| Nov 3, 2006 @ 8:20 PM |
Are you concerned about Global Warming ,and if so what are you doing about it?
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Kenn159
Posts: 4,402
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I think each and everyone of us are stewards of this planet and have a responsibility to leave this planet in good shape for future generations .
I know the thought of change can be overwhelming when you look at the scope of the problem ,but I think you can start small and as you learn more do more.
It starts with the many little life desicions that you make everyday and dont even think about.
Here are a few things Ive incorperated into my life ,maybe other people can also make suggestions and we can keep adding to this list that anybody thinking about this can look at.
!.Change your all the lights over in your house or apartment to energy efficient bulbs,they use 25 percent the energy with the same amount of light output.[they are pretty cheap at Sams Club,Big lots etc]
2.Recycle
3.Buy a car with better gas milleage and when shopping ,drive in a loop hitting all your locations in one trip and ask your local station if they will be selling E85 ,which will help to reduce middle east oil dependence.
4.Dont put down chemical fertilizers and pesticides and bug sprays ,only use bio friendly products.
5.Insulate and do a energy audit on your house and conciously reduce your use of resources.
6.Dont waste water and take military showers ,also concider routing grey water from sinks to water and washing machine to water plants and trees in your yard.
7.Plant low water cunsuming native deciduous trees around house to block sun rays in the summer to reduce air conditioner use.
8.Reuse plastic grocery bags as garbage bags,also ask your local grocer if they are using corn plastic that support our nations farmers and are bio friendly [not derived from petroleum oil] and if not when will they be getting them in.
9.Educated yourself about natural alternatives for many of the household chemicals on the market today.
10.dont dump oil or paint or other chemicals in your yard ,depose of them responsibly, many auto parts stores recycle oil and call your local city for other paint and chemical disposal sites.
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11.Ride a bicycle or walk instead of driving when ever possible.
I have lived in a large city[St Pete Florida] in which I have learned all the back roads in the county ,and could ride my bike anywhere I wanted to in the county, while avoiding the major roads where there is danger of getting hit by a car.
I recently moved to a rural area about 75 miles north of there and one thing that was high on my agenda was to learn all the back roads to enable me to get to the nearest cities north ,south and west via bicycle,without a car.
I have recently figured out the routes,its a nice feeling of self independence ,not to mention great exersize to know that you can get to grocery stores and wherever,without a car.
This conversation may seem silly to some and not something they think of much but this needs to become our new reality.
We will have to deal with this issue sooner or later .
Sooner would be the easier path, if not reality will come crashing down with record oil prices and drastic climate change.
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| Nov 3, 2006 @ 8:36 PM |
Are you concerned about Global Warming ,and if so what are you doing about it? |
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witchietoo
Posts: 2,630
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I do a lot of that already. I tend to be somewhat of a tree hugger to begin with...lol
We recycle everything we can. I use newspaper in the plant beds to reduce weeding and as it breaks down feeds the plants too. I use rainwater whenever I can to water plants in pots. I do everything I can in the yard organically. I also use natural cleaners. Vinegar, Olive Oil, lemons and mineral oil are my cleaners and polishers of choice. Paints and that we drop off at the local school when they have the clean up days. I get my oil changed while food shopping and my car gets pretty good gas mileage...about 28 miles per gallon.
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| Nov 3, 2006 @ 8:47 PM |
Are you concerned about Global Warming ,and if so what are you doing about it?
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Dovestreasure
Posts: 3,419
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Just call me mother nature.. I try my best to preserve spaceship Earth.
Heres a great site thats saved in my favorites
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/
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| Nov 4, 2006 @ 1:03 AM |
Are you concerned about Global Warming ,and if so what are you doing about it? |
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fuchia04
Posts: 953
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The fact that we are experiencing climate change can't be denied. I do some of the things in Kenn's list, though I admit not all. One of them is, I walk to work. Fortunately, it is close enough that I can do that.
