent a little time in Canada and<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SKQkCOpeAmI/AAAAAAAAAGU/wOM5yKzi0VM/s1600-h/campmexiconight13.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="163" alt="Mexico camping - photo by Light. ©2002-2008 Bonnee Klein Gilligan. All rights reserved." src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SKQkCU9M07I/AAAAAAAAAGY/YyDxy35c7V4/campmexiconight_thumb11.jpg?imgmax=800" width="185" align="right" border="0" /></a> Mexico too. Our very favorite place was anywhere in the redwood trees. The photo above left is our home in the majestic redwood forest. Cool, crisp and filled with critters. We had owls, deer and fox come for a visit. The photo right is our home on the beach in Mexico. It was beautifully steamy by the Sea of Cortez. The photo below is our home by a rushing stream in Utah. The stream was singing its' song of creation so loudly, we finally succumb to earplugs. Snigger! We've had thousands of homes. Everywhere we stopped to lay our heads was home. The saying, '<em>Home is where the heart is' </em>was our life.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SKQkDECni2I/AAAAAAAAAGc/Ns8eOTC0Xas/s1600-h/camputahmorning10.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="201" alt="Utah Camping - photo by Light. ©2002-2008 Bonnee Klein Gilligan. All rights reserved." src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SKQkDWS2z8I/AAAAAAAAAGg/UuU9OZQ2i1c/camputahmorning_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="167" align="left" border="0" /></a></p> <p>It's an interesting experience living without running water or electricity. We loved it. We didn't label it as green or eco-friendly or even low impact. Though I suppose it was. Our car often got 45 to 50mpg. Maybe we were hypermiling, we called ourselves blessed. We had all the comforts of home including an air mattress with feather bed and down pillows. Solar shower bags with hot water for bathing and doing dishes. Once in a while for fun we bathed in cold streams or waterfalls. Burrr... refreshing! Had 2 cook stoves and complete kitchen gear. We bought local produce at roadside stands because it was convenient, tasted better and was usually cheaper then grocery stores. Then dined on simple homemade meals in the fresh air. Ever notice how food tastes better outdoors? We woke up in forests, by lakes or oceans, in fields or deserts. What scenery, what beauty, what majesty! </p> <p>I won't lie to you, this lifestyle was harder. Packing and unpacking the car. Really conserving precious water. Everything we carried had to serve several useful purposes. Space was very limited, we couldn't acquire. When we did something else had to go. Living simply was natural. Sometimes what seems to be less is actually more. When we finally decided to set down in Arizona and moved into a small 400 sq. ft. efficiency apartment we felt like we were living in a palace. Everything is perspective it seems.</p> <p>I loved life on the road, but decided I enjoy nesting and going out for adventures now. I've owned and lived in large homes, but prefer them small and cozy or using today's buzz words low impact, green living, sustainable homes. </p> <p>Here are a few more small low impact homes I love...</p> <p><strong>Cabin Dream - <em>1800s beautifully</em> <em>renovated guest cabin</em></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SKQkD-CzlLI/AAAAAAAAAGk/WYG1tNW-ieY/s1600-h/randyscabin4.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="196" alt="Randy's Cabin - photo by Light. ©2002-2008 Bonnee Klein Gilligan. All rights reserved." src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SKQkEMSOUzI/AAAAAAAAAGo/91gKzhf0m5w/randyscabin_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" align="right" border="0" /></a> Located in Tennessee. 1800s log cabin, dis-assembled, numbered, moved and rebuilt in its' existing location by the owner. With added space for kitchen and bathroom. 700 sq. ft. including loft bedroom. 3 acres of rolling grassy land with organic flower and vegetable gardens and a large pond. </p> <p><strong><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SKQkEtwRKEI/AAAAAAAAAGs/nSyQuUpeBUY/s1600-h/randyscabingang5.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="146" alt="Porch Gathering - photo by Light. ©2002-2008 Bonnee Klein Gilligan. All rights reserved." src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SKQkFPt5N9I/AAAAAAAAAGw/OaU74mNfIoE/randyscabingang_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="185" align="left" border="0" /></a> Features: </strong>Original logs, salvaged wooden floors, windows and doors. Composting toilet. Propane heat and cooking stove. Well water. Gray water reclamation. Organic gardens.</p> <p>During our road journey we had the privilege to stay in this guest home several times. The photo above is all of us gathered on the deck of the cabin. I'm the one on the far left, my late husband is standing in the middle. </p> <p><a href="http://www.logbuilding.org/index1.html" target="_blank">How to build a log home</a> Information about building log homes. </p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/Remodeling-Redecorating/2000-03-01/hobbit.aspx" target="_blank">A Hobbit House</a> - <em>lovely, creative, imaginative living</em></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SKQkFZxe7MI/AAAAAAAAAG0/J5idOIuTz-4/s1600-h/garyzukerscobhousefront8.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="181" alt="Cob House photo by Gary Zuker" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SKQkF8wMHOI/AAAAAAAAAG4/KLHsH4giHDM/garyzukerscobhousefront_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" align="left" border="0" /></a> Located in Austin, TX, just up the hill from Lake Travis. 900-square-foot Leichtlehmbau modified cob (straw and clay) energy efficient home on 2 acres of wooded land. 3 people - 3 yrs. to build including 1 yr. to dry. Built by owner <a href="http://homepage.psy.utexas.edu/homepage/staff/Zuker/Gary%20Zuker/" target="_blank">Gary Zuker</a> who wanted to build a low-maintenance weekend get-a-way home for $10,000. Finished house, well, appliances and <strong><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SKQkGCiviUI/AAAAAAAAAG8/Z1Hf11yrHxc/s1600-h/garyzukerscobhousemodel9.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="111" alt="Cobhouse Model - photo by Gary Zuker" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SKQkGU7OaOI/AAAAAAAAAHA/e8H4oRbAPZc/garyzukerscobhousemodel_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="122" align="right" border="0" /></a></strong>septic estimated cost $40,000 not including Gary's labor. Photo right is a model of the house before it was built.</p> <p><strong>Features:</strong> Rock foundation and chimney. 18"- 24" inch thick walls made of Leichtlehmbau cob-type material (more straw and only clay) increases insulation. Wood framing embedded in Leichtlehmbau. Dries to a strong, dense mass, 25-40 Lb/cu.ft. Post and beam frame. Finish, exterior: white lime and sand with fibers, then whitewash (white lime, water, rocksalt, alum). Interior: Gypsum Plaster. Salvaged pine floors, floor joists, granite, windows, soap stone and cabinets. </p> <p><a href="http://naturalhomes.org/learning-cob.htm" target="_blank">Building with Cob workshops</a> Natural Homes cob building courses. <a href="http://www.housealive.org/index.php?option=com_gallery2&Itemid=78&g2_itemId=21" target="_blank">Photos of cob building</a> and more workshops from House Alive!.</p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/jay/" target="_blank">Extremely Tiny House</a> - <em>home to go</em></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SKQkHTlSX7I/AAAAAAAAAHE/EU5YjVVmUD0/s1600-h/jayhouse5.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="220" alt=" Jay's House - photo for Tumblewheed Tiny House Company" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SKQkHvxMtsI/AAAAAAAAAHI/ztidVxbzFXw/jayhouse_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="187" align="left" border="0" /></a> Located on planet earth, but resides mostly in Sebastopol, CA. In 1997 Jay Shafer built his first 96 sq. ft. house on wheels himself for around $10,000. Today Jay owns <a href="http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/" target="_blank">Tumblewheed Tiny House Company</a> which offers plans, books and truly tiny homes for sale. The Epu shown left is 88 sq. ft. and weighs only 4700 lbs. It comes with a tiny fireplace, living room, kitchen with  tiny refrigerator and 2 burner stove, wet bath and sleeping loft. Pull away price $42,997.</p> <p><strong>Features:</strong> Designed with thoughts of light, warmth, energy efficiency, and proportion. Propane cost to heat and cook about $5 per month according to one owner of a tiny house. 16 Tiny house plans available for homes from 65 to 774 sq. ft.</p> <p>Learn how to build a truly tiny home <a href="http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/workshops/" target="_blank">workshops available</a>. </p> <p>Some more interesting links about low impact housing...</p> <p><a href="http://lowimpacthousing.com/housing/resources.htm" target="_blank">Low Impact Housing</a> Listing of low impact housing resources <a href="http://www.cusatocottages.com/selectaplan.php" target="_blank">Cusato Cottages</a> Plans for inexpensive small cottage style homes <a href="http://www.resourcesforlife.com/" target="_blank">Resources for Life and Small House Society</a> Low impact ideas    <a href="http://www.ecobusinesslinks.com/house_plans.htm" target="_blank">Sustainable House Plans</a> Links to sites which offer building plans</p> Bonnee Klein Gilliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03066847619881682939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668868197712892357.post-55254530105714636422008-08-07T07:11:00.001-07:002008-08-07T07:17:54.847-07:00Horrible Harmful High Housing<p>Houses gassing off. Carpets, insulation, paint and more. So tight and filled with chemicals they're sick houses. Literally! The building materials are bad for us. Real bad. Have been for years now. Since the '50s we've had Horrible Harmful Housing.</p> <p></p> <div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:8747F07C-CDE8-481f-B0DF-C6CFD074BF67:46835752-914e-45c6-8050-05cea3073580" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: right; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SJsCXTi7voI/AAAAAAAAAFo/kgiQv0FQbcY/bandj19798x6.jpg?imgmax=800" title="1979 Kennywood PA" rel="thumbnail"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SJsCYUbY5JI/AAAAAAAAAFs/BoZOlR69oJs/bandj197913.png?imgmax=800" /></a></div> I remember back in the late '70s when I was a young thing living in Pennsylvania. Me and my best beau <em>(that's us in the photo,</em> <em>weren't we cute!)</em> would stop for a look see at houses from time to time. Was fun... we loved it. Once we pulled into a mobile home lot and took a tour. It was hot that day. The sun was frying eggs. Walked in one home. Looked around a bit. It was really nice inside. Could imaging living there. The longer we spent ooing and awing the more our eyes burned and watered. When we both started coughing we beat it out of there fast. Talked about it as we drove away. Said to each other, "We're protected for sure. Thank you God." Came to the conclusion it musta' been the <a href="http://www.epa.gov/iaq/formalde.html">formaldehyde</a>. That was the buzz word back then. The stuff in the <a href="http://everything2.com/e2node/Urea%2520Formaldehyde%2520Foam%2520Insulation">insulation that gassed off</a> and made folks sick. They were ripping it out of all the schools. <p></p> <p>But it's still used in some building materials. Read an article at ABC News dated July 9, 2008, "<a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=5340118">Makers of Katrina Trailers Grilled by Congress</a>." The mobiles that were bought as temporary housing for hurricane Katrina victims were filled with it. Made some folks sick. Huh. Scratching my head. They were ripping it out in the early 80s why is it still used? In our modern society can't we come up with affordable housing that is people and earth friendly???</p> <p>Well that got me curious about green housing. Sustainable, affordable, earth friendly? I like words and always find it interesting to look at dictionary definitions. Here is what I found in <em>the Oxford American Dictionary and </em><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Sustainable" target="_blank"><em>dictionary.reference</em></a><em> online.</em></p> <p><em>The definition of the word <strong>sustain</strong>: to support; to keep alive; to endure without giving away. To keep in existence; maintain. To supply with necessities or nourishment; provide for. To support the spirits, vitality, or resolution of; encourage.</em> <em>Definition of <strong>sustainable</strong>: capable of being sustained or maintained. Capable of being continued with minimal long-term effect on the environment.</em> How interesting.