Elbow Grease

So many North Americans are complacent and apathetic towards taking responsibility for others.  If you are happy then others are happy, but this is not always the case.  Understanding what you do in your piece of the world and how this impacts people on the other side of the world should concern you too.  This applies to lifestyle and workstyle.   

If I could…

I would have solar panels and a residential windmill hooked into my power grid; using less electricity to power appliances and gadgets.  I would like to be working co-operatively with diverse groups of people to achieve better sustainable solutions to reduce emissions without compromising urban conveniences.  If we depend upon others for everything then how will we cope, survive, rebuild when the earth decides to raise its ugly head.  Skills and knowledge to be proactive is essential.

Because I grew up in a rural neighborhood, my lifestyle included

·         energy and water efficient washing machine

·         hanging clothes to dry

·         collecting rainwater for gardening

·         gardening or planting  and/or supporting local vegetable and fruit farms

·         solar windows

·         wind power

·         metro transit, bike, walk, fuel efficient car

·         living near essential services

·         lowering indoor temperature at night and when away at work

·         using blankets, sweaters, and big comfy socks to stay warm inside during winter

·         planning ahead and making home cooked meals to reduce wastage

·         minimal packaging

·         composting

·         recycling  or reusing packaging/products

·         take 5 minute showers

·         play outside

·         using human energy to crank radios, players, flashlights

·         contributing to organizations like Nature’s Conservancy and World Wildlife Fund.

 

Now my lifestyle still includes those things and more…

·         Zenn car – dreaming!  http://www.zenncars.com/

·         conducting virtual buisness and meetings either in Second Life or Elluminate Live

·         organizing and supporting action in my community

·         buy local and preserve for winter

·        using energy efficient lightbulbs -Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) and Light Emitting Diode (LED)

·         elbow grease – taking action to make my little piece of the world greener, cleaner, diverse, and natural, which ultimately reduces environmental damage in other parts of the world.

 

http://www.davidsuzuki.org/

http://www.natureconservancy.ca/

http://www.wwf.ca/

http://www.clean.ns.ca/

http://www.wecansolveit.org/

http://www.climatecrisis.net/

http://www.ecologyaction.ca/links.shtm

 

Stef