First – I would like to apologize for the ridiculously long break in posts. I am actually in the process of launching another site and it has taken quite a lot of time and energy (more to come).
Also, I received a tip on my last blog directing readers to GreenDaily.com. Anonymous - thanks for the suggestion. As you may have noticed, Green Daily is a site I link to on my blog, as I do enjoy their coverage. They can offer more tips and write more stories than a lonely blogger can, and think they are a great site for environmentally-minded people. I'm trying offer something very specific, and hope there is space on the web for all environmental bloggers.
Onto today’s blog: I recently read a report that advertisers are pulling back from green-themed marketing, as a result of the public’s growing skepticism of words such as “green” “eco” and “environmentally sound” thrown on just about every product that doesn’t directly result in the death of baby seals. There are two things I take away from this: 1) We must continue to encourage people to do things because it is the right thing to do and not because it is the cool thing. I realize this is incredibly challenging as almost all of the serious movement made by the green movement has in fact been because we have been able to convince people it’s trendy and because Leo or insert-celebrity-you-care-about is doing it. 2) We should place a bigger emphasis on certified “green” products. I have a feeling in a couple years the word green will be an outdated product of the past, but for now, it will have to do. Look for products with the Green Seal or Energy Star stamp of approval. And as always, use common sense. Know that produce from your local organic market is not only better because it’s organic, but also because it consumed far less natural resources in transportation than much of the produce at your grocery.
More blogs to come. Stick with me readers.
8.02.2008
4.24.2008
Buy a Beer For the Planet!
I'm always hesitant to believe energy companies when they tell me they are leading the charge on behalf of renewable energy. It gives me horrible visions of "clean coal" commercials (shiver).However, I met such an impassioned young woman the other night who worked for Con Edison Solutions. Her job is to get people like me to switch to wind energy. And she does her job extremely well.
It is slightly embarrassing to write that I was not using wind energy before, but I, like many people, thought that my entire building had to go green. I had no idea single apartments could use renewable wind energy. She explained that when you switch to wind energy, you are in essence telling your energy company where they can buy their energy from.
She also informed me that 1/3 of Con Ed's non-renewable energy comes from coal extracted from mountaintop removal mining in West Virginia…and I believe you all know what that involves.
For those who are afraid of the cost increase, I have good news. It's less than 10%. This means if your current energy bill is $100, it will go up to $108. It's like buying a beer for the Earth!
If you are trying to raise a family of four off of $40,000 a year, then I understand that $8 can mean a lot, but for all of us who do indulge in the occasional (or frequent) alcoholic splurge, why not drink one less beer, or two less Starbucks lattes, and put that $8 to good use.
Inquire with your local energy company about green energy!
4.23.2008
FLOW: For Love of Water
I just found out about another fantastic movie from the producer of Mountaintop Removal called FLOW: For Love of Water. It examines how we generally take this precious fluid for granted and takes a look at how bleak our future will be if we don't start to consume wisely (i.e. stop building golf courses in the middle of the desert).
It will be playing Sundance at BAM, May 11 - 21. I will be sure to post when an official screening date/time is announced. I will certainly be there, so look for my forthcoming review.
It will be playing Sundance at BAM, May 11 - 21. I will be sure to post when an official screening date/time is announced. I will certainly be there, so look for my forthcoming review.
Even Better Than I Thought It Would Be
Last night I was lucky enough to catch a screening of Mountaintop Removal, fresh off of its win of the Reel Current award, selected and presented by Al Gore.
Affecting in many ways, the film’s greatest success was in giving a new face to the environmental movement. Environmentalism isn’t just for bourgy New Yorkers in their lofts so they can still have a summer home in the woods of Connecticut. Environmentalism isn’t just to save the exotic animals of Africa so the rich have a place to safari. Environmentalism is about preserving the quality of life for every creature on this planet and ensuring that everyone, everywhere has access to safe and clean water and living conditions.
The new face of environmentalism is the impoverished of the Appalachia region. The men and women whose families have lived in the area for numerous generations yet suddenly find what was once the cleanest drinking water in the country running black with soot and lead and metal. They are watching as hibernating black bears and their cubs are being bulldozed into extinction in what was once the most biologically diverse temperate forest in the world. As the movie points out, this is not, for them, a fight for the environment, but a fight for their lives.
The absolute highlight of the evening though was meeting Ed Wiley, who has founded Pennies of Promise to raise $5 million so his granddaughter's elementary school can be moved from it’s current location – which is barely 300 feet away from a coal treatment facility and downhill from a sludge pond. Per him, he was not satisfied with the response he got from Gov. Machin after sitting down on the Capital Steps in Charleston, WV so he decided to walk from WV to DC (455 miles) to bring awareness to the issue. He is taking donations for the school (to which I just donated), but we shouldn’t have to! This is a public school and the government should be taking care the children there. They won’t, because to admit they need a new school is to admit there is something bad in the sludge pond and that coal just might not be so good for people in that area after all. Another fact I learned last night, coal produces the highest amount of carbon dioxide per energy attained than other fossil fuel.
Ed has met with wind power representatives and is trying to figure out a way to produce as much energy in the region via wind. Ed is taking these meetings, not the Governor. If you think this is, as Ed says “a load of baloney”, call Governer Manchin at 888.438.2731 and then visit his site to report what the Governor’s off has to say to you.
As soon as I find info on the DVD release, I will let you know. In the meantime, check for screenings in your area on their MySpace page.
Affecting in many ways, the film’s greatest success was in giving a new face to the environmental movement. Environmentalism isn’t just for bourgy New Yorkers in their lofts so they can still have a summer home in the woods of Connecticut. Environmentalism isn’t just to save the exotic animals of Africa so the rich have a place to safari. Environmentalism is about preserving the quality of life for every creature on this planet and ensuring that everyone, everywhere has access to safe and clean water and living conditions.
The new face of environmentalism is the impoverished of the Appalachia region. The men and women whose families have lived in the area for numerous generations yet suddenly find what was once the cleanest drinking water in the country running black with soot and lead and metal. They are watching as hibernating black bears and their cubs are being bulldozed into extinction in what was once the most biologically diverse temperate forest in the world. As the movie points out, this is not, for them, a fight for the environment, but a fight for their lives.
The absolute highlight of the evening though was meeting Ed Wiley, who has founded Pennies of Promise to raise $5 million so his granddaughter's elementary school can be moved from it’s current location – which is barely 300 feet away from a coal treatment facility and downhill from a sludge pond. Per him, he was not satisfied with the response he got from Gov. Machin after sitting down on the Capital Steps in Charleston, WV so he decided to walk from WV to DC (455 miles) to bring awareness to the issue. He is taking donations for the school (to which I just donated), but we shouldn’t have to! This is a public school and the government should be taking care the children there. They won’t, because to admit they need a new school is to admit there is something bad in the sludge pond and that coal just might not be so good for people in that area after all. Another fact I learned last night, coal produces the highest amount of carbon dioxide per energy attained than other fossil fuel.
Ed has met with wind power representatives and is trying to figure out a way to produce as much energy in the region via wind. Ed is taking these meetings, not the Governor. If you think this is, as Ed says “a load of baloney”, call Governer Manchin at 888.438.2731 and then visit his site to report what the Governor’s off has to say to you.
As soon as I find info on the DVD release, I will let you know. In the meantime, check for screenings in your area on their MySpace page.
4.22.2008
Reminder: Mountaintop Removal plays TONIGHT
Happy Earth Day everyone!
For my New York based EEs, If you're looking for a way to celebrate, come to a screening tonight at Lincoln Center of Mountaintop Removal.
Looking for a place to grab some yummy meat free dining? Try Candle 79, Red Bamboo, Zen Palate, Bliss Cafe, or the V Spot. All favorites of mine.
Looking for Vegetarian restaurants in other cities?
Everyone needs to find the brand of environmentalism that works for them, but I do want to point out that a recent study said going meat free could cut your carbon footprint by 1/4. There are other factors to take into consideration (i.e. only eating fruit from a tropical location? No good) but it certainly is a big step in reducing your impact on the planet. I became a vegetarian 15 years ago today and couldn't be happier with the lifestyle I live.
For my New York based EEs, If you're looking for a way to celebrate, come to a screening tonight at Lincoln Center of Mountaintop Removal.
Looking for a place to grab some yummy meat free dining? Try Candle 79, Red Bamboo, Zen Palate, Bliss Cafe, or the V Spot. All favorites of mine.
Looking for Vegetarian restaurants in other cities?
Everyone needs to find the brand of environmentalism that works for them, but I do want to point out that a recent study said going meat free could cut your carbon footprint by 1/4. There are other factors to take into consideration (i.e. only eating fruit from a tropical location? No good) but it certainly is a big step in reducing your impact on the planet. I became a vegetarian 15 years ago today and couldn't be happier with the lifestyle I live.
4.21.2008
Why Bother?
The New York Times Magazine (a favorite subway read of mine) dedicated their entire issue this week to being green. I know many other magazines do this for the month of August, but there was one article in the NYT Mag that really jumped out to me.
Michael Pollan writes a convincing and heartfelt argument as to why the individual matters so much in the where green lifestyles are concerned. This article validates me, this blog, and everyday environmentalist everywhere who take the little steps they can to make the world a better place.
4.11.2008
Tune In
Make sure you tune in this Sunday to "Human Footprint" on the National Geographic program. It's an examination of just how much we consume and how that consumption affects the planet.