<em> </em></p> <p>So what does sustainable mean with regard to housing? Here are definitions of sustainable housing I found online: </p> <p><em><strong><a href="http://www.newtonhouse.info/define.htm" target="_blank">Sustainable Housing</a>:</strong> Affordable and comfortable. Climate appropriate design which minimizes or eliminates the need for artificial heating and cooling. Design and construction which maintain sites natural resources. Collect and efficiently manage water resources. Management of own waste on site including greywater and black water. Produce and efficiently manage electrical power. Provide food resources from a permaculture garden. The house becomes part of the local ecosystem. Use of building materials which are recycled or made from renewable resources. </em></p> <p>I enjoy housing designs which are unique and creative. So I did I a search. Found lots of stuff on natural or recycled building materials. Lots from companies building passive solar and other things. I was looking for something more then your average home... something fun, unique, affordable, beautiful, sustainable, earth and people friendly. Here are a few of the inexpensive homes I liked a lot....</p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.simondale.net/house/index.htm">A low impact woodland home</a> <em>- beautiful, natural living</em></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SJsCZfdlBiI/AAAAAAAAAFw/pU32WoS3jdY/s1600-h/gnomehomeweb4.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="188" alt="Wales woodland home" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SJsCaGlFIuI/AAAAAAAAAF0/qYGjeAr4dWo/gnomehomeweb_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" align="left" border="0" /></a> Located in Wales, UK. Built with maximum environmental regard by 2 people and passersby. 4 months start to finish:  1,000-1,500 man hours. Cost: about £3,000 (£60 per sq. ft., not including labor). Part of <a href="http://www.lammas.org.uk/">Lammas ecovillage project</a> a carbon neutral, low impact development. </p> <p><strong>Features: </strong>Dug into hillside for low visual impact and shelter. Stone/mud at site used for retaining walls, foundations etc. Framed with oak from local woodlands. Reciprocal roof rafters. Straw bales in floor, walls and roof. Plastic sheet and mud/turf roof. Reclaimed wood floors and fittings. Reclaimed windows, burner, plumbing, wiring, etc. Lime plaster walls. Breathable and low energy to manufacture. Heat is wood burning stove - renewable and locally plentiful. Flue through thick stone/plaster. Retains heat. Slowly releases for even warmth. Fridge cooled by underground air through foundation. Skylight in roof. Solar panels for lighting, music and computing. Water gravity system from nearby spring. Composting toilet. Rainwater from roof collects in pond for garden, etc. </p> <p><a href="http://www.simondale.net/house/involve.htm" target="_blank">Building workshops available</a>. Learn how to build a low impact woodland home.</p> <p><em>Thanks to <a href="http://pippasporch.blogspot.com/">Pipa's Porch</a> for directing me to this wonderful home.</em></p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.calearth.org/EcoDome.htm">Eco Dome Earth Dwelling</a></strong> - <strong><em>a small gnome-like home<img height="183" alt="domepod-home1web" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SJsCa3T_2-I/AAAAAAAAAF4/D_ad8DZQHSs/domepodhome1web_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" align="right" border="0" /></em></strong></p> <p>Located in California, USA.  House built by students to learn about Superadobe coil construction. Very small, 400 square foot, very low cost. Easily built by 3-5 people. Part of the Cal-Earth educational and research program. </p> <p><strong>Features: </strong>Built from local earth-filled Superadobe coils (soil-cement or lime-stabilized earth) and barbed wire. On site soil utilized, coil bags low cost. Covered with adobe. Tree free. Main dome and four niches, very low cost. Can be repeated and joined together to form larger homes and courtyard houses. Very thick walls have significant thermal mass, which reduces heating and cooling costs. It also provides sound insulation, structural integrity, fire and pest protection. Designed with the sun, shade and wind in mind for passive cooling and heating. Wind-scoop can be combined with a rated furnace unit. Solar energy and radiant heating may be incorporated. Water collection and reclamation can be incorporated. It is estimated that a four-bedroom, 2,000 square foot house would cost $75,000 ($37.50/sq. ft.) to build, including labor, materials and utilities. </p> <p><a href="http://www.calearth.org/ApprenticeCourses/apprentice.html" target="_blank">Building workshops available</a>. Learn how to build with Superadobe coils online or apprentice at Cal-Earth.</p> <p><a href="http://www.geocities.com/flyingconcrete/index.htm" target="_blank"><strong>Sculpted concrete homes</strong></a> -<strong><em> Live in Art</em></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SJsCcKyR6dI/AAAAAAAAAF8/kyZmkaRvs6Y/s1600-h/decorativeconcretehome14.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="167" alt="Living Art concrete home by Flying Concrete" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SJsCdMBDhMI/AAAAAAAAAGA/Sc5CIJFlhlI/decorativeconcretehome1_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" align="left" border="0" /></a> Located in Mexico. Beautiful, imaginative custom, free flowing, sculptured concrete homes built by Flying Concrete. House shown is 700 square foot with various out buildings. Has been a design-as-you-go, evolutionary, spontaneous project. Built by 2 people. </p> <p><strong>Features:</strong> Roofs built with lightweight aggregate. Walls are lightweight concrete or local rock. Vaulted roofs – 400 year guarantee. Solar green house and other interior solar spaces.  Passive solar heat and good insulation. Water recovery systems.  Detached composting toilet. Low cost units as low as $25 per sq. ft. (2005). Roof represents 10-15% of cost.</p> <p><a href="http://www.geocities.com/flyingconcrete/workshop.htm" target="_blank">Building workshops available</a>. Learn how to build a sculptured concrete home.</p> <p>Whoo Hoo!!! There are lots of great healthy, natural, beautiful and affordable alternative building techniques that I can learn and do myself. This is so great I can't wait to get started. Now if I only had a plot of land... </p> <p> </p> <p>There are a lot more green and sustainable building methods, I've only mentioned a couple. Here are some links to additional stuff: </p> <p><a href="http://www.greenhomebuilding.com/index.htm" target="_blank">Green Home Building</a> is a website which talks about sustainable architecture and natural building.</p> <p><a href="http://www.naturalbuildingnetwork.org/index.htm" target="_blank">Natural Building Network</a> is an association which promotes natural building principles, materials and practitioners worldwide.</p> <p><a href="http://www.greenbuildersdirectory.com/" target="_blank">Green Builders Directory</a> a listing of various builders who build green and sustainable housing.</p> Bonnee Klein Gilliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03066847619881682939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668868197712892357.post-85846021132132545332008-07-31T10:15:00.001-07:002008-07-31T10:15:27.616-07:00How Green am I?<p>This weeks blog is about me and how my green life is going. Been getting progressively greener since March. My organic veggie, earth friendly roommate moved out beginning of July, so I'm living alone again. We won't be laughing, dancing and singing round the house together anymore. Sniff, sniff. I thank her for getting me on board with a greener way of life. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SJHzIZAsRfI/AAAAAAAAAFI/ZnU5MMSj954/s1600-h/lmfountain5.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="260" alt="Town Square, photo by Light" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SJHzJdfzPNI/AAAAAAAAAFM/YpnxJC8XFJY/lmfountain_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" align="left" border="0" /></a>I live in a very small community of about 4,000 mostly elderly  folks. We've got a beauty salon, senior center, doctor, massage therapist, chiropractor, realtor, small clothing store, restaurant  and post office all in our little town square. It's so cute. The  photo left is of the square. Across the street is an 18 hole golf course with clubhouse and restaurant.  Don't know the meaning of the words healthy food. Look at you like you've got 2 heads when you ask for a veggie anything. Say what??? </p> <p>Anyway, I walk to the Post Office everyday. It's about 1/2 mile from my house. The nearest grocery store is about 10 miles via interstate. There's no public transportation and because there are no back roads bicycling is out. Weird I know. 'Sides I don't have a working bicycle. Have a 1997 Honda Civic hatchback which gets about 40 mpg most of the time. Feel fortunate. Keep tires inflated and only drive when necessary. I've cut trips into town down to about once or twice a month. Would like to go more... feelin' a bit deprived. </p> <p>When I go in for a shop, I buy water in bulk too. Have 5 gallon bottles. Cost is only $1 for 5 gallons. Won't drink the tap water, would if I could but, it tastes bad and is full of minerals and other unmentionables. It's called aggressive water cause of how fast it builds up like rock formations on everything it touches.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SJHzK_yDURI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/Y5C9sLWg7wA/s1600-h/BloominSage7.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="200" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SJHzLgTdf1I/AAAAAAAAAFU/x4DFRFGEedk/BloominSage_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" align="right" border="0" /></a></p> <p>Still using locally grown or organic produce and eggs mostly. Grow many of my own herbs. The photo right is sage in my garden. Buy rice, beans, grains, flours, oatmeal, salt, sugar and spices in bulk. Store them in quart or 1/2 gallon canning jars. Use organic dairy products including milk, butter, cream cheese and yogurt. But cheese is a different story. Started baking and making lots of food from scratch including bread. Have a bread machine that looks like R2D2. Makes terrific bread. Bake my own cookies too. That way I know what's in 'em. Taste better, cost less and there's less packaging to deal with.  </p> <p>Never ate much meat but now it's a flavoring agent, because I like the taste, instead of the the main ingredient. Mostly I cook vegetarian. Been trying recipes from around the world like Pad Thai and curried coconut veggies. And I'm eating lots of fresh organic salads with greens, shredded beets and carrots, pumpkin and sunflower seeds and lemon juice. Never thought I'd say I love salad... but I do now. The food tastes different, fresher and more alive. But the odd thing is I'm not wanting to cook and eat very often. I just noticed I was hungry and thought 'Is it time to eat again already?' What's up with that?</p> <p>I'm still using eco-friendly dish liquid. Right now it's Bio Pak Ultra with tea tree and aloe, Green Apple scent. Works great, but don't like the smell much. Will try a different green kind next time. Or might buy the Dishmate Almond, I liked it. I've noticed my hands like these products better too. They aren't rough and dry any more. And my dish sponge still smells nice. I do the dishes by hand, don't have an automatic dishwasher. But I think I run the water too much. More then is frugal. So I'm not perfect... humph.</p> <p>Haven't noticed a change in my electric bill since my roommate left. But we'd already cut way back. I'm cooking a bit more and I've got an old 2001 Dell with a big fat monitor that's on at least 6 hours a day so I can keep blogging. Wondering about that. Sure, it's EnergyStar rated, but I know it sucks power. And it's slowing down real bad and making growlin' noises too. Materializin' a new laptop. Visualizing myself using one, concentrating, focusin' every day... poof... new laptop. Poof... old computer gone, in that order please. Thank you. Whole bunch of poofin', no materializin'. Sigh, what's that 'Secret'?  </p> <p>Keep blinds closed and ceiling fans on. Air conditioners off except when it gets really hot a couple hours in the afternoon. Have switched off the power strips mostly. I forget once in a while. The old TV, VCR and DVD players are unplugged all the time cause I don't ever watch them. The clock on my stove doesn't work. Don't own a coffee pot. Drink tea with milk mostly. Heat a mug full of water in my electric teapot. The microwave has a clock. It's the only one in the kitchen. Don't have a cell phone or power charger. Think I'm doing pretty good with all this stuff generally. Conserving, doing what I can. Writing about it and telling my friends too. </p> <p><em>Now we're all on board the green train to conscious change.</em></p> <p>Oh yeah a P.S.... ants invaded my house again. Did a cinnamon treatment inside and out. Worked great for all rooms except my bedroom closet. I must have missed a spot or something. Those buggers invaded my laundry basket and chewed holes in two of my favorite tee shirts and a pair of undies. Now they look like Swiss cheese. Rotten ants. Had to get out the artillery... big guns. Read about cornmeal killing ants. So I put some out. They took it back to the nest and I haven't seen 'em since. Not very compassionate. <em>Pppppffffftttttt!!!</em> Good riddance!</p> Bonnee Klein Gilliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03066847619881682939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668868197712892357.post-4977269369518327262008-07-24T05:55:00.001-07:002008-07-24T05:55:34.591-07:00Gas Guzzling Gaffe solutions?<p>Well first off I want to say that I'm no expert. Just an average gal who cares, like I said before. But I'm learning, opening and grasping lots of new ideas. Then sharing with you all this great stuff I learnt and liked. So hope you don't mind this blog being a sharing rather than a teaching. </p> <p>That said, seems I'm suppose to continue with the transport subject again. 