back to the earth: part 2

as it was...

"the stones will cry out."

it was the first thought that crossed my mind as i stared at the fallen rocks all around me. imperfect formation and seemingly in the way, but nevertheless: my perspective felt flawless. i had hiked through tall grasses, brush, and dirt - only to come to a landscape of rocks that i had to climb over just to see a picturesque waterfall, a rushing creek...the destination of my journey.

the sun had grown quite warm and my skin welcomed the cool breeze in the air. slipping off my tennis shoes and stretching out my legs, i breathed in and out deeply, peacefully taking in the scene. and all i could find in my soul was that even the rocks reflected a Majestic Origin.

while the phrase refers to a rebuke made at self-righteous leaders, it is a reminder of the very Spirit behind all that is.

i was enthralled by stepping stones to the very rock i was perched on. the spring waters sprayed delicately over stones that dared stand in the way. it reminded me - even these were Created with purpose and pose. the green grasses and seaweed coming out of their crevices was a sign of beauty and life...exceeding limitations.

and then i realized...

"knowledge of season lit his face//but he seemed restless//what he said almost made sense//but from a distance."

there was something spiritual about this place, the quiet affirmation of worship. it was an awe of expression, a union of strength and beauty. the power of this position is more than words could express. it is the sound of the rushing stream, a fresh perspective -- complicated, gorgeous, surrounded by stone. i was taken by a foundation of the transition, evident changes, rocks that had fallen. 

((back to the earth: part 1))

Calling for Creative Earthlings

The celebration of Earth Day was commemorated on Wednesday, but the entire month of April is often overwhelmingly focused on "going green." Sure, it fits, it's Spring. Nevertheless, in my way of contribution, I will spend a few moments on a couple of "green" ideas that might be worth exploring in the world today. 

I do believe it's important for the human race to care for the Earth that we've been put charge over. But I think that it is in our best interest to do so creatively and with proper research. Ironically, what I observe is that many Americans in particular take up a cause without ever really bothering to look into what it is that they say they are for or against when it comes to the environment. Rather they take what they are handed and live with a perception that may not be entirely correct or perhaps it is acceptance out of fear. That leads me to my first "green" idea: 

**I want to knock out nuclear, b/c the more I learn about it, the more I'm convinced it is a viable solution for any immediate problems or needs concerning the "energy crisis."- Nuclear energy is not as dangerous as some think. One of the things that I've come to learn is that you can take medals, coal, stone or other substances and refine and refine them to the point where they become toxic or threatening- just as much as you can with nuclear power. But the truth is all substances come from the ground, and all of them give off radiation- even you- and of course nuclear power- which means fueling our economy on it- while it may have risks like any other method, isn't such a bad idea. Some of you may remember in a previous blog, I mentioned that 76% of energy in France comes from nuclear plants.The nuclear energy can not only be reused/recycled, but once it is no longer useful- buried into the ground, right back where it came from. Too Risky? So is the sun you stand in everyday. So are mines, coal plants etc. But with the proper precautions and a REALISTIC standards in relation to exposure, nuclear plants would be safer than driving by a coal one on the way to work everyday. I recommend you read THIS article from JUNK Science for continued thoughts. I am definitely NOT opposed to continuing research on Solar energy or water for that matter, however, I do think that this might be a good solution in more immediate days.

**On a lighter note: part of going green this year is also about saving money. We could always use a few extra bucks and there are certainly ways to do both. One of the ones I keep coming across is the use of tap water. We all grew up on it and did just fine. So there's no harm in eliminating water bottles. While it's great that companies will take recycled bottles and other products in order to turn them into other useful products...(such a carpets or t shirts), the waste itself is unnecessary. If you're worried about the taste, but a filter for the faucet or even a Brita water jug that you slip into the fridge. I have one at home and it makes getting my water for the day much more convenient. Not only that- but if you need to take water to work, but a reusable water bottle at Walmart or other local store and put it in your dishwasher when you're through. This is certainly and idea worth spending a little time on b/c it's amazing how much garbage we might improve on by one simple switch to tap water. 

While I've only discussed two ideas today- one on the heavier side of the issue, one on the easier/lighter side of the issues, I think it's important to maintain the simple fact that small, simple and creative ideas are the way to go. Ranting about it without facts or knowledge of the "green" earth doesn't get anyone anywhere- I'm not a fan of events like "Live Earth" concerts, or paying thousands for earthy conferences or even going "all organic"- mostly b/c I think they are unnecessary, but also because they don't actually accomplish anything. I came across this TED talk and I think it's worth listening to . The gentleman giving the three and half minute speech calls for creativity - and even shows how he's done it on his site: Doing the Green Thing . 

Happy Earth week or something like that, they say....