Check out the website for interesting reads on what happens to your trash after it leaves your place. You can also calculate just how much you use common objects/eat common food (diapers, newspapers, sandwiches). It is truly fascinating.
4.09.2008
Beer is going away...forever
Newsweek has a great cover story this week regarding the presidential candidates and their environmental policies and potential (I suggest everyone read it). Following that story is another with 10 fixes for the planet. I'm going to highlight a few in my blog and suggest you check out the whole story here. Seriously, you should all try a few of these, or beer prices will go up (or beer will go away in general). This is a serious fact and not an idle threat like kids at the playground used to make. You know, you better do my homework or Santa Claus will die. No? Maybe that was just my playground...LED LIGHT BLUBS - these lights really do reduce energy consumption and are WAY less depressing than fluorescents.
PLASTIC SOLAR CELLS - Plastic doesn't have to be our enemy forever. Using plastic for solar cells is reducing the cost so that one day (very soon) solar cells will be a practical purpose for the everyday home owner/renter. Go to any technology site/blog and search solar and you can see just how popular this idea is becoming. Perhaps recycled plastic solar cells are in the works!
COLD WATER WASHING - I wash all my clothes in cold water already, but I just read in the article that if everyone changed from washing laundry in hot to cold water that alone would be meet 8 percent of the United States' Kyoto targets. You know, because they're so high.
4.08.2008
Be the change you wish to see in the world
I like Al Gore for a variety of reasons. One, highlighted in the video below, is that he reminds us about things we sometimes like to forget. It is easier to throw your hands in the air and say, "Oh well, nothing I can do about it anyway," than it is to act. It's easier to point and judge others than it is to set an example for them to follow.
4.05.2008
Orange is underrated
April 10 is ASCPA day and you can celebrate ASCPAs many victories on behalf on animal rights in your community by wearing orange. Why orange? Because I promise you, if you wear orange, someone will ask you why. (Unless you live in Cincinnati, go Bengals!)
The main event will be held in Union Square in NYC, but there are a number of events happening across the country.
If you do live in NY, come down to Union Square and check out all of the adoptable pets, snack on treats, and meet the animal police from Animal Planet's "Animal Precinct" - a personal favorite of mine.
The main event will be held in Union Square in NYC, but there are a number of events happening across the country.
If you do live in NY, come down to Union Square and check out all of the adoptable pets, snack on treats, and meet the animal police from Animal Planet's "Animal Precinct" - a personal favorite of mine.
4.04.2008
Yes, Oprah made me cry
I don’t normally watch Oprah (not a judgment, just a fact). I made a point to catch today’s episode though because it was on a subject I feel very passionate about: the horrors of puppy mills. I found, in speaking to friends over the last few days, that many people are not familiar with puppy mills, so I am glad Oprah dedicated an episode to educating her viewers on these awful places.
99% of puppies sold at pet stores are from puppy mills, where mothers live in cramped boxes their entire lives. They are never bathed and never receive veterinary care. They produce puppies every heat cycle, which means some dogs have up to 200 puppies. Since a reoccurring theme on this blog is the reduction of consumption, I want readers to think about just how much those 200 puppies consume! Moral of this story: Don’t EVER buy a puppy at a pet store or from a breeder whose facilities you can’t visit.
If you want to adopt, please go through a shelter or rescue organization – even if you want a specific breed, 33% of dogs in shelters are purebreds. If you must go through a breeder, make sure they are an American Kennel Association registered breeder and ask to visit their site.
On this episode, Oprah actually showed a dog at a shelter being put down and I became SO angry. That dog was put down because someone wanted a perfect little puppy. However, that perfect puppy they bought at the pet store has a very high chance of being inbreed and therefore is more likely to die of numerous diseases much earlier in life than mixed breed dogs.
I rescued an amazing dog two years ago who has become a huge part of my life. Yes, my dog is a little crazy, but my roommate and I have the time, energy, and desire to dedicate to rehilbilatating him. There were plenty of regular, well adjusted dogs, and the rescue organization was very upfront about Derby’s, um, let’s call them quirks (he was beat, extremely underweight, and found tied to a pole in the middle of January in Brooklyn). Have no fear about working with a rescue organization, they will help find a dog that best suites your situation.
There are hundreds of organizations you can go through, some specific to breeds. We found
Derby through Waggy Tails and I can’t praise them enough. They specialize in small dogs. Lisa is ready to be adopted right now. She’s cute and sweet. She’s 10 and looking for a good home for her golden years, but won’t it be great to share them with her? My dog Mitzi lived to be 16 so this gal has still got some good time left. Contact Waggy Tails to adopt her!
99% of puppies sold at pet stores are from puppy mills, where mothers live in cramped boxes their entire lives. They are never bathed and never receive veterinary care. They produce puppies every heat cycle, which means some dogs have up to 200 puppies. Since a reoccurring theme on this blog is the reduction of consumption, I want readers to think about just how much those 200 puppies consume! Moral of this story: Don’t EVER buy a puppy at a pet store or from a breeder whose facilities you can’t visit.
If you want to adopt, please go through a shelter or rescue organization – even if you want a specific breed, 33% of dogs in shelters are purebreds. If you must go through a breeder, make sure they are an American Kennel Association registered breeder and ask to visit their site.
On this episode, Oprah actually showed a dog at a shelter being put down and I became SO angry. That dog was put down because someone wanted a perfect little puppy. However, that perfect puppy they bought at the pet store has a very high chance of being inbreed and therefore is more likely to die of numerous diseases much earlier in life than mixed breed dogs.
I rescued an amazing dog two years ago who has become a huge part of my life. Yes, my dog is a little crazy, but my roommate and I have the time, energy, and desire to dedicate to rehilbilatating him. There were plenty of regular, well adjusted dogs, and the rescue organization was very upfront about Derby’s, um, let’s call them quirks (he was beat, extremely underweight, and found tied to a pole in the middle of January in Brooklyn). Have no fear about working with a rescue organization, they will help find a dog that best suites your situation.
There are hundreds of organizations you can go through, some specific to breeds. We found Derby through Waggy Tails and I can’t praise them enough. They specialize in small dogs. Lisa is ready to be adopted right now. She’s cute and sweet. She’s 10 and looking for a good home for her golden years, but won’t it be great to share them with her? My dog Mitzi lived to be 16 so this gal has still got some good time left. Contact Waggy Tails to adopt her!
4.03.2008
Vroom Vroom
Good news for those waiting on the return of the electric car.
It's one step closer to becoming a reality.
It's one step closer to becoming a reality.
4.02.2008
More please
I recently read a great piece on the culture of toddler couture, and although it didn't directly relate the trend to environmentalism (or lack thereof), I see a huge connection.A common thread of all layers and degrees of environmentalism is the reduction of... well…EVERYTHING. We have too much stuff, and use too much energy making and powering all this stuff. And even with all we have, we want more. We want to stand on our piles of stuff and play King of the Mountain – and also show how much bigger our mountain is than yours. We consume like maniacs and hoard like a society overwrought with OCD. We are all guilty of it. We have too many cars, articles of clothing, junk we do not need, babies, you name it, we want more of it.
Speaking of babies, stop buying stuff for your child! She’s 6 months old. She doesn’t know that you bought her an $800 stroller and the coolest kiddy shirt you could find on the Upper East Side. Please, please, PLEASE…I beg you, stop using your child’s chest as a bulletin board to reclaim your youth. It’s really creepy.
Speaking of strollers, stop with the SUV baby strollers. I hate strollers in general. No, I’m not a mom so I shouldn’t judge, but I do take public transportation and strollers take up SO much room. Honestly though, that’s not even my biggest beef. Besides the fact that I don’t even want to think about how much plastic is in the buggy or how many toxins it was exposed to when it
was assembled in a third-world country by children barely out of the stroller age for pennies a day, my biggest complaint is when mothers use them like weapons, children and all. They shove them into people, in front of people, into closing doors, and then look at you with a “Do you mind?” expression when their stroller hits your shin. I am, however, a huge fan of the baby slings. They keep the child close to the mother, are as inexpensive as $40, and are normally made out of natural and renewable fibers. And hey, you don’t have to give up your youth entirely, they even have hipster baby sling (without lewd comments).
3.31.2008
Speaking of Greener Printing...
Did you know that U.S. offices use 6 million sheets of paper every 5 minutes? Me either!
I have always loved Beck. I had one of those crushes you get on a person that you're not really physically attracted to yet you just want to be around -- a friend crush? (I bet stalkers use lines like that.)
Here is a new music video set to Beck's "Timebomb." Enjoy the fast facts...as you are horrified.
I have always loved Beck. I had one of those crushes you get on a person that you're not really physically attracted to yet you just want to be around -- a friend crush? (I bet stalkers use lines like that.)
Here is a new music video set to Beck's "Timebomb." Enjoy the fast facts...as you are horrified.
GreenPrint
If you are familiar with GreenPrint, then you already know about this smart little program that helps you eliminate those annoying last pages of a printed web page, email, etc. You know, when you print from a website only to find that of the 3 pages that just came out of your printer, the second is all ads and the third is just the copyright info? Such occurrences have cause me to use many an expletive. Or what about when you print an email and the second page is just the fax number from someone’s signature. So annoying. Green Print finds those problems and eliminates them. It actually analyzes your documents and gets rid of the waste. Brilliant.