Still though, I am an enthusiastic supporter of the use of Ethanol. I can't wait till they start selling E85 everywhere, because I'd start using that fuel as soon as they did. But you, first, have to make sure that whatever car you drive, that the car's engine is designed to handle E85 fuel; conventional engines aren't capable of handle it over long periods of time, although they can handle up to E10 fuel (10% ethanol, 90% regular gasoline).
There are few things I resent more, than our dependence on a greedy oil cartel.  I don't own a car, although when I need one, I do rent one at times. I think that's about the closest thing to having a car as I'll ever get.  I'd like to think the use of E85 will become widespread very soon, and that rental car companies will have a good supply of cars that are capable of handle the new E85 fuel.
I believe we all need to start using this cleaner fuel, as soon as possible, for the sake of our environment, but I definitely believe we also need to use it so we can become an energy independent nation. The sooner the better. 
- the Fuchian
[Edited on 11/4/2006 1:17 AM]
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| Nov 4, 2006 @ 8:35 AM |
Are you concerned about Global Warming ,and if so what are you doing about it?
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suzieq0808
Posts: 1,080
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8.Reuse plastic grocery bags as garbage bags,also ask your local grocer if they are using corn plastic that support our nations farmers and are bio friendly [not derived from petroleum oil] and if not when will they be getting them in. Ask for paper bags, double them, and you can use them almost forever. I've not gotten a fresh bag from the grocery store in almost 2 years. At the drug store, etc., I use the cloth bag that I carry in my car. At most stores, I say I don't want a bag; sometimes I have to argue with them. I've gone so far as to take the bag back in the store if they've slipped one in on me. They call me the bag lady at my supermarket. Clothes shopping is a different story, I generally need a bag. But I don't shop much.
Take your usable used clothing to The Salvation Army. Only throw it in the trash if it's not in good condition. On the other side, they don't want half a pair of socks, dirty underwear, or ripped stuff either. They spend almost $200,000 in dump fees to discard trash that people have dumped at the donation centers. (That's another thread, I suppose.)
I buy gas at Citgo -- only. The world needs clean hydrogen.
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| Nov 4, 2006 @ 9:17 AM |
Are you concerned about Global Warming ,and if so what are you doing about it? |
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Kenn159
Posts: 4,402
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Quote
buy gas at Citgo -- only. The world needs clean hydrogen
Reply
Yeah I buy Citgo when I can .
I like the fact that the owner Hugo Chavez has given heating oil to people in the inner cities of America and has taken Oil in Venezuela that was privatized [were only the oil companies were profiting ] and nationalized it ,and in doing so has raised the standard of living conditions there.
The Bushites love to demonize him because he has been a force to reduce oil prices.
He proposed he would lock in oil prices at 30 a barrel which pissed off opec.
And we know who signs Bush's check every month.
I have been boycotting Exxon ever since the Exxon Valdez,they also pratice a very preditory business model.
They have a history of lieing to the american people.
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Take your usable used clothing to The Salvation Army. Only throw it in the trash if it's not in good condition. On the other side, they don't want half a pair of socks, dirty underwear, or ripped stuff either.
Reply
If its in to bad of condition to donate just rip it up for the rag pile.
Quote
Still though, I am an enthusiastic supporter of the use of Ethanol. I can't wait till they start selling E85 everywhere, because I'd start using that fuel as soon as they did. But you, first, have to make sure that whatever car you drive, that the car's engine is designed to handle E85 fuel; conventional engines aren't capable of handle it over long periods of time,
Reply
I understand that any car built since 1995 can be retroed to run on e85.
Ive heard of people paying anywhere form $300
to 2,000 to have it done.
P.S.
Let me add another thing to our growing list
Take biodegradable foods,anything from banana peels to egg shells,water melon rines,table scaps[unless you have a dog or cat] and put them in a compost heep.
This year I planted a bunch of new trees and when I planted them I recessed a area around then to collect water when it rains,you can also put scraps there ,it feeds the tree.when it breaks down ,its cheap fertilizer.