Prague, Nuclear and the Prez

President Barack Obama gave a speech early Sunday morning in Prague. It is a city that 20 years ago revolted against its mother government. Through peaceful protest; the Velvet Revolution became a grand stand against communism and birthed a new and free nation.

So, seemingly appropriate it was the first stop of the President's official European tour and in light of the North Korean rocket launch; he proceeded to introduce an anti-nuclear world. (If you missed it, you can view it HERE) But is a world without nuclear weapons and usage possible?

Noble idea, right? He even used his ol' campaign slogan to support his hope, "yes we can." Obama mentioned that countries without the tools to build a nuclear program will not receive them, countries with them will be told to begin disarmament, and all will have ability to access nuclear energy. He said that there would be rules- and that there would be "consequences" for those that broke the rules. He talked about North Korea fatal mistake in launching a rocket amid warnings from the international community. Obama mentioned that the "Cold War mindset" needed to change. He talked about talks and sanctions. Yes, it's true that he said he's not naive to think such a thing could happen quickly, however. But he still thinks "we can."

I don't think it's as possible as we'd like it to be. Why? Because a country w/ nuclear capabilities takes pride in it's sovereignty. And can you really allow a country to have nuclear capability for all use but weapons? North Korea is a prime example of countries that will ignore any international rules laid out for nuclear usage. And Obama did not propose what those punishments would be for ignoring sanctions and resolutions.

Then again, it's not impossible. Of course the question I have for Mr. President is: when will the U.S. start using nuclear energy? France runs it's country on 76% nuclear energy and the research has been shown that it's plausible.

What's your take on all this?

Peace Going Green

Despite a war in the Middle East, this is a breath of fresh air.

Eco Friendly, Eco Struggles

The other day, I read an article in National Geographic's Green Guide magazine that suggested ways to conserve on energy, save money and the environment. I am certainly a promoter of creative ways to go green, so I thought I would put my stamp on a few that just might be useful. 

~Update on the World~

The morning paper- the news that we live to love and hate....Green Guide suggested that we should read our morning news online rather than subscribing to the paper. Besides avoiding the paper boy breaking a window and looking like idiots in our underwear during the winter, reading the news online is an economically better suggestion and it's free! This is actually something I already do since I have to be constantly up to date on the latest in the world. It is also something my generation has ushered into the new millinium. We live in a technologically advanced world and newspapers are needing to follow the new age. 

~Coffee...Talk~

We all enjoy our morning and evening and...well anytime of day cups of coffee from Starbucks. Or perhaps, that fabulous hole in the wall coffee shop that makes french press; it's just delicious. But according to National Geographic; Americans throw away 16 billion paper cups per year!! It also stated that paper can be a terrible waste because of its decomposition. So why not invest in a steel thermos or other tricked out style and have Starbucks fill it up? Not only will it save a dollar or two on your daily fix (which, by the ways adds up tremendously), but it also will save the paper and keep your coffee warmer a bit longer. That's a great additive for me since work gets busy and I have to set my coffee down, by the time I get to it, it's gone cold. 

~Lunch Break~

Despite our growing busy schedules we still have to eat. One of the method's Green Guide offered was to use reusable containers and tin foil rather than paper bags. It also suggested taking your own silver ware rather than using plastic ware. This saves yet another tree and if you're not buying your lunch on a regular basis, a cheaper, healthier lifestyle.  I admit that I'm not always good about this. Frequently, I  just buy lunch as I don't want to take the time. But the magazine's suggestion is a fine one and certainly we can all benefit.

~Lights...Action!~

Turning out the lights when you leave the room can be easy to forget esp. when you're in and out all day long, but when if you're leaving the house or won't be revisiting the room, it's best to conserve the electrical energy. Green Guide emphasized this method and I agree that it's probably useful. 

Other Creative Alternatives~

1. Bamboo flooring instead of Maple or Oak (this is more of an investment into your home, not the simple easy way, but because I came across it, I am mentioning. I may discuss it more in another entry)

2. Newspaper as a retro alternative to wrapping paper (this is great esp. if you're just switching to online news, re-use that paper you'll probably end up throwing away).

3. Reusable coffee filter rather than paper filters. 

4. Power down your computers or put them to sleep when you're finished with them. 

The suggestions I've made are typically simple and can apply to your everyday. Can you think of any??

Abe Lincoln's Dripping in Oil

$4.09 a gallon. I frequently whine as I approach the gas pump. $30 later and I still only have three quarters of a tank (if that). It's a good thing I get 25-30 miles to the gallon in my little Civic. Flying anywhere is out of the question and people around the world want to blame government.

But on Monday; leaders gathered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for an Oil Summit. Gordon Brown was the only Western leader present. It seemed that the general concenus was more oil production. More supply to meet the demand.

What a novel idea. It seems to me they discussed standard economics.