'Cause all this week I've surfed and heard about more and more. So I stand corrected. Looks like there are lots of great minds worldwide thinking on this subject. </p> <p>Here's one great change making incentive... "<a href="http://autoblog.xprize.org/">Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize (PAXP)</a>, is a $10 million contest that wants to eliminate our oil addiction and stop global warming." <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPIz2XJf1FI">Jay Leno</a> did the opening to the event announcement that Progressive Insurance is the name sponsor of Automotive X PRIZE. Jay also took delivery of the the 1st production model Tesla Roadster July 2008 and he talks about it at <a href="http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/video_player.shtml?vid=229378">Jay's garage</a>.</p> <p>Watched <a href="http://www.charlierose.com/shows/2008/07/17/1/a-conversation-with-neil-young">Neil Young interviewed by Charlie Rose</a> on Thursday 7-17. Seems <a href="http://www.neilyoung.com/news/index.html">Neil is working with Jonathan Goodwin</a>, owner of H-Line conversions to turn his hotrod 1959 Lincoln Continental into a 100mpg green machine and more. And he plans to enter it in the PAXP. <em>'Live to ride, ride my green machine!' </em>Neil's dream is ridin' green.</p> <p>Heard a <a href="http://www.wecansolveit.org/content/pages/303/">talk by Al Gore</a> on Thursday 7-17 that was so motivating. About changing the way electricity is made with solar, wind, water, etc. instead of coal or fossil fuel. Gave us a goal of 10 years to make the change. Changes the scope, potential and feasibility of electric cars and their long term environmental impact. Timely... you're blazing the trail Al... go, go, go! </p> <p>Went to <a href="http://www.aps.com/main/green/choice/choice_7.html?source=gch">APS' website</a>, our local electric company. They offer Green Choice Rates, electricity made from wind, water and solar power. Maybe your electric company offers green rates too?</p> <p>On 7-23 came across articles about a <a href="http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/06/26/methane_digester/">Minnesota dairy farmer who is using methane</a> from his cows to power his car, farm and 70 homes in the area. And a <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2004/05/14/BAGJG6LG3R15.DTL">California dairy farmer</a> too. Dang! Phoot phoouel of the phoouture is a reality!</p> <p>So here's more cool green innovative transport ideas.</p> <p><em>A few more electric cars...</em></p> <p><strong></strong><strong><a href="http://www.phoenixmotorcars.com/">Phoenix Motorcars, Inc.</a></strong> - <strong><em>electric SUV & SUT</em></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SIh7tbXBRwI/AAAAAAAAAEY/etmrhn-LI3g/s1600-h/phoenixsutsm6.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="144" alt="phoenix-sutsm" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SIh7ti5-BLI/AAAAAAAAAEc/p4ki4p0Re70/phoenixsutsm_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" align="left" border="0" /></a> Phoenix Motorcars, Inc, Ontario, CA is releasing 2 new all electric vehicles a truck and an SUV. 100% electric. 0-60 mph in less than 10 seconds. Top Speed 95mph. Range 130 miles. Charge time with on-Board Charger 5 to 6 hours. With off-Board High-Power Charger under 10 min. to 95% SOC. Base price: $45,000. Release date mid 2008. Later in 2008 will have extended-range battery option for 250 miles.</p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.aptera.com/">Aptera Motors</a> -</strong> <strong><em>Super-MPG Electric Typ-1e <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SIh7uFyRG1I/AAAAAAAAAEg/BOIUgMQLw74/s1600-h/apteratyp14.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="151" alt="aptera typ-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SIh7vORl-XI/AAAAAAAAAEk/klVex-ydK84/apteratyp1_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" align="right" border="0" /></a></em></strong></p> <p>Aptera Motors, Carlsbad, CA initially sales of the Typ-1e will be limited to California residents only. 100% electric vehicle, 120 mile range. Top speed 85 mph. 0-60 in under 10 seconds. 3 wheels, 2 seats. Base price: $30,000 or less. Hybrid also available 600 mile range. <a href="http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/new_cars/4237853.html">Read more about it at Popular Mechanics</a>.</p> <p>Here's a webpage that lists <a href="http://venturebeat.com/2008/01/10/27-electric-cars-companies-ready-to-take-over-the-road/">30 electric cars available now</a>.</p> <p>And folks across the globe are getting on board too. Here's one example: <a href="http://www.wecansolveit.org/content/story/electric_cars/">US-Based Company Helps Denmark and Israel Get Behind the Wheel of Electric Cars</a> the idea is called <a href="http://www.projectbetterplace.com/">Project Better Place</a> introduction expected 2010.</p> <p><em>Air powered car???</em></p> <p><a href="http://zeropollutionmotors.us/"><strong>Zero Pollution Motors</strong></a> (ZPM) <strong><em>- Air Car concept</em></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SIh7vzvQ71I/AAAAAAAAAEo/gYG2Qd04PKg/s1600-h/citycatblue4.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="164" alt="citycat-blue" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SIh7wQp1orI/AAAAAAAAAEs/ltC8vu434C4/citycatblue_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" align="left" border="0" /></a> First air powered car will be produced in the U.S. by Zero Pollution Motors New Paltz, NY. ZMP is the U.S. licensee for MDI France who developed the Air Car. The CityCat (model shown) hybrid can travel 1,000 miles on a fill up. Top speed 96 mph. Zero to low C02 emissions. Seats six. Base price $17,800. Introduction to U.S. expected in late 2009 or early 2010.  <a href="http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/new_cars/4251491.html">Read more about it at Popular Mechanics</a>.</p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.engineair.com.au/">Engineair Pty Ltd</a>, - <em>rotary air engine<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SIh7wwPLHtI/AAAAAAAAAEw/70kRi9yVSTs/s1600-h/airengine4.gif"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="161" alt="airengine" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SIh7xchbZ1I/AAAAAAAAAE0/3GEsQLj0rB8/airengine_thumb2.gif?imgmax=800" width="170" align="right" border="0" /></a> </em></strong></p> <p>Angelo Di Pietro is the designer of a unique rotary piston engine that is powered by compressed air, called the Engineair. His company Engineair Pty Ltd is located in Brooklyn, Australia. He says it emits zero pollution, uses no petrol or batteries, takes minutes to recharge and has many applications like powering a car, boat, motor cycle and more. </p> <p>Here's a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmqpGZv0YT4">video about air powered cars</a> talks about Air Car by MDI and Di Pietro's unique engineair.</p> <p><em>Water as a fuel continued???</em></p> <p><strong><em>HHO a new clean fuel alternative?</em></strong></p> <div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:354006e5-bc09-44e1-8937-9560546d24e6" style="padding-right: 20px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; width: 230px; padding-top: 0px"><div><object width="230" height="192"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6Rb_rDkwGnU&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6Rb_rDkwGnU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="230" height="192"></embed></object></div></div> <p>Water (H<sub>2</sub>O) turned into HHO gas through low voltage, something scientists once thought impossible is safe, cost-effective, and eco-friendly according to Denny Klein owner of Hydrogen Technology Applications, Inc. Clearwater, Florida. <a href="http://hytechapps.com/">Aquygen</a>™ HTA's name for HHO is a combustible gas made through their Aquygen generator. The internet is buzzing everywhere with talk of HHO, other inventors and applications like Hydrogen on Demand as a fuel for vehicles. Amazing concept!</p> <p>So many cool and interesting new technologies. So much energy. So much happening. It's just plain excitin'. Goin' green and savin' the planet. Yahoo!</p> Bonnee Klein Gilliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03066847619881682939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668868197712892357.post-25969144986691148162008-07-17T06:03:00.001-07:002008-07-17T06:55:25.210-07:00Gas Guzzling Gaffe<p><strong></strong></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p>Gas just keeps going up and up. It's crazy! What can we do? Grin and bear it? Eat less food to fill the tank? Not bloody likely. Won't go hungry to feed that monster. Go to town less. Cut trips to once a month. Do everythin' at once. A Band-Aid is all. Sure it'll cut costs some. And cut pollution a little. But it's short term. My little car already gets about 40mpg. Gotta find a better way to this Gas Guzzling Gaffe!</p> <p>All of it got me thinkin'. I've heard folks say, 'That's a scary thought... she's been thinkin' again, ah oh!' Well, pppffffttt and raspberries to ya. Anyway we got a crisis as I see it. Ya'd think the great minds of the world who can split atoms, create starwars, go to the moon and back... for cripes sakes... could come up with an efficient, clean runnin' engin'. That doesn't use fossil fuels in any part of the process.</p> <p>Just read 'bout hydrogen fuel cells. Sure sounds good. Till ya find out that fossil fuels are used to make hydrogen, mostly. So we use fossil fuels (which we're trying to moving away from) to make another potentially skyhigh fuel which runs clean. Got pollution in the makin' and maybe a higher cost to boot. Don't see a fix there. But fuel cells can run on any fuel even methane. There's an idea! Refine and bottle cattle phoots. Recycle and reduce pollution too. Imagine the commercials for a new phootmobile. <em>MG's new</em> <em>FART - <u>F</u>ast <u>A</u>ffordable <u>R</u>eliable <u>T</u>ransportation. Runs on</em> <em>Phoots, the clean burning, recycled phoouel of the phoouture</em>.</p> <p>Sure it's funny but most methane is obtained from fossil fuel not cattle. So don't think that's a solution. Sigh! If there's pollutin' anywhere in the process it won't work. Can't use it to power anythin'. Or if there's a limited amount and it's not renewable or adds pollution. Can't use it. Like oil, coal, natural gas. What if it takes land to produce that could grow food to help feed the hungry around the world. Is that a solution? It's a quandary. We gotta think of all consequences.... long term.</p> <p>But what about right now? Been doin' some surfing on transport. Found some interesting stuff. Short term... better fuel economy is a start. Small gasoline or hybrids for better gas mileage. But GAWD why isn't the mpg higher. Here's the top two fuel savers... </p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.smart.com/-snm-0135207688-1214976077-0000022081-0000000001-1215731326-enm-is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/WFS/smart-content-Site/de_DE/-/EUR/Default-Start">smart</a> </strong> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SH9DFSDuA7I/AAAAAAAAADo/bJpClIs_SCo/s1600-h/smartcar5.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="164" alt="smartcar" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SH9DF4i6G6I/AAAAAAAAADs/amBMiCLAav8/smartcar_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" align="right" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>smart, a member of Mercedes-Benz Cars is produced in France. smart ForTwo, 3-cylinder, 1-liter gasoline powered engine is currently rated as the highest mileage car in the US. It is classified as an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV). Ratings: top speed 90mph, 33-40 mpg city, 41-45 mpg highway. Base Price: $12,235. A 100% electric smart is currently being tested in the UK. </p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.toyota.com/prius-hybrid/">Toyota Motors</a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SH9DGvoYQHI/AAAAAAAAADw/5pu0j2fS7uU/s1600-h/2008PriusHybrid94.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="155" alt="2008-Prius-Hybrid-9" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SH9DHLYaXzI/AAAAAAAAAD0/SAd4T2JDLGY/2008PriusHybrid9_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" align="left" border="0" /></a> <em>Hybrid</em></strong></p> <p>Toyota Prius (hybrid-electric) is currently rated as the highest mileage gasoline/electric hybrid. It is classified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (ATPZEV). Ratings: 48 mpg highway, 45 mpg city. Base Price: $21,500. </p> <p>Just heard that Toyota is having trouble keeping up with demand for their hybrid. Well that good, but it still pollutes and uses fossil fuel so how about a more eco-friendly solution?</p> <p>Maybe electric? There are some in the works. Here are two...</p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.teslamotors.com/">Tesla Motors</a> <em>Electric car</em><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SH9DIJzQRGI/AAAAAAAAAD4/B_EIwokuatU/s1600-h/teslaroadster4.