Here is the best part, in January of this year, GreenPrint decided to offer a free version in the hopes of saving 100 million trees. Not only that, GreenPrint has started donating ad space to “its environmental partners and organizations the company feels are doing important work with healthcare in the developing world.” Way to go GreenPrint, glad to see some companies still know how to do the right thing.
3.27.2008
Earth Hour - UPDATE
There have been some issues with playing the Earth Hour video, so here is a different version that I found on YouTube - narrated by Jeremy Piven, which way ups his cool points. There is a really great quote in this one: "Social activism lead to corporate action." That's my mantra for the day.
I'm really disappointed that New York is not one of the cities participating.
It's too late for this Earth Hour, but hopefully this will become a yearly event. To bring Earth Hour to your city, write your representatives and let them know why it's important to you. And by write, I mean email of course.
I'm really disappointed that New York is not one of the cities participating.
It's too late for this Earth Hour, but hopefully this will become a yearly event. To bring Earth Hour to your city, write your representatives and let them know why it's important to you. And by write, I mean email of course.
3.26.2008
My Footprint is HOW Big?
Thanks to my pal emKem and her fantastic blog for this find. I was exploring online a bit last night when I came across this website on emKem’s blog that determines your Ecological Footprint. It’s a simple quiz that takes 10 minutes. “No problem,” I thought as I rolled up my organic cotton sleeves and took out some recycling, “My vegetarian food eatin’, plastic bottle recyclin’, public transportation ridin’ footprint is going to be SO small, this will be fun.”So I begin. I answer all of the questions truthfully and find myself smiling with an odd sense of self. I reach the end and eagerly click to find out my footprint: 11 acres. Not bad when you consider the average footprint in the U.S. is 22. I’m half as bad (or twice as good) as the average American…in short, I rock.
Then I look at the next line “If everyone on the planet lived like you, we would need 2.4 planets.” WHAT? No. Let me check again. Yes, 2.4 planets. This is a bit of a blow to the sense of self that previously made me smile. While I may be a tree-hugging hippie, I’m still consuming like there is no tomorrow. After this quick but harsh reality check, I see several links with suggestions of ways to reduce consumption. Those resources are great, but I think the site can also serve as a good reminder that we can always do more. An environmentalist struggles daily with doing what is right versus what is easy. Sure, it’s easier to throw something away when there are no public recycle options, but why not just tuck it in your purse and recycle it when you get home?
3.25.2008
This Just In
A 220-square-mile chunk of ice collapsed in Antarctica today.
At least one scientist is blaming it on global warming.
At least one scientist is blaming it on global warming.
Earth Hour
Last March, 2.2 million people and 2100 Sydney businesses turned off their lights for one hour during an event sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund called “Earth Hour.” If the greenhouse reduction achieved in Sydney during Earth Hour was sustained for a year, it would be equivalent to taking 46,616 cars off the road (side note - people do need to take more public transportation in general).
Earth Hour inspired people to take their environmentalism to another level and to truly think about their impact on the planet, promoting one couple to have their wedding by candlelight! (I rarely use exclamation points in my writing, so that is just how darn excited I am about this idea.)
Earth Hour is happening again this year on March 29 at 8 PM, but this time, it’s worldwide. On their site, you can find out more info about Earth Hour, sign up to host an event, or check out the 13,000 businesses (and growing) who have signed up to participate. You can also find ways to reduce your carbon footprint beyond Earth Hour, so we can turn it into Earth Week, Earth Month, Earth Year, and eventually Earth Life.
Earth Hour inspired people to take their environmentalism to another level and to truly think about their impact on the planet, promoting one couple to have their wedding by candlelight! (I rarely use exclamation points in my writing, so that is just how darn excited I am about this idea.)
Earth Hour is happening again this year on March 29 at 8 PM, but this time, it’s worldwide. On their site, you can find out more info about Earth Hour, sign up to host an event, or check out the 13,000 businesses (and growing) who have signed up to participate. You can also find ways to reduce your carbon footprint beyond Earth Hour, so we can turn it into Earth Week, Earth Month, Earth Year, and eventually Earth Life.
Mountaintop Removal
I have a very special place in my heart for the film FernGully. Although the movie was not nearly as popular as other animated films at the time, it stuck with me through my adolescent years and well into adulthood. I always recommend it to friends with young nieces and nephews as good way to start the conversation about environmentalism.
One of its more powerful scenes is when the shrunken human Zak carves fairy Crysta’s name into a tree. Seeing what Zak is doing, Crysta is horrified and demands he stops and asks, “Can’t you feel its pain?” and places his hand on tree. Zak, being a human, can’t feel the pain and Crysta does not understand how one creature could not sympathize with the pain of another.
Growing up in Ohio Valley and Appalachia, I felt Crysta’s disbelief many times. There are certain events in life that when you see them, you can’t help but gasp in a shared pa
in and wonder how others can’t join you in your outrage. Any environmentally minded person who has seen a mountaintop removal site knows of what I speak. Mountaintop Removal is defined by Wikipedia as “a form of surface mining that involves an extreme topological change to the summit or summit ridge of a mountain. It is most closely associated with coal mining in the Appalachian Mountains, located in the eastern United States. The process involves using explosives to remove up to 1,000 vertical feet of rock to get to the coal seams. The resulting debris is often scraped into the adjacent river valleys in what is called a valley fill.”
The effects of this mining on the surround areas is devastating. Not just on the environment, but on the people who live and work in these areas.
Knowing this, I was very excited to find out that a screening of a hard-hitting new documentary on the subject was coming to the city. And it’s not just any screening, it’s Lincoln Center’s Earth Day screening. If you live in NYC, you should definitely check out Mountaintop Removal, a new documentary narrated by William Mapother (of “Lost” fame, also a KY native) on April 22 @ 6:15 PM. This day is already very special to me because it marks my 15th year as a vegetarian (I know, it’s soooo cliché to give up meat on Earth Day, but hey, do what works for you). If you’re not in the NYC area, add Mountaintop Removal as a friend on MySpace to see when it will be playing near you.
One of its more powerful scenes is when the shrunken human Zak carves fairy Crysta’s name into a tree. Seeing what Zak is doing, Crysta is horrified and demands he stops and asks, “Can’t you feel its pain?” and places his hand on tree. Zak, being a human, can’t feel the pain and Crysta does not understand how one creature could not sympathize with the pain of another.
Growing up in Ohio Valley and Appalachia, I felt Crysta’s disbelief many times. There are certain events in life that when you see them, you can’t help but gasp in a shared pa
in and wonder how others can’t join you in your outrage. Any environmentally minded person who has seen a mountaintop removal site knows of what I speak. Mountaintop Removal is defined by Wikipedia as “a form of surface mining that involves an extreme topological change to the summit or summit ridge of a mountain. It is most closely associated with coal mining in the Appalachian Mountains, located in the eastern United States. The process involves using explosives to remove up to 1,000 vertical feet of rock to get to the coal seams. The resulting debris is often scraped into the adjacent river valleys in what is called a valley fill.”
The effects of this mining on the surround areas is devastating. Not just on the environment, but on the people who live and work in these areas.
Knowing this, I was very excited to find out that a screening of a hard-hitting new documentary on the subject was coming to the city. And it’s not just any screening, it’s Lincoln Center’s Earth Day screening. If you live in NYC, you should definitely check out Mountaintop Removal, a new documentary narrated by William Mapother (of “Lost” fame, also a KY native) on April 22 @ 6:15 PM. This day is already very special to me because it marks my 15th year as a vegetarian (I know, it’s soooo cliché to give up meat on Earth Day, but hey, do what works for you). If you’re not in the NYC area, add Mountaintop Removal as a friend on MySpace to see when it will be playing near you.
3.24.2008
4,000
I have some blogging to catch up on (and already have a few that will post later this evening - stay tuned!) but thought I should share this image with my fellow EEs.
Of all the un-green things we do as a species, war has to be close to the top the list. The chemicals for weapons, the carbon produced (not to mention the destruction) from bombs and general war fare, the pollution - it's unfathomable to me that we voluntarily engage.
HuffingtonPost.com highlighted a photo mosaic today. It doesn't need explaining and my commentary would only trivialize the power of the imagery, click on the photo for a larger image:
Of all the un-green things we do as a species, war has to be close to the top the list. The chemicals for weapons, the carbon produced (not to mention the destruction) from bombs and general war fare, the pollution - it's unfathomable to me that we voluntarily engage.
HuffingtonPost.com highlighted a photo mosaic today. It doesn't need explaining and my commentary would only trivialize the power of the imagery, click on the photo for a larger image:
3.18.2008
A Village to Save the World
I do believe it takes a village to raise a child, but it certainly helps to have two awesome parents in the mix. My environmentalism was instilled in me by two very responsible parents (actually, come to think of it, when I reflect on how amazing my parents are, I should be a WAY better person than I am). My mom is a fan of my blog – she’s totally unbiased, by the way – and sent me a few links she suggested I highlight:
Green Seal is “an independent non-profit organization dedicated to safeguard the environment and transforming the marketplace by promoting the use of environmentally responsible products and services.”
Green Seal serves a similar purpose to organizations that certify organic food. By being an outside organization they can objectively rate products as being green. The website makes it easy to find certified products as well as register products/services if you are a environmentally responsible manufacturer.
