Black is not the new green, according to Google. Blackle is a website that uses a custom search engine provided by Google and displays all their results with a black background. This would have been a great idea except for the fact that users are moving towards flat screen technology in greater numbers. Displaying a black page on a flat screen actually uses slightly MORE power. If you have a big, old, power sucking monitor, and you want to reduce your plastic consumption by not upgrading, you could consider using sites like Blackle.com to reduce your power consumption slightly. Powering down completely when you are not using your computer will save more electricity. When the time comes to buy another computer monitor, look for EnergyStar 4.0 compliant units.
The issue of biofuels is not the focus of this blog, so I am not going to expound a lot on the subject. If you are trying to become informed so you can have an educated opinion on the concept, please keep in mind that the most vocal proponents of the idea are usually the people who are selling the idea, and the fuel, to business and consumers.
It is much easier for proponents to explain why it is a good idea than it is for detractors to explain why it is a bad idea. Unfortunately, the general public will accept a simple explanation over a complicated one regardless of the consequences. Frostfireseeds.com uses a diagram to make a compelling argument against biofuels. Cookingfire.com uses the 60 cent rise in the cost of a container of milk in New York as a simple example of how diverting corn to ethanol fuel production is making food more expensive. The biofuel industry is leading us down the wrong road. I think reduced consumption should be the primary focus with maximizing the use of free resources like wind and solar as a close second.
Bright paper packages tied up with string have given way to an excess of packaging that frustrates the average person and can drive anyone trying to reduce their consumption of plastic batty.
I have to take full responsibility for the plastic that is sitting around in my house housing treats and gadgets. I haven’t communicated my goal of reduced plastic consumption to friends and family. I’m not going to nit pick about the gifts now that they are in my possession.
Bisphenol A is a chemical that is present in small quantities in liquids that are bottled using plastic. It is presently under scrutiny because of health risks, especially for children. The province of Ontario in Canada is studying the issue and a province wide ban is not off the table. Some private companies that are branded as green are not waiting for government action. MEC pulled plastic drinking bottles off the shelves long ago and Lululemon Athletica Inc. has acrylic bottles made without Bisphenol A arriving in 2008 to replace the plastic bottles that they are selling now. They have not taken bottles off the shelves. While studies are linking the chemical to problems such as infertility and cancer, manufacturers and retailers counter that consumers would never be exposed to dangerous levels of the toxin through normal use of their products. I’m having a feeling of deja vu … remmber the lead in the miniblinds last century?
I was on vacation in Florence, Italy where they sell ice cream ( gelato ) to tourists and locals even in the winter. Choosing to eat your ice cream from a cone rather than a plastic or plastic coated cup is a pretty small decision. If you as much ice cream as me it certainly adds up.
This video is not mine. I didn’t even take any pictures of gelato.
If you look closely, you will see that some of these empty bottles have fake plastic baskets
I took this picture in a corner of the Mercato Centrale in Florence yesterday. If you live in or near a city with a weekend farmer’s market, you have a great opportunity to stock up on unpackaged foods. Some of the coolest markets that I have seen in person have been in Seattle and Halifax. The Mercato Centrale was head and shoulders above both of those, except for the lack of free musical entertainment. The shopping is so entertaining that music would be redundant. Also, the market in Italy is open 6 days per week.