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="200" alt="teslaroadster" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SH9DIiersnI/AAAAAAAAAD8/cV8FG9_fcRA/teslaroadster_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" align="right" border="0" /></a> </strong></p> <p>Now in production in USA at Tesla motors a 100% electric sports car. Fast 0-60 in 3.9 seconds,  Zero emissions, 220 miles per charge, 2-3.5 hour charge. Base price: $109,000. There is a waiting list for this car. </p> <p>Just read in the <a href="http://www.newsweek.com/id/145876">July 21 issue of <strong><em>Newsweek</em></strong></a> that Elon Musk cofounder of Tesla Motors said "Our second product is a sedan that is about half the price and will be produced in late 2010. We think we could either directly or in partnership with a major auto company actually get to a car that is under $30,000 in four years."</p> <p><strong></strong><strong><a href="http://www.think.no/think">Th!nk Global</a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SH9DI_cee1I/AAAAAAAAAEA/QfG8eyO0wFc/s1600-h/Thinkcity4.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="185" alt="Think-city" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SH9DJeyM52I/AAAAAAAAAEE/kYOzLt8XEqk/Thinkcity_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" align="left" border="0" /></a><em>Electric Car - a green machine</em></strong></p> <p>Now in production in Norway and coming to the US. The Th!nk City is a 100% electric vehicle, designed for city driving. Zero emissions, 95% recyclable, made of recycled materials. It can travel up to 110 miles in city driving, top speed 65mph. Th!nk City will be sold in Europe in late 2008 and in US 2009. US price expected to be sub $25,000. </p> <p>If we go all electric it's good. But how is that electricity produced at the plant? Does it burn fossil fuel or coal? Even atomic power plants have serious long term pollution issues. If all transportation is plug in (electric) it means higher electric demand. Many power plants can't keep up with demand now. With brown or black outs happenin' on real hot or cold days... all over. What happens if we add transportation to the mix? Seems this mode of electric power transportation is only a short term solution at best... with lots of limitations. </p> <p>Unless perhaps the electricity to power the vehicle is self generated somehow. Through solar or water or something other. Here is a water powered concept car with interesting potential...</p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.genepax.co.jp/en/">Genepax Co, Ltd.</a>  <em>Water Energy System (WES) concept vehicle</em>.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SH9DJttwoHI/AAAAAAAAAEI/mglC76u8gN4/s1600-h/WESwatercar4.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="202" alt="WES water car" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SH9DKMV45SI/AAAAAAAAAEM/i3G0Hhsuvb0/WESwatercar_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="242" align="right" border="0" /></a> </strong></p> <p>Genpax a Japanese firm has developed a system that extracts electricity from water, Zero emissions. The H2O Power concept car (WES in Reva, shown) runs on water. Genepax hopes to partner with an automaker to produce WES powered vehicles. If interested here is a website on <a href="http://peswiki.com/index.php/Directory:Genepax_Co_Ltd">how it works</a>.</p> <p><em>Pie in the sky or the next motorized carriage???</em></p> <div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:5e794e51-475e-4f84-87ce-077b06b56c5e" style="padding-right: 20px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; width: 237px; padding-top: 0px"><div><object width="237" height="197"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/efCelx7qe_M&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/efCelx7qe_M&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="237" height="197"></embed></object></div></div> <p>How about a magnetic motor? Two Australian Inventors have developed a generator which they claim will run for years on it's own power and make 5 times the energy it uses.  Can even power a car they say with zero pollution. The video is amazing and interesting. Such potential.</p> <p>There are a lot of ideas for free energy or zero point energy machines on <a href="http://www.thelivingweb.net/free_energy.html">the Living Web</a>. Are they true? Don't know, but sure are interesting and have great potential.</p> <p>The sky's the limit... it's only limited now by what we can imagine. Let's do great things, ask lots of questions and make this happen for the betterment of ourselves, our children and the planet!!!</p> Bonnee Klein Gilliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03066847619881682939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668868197712892357.post-54306020828289076342008-07-10T06:22:00.001-07:002008-07-10T06:22:52.846-07:00Cattle Cutting Cheese Catastrophe<p align="left">Cattle cutting cheese? What's up with that? Most living creatures phoot. Why is that newsworthy? Just heard that cattle phooting is the second largest contributor to global warming.  Higher then transportation. It's inconceivable! </p> <p align="left">Massive numbers of 'em stockpiled. Force fed corn or soy. Hard to digest. Stomachs made for grass, so there's massive upset. Creating voluminous gas. Now this isn't just any phoot. It's methane. It's flammable. More toxic then CO2. And being released in incredible quantities. Ever driven by a stockyard? It's a smelly mess for miles. </p> <p align="left">The average American eats half a pound of meat a day. Twice as much as USDA recommends. So meat producers pack 'em in even more. 10,000,000,000 animals a year to feed our need. Which means more and more stinkin' phoots pollutin' the air. It's a Cattle Cutting Cheese Catastrophe.<strong> </strong></p> <p align="left">But there's more...</p> <p align="left"><strong>Mark Bittman a food critic, discusses the current state of our food.</strong> Too much meat, too few plants and too much fast food is putting our lives and the planet at risk. Watch this entertaining and enlightening video to find out how. It's funny, fascinating and firey. </p> <p align="left">Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.</p> <p align="left"></p> <div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:7d8db8c3-4020-4e04-9c14-a6e72ee335e5" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px"><div><!--cut and paste--><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" width="432" height="285" id="VE_Player" align="middle"><param name="movie" value="http://static.videoegg.com/ted2/flash/loader.swf"><PARAM NAME="FlashVars" VALUE="bgColor=FFFFFF&file=http://static.videoegg.com/ted/movies/MarkBittman_2007P_high.flv&autoPlay=false&fullscreenURL=http://static.videoegg.com/ted/flash/fullscreen.html&forcePlay=false&logo=&allowFullscreen=true"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"><param name="scale" value="noscale"><param name="wmode" value="window"><embed src="http://static.videoegg.com/ted2/flash/loader.swf" FlashVars="bgColor=FFFFFF&file=http://static.videoegg.com/ted/movies/MarkBittman_2007P_high.flv&autoPlay=false&fullscreenURL=http://static.videoegg.com/ted/flash/fullscreen.html&forcePlay=false&logo=&allowFullscreen=true" quality="high" allowScriptAccess="always" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" scale="noscale" wmode="window" width="432" height="285" name="VE_Player" align="middle" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></object></div></div> <p></p> <p align="center">TED: Ideas worth spreading: <a title="http://www.ted.com/" href="http://www.ted.com/">http://www.ted.com/</a> </p> <p align="left">July 2, 2008 - BBC reports that higher amounts of fruits, vegetables, cereals and less red meat, plus more olive oil are a healthier diet. <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7483164.stm" target="_blank">More...</a></p> Bonnee Klein Gilliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03066847619881682939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668868197712892357.post-42609044509819570452008-07-03T07:21:00.001-07:002008-07-03T07:21:30.545-07:00Outrageous Organic Ostracism<p>I'm in this clique of 'health nuts' now. Put there by friends and family. How nice of them! Say I'm a ravin', 'save the planet', 'organic vegetable eatin', liberal. Not at all who everyone thought I WAS! Humph! Never thought I'd see THAT day. The neat little slot I'm filed in contains others with the same 'strange thinking'. Not who I am of course. I care some. About myself. About my health. About my impact on 'everyone' and 'everything'. And visa versa too. So I'm chastised for it. I'm an outcast livin' in Outrageous Organic Ostracism hell.</p> <p>And the other side is even stranger. I'm 'rich & famous' 'cause I eat organic. Put you in this slot 'cause everyone who eats organic must be wealthy'. Right? This is an exclusive club only some can afford... 'Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous'. A bloody marketing ploy. Was having a conversation with a couple of guys the other day. One said, "Having a pre-lunch carbo load of organic fruit loops." Another replied, "First of all, there are organic Fruit Loops? And second, they have carbs? The mind boggles." They first guy replied, "Whole foods sells organic fruit loops. Sure, they're $30 a box, but so good." I retorted, "Our local health food store has 'em for $5 bucks a box. You be getting ripped off son."  Healthier food doesn't have too cost a lot. Geez. He actually got mad and stomped off. I'm baffled. Must have blown his image or somethin'. Outrageous Organic Ostracism.</p> <p>I'm just an average kinda gal, don't come near to rich. But gawd, the thought of livin', breathin' and eatin' 24/7/365 in a cesspool of toxic chemicals and pollution hit me like a ton of bricks. Gotta do something. So I'm livin' this organic, more conscious lifestyle, now. Right? And thinkin' I've got to deprive myself. Organic means healthy food. So have to stay away from of all the things I love. Like chocolate chip cookies. Ooohhh, I just love chocolate chip cookies... darn!!!</p> <p>My roommate's birthday was coming up and I asked her what she wanted. She said, "Chocolate chip, pecan cookies. My favorite. I'd love that." I replied, "We're organic, can't make chocolate chip cookies." She said, "Yes you can. Organic doesn't mean health food it means naturally grown without added chemicals, pesticides and herbicides. You just use organic ingredients." Wow, I hadn't considered that. That's Right! Like my grandmother.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SGzgZydumuI/AAAAAAAAAC4/HfTUgrDaZZY/s1600-h/ccpcookies7.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="236" alt="ccpcookies" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bonneekleingilligan/SGzgaQj_eKI/AAAAAAAAAC8/32vF7MaoiVU/ccpcookies_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" align="right" border="0" /></a></p> <p>Made a big batch of organic chocolate chip pecan cookies. Same recipe I always used only organic ingredients, plus ground flax.  Organic is every bit as decadent and delicious. In fact I'd have to say they tasted even better. </p> <p>Told a high school friend about the organic birthday cookies. He said, "Ah, organic dessert? Boy, I don't know. If you are going to eat dessert, 'ya gotta eat real stuff." I replied, "Organic, the new buzzword. Organic just means back to basics. The way my Gran Gran did things in her garden with manure, compost, worms... al Natural." I handed him a cookie. He took a bite, groaned and said, "Geez these are good. Gimme another!" </p> <p>Birthday cookies gone. Everyone is pounding fists, stamping feet, shouting, "More, more, more. Make some more!!!" Need crowd control.</p> <p>Here's my riotous recipe for your tasting pleasure:</p> <p><strong>Chocolate chip, pecan cookies</strong></p> <p>1 cup organic unbleached flour <br />1/3 cup organic whole wheat flour <br />1/2 cup organic ground flax seed <br />1/2 teaspoon sea salt <br />1/2 teaspoon baking soda <br />1/2 cup organic unsalted butter (1 stick softened) <br />1/2 cup organic unbleached cane sugar <br />1/2 cup brown sugar <br />1/2 teaspoon Madagascar pure vanilla extract <br />1 large organic egg <br />1 cup Fair Trade chocolate chips <br />1/2 cup local pecans (or walnuts)</p> <p>Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a medium bowl sift together dry ingredients. In mixer, cream butter with white, brown sugar and vanilla. Add egg. when thoroughly mixed add chips and nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheet.</p> <p>Bake 375 F, 9 - 11 minutes. Cool slightly. Dig in!!!</p> <p>I'm happy. My stomach is happy... cookies! Yea! The earth is happy too. Another people/planet friendly solution.</p> <p><em>If your grocery or health food market doesn't carry any of the ingredients request them. Ours will special order and stock it if enough folks ask. A source for Fair Trade chocolate online is </em><a href="http://www.newdream.org/marketplace/cocoa.php" target="_blank"><em>New American Dream</em></a></p> Bonnee Klein Gilliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03066847619881682939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668868197712892357.post-24096972959235822472008-07-01T04:05:00.001-07:002008-07-01T04:05:19.968-07:00Santa is Seriously Soggy<p>Was surfing the web looking at other folks pages. Following links. Came upon Al at TED.com. Gore that is. Watched his new video. Looks like he's been talking to more of them scientists about that climate crisis. </p> <p>It's worse then we thought. Santa's losin' his home! Oh it's not foreclosure or anything like that. Seems the ground is melting right out from under him. The North Pole is melting!!! Can you imagine! In 5 years Santa home will sink under water. Never to return. Oh there'll still be skim ice over winter. But the real deep hard stuff will be gone.