3.17.2008
Michael Vicks
So, here is a link to the FANTASTIC Michael Vicks "Really" SNL skit I was talking about. Thank you Jareth K!!
http://www.yikers.com/video_the_hilarity_of_michael_vicks_weed_bust.html
I wish the quality was a bit better, but blame NBC for that:
http://www.yikers.com/video_the_hilarity_of_michael_vicks_weed_bust.html
Black is the new President
Saturday night's SNL was, eh, okay, but the “Really” segment on weekend update was pretty funny – which made me think of a GREAT skit from a few years back. Amy and Seth did a “Really” segment about Michael Vicks getting busted with weed in the Miami International Airport. You may be looking for the environmental tie-in right about now, so here it is: Michael Vicks is a dog beater, animal abuser, and all-around jerk. We’re not fans of any of those at EE, so he is definitely on our least wanted list (people we least want to share the planet or its resources with). So, in honor of our newly formed “Least Wanted” list, a chuckle for old times sake:
Okay, nevermind. Apparently NBC has pulled all SNL clips from YouTube so you have to use official clips from their site. While I don't mind this, I still wish more money from the practice went to writers (yes, I know they're getting a little more after the strike, but the producers could have thrown them a few more bones). I guess NBC thinks they're doing us bloggers a favor because they have a whole page with embedded codes "for your blog!" However, it's like six links and they're all from the most recent week's SNL. If anyone can find the Michael Vicks one, please pass it this way! While we wait, here a clip from this week that features Tracy Morgan's reflections on Barack Obama:
Okay, nevermind. Apparently NBC has pulled all SNL clips from YouTube so you have to use official clips from their site. While I don't mind this, I still wish more money from the practice went to writers (yes, I know they're getting a little more after the strike, but the producers could have thrown them a few more bones). I guess NBC thinks they're doing us bloggers a favor because they have a whole page with embedded codes "for your blog!" However, it's like six links and they're all from the most recent week's SNL. If anyone can find the Michael Vicks one, please pass it this way! While we wait, here a clip from this week that features Tracy Morgan's reflections on Barack Obama:
3.16.2008
An Apple a Day Part II
Another great reader suggestion I received recently was on my blog about eating organically. Organic food is great for you and the planet, but locally grown organic food is even better. I tend to frequent farmer’s markets that are a collective unit of growers that agree to cultivate their harvest by similar standards (organic, free-range, grain-fed, etc). When you buy locally grown produce or locally raised meat, not only are you supporting your local farmer, you are also reducing greenhouse gases since the produce/meat has less distance to travel and therefore uses less energy to get on your plate.
FarmAndFood.org is great for finding NY area farmer’s markets and restaurants while FarmersMarket.com is a national directory.
This is all making me very hungry…
FarmAndFood.org is great for finding NY area farmer’s markets and restaurants while FarmersMarket.com is a national directory.
This is all making me very hungry…
3.15.2008
What's NOT in Your Water Part II
I recently dedicated an entry to a product that I happened to enjoy called Clear2O. On my comment page, a reader asked a question – what solutions are there available for people with families, this reader having a family of five.
I do write this blog with the small family or city living in mind, but after thinking about this question, I thought about what my parents did for my family (of 4). My parents were very responsible with everything my brother and I consumed, from the meat they cooked (which I’m about to celebrate my 15th year as a vegetarian next month!) to the water we drank. Because of this, they resorted to spring water. This turned into a huge waste of plastic from the bottles and energy from having water delivered. Like the reader mentioned above, a small pitcher would not have worked for my family as we drink water like camels (my mother never let us drink soda except for the weekends, and not even often then). However, my father found a devise that did work well and saved our family money every year.
Whirlpool offers a three-filter reverse osmosis water flirtation system. This system goes under your sink and comes with a separate faucet (so you can still use plain old municiple water for cleaning and what not) AND this system does reduce lead, which was another complaint Anonymous voiced on the entry.
Of the three filters, one needs to be changed once a year and the other two twice a year, which is far less often than the average in the fridge pitcher so good for the busy family man/woman. I believe the initial cost is about $150 at your local Lowes, and then $75 a year in filters, but it saves the bottle water drinker money and time that they would normally dedicate to recycling those plastic bottles.
I hope this suggestion helps, Anonymous. If any one else has additional suggestions, send them along!
I do write this blog with the small family or city living in mind, but after thinking about this question, I thought about what my parents did for my family (of 4). My parents were very responsible with everything my brother and I consumed, from the meat they cooked (which I’m about to celebrate my 15th year as a vegetarian next month!) to the water we drank. Because of this, they resorted to spring water. This turned into a huge waste of plastic from the bottles and energy from having water delivered. Like the reader mentioned above, a small pitcher would not have worked for my family as we drink water like camels (my mother never let us drink soda except for the weekends, and not even often then). However, my father found a devise that did work well and saved our family money every year.
Whirlpool offers a three-filter reverse osmosis water flirtation system. This system goes under your sink and comes with a separate faucet (so you can still use plain old municiple water for cleaning and what not) AND this system does reduce lead, which was another complaint Anonymous voiced on the entry.
Of the three filters, one needs to be changed once a year and the other two twice a year, which is far less often than the average in the fridge pitcher so good for the busy family man/woman. I believe the initial cost is about $150 at your local Lowes, and then $75 a year in filters, but it saves the bottle water drinker money and time that they would normally dedicate to recycling those plastic bottles.I hope this suggestion helps, Anonymous. If any one else has additional suggestions, send them along!
Friends
As many of you have noticed (like those to whom I sent the wrong link – sorry!) the title of this blog is Everyday Environmentalists, with an s. Although I am an Everyday Environmentalist (no royal we on this blog) I added the s to the name because I think of this as an online community of like-minded individuals, rather than a ranting place for a single person. Because of that mentality, I am going to dedicated my next few blogs to tips that were sent to me by readers. I value your input more than I can easily relay with words and do not believe I can thank you enough.
EE Indira posted a link on my Dummer entry to a recent posting on AutoBlogGreen.com regarding BMW’s renewed interest in an all electric car. Now, for any one else who was a fan of Who Killed the Electric Car? or just just a fan of the environment in general, this is VERY exciting.
Thanks for the link Indira!
3.13.2008
Air-Brained Idea
My roommate just got back from London and she was telling me that about this article she read in the plane's magazine regarding simple green tips. I am reposting one because it is so simple and such a great idea that I am sad I didn't think of it myself, but happy someone else did!
Showering in the morning is great, one of the best of life's simple pleasures. Stepping into a warm, steaming hot shower is matched by few other visceral experiences. However, showers never starts steaming hot, and one always ends letting a few gallons go wastefully down the drain as the cold water flushes from the pipes. And understandably so, who wants a cold shower?
The quick fix suggested for this is to put a bucket in the shower and let the cold water run into it, then use it to water your plants. Sure, plants don't need watering everyday, but if you did this once a week, you would save the water that would normally go down the drain as well the water you would use to quench the thirst of your plants. Being green is so easy sometimes.
Showering in the morning is great, one of the best of life's simple pleasures. Stepping into a warm, steaming hot shower is matched by few other visceral experiences. However, showers never starts steaming hot, and one always ends letting a few gallons go wastefully down the drain as the cold water flushes from the pipes. And understandably so, who wants a cold shower?
The quick fix suggested for this is to put a bucket in the shower and let the cold water run into it, then use it to water your plants. Sure, plants don't need watering everyday, but if you did this once a week, you would save the water that would normally go down the drain as well the water you would use to quench the thirst of your plants. Being green is so easy sometimes.
I Would Marry Keith Olbermann
Or at least be his really good friend. If I was half the writer he was, I would do a happy dance every morning.
3.12.2008
Dummer
I want to try and stay away from making this blog too pop culture heavy, because the last thing we need is another person talking about what stupid thing celebrities did today. However, Perez Hilton wrote an interesting blog about the Governator and I must give credit where credit is due. His blog links to a story in the Sacramento Bee about the subject, which I believe is my first link within a link.
Apparently Arnold flies between his LA mansion and his Sacramento office...DAILY.
His staff says he purchases carbon credits to offset the effect. I get purchasing carbon credits for the electricity you use in your home, you know, to keep it warm in the winter. But for DAILY flights?
This is the same man who is, in essence, responsible for the Hummer being a commercial vehicle.
Tip of the day: Don't drive a Hummer. If I see you driving a Hummer, find out you rode in one, or hear you speak of liking a Hummer, I will be VERY tempted to push you in front of one.
3.11.2008
Can YOU Hear Us: Part 2
How does Senator Kern feel about her comments after receiving 3,000 critical emails?
"I said nothing that was not true, I said nothing out of hate and I don't believe my colleagues will censure me," Kern said today.
Nothing that wasn't true? So homosexuality IS a bigger threat our country than terrorism? Perhaps she saw the episode of South Park where the Queer Eye guys were actually crab people in disguise trying to take over the world.
Senator Kern seems to think people are supportive of her behavior. We can continue to tell her we are not. However, people, STOP sending death threats. Don't sink to their level of bigotry. Let her words be what destroys her.
Read about some of the legislature she has tried to pass.
"I said nothing that was not true, I said nothing out of hate and I don't believe my colleagues will censure me," Kern said today.
Nothing that wasn't true? So homosexuality IS a bigger threat our country than terrorism? Perhaps she saw the episode of South Park where the Queer Eye guys were actually crab people in disguise trying to take over the world.
