Saving global climate...

Some time ago I had written that I'd subscribed to E - The Environmental Magazine (and Mother Earth News). Initially I wasn't real impressed with E but I think it was that particular first issue received that was initially unimpressive. The second issue was very interesting and I have dogeared several pages as well as circled pertinent facts in many articles. Overall, I've learned quite a bit about CO2 emissions and how we're harming our environment. It may even be enough to make me give up my truck in favor of a zero-emission or partial-zero-emission vehicle. THAT is quite some persuasion since I like driving a vehicle that sits up higher (truck or smaller SUV). I've looked into the cost of getting solar panels and/or other renewable energy resources but the initial cost of those types of products make me cringe. I can only hope to be more environmentally concious until I can afford them. However, I digress. Here are some interesting items I've learned:

• For every gallon of gasoline burned, we release 5 pounds of CO2 into the atmosphere.
• According to James Hansen, the NASA climatologist who defied the Bush Administration's gag order, we have less than ten years to attempt a halt in further progression of global climate change, but that will mean an immediate (or as soon as possible) reduction in CO2 emissions by 70%. This would require a global effort to dramatically change our lifestyles - eating locally, smaller houses, increased use of carpooling or public transportation, riding your bike to work, fuel efficient vehicles with zero or partial emission standards, energy efficient applicances, etc., etc.
• The average distance that our food produce travels before reaching supermarkets is 1500 miles, resulting in that no-so-fresh and likely chemically-treated vegetable or fruit. Over recent years there has been a major movement to promote buying food locally, mostly via farmers markets.
• Considering alternate energy sources - solar polar, wind power, etc... Imagine a future where there is a windmill at the end of your street, generating power for your block.

I could go on but it all points to the same direction -- we need to be more environmentally concious. I'm even more diligent now about recycling than I was in the past. I'm looking at bag alternatives for grocery shopping so I won't be collecting massive amounts of plastic bags. The plastic bags that I have accumulated have been taken to SuperWalmart for recycling (there are receptacles in the can redemption area). It's all a matter of thinking before you throw away that yogurt container or soda bottle. If you don't want to redeem the 5 cents, put it in recycling or make local fundraising groups aware that you have cans they can have for redemption. I've even started taking home my recyclable containers from work since my employer does not have recycling receptacles available for anything but paper and pop cans/bottles.

With the recent international discussions on climate and especially with China's being held to the effort to reduce pollution, it should be interesting to see what happens next.