</p> <p>Emergency!!! We gotta' save Santa! And what about the reindeer? Where will they live? And all the elves? That means no more toys for Christmas. What about the children? They'll be no more presents. This is a crisis I tell you!!! A real CRISIS!</p> <p>But Al says there's something we can do. 'Take action' he says, "Don't just change light bulbs. Change consciousness. Become active. Talk, write, communicate. Be proactive." Ok, Al  I'm proactivatin'. </p> <p>Holding air mic, singin' (to the song 'Grandma got run over by a reindeer' by Elmo & Patsy)...</p> <blockquote> <p>Santa won't be commin' with his reindeer <br />Landin' on your house on Christmas Eve <br />'Cause Santa lost his house when North Pole melted <br />Now he and Mrs. Clause live on the street.</p> </blockquote> <p>Save Santa's home. Proactivate. Help stop the melt!</p> <center> <p><strong>Al Gore's new thinking on the climate crisis.</strong> </p> <div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:2497f20b-2b49-4313-ac65-17bb5b65c240" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px"><div><!--cut and paste--><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" width="432" height="285" id="VE_Player" align="middle"><param name="movie" value="http://static.videoegg.com/ted2/flash/loader.swf"><PARAM NAME="FlashVars" VALUE="bgColor=FFFFFF&file=http://static.videoegg.com/ted/movies/ALGORE-AUTODESK-2008_high.flv&autoPlay=false&fullscreenURL=http://static.videoegg.com/ted/flash/fullscreen.html&forcePlay=false&logo=&allowFullscreen=true"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"><param name="scale" value="noscale"><param name="wmode" value="window"><embed src="http://static.videoegg.com/ted2/flash/loader.swf" FlashVars="bgColor=FFFFFF&file=http://static.videoegg.com/ted/movies/ALGORE-AUTODESK-2008_high.flv&autoPlay=false&fullscreenURL=http://static.videoegg.com/ted/flash/fullscreen.html&forcePlay=false&logo=&allowFullscreen=true" quality="high" allowScriptAccess="always" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" scale="noscale" wmode="window" width="432" height="285" name="VE_Player" align="middle" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></object></div></div> TED: Ideas worth spreading <a href="http://www.ted.com/">http://www.ted.com/</a> </center> <p><strong><a href="http://nsidc.org/news/press/20080610_Slater.html">Permafrost Threatened by Rapid Retreat of Arctic Sea Ice, NCAR/NSIDC Study Finds</a></strong></p> <p><em><a href="http://www.newsweek.com/id/143787" target="_blank"><strong>Newsweek</strong> reported in the July 7-14, 2008 issue</a> </em><strong>Global Warming Is a Cause of This Year’s Extreme Weather</strong></p> Bonnee Klein Gilliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03066847619881682939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668868197712892357.post-76257899871486811582008-06-26T08:38:00.001-07:002008-06-26T08:38:51.850-07:00Enormous Edacious Electric Eater<p></p> <p>My electric bills are enormous. Every month it seems they get bigger and bigger. No matter what I do my habitat keeps edaciously eating energy. It's an Enormous Edacious Electric Eater. Sucking down more and more and even more. The electric conditioner of the air is eating all my earnings. Gobbling $$$$ bills like there's no tomorrow. And that cold food box seems to never stop it's gluttonous gobbling. I hear their voices day and night, whirling, whispering and whining their ravenous 'feeed meeeee'. Like giant stomachs growling their desire for more fuel. Then rudely making belching noises... ssscccuuueeww bbbuuuurrrpp... and turning themselves off. For now.</p> <p>My artist friend refuses to feed the monster. He's opted to sit in 105 degree hot. Shake and bake. Rather then fork out the extra cash for cooling. So he sweats or freezes in blissful misery. He told me the other day, "It's so hellaciously hot my oil pastels melted and ran together. Now I've got an oil shadowbox by G_d. Think I'll frame it for posterity to remember this hell. Oy vey! " Clicking my tongue I replied, "Stop your kvetching! Turn on the cooler so YOU don't melt." Sheesh!</p> <p>The next door neighbors on the other hand have the air cranked up so high you instantly turn into a giant popcicle upon entering. Told them so and they replied, 'Naw, you're a Creamcicle... cold and tart on the outside with a sweet creamy center." Gawd, now I'm blushing. Hate it when I blush.</p> <p>My habitat is in between freezer and oven. Comfortable. But have an enormous electric bill. Got to ease it. Hiss a sigh, rubbing my mouth and neck in utter frustration. My roommate is watching this drama unfold from the sofa. "What's got you so flustered" she says. I reply, "I've got an Enormous Edacious Electric Eating apartment. My bills are so high, my wallet's going dry." She says, "There are lot's of things we might be able to do. Let's think about it for a while."</p> <p>We got our heads together, wrote down our ideas. Then looked online to see what others were suggesting. Here's our finalized list things with a <font color="#ff8080"><b>√</b></font> we opted to do:</p> <h5><font color="#ff6633">Air conditioning / heating</font></h5> <blockquote> <p><strong>Thermostat. Temperature.</strong></p> <ul> <li><font color="#ff8080"><b>√</b></font><strong>In Summer</strong> turn off the thermostat and open the windows at night and use ceiling fans. If night temps fall into the 60s, will cool the house down. Close the widows at dawn to retain. House may stay comfortable until early afternoon without air conditioning. <strong>In Winter</strong> turn down heat to 55 degrees at night. During day set at 65 degrees and wear a sweater. Use space heater if needed as supplement. </li> <li><strong>10 degrees (cooler or warmer) at night</strong> or whenever no one is home. 8 hours per day can save 10% on electric bill. </li> <li><strong>Install new thermostat </strong>Allows automatic adjustment.  8 hours per day can save 10% on electric bill. </li> </ul> </blockquote> <blockquote> <p><strong>Air-conditioning/heating unit.</strong></p> <ul> <li><font color="#ff8080"><b>√</b></font><strong>Regularly maintain air-conditioning/heating unit</strong> have system checked and maintained yearly. <em><font color="#ff8080">Our landlord does yearly maintenance of all heating/cooling units.</font></em> </li> </ul> </blockquote> <blockquote> <p><strong>Filters.</strong></p> <ul> <li><font color="#ff8080"><b>√</b></font><strong>Replace filters regularly</strong> check heating/cooling system filters monthly and clean or replace if necessary. <em><font color="#ff8080">Our landlord provides filters and asks us to change them monthly.</font></em> </li> </ul> </blockquote> <blockquote> <p><strong>Shades/blinds/curtains</strong></p> <ul> <li><font color="#ff8080"><b>√</b></font><strong>Close shades</strong> (blinds or curtains). if it's cold or hot closing shades insulates the windows and can reduce costs. <em><font color="#ff8080">We have double cellular translucent shades and vertical blinds that we close during the afternoon or whenever we are gone.</font></em> </li> <li><strong>Upgrade Shades </strong>to special shades or curtains with R value saves even more. </li> </ul> </blockquote> <blockquote> <p><strong>Ceiling Fans</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong><font color="#ff8080">√</font>Ceiling fans </strong>will balance the temperature in a room and help it feel cooler. <em><font color="#ff8080">Our landlord provides ceiling fans in living room and bedroom and we utilize them.</font></em> </li> </ul> </blockquote> <blockquote> <p><strong>Plant trees. </strong></p> <ul> <li><font color="#ff8080"><b>√</b></font><strong>Plant Trees</strong> can cut heating/cooling bills up to $250 annually by shading and insulating the house. <em><font color="#ff8080">We asked if we could plant a few shade trees. They were yearlings so will take a while to mature into full shade trees. One fast growing tree we planted was a mulberry. We get to enjoy the fruit too.</font></em> </li> </ul> </blockquote> <blockquote> <p><strong>Weatherize</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong><font color="#ff8080">√</font>Leaks</strong> find and fix around windows and doors. Find with smoke or candle flame, when flickers there is a leak. <strong>Caulk or install weather stripping</strong>. Can save up to 30 percent annually on utility bills. <em><font color="#ff8080">We caulked around all the outside doors and windows, installed weather stripping and door sweeps.</font></em> </li> <li><strong>Replace windows</strong> with more energy efficient ones if possible. </li> <li><strong>Leaks in HVAC ducts</strong>. Sealing and insulating ducts may save 10% annually. </li> <li><font color="#ff8080"><b>√</b></font><strong>Close chimney flues</strong>. <em><font color="#ff8080">Our apartment has a wood burning fireplace. So we opted to always keep flue closed when it's not in use.</font></em> </li> </ul> </blockquote> <blockquote> <p><strong>Insulation</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Inspect insulation levels</strong>. 12 inches of insulation in the attic can save 20% on energy costs. </li> <li><strong>Solar attic fan</strong> removes hot air from attic. May save around $100 during the summer season. </li> <li><font color="#ff8080"><b>√</b></font><strong>White roof reflects</strong> heat, black absorbs heat.  <em><font color="#ff8080">Our landlord recently coated the roof with a white sealant to waterproof and reflect some of the heat.</font></em> </li> </ul> </blockquote> <h5><font color="#ff6633">Lighting</font></h5> <blockquote> <p><strong>Light bulbs.</strong></p> <ul> <li><font color="#ff8080"><b>√</b></font><strong>Compact fluorescent bulbs</strong> (called CFLs) use 75% less electricity and last about 10 times longer then incandescent bulbs. Replacing four 100-watt bulbs with  23-watt CFLs (equivalents) will save up to $200 in three years. <em><font color="#ff8080">We replaced all of our bulbs throughout the apartment with corresponding wattage CFLs. Sometimes the out put wasn't as great, but it was satisfactory.</font></em> </li> <li><font color="#ff8080"><b>√</b></font><strong>20-watt desk lamp.</strong> light desk instead of room. One 20 watt bulb (vs. one 60 watt) will save $5 every 500 hours. <em><font color="#ff8080">We already had and used a desk lamp and opted to keep it off as much as possible.</font></em> </li> <li><font color="#ff8080"><b>√</b></font><strong>Turn off lights</strong> when not needed or when leave a room. </li> </ul> </blockquote> <h5><font color="#ff6633">Home Electronics</font></h5> <blockquote> <p><strong>VCRs/DVD players. TVs. Stereos. Telephones.</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong><font color="#ff8080">√</font>Unplug home electronics. </strong>Home electronics continue to use electricity even when turned off. In fact anything with a clock, remote control or an on/off light drains power.  Idle TVs alone cost around $5 annually. <strong>Easy solution:</strong> Plug electronics into a power strip and use as on/off switch. <em><font color="#ff8080">We bought 3 surge protector strips with on/off buttons. Plugged electronics into them and turn the strips off when not in use.</font></em> </li> </ul> </blockquote> <blockquote> <p><strong>Television</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Invest in LCD TV</strong> Want to replace your TV with a large screen? Consider LCD TV, uses half the power of plasma TV. </li> <li><strong>Turn off and unplug the Television</strong> if no one is actively watching it. </li> <li><font color="#ff8080"><b>√</b></font><strong>Watch less or no Television </strong><em><font color="#ff8080">Since there really wasn't anything we wanted to watch and we spent most of our time watching reruns or flipping through channels, we canceled the cable TV. Still use the TV set to watch movies that we own or rent. Gave us a bunch more time to read, talk and spend time with family and friends. </font></em></li> </ul> </blockquote> <blockquote> <p><strong>Computers</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Laptop computers.</strong> use 85% less power so can save up to $140 annually.  </li> <li><font color="#ff8080"><b>√</b></font><strong>Set PC to automatically 'standby'.</strong> after 10 minutes being idle. All programs and work is still on the desktop ready to utilize again when mouse moved or key depressed. <em><font color="#ff8080">We have 2 computers and they 'standby' in 10 minutes and turn off if not in use 1 hour.</font></em> </li> <li><strong>Flat panel computer monitor.</strong> uses 1/3 less electricity then CRT monitors. <em><font color="#ff8080">We're half way there. One computer has a flat panel. The other has the older style monitor.</font></em> </li> </ul> </blockquote> <h5><font color="#ff6633">Appliances</font></h5> <blockquote> <p><strong>Energy Efficient Appliances</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Energy Star appliances </strong>are energy efficient so use less power. <em><font color="#ff8080">All of our appliances are Energy Star rated. But all are older models so most likely we could do better. Maybe when our landlord replaces them.</font></em> </li> </ul> <p><strong>Refrigerator </strong></p> <ul> <li><strong><font color="#ff8080">√</font>Refrigerator temperature.</strong> set to 38-40 degrees Fahrenheit. 5 degrees lower costs around $5 annually.  Defrosting freezer saves a few $ more.  Open doors less often. <strong>Freezer temperature.</strong> set to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. <em><font color="#ff8080">We bought a thermometer and monitored settings until they were optimum.