Senator Kern seems to think people are supportive of her behavior. We can continue to tell her we are not. However, people, STOP sending death threats. Don't sink to their level of bigotry. Let her words be what destroys her.
Read about some of the legislature she has tried to pass.
What's NOT in Your Water
After all of the postings I have done about water, I thought I would look into a product and some extraordinary claims it makes.
There’s Brita and PUR, what about the new pitcher in town, Clear2o. It claims to remove 5x more contaminants than “other guys” and holds 50% more water.
After checking out this review on Associated Content, it turns out Clear2o filters Alachlor, Atrazine, Asbestos, Benzene, Cadmium, Barbofuran, Bromoform, Carbon tetrachloride, Chlorine Dioxide, Chlorobenzene, Chloroform, Chloropicrin, Cysts, 2,4-D, Dibromochloropropane, o-dichlorobenzene, p-dichloroethane, 1,2-dishloroethane, Dioxin, Endrin, Ethylbenzene, Haloacetonitriles, Heptachlor, Lead, Mercury, MTBE, Lindane, Methoxychlor, Nitrite, Styrene, Simazine, Styrene, Toluene and many more.
Clear2o actually hooks up to your faucet, which means you will have to remove your faucet's aerator a
nd replace it with one of the two provided with the kit (which is easy enough, but watch out for those pesky reverse threads). The pitcher fills quickly. I found a pitcher on a recent trip to Target for $20, which is about $20 less than they were originally going for. The replacement filters still cost about twice as much, but with everything in the water today, I think it’s worth the extra money for a little less in your water.
There’s Brita and PUR, what about the new pitcher in town, Clear2o. It claims to remove 5x more contaminants than “other guys” and holds 50% more water.
After checking out this review on Associated Content, it turns out Clear2o filters Alachlor, Atrazine, Asbestos, Benzene, Cadmium, Barbofuran, Bromoform, Carbon tetrachloride, Chlorine Dioxide, Chlorobenzene, Chloroform, Chloropicrin, Cysts, 2,4-D, Dibromochloropropane, o-dichlorobenzene, p-dichloroethane, 1,2-dishloroethane, Dioxin, Endrin, Ethylbenzene, Haloacetonitriles, Heptachlor, Lead, Mercury, MTBE, Lindane, Methoxychlor, Nitrite, Styrene, Simazine, Styrene, Toluene and many more.
Clear2o actually hooks up to your faucet, which means you will have to remove your faucet's aerator a
nd replace it with one of the two provided with the kit (which is easy enough, but watch out for those pesky reverse threads). The pitcher fills quickly. I found a pitcher on a recent trip to Target for $20, which is about $20 less than they were originally going for. The replacement filters still cost about twice as much, but with everything in the water today, I think it’s worth the extra money for a little less in your water.
Thanks Laura
Good thing Laura from the Philadelphia Water Department didn't buy into alarmist tactics. I'm super grateful she held her ground by not concerning the public or prompting us to ask questions she just doesn't have the answers to. Far be it from us, the little ol' public, to light a fire under her and the scientific community's asses to get the answers. Oh, wait CNN.com, what's that:
Pharmaceuticals in the water are being blamed for severe reproductive problems in many types of fish: The endangered razorback sucker and male fathead minnow have been found with lower sperm counts and damaged sperm; some walleyes and male carp have become what are called feminized fish, producing egg yolk proteins typically made only by females.
Meanwhile, female fish have developed male genital organs. Also, there are skewed sex ratios in some aquatic populations, and sexually abnormal bass that produce cells for both sperm and eggs.
There are problems with other wildlife as well: kidney failure in vultures, impaired reproduction in mussels, inhibited growth in algae.
"We have no reason to think that this is a unique situation," says Erik Orsak, an environmental contaminants specialist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, pulling off rubber gloves splattered with fish blood at Lake Mead. "We find pretty much anywhere we look, these compounds are ubiquitous."
3.10.2008
Method, not just for actors
I have blogged about Method products before, but I have recently discovered a new one that I am official in love with. Method "Le Scrub" tub cleaner. It is 100% natural and comes with a handy dandy washable scrubber - oh, but it doesn't stop there. The bottle has a built-in scrubber holder. This beautiful blue bottle lives in my bathtub right now and I can't tell you how much more fun it is to get on my hands and knees and scrub away at the tub with a refreshing and rejuvenating all-natural scent invading my olfactory senses in place of the bleach that normally makes me dizzy. AND there is another product I have yet to try, Lil Blue Bowel. Two amazing new Method products! I see a bathroom threesome in my near future.
What's In YOUR Water
This just in, when water providers find pharmaceuticals in water, they often don't report it. And in generalized studies, they often don't state which city has what in their water. Why, you may ask? Well according to Philadelphia Water Department spokesperson Laura Copeland, "It would be irresponsible to communicate to the public about this issue, as doing so would only generate questions that scientific research has not yet answered. We don't want to create the perception where people would be alarmed."
Hey Laura, how about you work on the answering those questions and let us decide what we should and should not be worried about. How about letting your 1.5 million drinkers decide whether they care about the traces of 56 pharmaceuticals found in the water they drink.
Yes, this analysis is down to the molecular level and no one knows the effect these trace particles have on the people drinking water (or how effective that Brita really is), but I am still a fan of giving people the information and then letting them decide what to do with it.
Here are the chemicals found in a few cities:
Cincinnati (hometown :) - Caffeine
Denver, CO - Unspecified Antibiotics (fun!)
San Diego, CA - Ibuprofen, Meprobamate (minor tranquilzer) and Phenytoin (antiepileptic)
An Apple a Day
Everyone is concerned about money today. Whether it be rising gas prices, the credit crisis, or the mortgage crisis (pick your crisis) things in the financial area of our country are not looking too hot. Many people are looking for ways to reduce their spending, which I think is a great time for people to also look into reducing their carbon footprint, as the two go hand in hand (or foot in foot, sorry, that’s a lame one, I couldn’t help myself).
People are examining their everyday spending and trying to figure out what could be cut out. CNN posted a story today that examined a few items people are deciding they can live without. I have already blogged about how to make one’s coffee a more eco-friendly habit and about how to make take-out and delivery a more Earth loving affair, so I will skip that lecture.
With people cutting back on what they are spending on their food intake, the grocery store seems like a logical option. When grocery shopping, try to buy organic, which is not just for the good of the planet, but for the good of the people who grow your food and for
the good of you. Take apples for example. Apples test for more pesticides than just about any other fruit available, which is scary when you consider how many apples are consumed skin and all. I ONLY buy organic apples, which is hard because sometimes I go without and apples are my favorite fruit, but I would rather be apple-less than eat 91 pesticides. Also, look into the country of origin. I just found out that Chile has no regulations on the amount of pesticides used for fruit.
For the dairy lovers out there, organic milk and cheese is also a really good investment. If you want to take it one step further, you can buy local dairy products. By doing so, you are further reducing your carbon footprint because less energy was used to transport the milk. And buying locally may help offset the cost of the organic process as the rising cost of milk has been attributed to the rising gas prices.
Just some hopefully helpful tips for your budget-saving Monday.
People are examining their everyday spending and trying to figure out what could be cut out. CNN posted a story today that examined a few items people are deciding they can live without. I have already blogged about how to make one’s coffee a more eco-friendly habit and about how to make take-out and delivery a more Earth loving affair, so I will skip that lecture.
With people cutting back on what they are spending on their food intake, the grocery store seems like a logical option. When grocery shopping, try to buy organic, which is not just for the good of the planet, but for the good of the people who grow your food and for
the good of you. Take apples for example. Apples test for more pesticides than just about any other fruit available, which is scary when you consider how many apples are consumed skin and all. I ONLY buy organic apples, which is hard because sometimes I go without and apples are my favorite fruit, but I would rather be apple-less than eat 91 pesticides. Also, look into the country of origin. I just found out that Chile has no regulations on the amount of pesticides used for fruit.For the dairy lovers out there, organic milk and cheese is also a really good investment. If you want to take it one step further, you can buy local dairy products. By doing so, you are further reducing your carbon footprint because less energy was used to transport the milk. And buying locally may help offset the cost of the organic process as the rising cost of milk has been attributed to the rising gas prices.
Just some hopefully helpful tips for your budget-saving Monday.
Declartion on the Environment
So it looks as if the Catholics are not the only Christian group that is taking notice of climate change. A group of some of the most influential Southern Baptist leaders declared their denomination has been “too timid” on global warming. While they understand their members may not be able to accept all of the science behind global warming (baby steps, people) they have decided something must be done and are releasing a declaration entitled “A Southern Baptist Declaration on the Environment and Climate Change.” My favorite part of the AP story is when a theological professor compared destroying God’s creation as tearing pages out of the Bible. I would like to go one step further and say it is the comparable to burning the Bible (you know, because then you would be polluting the air with the Good Book). The AP story hit the wire about 11 hours ago, and it has been picked up by several prominent news sources already:
BBC
CNN
Here is a letter in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution written by Jonathan Merritt, a spokesperson for the Souther Baptist Environment and Climate Initiative. And here is the article he is responding to.
BBC
CNN
Here is a letter in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution written by Jonathan Merritt, a spokesperson for the Souther Baptist Environment and Climate Initiative. And here is the article he is responding to.