I know, I have my dunce cap on now.
[Edited on 11/4/2006 9:34 AM]
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| Nov 4, 2006 @ 9:29 AM |
Are you concerned about Global Warming ,and if so what are you doing about it?
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flspirit
Posts: 50
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yeah, my compost pile started a trend in my neighborhood - at lfirst people were just coming by asking me a lot of questions of what should and shouldn't be tossed in, was type things were igniters, etc. Mine even has a thermometer in it so I know it's 'cooking'. . . . funny there are now about 6 similar piles started within a 3 block radius of my house. Fall is tough decision time - do I toss my leaves into compost pile? Or use as insulation around my native plants? Hmmm. . .
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| Nov 4, 2006 @ 10:53 AM |
Are you concerned about Global Warming ,and if so what are you doing about it? |
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Dovestreasure
Posts: 3,419
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You compost pile trender you....Isnt that just like the neighbors to try to keep up with the jones... kidding of course, its honorable to set a good example. As one that has never had a compost pile..does it get stinky as the food items decay?
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| Nov 4, 2006 @ 11:02 AM |
Are you concerned about Global Warming ,and if so what are you doing about it?
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witchietoo
Posts: 2,630
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Fall is tough decision time - do I toss my leaves into compost pile? Or use as insulation around my native plants? Hmmm. . .
I do both....I chop them up with the mower and put some around the plants, some in the compost pile.
Mine have never really smelled, at least not that I noticed.
Flspirt have you tried making a tea out of some of the leaves, grass and trimmings? I have a large trash can....when we get a good rain I let it fill with water. Take a mesh bag (one that oranges come in works) fill it with grass and whatnot. Make like a big tea bag...I use two or three seeing I don't have burlap feed bags anymore...lol Put them in the can, put the cover on the can. I have a few nail holes in it. Make sure it gets lots of sun...let the stuff cook for a few weeks. If you can reuse the bags dump what is left in them in your pile and use the water to water container plants or even indoor plants.
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| Nov 6, 2006 @ 6:56 PM |
Are you concerned about Global Warming ,and if so what are you doing about it? |
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2nice2passby
Posts: 19
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My own feelings are the planet goes through climate changes I remember 35/40 yrs ago there was so much talk about Global Freezing. Last month Niagara Falls NY got 22 inches of snow, a friend of mine called me as he was driving at 2 miles an hour trying to get home, he was cussing out Al Gore and his Global Warming Book, I almost wet myself laughing. As far as Citgo goes, at least in my area I see very few people buying gas at their stations, and several stations are changing suppliers. I buy my gas at the cheapest gas staion I can find, and it's Murphy USA at my local Walmart Store. I wish we could use more ethanol gas, but in older cars it reaks havoc on the fuel supply systems.
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| Nov 7, 2006 @ 9:45 AM |
Are you concerned about Global Warming ,and if so what are you doing about it?
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flspirit
Posts: 50
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As one that has never had a compost pile..does it get stinky as the food items decay?
No, actually, it doesn't. There are certain things you should & should NOT put in (don't add meat scraps for example) and there is no odor. I have a pitchfork nearby and as I add to the pile, I turn it so the fresh things go underneath to compost properly.
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| Nov 7, 2006 @ 11:55 AM |
Are you concerned about Global Warming ,and if so what are you doing about it? |
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Dovestreasure
Posts: 3,419
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Im trying to imagine myself holding a pitchfork.. I would likely put my eye out 
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| Nov 7, 2006 @ 12:17 PM |
Are you concerned about Global Warming ,and if so what are you doing about it?
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flspirit
Posts: 50
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*giggle* The instructions that came with it (obviously you aren't alone!) stated "prongs should be aimed down". . . .