</font></em> </li> <li><font color="#ff8080"><b>√</b></font><strong>Clean condenser coils.</strong> dusting coils helps refrigerator run efficiently. </li> <li><strong>Replace old appliances</strong>. older model refrigerators and freezers can cost more then $100 annually. Energy Star refrigerators use about same power as a light bulb. </li> </ul> <p><strong>Stove / Oven</strong></p> <ul> <li><font color="#ff8080"><b>√</b></font><strong>Small kitchen appliances.</strong> Instead of range/oven using microwave, toaster oven and/or slow cooker can save up to 75% in power costs. Plus kitchen stays cooler too. </li> <li><font color="#ff8080"><b>√</b></font><strong>Electric teapot or microwave</strong> for quick boiling water. </li> </ul> <p><strong>Washer/Dryer</strong></p> <ul> <li><font color="#ff8080"><b>√</b></font><strong>Wash clothes in cold water, dry full loads</strong>. Clean dryer lint filter after each load, stop dryer just as clothes are dry. Line dry when/if possible. </li> </ul> </blockquote> <h5><font color="#ff6633">Hot water</font></h5> <blockquote> <p><strong>Hot Water Tank</strong></p> <ul> <li><font color="#ff8080"><b>√</b></font><strong>Water temperature.</strong> Set to 120 degrees. <em><font color="#ff8080">We checked the temperature and turned it down from 125 to 120 degrees.</font></em> </li> </ul> <p><strong>Shower heads and faucet aerators</strong></p> <ul> <li><font color="#ff8080"><b>√</b></font><strong>Water-saving shower heads and faucet aerators</strong> can reduce electricity costs for a family of 4 by $250 annually. <em><font color="#ff8080">Our landlord already provided water-saving (restricting) showerheads and faucet aerators.</font></em> </li> </ul> <p><strong>Showering</strong></p> <ul> <li><font color="#ff8080"><b>√</b></font><strong>Shower instead of bathe. </strong>Taking a shower instead of a bath uses less water and energy. <em><font color="#ff8080">Except when one of us want the luxury of a bath with bubbles, candles, wine and full relaxation.</font></em> </li> </ul> <p><strong>Dishes</strong></p> <ul> <li><font color="#ff8080"><b>√</b></font><strong>Washing by hand.</strong> When washing dishes by hand use a basin filled with hot soapy water. Rinse with cold water. <em><font color="#ff8080">We don't have a dishwasher in our apartment.</font></em> </li> <li><strong>Dishwasher.</strong> Wash full loads. Let dishes air dry. </li> </ul> </blockquote> <p>We did all of the things we could do and began to see savings almost immediately. The electricity bill was almost cut in half. I'm dazed and amazed. Show my roommate the electric bill.</p> <p>We jump, slap palms in a high five, start dancing and singing (to the song 'Jump for Your Love' by the Pointer Sisters)...</p> <blockquote> <p>I'll take you down, I'll take you down <br />Where no one's ever gone before <br />And if you want more, if you want more <br />More, more, more <br />Jump feel my touch <br />Jump in and you'll go down <br />Jump I turn you down and my wallet feels alright <br />Jump, jump feel my touch</p> </blockquote> <p>We reduced our carbon footprint again. I'm happier. My wallet is happier and the earth is happier too. Whoo Hoo!!! </p> <h6></h6> <p>A couple of links: <br /><a href="http://hes.lbl.gov/">http://hes.lbl.gov/</a> <br /><a href="http://www.10money.com/electric.htm">http://www.10money.com/electric.htm</a></p> Bonnee Klein Gilliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03066847619881682939noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668868197712892357.post-48639264656436391112008-06-19T09:20:00.003-07:002008-06-19T09:37:44.964-07:00Ichy Scratchy Sneezies<span style="font-family:arial;">I've never been the sickly type. But for the last couple of years I've had Itchy Scratchy Sneezies. Once in a while I'm covered in bumps. My skin itches, eyes are itchy, red and watery, nose runny and I'm sneezing. I'm just generally miserable.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />My artist friend came by for a visit, saw the state I was in and said, "Allergies." I reply, "Me! Can't be. Must be stress. Hives! Need antihistamine." My friend said, "I've got allergies and take Zyrtec and/or Benadryle. Just happen to have some you can try." "What are they?" I asked. "Powerful antihistamines" he replied. Tried one, then the other. Dried me out. Didn't touch the Itchy Scratchy Sneezies. And I felt weird too. The next door neighbor dropped by, he recommended Quercetin, a natural supplement. I thought "Natural smatural! If super Zyrtec or Benadryle had no effect... that sure won't work." He handed me a bottle and said, "A friend of mine had itchy eyes, it helped him. Give it a try."<br /><br />Quercetin helped. Drastically. Told him so and thanked him profusely. Now a bottle lives on the kitchen counter. Temporary relief!<br /><br />My gardener friend called said she's upset about something called terminator seeds, GMO's and cross pollination. What ever that is? Said she's concerned that crops downwind will damage her seeds forever. Yea Right! Like something downwind can do anything to your seed. Bunch of hooey. Grunted acknowledgement at her. She then started talking about GMO's, and never being able to trust seed producers again. I sighed. Get out the violins, let's have a pity party! Like seed producers would do that. Right! Bunch o' crap, that's what it is! Said she knew GM corn and soy beans were in the products we consume and she'd never knowingly buy them. Why not, geez!<br /><br />Enter a new organic, veggie, earth friendly room mate sometime soon after that conversation. One morning I made breakfast for us. Opened a can of grapefruit sections. Scrambled some eggs and buttered some rye toast. When it's served up my roommate looks at the grapefruit, pushes it across the table and says, "You want mine?" I ask her, "Why? You don't like grapefruit?" She replies, "I do but that contains corn syrup. I don't eat that." I say, "Oh?" Here comes some cockamamie story. She says, "Corn syrup is made mostly from genetically modified corn (GMO). It's bad for us and the environment." How could food be bad for us or the environment?<br /><br />I've heard that somewhere. Oh yea my gardener friend. So I Google it... GM or GMOs. First webpage said </span><a href="http://www.biosafety-info.net/article.php?aid=267"><span style="font-family:arial;">75% of genetically modified (GM) crops worldwide are engineered to tolerate glyphosate, with Monsanto's Roundup brand holding the biggest market share.</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> Went to monsanto.com read </span><a href="http://monsanto.com/products/benefits/biotechnology.asp"><span style="font-family:arial;">8.25 million farmers – 90 percent of whom farm in developing countries – choose to plant biotech crops</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">. </span><a href="http://monsanto.com/products/benefits/biotechnology.asp"><span style="font-family:arial;">Farmers have decreased pesticide applications by 172,000 metric tons.</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span><a href="http://monsanto.com/products/benefits/biotechnology.asp"><span style="font-family:arial;">GM crops benefit the environment and conserve natural habitat for wildlife.</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> Kept reading. </span><a href="http://www.monsanto.com/features/how_roundup_works.asp"><span style="font-family:arial;">It is glyphosate’s ability to translocate to the growing root and shoot tissues - where it shuts down growth - that makes it useful for killing not only annual weeds, but perennial weeds as well.</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> Ability to translocate means it is a systemic so it goes everywhere throughout the plant. Ok. Continued reading. </span><a href="http://www.monsanto.com/products/brands.asp"><span style="font-family:arial;">The Roundup Ready® seeds contain in-plant tolerance to Roundup® agricultural herbicides, allowing growers to spray Roundup agricultural herbicides to kill the weeds without harming the crop. Roundup Ready varieties provide unsurpassed weed control, proven crop safety and maximum yield potential. Many Roundup Ready products are stacked with other traits such as Bollgard and YieldGard to add insect protection.</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> Good right? It means spraying less pesticides and herbicides. Which is good for the environment. Continued reading. </span><a href="http://www.monsanto.com/products/benefits.asp"><span style="font-family:arial;">Consumer benefits are advantages such as increased protein, healthier oils or carbohydrate enhancements</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">. </span><a href="http://www.monsanto.com/responsibility/stewardship.asp"><span style="font-family:arial;">Product Stewardship Safety: The legal, ethical and moral obligations to ensure our products and technologies are safe and environmentally responsible.</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> That's great. Healthier food that's better for us. Products that are safe. A company that is environmentally responsible. Sounds almost too good to be true. </span><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Searched deeper. Another website. </span><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Monsanto_and_the_Roundup_Ready_Controversy"><span style="font-family:arial;">The study – carried out over the past three years at the University of Kansas in the US grain belt – has found that GM soya produces about 10 per cent less food than its conventional equivalent</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">. If that's true it would lessen the available crop yields not increase them. Hunger would worsen. Hum! I continue to read. </span><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Monsanto_and_the_Roundup_Ready_Controversy"><span style="font-family:arial;">Last week the biggest study of its kind ever conducted – the International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development – concluded that GM was not the answer to world hunger</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">. Humm. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Another page says </span><a href="http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/messages/200703.docu.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">a team of scientists led by Gilles-Eric Séralini have produced a peer-reviewed scientific paper stating that their statistical analysis shows significant levels of liver and kidney damage in some rats fed with MON863...</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">. MON863 is a GM crop. Another page says </span><a href="http://www.non-gm-farmers.com/news_print.asp?ID=486"><span style="font-family:arial;">In the recent case of the GM forage maize, Chardon LL, the herbicide used was glufosinate, a neurotoxin and a teratogen (ie it damages embryos). What is particularly worrying is that there seems to be a 10 per cent reconversion rate of the degraded herbicide back to the original toxic form in the gut.</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> Hum that means it gets more toxic after it enters the body. Not good. </span><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Continued deeper </span><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Monsanto_and_the_Roundup_Ready_Controversy"><span style="font-family:arial;">In fact, while Roundup and similar products were originally used against weeds, 'they have become a food product, since they are used on GMOs, which can absorb them without dying,' maintains the biochemist Gilles-Eric Séralini. A member of the French Commission on Biomolecular Genetics (CBG).</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> A herbicidal food product? Kept reading </span><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Monsanto_and_the_Roundup_Ready_Controversy"><span style="font-family:arial;">From the Centre for Agriculture and Environment. "Residues of the commonly-used herbicide glyphosate have been found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. Residues can be detected long after glyphosate treatments have been made. Lettuce, carrots and barley planted a year after glyphosate treatment contained residue at harvest"</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> Yuck! That's a disgusting thought. </span><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Searched further. </span><a href="http://www.thiele-und-thiele-consult.de/press/the-full-catastrophy-of-agrobiotechnology_us.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">"The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods" With input from more than 30 scientists over two years, presents 65 health risks of GM foods and why current safety assessments are not competent to protect us from most of them. </span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Whoa. Why are they still grown? Read another page. </span><a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/53122.php"><span style="font-family:arial;">The potential of genetically engineered foods to cause allergic reactions in humans is a big reason for opposition to such crops.</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> Lights start flashing, things begin clicking... OMG. I'm having major allergic reactions which I've never had before could it be the GMOs I didn't even know I was eating? And another website exclaimed. </span><a href="http://enhs.umn.edu/5103/gm/measure.