Holy...
I’m not sure I can remember the last time the Vatican and I agreed on something. In fact, the Holy See and I may have never found ourselves on the same side of an issue. Well, there is love thy neighbor and all that, however, I feel like they have wandered pretty far from that doctrine.
However, last week I posted a blog that was a call to arms for Christians to be more environmentally minded (not my most popular blog, but I still feel it brought up some good points). Well, either the pope is a fan of my blog (thanks Benedict) or I’m psychic, or perhaps I just have my finger to the pulse. Regardless, the Vatican has listed ecological offenses as new social sins and has even gone as far as to use solar cells to produce electricity for the Vatican. In all fairness, the Pope did also denounce stem cell research, which I do not agree with (especially since research can be done with umbilical cord blood), but like I said, it is a cold day in…well you know, when the Vatican and I agree.
However, last week I posted a blog that was a call to arms for Christians to be more environmentally minded (not my most popular blog, but I still feel it brought up some good points). Well, either the pope is a fan of my blog (thanks Benedict) or I’m psychic, or perhaps I just have my finger to the pulse. Regardless, the Vatican has listed ecological offenses as new social sins and has even gone as far as to use solar cells to produce electricity for the Vatican. In all fairness, the Pope did also denounce stem cell research, which I do not agree with (especially since research can be done with umbilical cord blood), but like I said, it is a cold day in…well you know, when the Vatican and I agree.
3.09.2008
Can YOU Hear Us?
The video below is not so environmentally minded, however I could not let it pass without posting it. Several other blogs have written up some great posts about it, including FreeWilliamsburg and Pam's House Blend.
I did state that I would occasionally post about politicians, and although her rant is not against the environment, it is against homosexuals, or as she so lovely calls them, "gays." And I can't think of another group of people who are more environmentally minded, on a whole, as my dear homosexual friends. That fact is not backed up by any scientific evidence, and is less of a fact and more of an observation, however, I find it to be true. Well, unless you count Sierra Club members as a group of people, but you get my point.
3.07.2008
What do they say about hindsight?
Below is a clip of former President Bill Clinton speaking at a pro-Kerry rally in 2004. I don't agree with the title of this YouTube clip because I think it is misleading and believe you can't fight dirty fighting with more dirty fighting (perhaps I would lose said fights).
"If one candidate is trying to scare you and the other one is trying to get you to think, if one candidate is appealing to your fears and the other one is appealing to your hopes, you better vote for the person who wants you to think and hope." - Bill Clinton, 2004.
"If one candidate is trying to scare you and the other one is trying to get you to think, if one candidate is appealing to your fears and the other one is appealing to your hopes, you better vote for the person who wants you to think and hope." - Bill Clinton, 2004.
3.05.2008
Another reason why Obama is my choice for green candidate
Reason? A brilliant little website called Obamacycle. Why so brilliant? Because Obama campaigners from across the country can reuse campaign materials from other states. There is an easy to navigate forum where supporters can post “have it” and “need it” messages. So, if you are done with your literature and materials or have more than you will use, you can send it along to another eager supporter who will gladly take it off your hands. Just another way Obama is taking steps to be an environmentally responsible candidate. Thanks again to my awesome friend Vinny for sending this along to me.
Now, if I can stop crying in my cereal, I’ll post my live blogging from last nights CNN coverage of the results.
3.04.2008
Hippity Hoppity
Easter represents many things to many people, and is one of my favorite times of year. It is a time of holiness for Christians and Jews, a time of chocolate and eggs for children (and
just about everyone else), and a time of fertility for pagans and bunnies (I love bunnies).
Easter is also a great time to begin instilling ideas of conservation and environmental responsibility on the little ones, whether they are your own, your nieces or nephews, or annoying little snots that live in your neighborhood.
Some of the ways to host a more eco-friendly Easter celebration are quite easy:
• Only boil as many eggs as you will eat. Yes, it is fun for the young ones to find a plethora of eggs in the back yard and around the house, but it is also fun to teach them about conservation. Don’t set a bad example by boiling 30 eggs and then throwing away 15 at the end of the night.
• Only use cage free, organic eggs. The thought of hormone fattened hens sitting in and eating their own feces due to the fact that their legs are broken and they are caught between a myriad of other fattened and stationary hens really takes something away from the Easter spirit, you know??
• Give the kiddies fairtrade, organic chocolate. I recommend Endangered Species Chocolate, who donates 10% of their net profit to support species, habitat, and humanity. Artbar, based out of Ithaca, NY, is another yummy option with all fairtrade chocolate.
• Make sure the dyes you use for the eggs are ALL NATURAL, because exposing little ones to chemicals is not so fun. Or, better, yet, make your own dyes.
just about everyone else), and a time of fertility for pagans and bunnies (I love bunnies).Easter is also a great time to begin instilling ideas of conservation and environmental responsibility on the little ones, whether they are your own, your nieces or nephews, or annoying little snots that live in your neighborhood.
Some of the ways to host a more eco-friendly Easter celebration are quite easy:
• Only boil as many eggs as you will eat. Yes, it is fun for the young ones to find a plethora of eggs in the back yard and around the house, but it is also fun to teach them about conservation. Don’t set a bad example by boiling 30 eggs and then throwing away 15 at the end of the night.
• Only use cage free, organic eggs. The thought of hormone fattened hens sitting in and eating their own feces due to the fact that their legs are broken and they are caught between a myriad of other fattened and stationary hens really takes something away from the Easter spirit, you know??
• Give the kiddies fairtrade, organic chocolate. I recommend Endangered Species Chocolate, who donates 10% of their net profit to support species, habitat, and humanity. Artbar, based out of Ithaca, NY, is another yummy option with all fairtrade chocolate.
• Make sure the dyes you use for the eggs are ALL NATURAL, because exposing little ones to chemicals is not so fun. Or, better, yet, make your own dyes.
A Common Thread
I have always wondered why more Christians don’t also consider themselves environmentalists. Moving into the most Holy time of year for Christians, I was moved to revisit and revamp a blog I wrote almost two years ago.
I believe that there are many connections between environmentalism and numerous religions, particularly Buddhism, and I believe that God speaks many languages and knows many cultures. However, I am dedicating this particular blog to the responsibility I believe Christians have to the fight against global warming, the responsibility they have to fight for the animals who cannot speak for themselves, and to the responsibility they have to the fight for the poor of the world who are exposed to countless number of harmful chemicals dumped in their back yards because the rich of the world find it convenient to do so. I am dedicating this blog to Christianity because it is the religion of which I know the most and of whose text I have most studied (and I believe that I am even a novice at that).
The connection between Christianity and environmentalism just seems logical to me. When I speak of Christianity, I am referring to it in its truest form, or at least its truest form I know. It’s incredibly unfortunate that Christianity is represented by so many judgmental and greedy individuals. I realize that our media does give more attention to brainless ranting and raving, but maybe if enough people who had positive messages spoke out, the media would be forced to pay attention. Below are a few passages from the Bible that I think show how easy the bridge would be to build between the two groups as well as illustrate the duty of a Christian to stand up and take stewardship of this beautiful gift we call Earth and of all of God’s creatures.
Psalm 96:10,12 The Lord Reigns. . . Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy.
Ezekiel 34: 17, 18 As for you, my flock. . . .Is it not enough for you to feed on good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet?
Job 12:7-10 But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all humanity.
Psalm 104: 25, 30 In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number living things both large and small. . . When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the earth.
Isaiah 55: 12-13 . . .The mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. . . All this will be a memorial for the Lord, a sign that for all time will not be cut off.
I believe that there are many connections between environmentalism and numerous religions, particularly Buddhism, and I believe that God speaks many languages and knows many cultures. However, I am dedicating this particular blog to the responsibility I believe Christians have to the fight against global warming, the responsibility they have to fight for the animals who cannot speak for themselves, and to the responsibility they have to the fight for the poor of the world who are exposed to countless number of harmful chemicals dumped in their back yards because the rich of the world find it convenient to do so. I am dedicating this blog to Christianity because it is the religion of which I know the most and of whose text I have most studied (and I believe that I am even a novice at that).
The connection between Christianity and environmentalism just seems logical to me. When I speak of Christianity, I am referring to it in its truest form, or at least its truest form I know. It’s incredibly unfortunate that Christianity is represented by so many judgmental and greedy individuals. I realize that our media does give more attention to brainless ranting and raving, but maybe if enough people who had positive messages spoke out, the media would be forced to pay attention. Below are a few passages from the Bible that I think show how easy the bridge would be to build between the two groups as well as illustrate the duty of a Christian to stand up and take stewardship of this beautiful gift we call Earth and of all of God’s creatures.
Psalm 96:10,12 The Lord Reigns. . . Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy.
Ezekiel 34: 17, 18 As for you, my flock. . . .Is it not enough for you to feed on good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet?
Job 12:7-10 But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all humanity.
Psalm 104: 25, 30 In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number living things both large and small. . . When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the earth.
Isaiah 55: 12-13 . . .The mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. . . All this will be a memorial for the Lord, a sign that for all time will not be cut off.
3.03.2008
Black is the new...
I’m playing around with the format of the blog currently, so please bear with me.
Although the original blog was green to go along with the theme (I’m very subtle therefore hard to truly understand sometimes), I realized I was being counter productive by not embracing the same philosophy as my home page.