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| Nov 7, 2006 @ 12:46 PM |
Are you concerned about Global Warming ,and if so what are you doing about it? |
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Abe83
Posts: 30
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Ethanol for the win
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| Nov 7, 2006 @ 3:19 PM |
Are you concerned about Global Warming ,and if so what are you doing about it?
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Blondiblue
Posts: 88
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I try to do all of the above mentioned things and more.....There is a recycle site on the internet called Freecycle.org.....a great way to recycle stuff that you have stored for years or replaced with new and want to get rid of..... I have given away alot of stuff and recieved a few things and its all free.........stuff, like clothes, baby items, pets, garage sale leftovers, furniture, lawnmowers, building supplies and just anything else you can think of. I just recieved an old (1946) mirror for my wall and it is georgeous. Someone was redoing their old livingroom and they needed to get rid of it. So, check out Freecycle. org....you may be glad you did...
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| Nov 7, 2006 @ 4:05 PM |
Are you concerned about Global Warming ,and if so what are you doing about it? |
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Greystone1
Posts: 1,677
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I tend to think everything the environmentalists say is politics and little else. An ounce of truth mixed with 20 pounds of BS. And their solution to every "problem" is more theft and/or more dictatorship.
IOW, more government, robbing us blind and micromanaging every little facet of our lives. 
[Edited on 11/7/2006 4:24 PM]
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| Nov 8, 2006 @ 4:18 AM |
Are you concerned about Global Warming ,and if so what are you doing about it?
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Dovestreasure
Posts: 3,419
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Grey i am going to give you the nickmane mister negativity...Grey there are people who genuinely care about preserving the earth for future generations. They have no hidden political agenda. They seek to educate and act as role models that inspire the rest of us. Mother nature is not a dictator .. but she can get ornery if you mess with stuff.
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| Nov 8, 2006 @ 7:45 AM |
Are you concerned about Global Warming ,and if so what are you doing about it? |
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Kenn159
Posts: 4,402
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Quote
tend to think everything the environmentalists say is politics and little else. An ounce of truth mixed with 20 pounds of BS. And their solution to every "problem" is more theft and/or more dictatorship.
Reply
Yeah lets just keep polluting and destroying the earth just to prove that we have the right too.
P.S.
The chemical and oil industry put forth a lot of money to perpetuate this view.
You do them proud.
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| Nov 8, 2006 @ 7:57 AM |
Are you concerned about Global Warming ,and if so what are you doing about it?
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Greystone1
Posts: 1,677
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Grey there are people who genuinely care about preserving the earth for future generations. They have no hidden political agenda. They seek to educate and act as role models that inspire the rest of us.
If only that were true. The fact is, the thieves/dictators are never satisfied with persuasion. They pass intrusive laws along with burdensome taxes. And then if nobody complains, they follow that up with more of the same... and more... and more... and more...
It is their modus operandi. They go from one unproven future "crisis" to the next... and people buy all of their BS. The crisis is always far enough into the future that they will never have to prove anything. In fact, when it doesn't happen they will take credit for preventing it.
The ozone layer fiasco is a prime example. Show me the bottom line ground level UV increase that was predicted several decades ago. It didn't happen. But the outrageous taxes happened. Refrigerant went from 60 cents/pound to 60 dollars/pound, and it was all taxes.
You paid them when you refilled your car A/C. You paid them when you bought refrigerated products, which includes just about all products... foods, medicines, plastics, electronics, dry cleaning... you name it.
And the government is now licensing and micromanaging the refrigeration industry right down to the service level, which you are also paying for. Surprise, surprise.
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| Nov 8, 2006 @ 8:07 AM |
Are you concerned about Global Warming ,and if so what are you doing about it? |
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Greystone1
Posts: 1,677
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The chemical and oil industry put forth a lot of money to perpetuate this view.
You do them proud.
Ooooooo... let's stick it to the evil corporations. Here's the part that your friendly politician doesn't tell you: When you stick it to the evil corporations, they pass it along in the price of the products and you buy the products. You are sticking it to yourself... and you deserve it... but I don't.
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