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">GMO’s are present in approximately 70% of processed foods and have been consumed widely in the U.S. since 1996 (GEO-PIE, 2002</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">). The </span><a href="http://www.truefoodnow.org/shoppersguide/guide_printable.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">list of products containing GM</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> foods were staggering. </span><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Frustrated, I start singing, "I can't get no... satisfaction. And I've got a... food reaction."<br /><br />My roommate asks me why I'm sitting at my desk singing about no satisfaction. Told her what I discovered in my online search. Said, "I'm helpless. It's hopeless. The foods I eat are full of GMOs from ketchup and cookies to soup and even spaghetti sauce. There's nothing left to eat. What will I dooooo. May be allergic to GMs. I'm gonna die in itchy-scratchy agony. I just know it. Oh whoa is me!"<br /><br />She said, "Stop silly. You can go all organic. You're halfway there already." I say "Organic is so expensive I can't afford to eat it. Bwahah!" She hands me a kleenex saying, "Here dry your eyes, stop crying. It's not hopeless, just a change in lifestyle. You can buy locally grown produce. And organic products don't cost THAT much more. Besides if eating organic food stops your itchies it'd be cheaper than a visit to the doctor or hospital." Dried my eyes, sniffed. Better than a poke in the eye. Ah huh! Replied, "Logical Ms. Spock." She counters, "Nowhere am I so desperately needed as among a planet-full of illogical humans." We smile at each other and break into laughter.<br /><br />EPIPHANY 1 - Quercetin = less itchy-scratchy sneezies<br />EPIPHANY 2 - Organic products = no itchy-scratchy sneezies<br /><br />I'm happy, my body is happy, the planet is happier too. Makes sense. Back to basics the way it used to be. Still get itchy-scratchy sneezies once in a while 'cause I can't stop myself from an occasional sinful meal out.<br /><br />Strummin' an air guitar singing...<br /><br />Oh yeah, just call me Mrs. Organic<br />Just as healthy as I can be<br />But sometimes I'm a junk food junkie<br />Good lord have pity on me<br /></span><br /><br /></span>Bonnee Klein Gilliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03066847619881682939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668868197712892357.post-22694644303398609682008-06-12T06:54:00.003-07:002008-06-12T08:37:17.921-07:00Bloated Bulging Belly<span style="font-family:arial;">I've got a Bloated, Bulging Belly. It's getting bigger and bigger. No matter what I do... how much I change my diet or exercise. My belly still bulges. It's an epidemic. I've caught some strange disease. I know it. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Fast food... forget it. Micki D's, KFChicken Lickin or Taco (no hundred $) Bell, can't eat it. Haven't visited a fast food joint, oh since the early-90s. Used to love an Egg McMuffin, and hash browns; original recipe meal, coleslaw and mashed potatoes or a chicken taco. It's different now. Not just don't want, can't bring myself too. Strange.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Eat out elsewhere from time to time. Abandon half the food. More often then not leave billowing. Beginning to bloat like a great balloon. A parade float. Blowing up, bigger and bigger until I feel like I'll just float away. Quick somebody grab my feet! Can't wear a belt. I depart the house with baggy pants, eat, then literally have to peel my pants off. Sigh!!! I'm resigned to wearing elastic waistbands. My grandmother wore elastic, for cripes sakes.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This got me wondering about food generally. Stopped buying Sara Lee, Banquet, Doritos, and Oreos. Read labels. Buy food with less stuff in it. Less is more. Should be good for you. Noticing... feel better at home, no bloating. Eliminated transfat, chemicals and preservatives. Stopped drinking Coke and am cooking more from scratch, mostly veggie dishes, light on the meat. Became ovo-lacto vegetarian for 5 years, but still excess poundage. Wondering.... what's the deal Lucille? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">So I'm still a little plump. Ok I look preggers. My belly almost reaches my boobs. But hey I'm alive right? Gotta celebrate! Live! Enjoy life! Instead of dread and diet. I began buying full fat, cream top yogurt, real sweet cream butter and whole milk cheeses. For the taste of it. No Atkin's Diet for me. Complete, balanced meals with full fat. What a luxury. It was so satisfying I ate less. But the Bloated Bulging Belly remained. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">One day my neighbor brought me a gallon of Horizon organic milk. He said, "Thought you'd like to try this, it doesn't have rBGHs or antibiotics." I said, "rBG what?" He replied, "Hormones so cows make more milk. Most dairy products have them." "Huh. Thanks." I grunted. Hormo nees! Like I care. I poured a cup. It tasted just like I remember getting from the glass bottle at my Gran Gran's house as a child. Sweet, rich and creamy. Got rid of my evaporated canned milk and began using Horizon for my tea, coffee and cooking too. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">It tasted so good I even had a hot milk before bed. Never thought I would EVER do THAT! My artist friend commented, "Hot milk at night? My Bubbie did that. You getting OOOLLLDDD. Oy!" We laughed. I poured a little milk for him and said, "Don't knock it till you try it buddy. No Hormo nees. It's organic." He pushed his palm toward me adamantly and said, "Don't wanna'! Won't drink it, can't make me! No organic! Never! Too expensive! Besides I like testosterone baby." I say, "rrr bee gee Hormo nees." He replies, "gee what?" I say, "Growth." He retorts, "Growth is gooood." Patting my bulging belly I say, "No more, got enough." We roll our eyes and laugh at each other.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Changed my butter, cream cheese and yogurt to organic too. I noticed in a couple of months that my bulging belly began to not bulge quite so much. Could cow hormonees effect humans like that? Nah, couldn't be. Called a gardener friend, told her about my pondering. About a month later she called me saying, "Connect the dots... holds true for me too! Ate 40 Tillamook individual yogurts this month. Gained 14 pounds. Last month I ate much more plain full fat Mountain High and actually lost weight. If it's not the hormones it's something else." She looked at the label on a Tillamook yogurt she was eating, it contained modified corn starch and pectin among other things. Mountain High isn't certified organic but it only contains milk and cultures. Could the other ingredients also have something to do with it too? Naaa... </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">EPIPHANY - No hormones = less bulge. Plus, organic milk tastes better too. Whoo Hoo! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Seems Dr. Weil agrees with me too. In his newsletter sent 6-11-08 he says: "<em>Organic Cattle Make Better Milk - new study indicates that organic farmers who let their cows graze as nature intended are on the right track, as their cows produce better quality milk. The results are in the current online issue of the Journal of Science of Food and Agriculture</em>."<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I'm bobbing my head, clappin' my hands, chantin', " </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Don't give me no pop, no pop</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Don't give me no lem on ade</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Just give me that milk, </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">moo, moo, moo, moo</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Organic milk</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">moo, moo, moo, moo </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I tried other organic products. I'm on a roll. A can of beans. Jar of jelly. Some soup. A frozen thing. Sometimes they were great, sometimes not so good. Par for the course. Buy what's good. Say by-by to rest. When mood strikes, try something new. But still balk at the cost of organic produce. Have always bought local when available. I'm happy, my shrinking belly is happy and the earth is better for it too. </span>Bonnee Klein Gilliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03066847619881682939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668868197712892357.post-9547749947853394572008-06-05T08:07:00.005-07:002008-06-05T08:26:06.624-07:00Raunchy Rotten Roaches<span style="font-family:arial;">Roaches.... darn! I saw a couple the other day. Where there's one you can bet there's a slue more. Scurrying across the floor or up the walls. They're elusive buggers. Only come out at night. Mostly. In Arizona we have 'em as big as shot glasses, flying slow and steady.... humming 'Nanny nanny boo boo you can't catch me' as they fly by. Arrogant bugs! We've got 'em in all sizes too, from little bitty one's to those flying shot glasses. Raunchy Rotten Roaches!</span> <div><span style="font-family:arial;"><div><br />My roommate interrupts my mental enumerating saying, "Eeooww, gross! There's a roach in my bathroom. I couldn't get it with my bug cup. It was too fast and ran under the floor board." Squirming she says,"They really creep me out." She ran into her bedroom. Pulled out what looked like a bundle of weeds. Lit it and started filling the house with smoke. I said, " Whoa! What in tarnation are you up to? What IS that stuff?" She said, "It's a sage smudge stick. There is negative energy associated with roaches." I say, "A sage what stick? Negative what?" She continues, "I'm cleaning the space. Lifting the energy." I retort, "Just cleaned the other day. More likely, you're smoking us out." She just smiled. When the job was done and house full of smoke she said, "Ah, there that feels better." </div><div><br />Coughing I say, "Ah yeah, thanks?" As I'm walking to open the doors and windows to air the place out, a particularly large roach zooms by. I say, "Duck and cover. Roach at 3:00." My roommate grabs her bug cup running after it. I'm ducking... she's jumping, we collide landing in a pile on the floor. Boy that was fun. We look at each other and start laughing hysterically. </div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NgClXC3qHaA/SEgD5tuZsGI/AAAAAAAAABM/F5fIRxi_sl4/s1600-h/osage-oranges1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208417259115622498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NgClXC3qHaA/SEgD5tuZsGI/AAAAAAAAABM/F5fIRxi_sl4/s320/osage-oranges1.jpg" border="0" /></a>I say, "Ok, ok there's got to be a better way." I rack my brain. Somewhere back there I have a memory. Flash! Right, my grandmother. Triumphantly I say, "Monkey balls!" My roommate gasps, "Monkey Balls! I won't have anything to do with animal products! No. Nope. Not!!!" Laughing I say, "No. Not animals... hedge apples! Osage Oranges, also known as 'Monkey Balls' in my neck of the woods. Work great for roaches. They grow on a tree and there just happens to be one down the street. Let's go for a walk." She says, "Oh? Whew! OK." </div><div><br />We gather up a whole mess of monkey balls and put them in our handy canvas totes. Back at the house we put a couple of the fruit in each room and one in each closet. Within a day or so we were roachless. And not just roachless; mostly spiderless, cricketless, flealess, knatless, flyless and mosquitoless too. They all skittered out of the house faster than slick lightening. </div><div><br />EPIPHANY: Most insects can't stand monkey balls. </div><div><br />Thanks Gran Gran, I remembered what you did to keep bugs at bay. What a great idea! Another earth, people, animal and bug friendly solution.</div><div><br /><em>Tips:</em> Osage Oranges ripen in July and will last 2 - 3 months in air-conditioning. For best effectiveness throw away after most of the green has disappeared. Sometimes they continue working even after they have completely dried out. If you don't have a tree near you, you can purchase them at: <a href="http://hedgeapple.com/">http://hedgeapple.com/</a></span> </div></div>Bonnee Klein Gilliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03066847619881682939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668868197712892357.post-29672081299723218602008-05-29T06:19:00.004-07:002008-05-29T17:36:02.136-07:00Befuddled by Burgeoning Bag Bedlam<span style="font-family:arial;">I've got burgeoning bags, sacks, pokes. Plastic or paper I keep 'em both. Never know when you might need one. Used to store the plastic ones inside the paper, 'til I bought one of those pretty cloth bag dispensers at the crafts fair last year. What a great idea, organized storage and easy access too! But the bags multiply faster than I can use them. So now it's buried under piles of bags; can't even see a corner of it. Wonder to myself "Why'd I buy that thing? What was I thinking?" </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />The other day, I brought a load of groceries home. Put 'em away. Gathered up all the bags, opened the closet door and bags started jumping out. Picked 'em up, wad 'em into a tight ball, opened the door, shoved, then closed it fast. I swear, these befuddling bags are like bunnies doing some strange mating ritual night and day... ever burgeoning. Seems like they're having a party in there. Creating bedlam. Pushin' on the door, trying to get out and find another place to multiply. I'm Befuddled by Burgeoning Bag Bedlam.