January 28, 2009
· Filed under environment, humor · Tagged Energy Star, environment, Super Bowl, TV
people watching Stupor Bowl
I just read this article at: http://www.care2.com/causes/global-warming/blog/watching-the-super-bowl-on-a-plasma-tv-youre-contributing-to-global-warming/
about the added energy usage that the huge plasma TVs create.
In fact, Britain’s paper “The Independent” recently reported that “A big plasma model could use four times as much electricity and be responsible for the emission of four times as much carbon dioxide as the biggest CRT; they now account for twice as much as a fridge-freezer.”
The rest of the article explains how California is ready to ban the sale of plasma TV’s by 2013.
So, if anyone is thinking of buying a new TV for the Stupor Bowl, please consider that the new LCD TVs offer a clear picture and great color with less energy usage.
(Buy energy star appliances whenever possible.)
On the lookout for more articles relating to TVs and the environment………….
Over and out,
Diane
January 22, 2009
· Filed under environment · Tagged Austin, environment, green biz, greener buildings
Huge Garbage Pile
I read this in my GreenBiz newsletter and wanted to applaud the cities that are doing something about our overstuffed landfills!
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Austin Adopts ‘Zero-Waste’ Plan
By GreenBiz Staff
January 19, 2009
Austin seeks to go “zero waste or darn near” it according to drafters of the proposal adopted by the city.
The city has committed to reducing per capita solid waste sent to landfills and incinerators by 20 percent by 2012 and diverting 90 percent by 2040.
The resolution unanimously approved by the Austin City Council on Thursday lays out a framework to work toward the goals.
Austin’s solid waste strategic plan was more than a year in the making.
The city is the first in Texas to adopt a “zero-waste” policy. The cities of San Francisco and Seattle also aggressive policies to reduce solid waste.
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Source URL: http://www.greenerbuildings.com/news/2009/01/19/austin-adopts-zero-waste-plan
January 15, 2009
· Filed under environment, recycling · Tagged books, CURVES, eco-friendly, environment, Pasadena, recycle, recycling, The Bone Peddlar
old books
Personally, I collect books. Most of the time when I get rid of a book, I’ll need it ten seconds later and I’m angry at myself for letting it go.
But, eventually reality sets in, and having only so much room for bookshelves, once they are crammed to overflowing I know I have to get rid of some of them.
Painful as that may be, at least I don’t let them go to waste.
I give books I no longer read or use to friends and family, and leave my environmental magazines in the lobbies of doctor’s offices, coffee shops (if they have a book/magazine rack), donate them to libraries that sell used books (to help out their budget), and leave interesting magazines in beauty shops, or anywhere else I see people hang out.
A few local stores also buy back books, so I run them by and see if I can get my gas money back for the trip!
A friend of mine is involved in several children’s programs and I save the colorful magazines for their art projects, and the local daycare centers always need them for art projects.
I use old calendars (that often have stunning photos on each month) to wrap small presents and gifts during the year.
We have a cool program at my exercise club, CURVES of Pasadena, we bring in books we don’t want and borrow new ones we want to read. I’ve been introduced to some of the oddest little reading selections this way, like a book I read entitled “The Bone Peddlar”.
Remember, being eco-friendly basically amounts to being creative, and not wasting anything of value by recycling or reusing it.
January 5, 2009
· Filed under poetry · Tagged Diane Tegarden, poems, poetry, struggle
To Seek Again
by Diane Tegarden
04/13/90
Once it is said,
once it is spoken aloud,
you breathe life into a word,
and the word is created.
Once you know safety,
you can begin to explore.
You may walk a strange path,
and discover there’s life beyond the boundaries
of what you thought you knew.
Once you have traveled
and gained what you sought,
will you sit still for a life of contentment?
Will you let your mind settle into a dream?
Or will you question,
and seek again?
