Thoughts from a Beach

As I sit here on vacation in Wildwood, New Jersey I can't help but revisit the topic of an archived post on Offshore drilling. For those who live near the shore, there is nothing quite like it. The constant noise of the waves hitting the sand is one of the most therapeutic sounds on earth. I can sit out on this balcony and enjoy nature's beauty forever. When we politicize a topic like environmentalism, rarely do we truly understand what is at stake. I don't believe there is any American who wouldn't like to pay less for a gallon of gasoline, but I believe Joni Mitchell said it best when she sang, "...don't it always seems as though, that you don't know what you got till it's gone...". Environmentalists get a bad wrap as people who care more for the planet than they do for people. I like to think they care for both by preserving the delicate balance between the two. Perhaps it's because they have faith in the human ability to think beyond destroying mother nature for all eternity just to save a few dollars on gasoline. Sure Americans would love to pay less to be able to drive farther on vacation, but as I previously stated, where exactly would you drive? Nobody wants to swim in an ocean that has been befouled by Petroleum. Nobody wants to eat seafood that has been tainted by chemicals. I would like to extend an invitation to supporters of offshore drilling to come and spend a week or two here at the beach and only after they have done so, ask, is it worth it? Just something I was thinking about here on the sand.

American News Project: Evangelicals going Green

 Take a look at the video above. The Christian Evangelical community seems to be waking from the zombie-like march they had undertaken falling in line behind the GOP of the Reagan-Bush years. This piece highlights the some of the new debates surrounding climate change, stewardship, and the struggle for the various religious communities in the country to find their political voice. 

Harrison Ford Waxes Conservation

Indiana Jones and The Inconvenient Truth. Or, in this case, the absolutely gross truth. What a bizarre PSA...

Happy Earth Day!

Amidst all this election talk, many people may have overlooked the fact that today is earth day. I must admit that I am a recent convert to environmentalism (3 years) and I wish I had more money to make my house completely Green, but I wanted to take some time today to share some basic tips that everybody could do to make a huge impact.

1. When you go shopping, if you have to take plastic bags DO NOT throw them away. They take centuries to biodegrade in landfills. You can recycle them and some stores will take them back.

2. Use cold water to wash your laundry. They still come clean!

3. Make sure you have Energystar appliances. Not only are they newer and probably smell better for than that old fridge, but they use way less energy.

4. Use a powerstrip to connect your electronic appliances and turn them off at the source. Standby power can be wasteful energy.

5. Buy organic fruits and veggies! They're delish. 

6. Replace chemicals with natural home cleaning products. Clorox has a brand new line of natural cleaning products. They get the job done and smell wonderful. Healthier for you too.

7. Turn off the water when you brush your teeth,  shave, or wash dishes.

8. Carpool or use mass transit to get to work. This will help your wallet and the earth.

9. Bring your own cup when you go to Starbucks, I'm sure they'd be happy selling you a souvenir cup to use over and over again.

10. They've invented a better light bulb! Get some!

I'm not an environmental fanatic, but these are small things that save you money and the earth at the same time. If more people made small behavioral changes, they would go a long way towards saving the planet. Happy Earth Day!