Blackle also believes that small, everyday steps can help save the environment, and so far, they have almost 500,000 watt hours to back them up.
Image display uses more energy on your computer than any other function, and it takes a lot more energy to display white than it does to display black.
According to Blackle, if you set it as your homepage “every time you load your Internet browser you will save a little bit of energy. Remember every bit counts! You will also be reminded about the need to save energy each time you see the Blackle page load.”
Also, I love it, because it’s creation was inspired by a blog. Seriously. Google read the following blog, and listened. How many other billion dollar corporations can say that.
Ecoiron.blogspot.com
Although the original blog was green to go along with the theme (I’m very subtle therefore hard to truly understand sometimes), I realized I was being counter productive by not embracing the same philosophy as my home page.
Blackle also believes that small, everyday steps can help save the environment, and so far, they have almost 500,000 watt hours to back them up.
Image display uses more energy on your computer than any other function, and it takes a lot more energy to display white than it does to display black.
According to Blackle, if you set it as your homepage “every time you load your Internet browser you will save a little bit of energy. Remember every bit counts! You will also be reminded about the need to save energy each time you see the Blackle page load.”
Also, I love it, because it’s creation was inspired by a blog. Seriously. Google read the following blog, and listened. How many other billion dollar corporations can say that.
Ecoiron.blogspot.com
Hope is a powerful thing...
As I have mentioned before, I think one of the most powerful things we can do as environmentalists is exercise the power of the vote. I have decided to vote and campaign for Barack Obama as I believe he is the best candidate for the environment. I still think he could do more, but believe he has the potential for positive change and that he has the strength to stand up to big business and take the appropriate steps to curb global warming.
This weekend I canvassed in Rhode Island for Obama and found the process to be exhilarating. Going door to door is not normally my idea of fun and I haven’t done so since I had a paper route, yet in place of the shyness I expected in myself when knocking on strangers’ doors I found courage and excitement. Almost everyone was eager to talk about who they were voting for and why, even if we disagreed (save one Hillary supporter who cursed at me).
I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to go out there and support the candidates you believe in. If enough of us stood up and yelled, a green candidate member could actually hold a national elected office.
My favorite moment of the weekend was when I knocked on the door of a woman who had been visited the day before. I apologized for our mistake and her response was, “That’s okay, I’m just happy to see young people so excited about politics.”
We are excited. And our voices will be heard.
This weekend I canvassed in Rhode Island for Obama and found the process to be exhilarating. Going door to door is not normally my idea of fun and I haven’t done so since I had a paper route, yet in place of the shyness I expected in myself when knocking on strangers’ doors I found courage and excitement. Almost everyone was eager to talk about who they were voting for and why, even if we disagreed (save one Hillary supporter who cursed at me).
I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to go out there and support the candidates you believe in. If enough of us stood up and yelled, a green candidate member could actually hold a national elected office.
My favorite moment of the weekend was when I knocked on the door of a woman who had been visited the day before. I apologized for our mistake and her response was, “That’s okay, I’m just happy to see young people so excited about politics.”
We are excited. And our voices will be heard.
Ratio
The simple everyday choices we make are perhaps the most important ones. The everyday routines we embrace are the ones that have the biggest effect on our carbon footprints. As I have blogged before, I love coffee. Love, love, LOVE coffee, and because it is such a part of my everyday routine, I try to make every aspect of my caffeinated enjoyment environmentally friendly.
My weekends are split between two local coffee shops in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The first (also my first coffee love of BK) is Oslo, an amazing cozy but roomy establishment (roomy by NY standards) that offers an assortment of coffee delights. They are friendly, treat each order like its the only one of the day, and offer several different roast for purchase by the pound, all fairtrade certified. The second, and closer option is Gimme! Coffee, which offers a bit more variety, if you like fancy, sugar-filled drinks (alright, sometimes I do as well) and also offers many a fairtrade option – this is a good time to remind the reader that to be certified as fairtrade the grower/producer must adhere to strict social AND environmental standards.
Now, Gimme! Coffee has fantastic brews, and is much closer, yet I will always go to Oslo if time permits. Why do you ask? Very simple reason. Oslo has Gimme! beat on the douche bag to square foot ratio (DB:foot^2).
If you find yourself at Oslo coffee at 1 PM on a random weekday (as I have before), the activity level is slightly less than weekend. Writers clunk away on their MacBooks, mothers with strollers push their children in for their much-deserved afternoon break, pleasant baristas greet you and probably remember your order if you are a daytime regular.
Let’s have a look at Gimme! around the same time on that same day. Although equally filled with sticker covered MacBooks, the scribes turn out to be self-important bloggers (awkward whistle from me) who do not pay their bills with well-crafted diatribes, but rather with their bond trader father’s good will. Walk over to the condiment bar and you find a 10-minute wait to put a lid on your latte as two impassioned hipsters are in a to-the-death battle about whether or not Kafka’s work can even be relevant to a debate on the impersonality and bureaucracy of an industrialized world considering his true wishes were for all of his manuscripts to be destroyed following his death. A mother brings in her 4-year-old and orders a Grasshopper and a decaf latte for the child. When the caring barista reminds her that decaf still retains a small amount of caffeine and therefore may not suitable for a child of her age the mother explains that her daughter, Metalica (NOT named after the band, the band has two L’s, thank you) picks her own bedtime as her parents do not burden her with the constraints of a time limit on when her day should end just because society believes a child should be in bed early, so she is not phased by the caffeine warning.
Back to Oslo. The barista chats with a patron about the latest Idiotarod and some his favorite costumes, which prompts another patron to ask her friend if she has decided on her Lebowskifest costume yet. The peace is interrupted by a loud customer who walks up to the bar, Final Cut enabled MacBook Pro in hand, mumbles an order through his greasy locks, and then goes back to his iPhone “No, I won’t cut a second, 158 minutes is not that long and if people don’t want to sit through then fuck ‘em, they won’t get it anyway.” While he waits for his milk to froth, he angrily dials another number on his iPhone and begins to bitch at his mother about how worthless his NYU film education is and demands $10,000 to finish editing his film as compensation for wasting his time by making him attain a worthless piece of paper for her to hang on her wall. “None of the true visionaries mother’s made them get degrees,” he argues. The annoyed patrons around him take a few steps away. AND THERE IT IS. Space to move. The DB:foot^2 ration is low enough that the annoyed drinker and can move away from said douche bag, which is not always a luxury available at Gimme! And for this simple luxury, I have walked the extra blocks, to Oslo. So, while both shops offer great tasting, fairtrade beverages, Oslo has the upper hand in winning the DB:foot^2 ratio.
My weekends are split between two local coffee shops in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The first (also my first coffee love of BK) is Oslo, an amazing cozy but roomy establishment (roomy by NY standards) that offers an assortment of coffee delights. They are friendly, treat each order like its the only one of the day, and offer several different roast for purchase by the pound, all fairtrade certified. The second, and closer option is Gimme! Coffee, which offers a bit more variety, if you like fancy, sugar-filled drinks (alright, sometimes I do as well) and also offers many a fairtrade option – this is a good time to remind the reader that to be certified as fairtrade the grower/producer must adhere to strict social AND environmental standards.
Now, Gimme! Coffee has fantastic brews, and is much closer, yet I will always go to Oslo if time permits. Why do you ask? Very simple reason. Oslo has Gimme! beat on the douche bag to square foot ratio (DB:foot^2).
If you find yourself at Oslo coffee at 1 PM on a random weekday (as I have before), the activity level is slightly less than weekend. Writers clunk away on their MacBooks, mothers with strollers push their children in for their much-deserved afternoon break, pleasant baristas greet you and probably remember your order if you are a daytime regular.
Let’s have a look at Gimme! around the same time on that same day. Although equally filled with sticker covered MacBooks, the scribes turn out to be self-important bloggers (awkward whistle from me) who do not pay their bills with well-crafted diatribes, but rather with their bond trader father’s good will. Walk over to the condiment bar and you find a 10-minute wait to put a lid on your latte as two impassioned hipsters are in a to-the-death battle about whether or not Kafka’s work can even be relevant to a debate on the impersonality and bureaucracy of an industrialized world considering his true wishes were for all of his manuscripts to be destroyed following his death. A mother brings in her 4-year-old and orders a Grasshopper and a decaf latte for the child. When the caring barista reminds her that decaf still retains a small amount of caffeine and therefore may not suitable for a child of her age the mother explains that her daughter, Metalica (NOT named after the band, the band has two L’s, thank you) picks her own bedtime as her parents do not burden her with the constraints of a time limit on when her day should end just because society believes a child should be in bed early, so she is not phased by the caffeine warning.
Back to Oslo. The barista chats with a patron about the latest Idiotarod and some his favorite costumes, which prompts another patron to ask her friend if she has decided on her Lebowskifest costume yet. The peace is interrupted by a loud customer who walks up to the bar, Final Cut enabled MacBook Pro in hand, mumbles an order through his greasy locks, and then goes back to his iPhone “No, I won’t cut a second, 158 minutes is not that long and if people don’t want to sit through then fuck ‘em, they won’t get it anyway.” While he waits for his milk to froth, he angrily dials another number on his iPhone and begins to bitch at his mother about how worthless his NYU film education is and demands $10,000 to finish editing his film as compensation for wasting his time by making him attain a worthless piece of paper for her to hang on her wall. “None of the true visionaries mother’s made them get degrees,” he argues. The annoyed patrons around him take a few steps away. AND THERE IT IS. Space to move. The DB:foot^2 ration is low enough that the annoyed drinker and can move away from said douche bag, which is not always a luxury available at Gimme! And for this simple luxury, I have walked the extra blocks, to Oslo. So, while both shops offer great tasting, fairtrade beverages, Oslo has the upper hand in winning the DB:foot^2 ratio.