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />My roommate watching this drama unfold, pulls out her collection of canvas totes, mesh and string shopping bags . And says to me, "Ever considered totes?" I reply, "Totes?" Looking over the collection of bags in her hands I say, "Canvas totes? I'm not planning a trip, just buying groceries. I use paper or plastic." She opens the closet door and lots of plastic shopping bags tumble down on her head and she says, "Let's recycle these." I reply, "I might need 'em for garbage or storage or something." She says, 'Let's keep some and recycle the rest." I think to myself, "I've got a closet full. A few is all I need. But, but, but... I might need 'em for something. You just never know. They come in handy." I've got a duolouge going on in my head. Those befuddling bags are using mind control. Beaming me, 'Keep them all. You'll need them'. Why else would I think I have to keep a closet full of bags? Uncomfortably I sigh and give an affirmative nod.<br /><br />We gather them up and head to the recycling center. On the way, we notice thousands of plastic bags strewn everywhere... along the road side, in the median, even in the forest on both sides of the road. Divide and conquer. I can hear them whispering, 'Resistance is futile', like the Borg, and we are a lesser life-form. I say, "The bags are multiplying under our noses, overtaking the world." My roommate says, "If we recycle or stop using them altogether, there won't be any to take over." I reply, "You mean, prove our superior intelligence." Laughing she says, "Exactly."<br /><br />On our way home we stopped at the grocery store for a few things. When we pulled out our canvas totes the cashier deducted $.05 for each plastic bag we didn't use. Wow! How cool is that! Save the environment and a bit of cash too.<br /><br />EPIPHANY: Stop the plastic invasion, use canvas totes and save a few cents.<br /><br />Another problem solved. Now all I have to do is figure out what to do with that pretty cloth bag dispenser.</span><br /><br /></span>Bonnee Klein Gilliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03066847619881682939noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668868197712892357.post-28435380538493883372008-05-24T06:57:00.004-07:002008-05-28T09:47:26.669-07:00Wild Weird Weather Wonderings<span style="font-family:arial;">We've been having really weird weather. I live in the high desert. It's been colder then usual this year and winder too. And May, whoa... stranger than I ever remember. Started off down right frigid. Warmed up to darn cold. Got sweltering hot for a day or two, then back down... brrrrr, cold. I'm wondering, "Do I leave the windows open or close them? Cover the plants? Water them? What? Do I wear a sweater, jeans and jacket? Or tank top and shorts?" My body isn't adjusting. My plants are in shock. It's crazy confused! Seems nothing is normal anymore. The other day heard someone say, "Normal? What's that?"<br /><br />Got me wondering, "Know what I feel, but what's real? What's actual?" So I looked online at weather.com. The experts say the averages for May are high 87F and low 47F. Average means, normal, right? The actual temperatures for the first 2 days in May, 54F high and 23F low. Wow that's sure not normal. The 3rd through the 9th it warmed up a wee bit to highs in the mid-60s, lows 22F to 35F with lots of wind. That fits with what I felt... frigid. I know, I know it isn't that cold. But hey, when you're acclimatized to Arizona hot, that feels like the Arctic North. And it's May, it's supposed to be hot already!<br /><br />May 10th and 11th warmed up to 71F; the 12th was 65F with lots of wind. The 13th was only 48F and it rained. Feels like a weather see saw... up, down, up, down. 14th thru 16th were in the low to mid 60s again with more wind. The 17th was 74F, then it warmed up closer to normal in the low to mid 80s the 18th thru the 20th. The 19th the thermometer on my porch read 100F. I remember 'cause the past couple of days I'd been sitting on the porch enjoying a Sangria and watching the golfers drive by and that day was so hot I stayed inside. I was surprised it was only 84F. The 21st cooled down again to 65F. Geez!<br /><br />On the 22 we drove to Flagstaff. As we rounded the top of the hill it began snowing lightly. I'm pleasantly surprised and shocked. Snow in late May? In Arizona? My roommate calls a friend and reports this anomaly to her voice mail. It snowed lightly all day. We wore our heaviest jackets to keep warm. Glad I keep mine in the car, didn't start out wearing one. We started home after dark. I was driving. It's now snowing so hard I can't see the road. We pass under a flashing yellow sign that says, "Warning, winter driving conditions." I think to myself, "Really! I never would have noticed. I'm in weather hell, I know it."<br /><br />A bit befuddled, I say to my roommate, "What's going on?" She replies, 'I'd guess it's the result of greenhouse gas emissions. You know... global warming.' I think to myself, "Yea, the latest buzz word" and say, 'Seems more like global cooling to me.' She says, "Temperatures have generally been going up for a while now, and worldwide weather weirdness like this have been occurring more frequently." "Hunh!" I grunt.<br /><br />Got me wondering some more. So I looked online for weather weirdness around the globe. I was in awe of what I found. Seems we've got a bad case of global warming. But the experts don't all agree. Do I believe the experts or my own eyes? I'm in a quandary.<br /><br />I tell my roommate, "We've got global warming! It's huge! I can't change it!" She says, "Yes you can... the solution begins at home. Change your carbon footprint." I reply, "Carbon foot print? Last time I looked there was no carbon on my feet." My roommate laughs and says, "No silly." I say, "Need to wash my feet? What?" She says, "No just change your impact. Lessen your output. You know like walk, bike or drive a hybrid. Buy products that are energy efficient. Look into what you can do then do it. You make a difference. It all starts with you."<br /><br />EPIPANY: I make a difference. Less output means a cleaner world.<br /><br />We dance around the house singing (to the song Revolution by the Beatles)...<br /><br />'We say we want to change pollution!<br />Well you know.<br />We all want to change the world.<br />We'll tell you that there is a solution.<br />Well, you know.<br />We all want to change the world.<br />But when you talk about obstruction.<br />Don't you know that you can count me out.<br />Don't you know it starts with me.... alright. alright, alright, alright.'<br /><br />Come on, everybody sing....<br /><br /><p><span style="font-size:85%;">A few links:</ br><br /></span><a href="http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/2008/may/hazards.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">NOAA Weather Hazards/Climate Extremes May 2008</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.climatecrisis.net/"><span style="font-size:85%;">An Inconvenient Truth</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span>Bonnee Klein Gilliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03066847619881682939noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668868197712892357.post-11216469723576163062008-05-15T09:40:00.008-07:002008-05-27T08:58:38.433-07:00Annoying Ant Anomaly - an Epiphany<span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;">Ants... UGH!!! They're climbing up my walls, marching steadfastly across the kitchen counter, around the sink, right to the sugar bowl. Each Annoying Ant picks up a grain of sugar and halls it away... then another, and another, and another. At this rate they'll steal all of my sweet stuff by night fall. The little thieves blatantly parade through my house, single file like a living cargo train.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;">They send out scouts too, to see what else is ripe for the pickin' and find my cats food. Working feverishly on their treasure trove they dismantle it piece by crunchy delicious piece. Then attack my cat for taking a share of their find. Those greedy buggers!!! We're being robbed blind right in front of our eyes. Annoying, ungrateful, rude Ants. They must think this is their house. Enough already!!! I run to the cupboard and pull out my trusty poison friend, Raid Ant and Roach Killer to rid myself of this Annoying Ant Anomaly. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;"><br />My organic, veggie, earth friendly roommate gasps in horror and says, 'Wait! Stop! Don't spray that toxic stuff in our home. They are living beings, don't kill them, think of the karma'. Thoroughly annoyed, I say, 'Karma, schmarma. I want 'em gone now.' She says, 'Use Cinnamon.' I reply, 'Cinnamon? I'm not baking a batch of cookies, I'm trying to get rid of pests, Raid always works for that.' She takes the can of Raid from me and throws it in the a box destined for toxic waste disposal.<br /><br />Then goes to the spice rack, grabs a bottle of ground cinnamon and begins sprinkling it in a thin ring around the sugar bowl and cat dish leaving a little break in each. I said, 'What are you doing?' She replies, 'It's a doorway so the ones inside can get out.' Making a coughing noise I say under my breath, 'Uh huh a door right. Why didn't I think of that, duh!' We both smiled looked at each other, then at the ants.<br /><br />The ants reaction was amazing... within moments they began running back and forth, freaking out. I could almost hear them screaming, 'This is wrong! This is so wrong! It's bad! It's real bad! Gotta' get out now!' My roommate closes the cinnamon circle. Then she takes an index card begins lifting out the confused ants left inside and takes them outdoors. Talking to them all the while. She tells them how nice they are, but they don't belong inside the house because it is so much nicer and safer outside. I must be loosing my freakin' mind!!! I'm hearing ants! And what is she doing! Did I hear her talking to them? Does she really think there is any use in that. They are ants for goodness sake!<br /><br />When all ants are carefully extricated from the house, she sprinkles cinnamon across the threshold and in front of a spot where they might have entered the house. She says, 'Just to make sure they don't get any more ideas'.<br /><br />Well huh, who woulda' thunk...<br /><br />EPIPHANY... Ants Hate Cinnamon!<br /><br />I'm amazed and sold. It's an earth, human and bug friendly solution to the Annoying Ant Anomaly.</span>Bonnee Klein Gilliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03066847619881682939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668868197712892357.post-60753902136223319842008-05-08T08:10:00.012-07:002008-05-27T08:57:30.341-07:00‘Smelly Sponge Syndrome’ – an epiphany<span style="font-family:arial;">My kitchen sponge smells. I do one sink full of dishes and wham… the next day I’ve got a smelly sponge. New sponge or not, it makes little difference. I’ve heard that nuking it for 1 minute makes it all fresh again. So I started nuking it after each washing… and even put a wedge of lemon in with it, which helped a bit. I’ve thrown it in the washing machine too… but I don’t ever remember having to work so bloody hard to keep my sponge clean and fresh. GEE!<br /><br />I’m a wee bit of a ponderer, so this quandary began a wondering. Now I have to fess up that I’m 54 this May so I’ve been around awhile and done my fair share of dirty dishes. Not that, that matters much in the overall. I’ve mostly been using Dawn to ‘Power Away my Grease’. But you know, it’s only in the last 10 years or so that I’ve noticed the stink wafting from my dish sponge. As my trusted Dawn kept getting more and more concentrated and Powerful the time to spongy odorousness became shorter.<br /><br />Today my trusted friend Dawn is Ultra Concentrated with ‘Bleach Alternative’ whatever that is? And it now takes as little as 1 night for Ultra Awful Sponge Smelliness. Boy oh howdy, Dawn must be like sweet ambrosia to bacteria and germs. Seems the harder we try to kill the buggers the bigger and badder they get. I was resigned to the daily nuking of my sponge… for the rest of my life.<br /><br />Enter a new roommate… an organic veggie, earth friendly type. She put a half used bottle of Earth Friendly, almond scented, Dishmate on the counter. I pick it up, turn it around and read the label. Then scoff and say to myself, ‘Yeah, like that’s gonna Power away the grease from these dishes, humpf!’ She then threw away my smelly sponge and put out a new one. I thought, ‘Hey, I just put that out last week, its still good just needs to be nuked again.’<br /><br />Over the next week I used Dawn mostly and a little Dishmate. Then started to use only Dishmate… the dishes were sparkling clean and the sponge always smelled fresh the next day. As an experiment I used Dawn one day and whamo… immediately back to Smelly Sponge Syndrome.<br /><br />EPIPHANY… Smelly sponge Dawn; sweet smelling sponge Dishmate.<br /><br />Amazing!!! I’m dancing around the house with the sponge in hand, singing, ‘I’m so excited, I just can’t hide it… and I know, I know, I know I like it, like it!!!’<br /><br />My roommate asked why I was so excited, I told her about my amazing discovery and she said, ‘Isn’t it great and better for the environment too.’ My life being slave to smelly sponge was over and I’m reborn with a new environmental consciousness.Bonnee Klein Gilliganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03066847619881682939noreply@blogger.com0