Granted; Brown was quickly ridiculed for suggesting the Middle Eastern oil companies, like OPEC and others, invest their "illions" of dollars into creating oil refineries in the West and thereby allowing those countries to also invest in the market.

The Saudi kingdom has committed to increasing their oil production from 9 million barrels to 9.7 million barrels by the end of July and up to 12 million barrels by the end of 2009. They even encouraged OPEC to invest their assests in other nations.

But OPEC maintained- the supply is enough. Nor did the commitment from Saudi Arabia settle everyone.

And the conclusion to the potentially useful summit? Well after a number of disagreements and criticisms, among leaders, particularly on the cause of the prices, they'll meet again this year and talk about it.

Both the U.K. and China have said that not only do they need to invest in the production of oil, but their countries are looking for alternative energy resources. President Bush has insisted the oil production could and should begin to take place in undrilled areas of Alaska.

If the problems and answers are strictly economics: supply and demand; you'd think it would be an easy out. At the same time; IF that's the case, then private companies would need to co-operate, but will they? And can democratically-based governments put restrictions on the cost? This I doubt. But what of other coutries, for example, Nigeria, in which a rebel group is being accused of attacking their oil industry?

It seems the summit only brought more questions than resolutions.

Nuclear Explosion

The world today is genuinely and even legitimately afraid of nuclear power. With terrorist threats more frequent and dangers in various countries around the world vying for power, the word "nuclear" itself is a buzz word for fear.

But what if nuclear power could harnessed and used in improving CO2 emissions? Or perhaps be a useful energy source-for things like heating or electricity?It can and it is. And until a couple of days ago, I would have been skeptical too. I'm not strong in matters of engineering or the science it would take to accomplish something like that. But, I will say it is an interesting idea if it indeed is viable.

The country of France produces 76% of it's electricity through nuclear energy while the United States only uses about 17%. A study from Massachusetts Institute of Technology indidcates that over the next 50 years it is only estimated that nuclear energy worldwide will increase by only 5% whereas it should be increasing by more than 75%, particularly if pollution in the air is a priority.

Burning coal produces pollution and the plants cause a lot of smoke in the areas they're located. Growing up in the mid-west, I was definitely aware of them.

But using nuclear will clear the air of smoke and CO2. With the technology available today, safety measures could easily be created to ensure that enough radioactive material be released for energy efficient uses and the waste be buried or recycled. In fact, France uses American technology for its nuclear plants. Generating nuclear energy is actually a alot simpler- the nuclear reactor essentially creates fission which provides heat, energy and electricity. Recently someone explained to me that it's like boiling a pot of water rather than say...buring wood.

However, due to over-regulation in the U.S. and a gross amount of misunderstanding about the nuclear process, regulation for it has yet to happen. In the 1970's; California conducted a study to investigate the safety and uses for nuclear chemicals and plants. But after federal hearings that determined the standards for a nuclear plant could not be met, they were prohibited, by law from constructing the facilities.

Using nuclear energy is a creative idea to clean the environment. The research has been done and is positively conclusive. So the question is now; where is govermental support?

Green Ideas

I have never been an enviromentalist. I admit it: I have scoffed at the tree-hugging crazies or the climate change lunatics. But that does not mean I'm against making our planet a better place to live. Earth Day is approaching and I thought it about time I make my own enviromental endorsement.

The truth is; I am for innovative ideas in bettering the planet. Over the past fews years, I've caught a glimpse at the intelligent initiatives that have been taken and I am very impressed.

My personal favorite is from a company called Mohawk Industries. Their EverStrand carpets are made from polyethylene terephthalate (or PET?) which initially comes from recycled plastic bottles. According to their website; the plastic bottles are are sorted, ground into chips, cleaned, melted, made into fiber and spun into yarn for beautiful squares of carpet. They go on to note that the bottle caps and labels from the bottles are used to make the core around the carpet and last longer than the typical cardboard cores. Cool~

Next- Coke has launched a campaign that is using recycled plastic bottles for t-shirts. They're selling them at Wal-Mart for $7.50. How's that for a worn out t-shirt?

Solar Power is definitely a creative idea. Solar energy derives from the sun, and is harnessed for things like heating or electricity. Companies like GE and Duke Energy in North Carolina are experimenting in creating solar power and looking to make it more affordable.

Now some of you may argue that big companies only want to make a buck and so they create environmentally safe products at lower prices to make more money. But I say, fine, let them do so, as long as they've found an innovative way of doing it. I'd rather tax dollars and donations go to places like that than Al Gore's pocket, which is where most of his ranting money actually ends up.

There are other ideas out there; the ones I listed are just a taste. Conferences, concerts, rallies, threats of the world's end and total destruction are meaningless and very ineffective. A good cause will have a brain behind it, not an emotional parade.