2.28.2008
Thank you faithful reader (dare I hope and say readers?) for bearing with me during my absence. Illness and work have kept me away, but as I gear up for my volunteer efforts in the next presidential election (which happens to fall on my birthday), I am figuring out that one must learn how to prioritize. So Everyday Environmentalists, wait in darkness no more – unless you have the lights off to conserve energy, then kudos.
My tech savvy roommate recently sent me an item from a technology blog he reads regarding one of the biggest environmentally household demons, the dryer (as in Washer And…). Not only do they consume so much electricity that Energy Star does not even find it worth the time to mark them, but they are the also the villain in many a sad clothing tale. How many times have you taken out that perfectly fitted top only to find it’s pushing the word “snug” to new limits. Or what about when you want to dry that dress, just for a minute, and then discover it covered in those balls, those dreaded little fabric balls! I would honestly dry my items by clothesline, if I had a yard, sun, or a line.
Well, for those of you who do own a dryer, a solution has finally arrived. Hydromatic Technologies has invented a devise that can be added to many dryers to not only reduces drying time by 40%, but also cuts down on shrinking!
The devise will run you about $300 when it first hits the markets, but we can hope that like the iPhone, prices will go down shortly. In the meantime, check out the link below for more information on the little Earth warrior who is also looking out for your wardrobe.
http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9872365-1.html
My tech savvy roommate recently sent me an item from a technology blog he reads regarding one of the biggest environmentally household demons, the dryer (as in Washer And…). Not only do they consume so much electricity that Energy Star does not even find it worth the time to mark them, but they are the also the villain in many a sad clothing tale. How many times have you taken out that perfectly fitted top only to find it’s pushing the word “snug” to new limits. Or what about when you want to dry that dress, just for a minute, and then discover it covered in those balls, those dreaded little fabric balls! I would honestly dry my items by clothesline, if I had a yard, sun, or a line.
Well, for those of you who do own a dryer, a solution has finally arrived. Hydromatic Technologies has invented a devise that can be added to many dryers to not only reduces drying time by 40%, but also cuts down on shrinking!
The devise will run you about $300 when it first hits the markets, but we can hope that like the iPhone, prices will go down shortly. In the meantime, check out the link below for more information on the little Earth warrior who is also looking out for your wardrobe.
http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9872365-1.html
2.12.2008
Story of Stuff
Some of you may have heard of this short before, but I think it's worth posting about. It's a great eye-opener and is told in a way ANYONE can get. It relates to far more than environmentalists and points out how the devastating poverty of areas can contribute to the amount of environmentally hazardous toxins they are exposed to. Thanks to my friend Vinny for sending me this link today. The teaser is below and you can find the whole video (it's only 20 minutes long and totally worth spending your lunch break watching) at http://www.storyofstuff.com/index.html
Most Simple Tip Ever
Okay friends, and random cyber stalkers (oh, how I flatter myself) here is, perhaps, the most simple tip I will give. And what do you come here for if not for simple environmental tips? Or because I've asked you really nicely and you're a good friend, or because you need something else to laugh about behind my back.
I live in NY and probably abuse my take-out options more than I should. That being the case, I have started asking food establishments to not include utensils and condiment packets. Seriously, how many packets of mustard can I build up when I have two huge bottles in the fridge? (thanks Target)
I have recently decided to try and take this to the next level, and I realize that some eateries may not be cool with this, but if you have favorite joints you like to haunt, or if you eat at eco-friendly establishments and are ordering take-out, ask if you can bring in your own dish. Okay, maybe you don't want to take your tupperware out of your home, but it truly is such a simple way you can cut down on waste. If this isn't an option, then asking restaurants to exclude the plastic utensils, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, etc. that you already have at home and probably don't need is a great first step in reducing your waste.
2.04.2008
Happy Super Tuesday!
I wish I had the time and resources to come up with a chart comparing the presidential candidates on environmental issues, thankful, Grist.org does, and also access to interviews with each candidates.
http://www.grist.org/candidate_chart_08.html
http://www.grist.org/feature/2007/07/06/candidates/
Now I wish I had a better understanding of HMTL so I could actually put the chart on the blog, but once again, goose eggs. So, here is a link for the chart:
http://www.grist.org/candidate_chart_08.html
Here is a link to the article which details their various stances and provides references for each:
http://www.grist.org/feature/2007/07/06/candidates/
They've been keeping it updated and the most recent update was today, so read and go vote!
Go Team...Obama
I think it says a lot that in his Super Bowl ad, Barack Obama decided to focus largely on "saving the planet." He could have easily played to a different demographic, but instead he choose the platform that he knew would gain him the most viewers and called for an end to war and stated we could save the planet. In essence, he not so subtly suggested that the environment was just as important as ending the war in Iraq. And this is why he has my vote in a few hours:
I'm not a ____ bag
I really don't want to be one of annoying those "I was green before it was cool" people, but I was. Because of this, I find myself really excited about how trendy living the green lifestyle has become, yet at the same time frustrated at those who I know will go back to their SUV driving, light leaving on-ing, baby seal clubbing ways once no one is looking.
I'm all about raising awareness in non-traditional methods and reaching out to the young generations to engage them in this fight against climate change, but this is one of the times where I feel like the mark was completely missed. Mere hours after being on sale the bags were available on ebay for hundreds of dollars (they originally retailed for $15). Soon they were accompanying the oh-so-stylish arms of Keira Knightley and Lily Cole. "Okay," I thought as I saw girls use them for purses around the city, "Sure they're just using them as an addition to what I am sure is a large purse collection and not as a substitute to transport groceries, but at least they're getting the message out there, right?"
I had almost forgot about the bags until a few days ago, when I walked down to the uptown A, C, E platform at 14th Street and saw a woman who was using it as her purse WHILE CARRYING A PLASTIC BAG FULL OF GROCERIES. I took a few deep breathes and overcame my immediate instinct to push her in front of the train (it did help that she moved just a little beyond my reach). I still think I could have made an argument in court, not to just the tree huggers, but to any rational human being who realized the sheer stupidity of the situation. In fact, I may have been awarded a Darwin award, or at least helped this unfortunate girl earn hers.
I'm trying to think of a way to end this entry with a tip, but all I can come up with is: Don't be stupid and people won't push you in front of trains.
What is one of the most powerful ways you can fight global warming? By shopping. No, this isn't the beginning of a cliche-filled Carrie column, but a brief examination of how changing and improving small habits can have a big effect.
It's sometimes hard to keep up with eco-friendly, social responsible shopping for financial and availability reasons. I could list numerous green companies that I like to patronize but sometimes just don't have the financial means to. However, despite the challenges, we should be thinking about long term consequences every time we pull out our Amex (especially us women, as the book Big Green Purse points out, we have a lot more power than we even realize as, statistically, women spend so much more of the shopping dollar - they also have a great website for responsible online purchasing www.BigGreenPurse.com).
A very simple way you can use the power of your purse for good is Method products. Per their mission, they look at the world "through bright green colored glasses" and do so in a
way that won't prevent from that Moo Shoes shopping spree you've been saving up for. Not only are they green and cheap, but they work great! And you can find them at many local retailers, including Target. I'm personally a big fan of the pink grapefruit line. Their refillable products use far less packaging than just about anything else out there and their website just makes you want to smile, just like using their products will. You can get their "detox" cleaning kit, which includes 7 cleaning products covering everything from dishes to hardwood floors to bath tubs for $28 online! And don't you just want to clean more when you have new fun products with which to clean?
www.methodhome.com
1.27.2008
Think Before You...
Did you know (I LOVE starting sentences off like that) the average American office worker prints 10,000 sheets of copy paper a year (that's 110 pounds) compared to the average British worker who prints 8,000. That's still a lot, but this blog is about baby steps. I get, on average, 200 emails a day and sometimes, I get a whole lot more. It is too easy to read an email, realize I need an address for a meeting, hit print, and send 5 pages of correspondence to my printer in order to pull out 3 lines of information for later. How much easier would it have been to write that address into a planner I'm already using, put it in my blackberry, or write it on the back of a piece of scrap paper?
Besides the obvious environmental impacts, think about it. You hit print, walk to the printer, go through several sheets of paper, find what you need, circle it, fold it, put it away (or even worse, you print it only to add it to you blackberry/planner as well).
That's the thing. You've just received 200 emails, your brain is fried, and you're not thinking. I can't tell you how many times in a work day I just DO NOT think. Processing my workload becomes an automatic task and somewhere along the line, thinking was moved a little bit lower on the priority list.
Sometimes we need little reminders to think. So even though you find it may obnoxious the first time you see it, those little reminders at the bottom of emails asking you to THINK before printing aren't talking down to you - they're reminding all of us, who are over worked and over-processed, to just take a small moment from our too fast-paced days and think before we do something. Think before printing the email (on clean paper, no less). Think about whether there is there is another way to retain the information before printing. Yes, sometimes you will still have to print, but hey, sometimes you may not.
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