Catching the rain

After it's first test this morning, it looks like the rain barrel is working. A little over a half-inch of rain in a 45-minute storm filled the barrel in less than 30 minutes. Now I just have to be sure to keep the gutters clean which means getting on the ladder about 5 times each year. Maybe get one for each downspout? Time will tell...

Tom Friedman, Mary Poppins, Wall Street and Your World Today

The first video I discovered here. The second was an unintentional find.

For your viewing pleasure:

From suburban fencerow to suburban fencerow?

Does it matter where your food comes from? Here's an interesting report about the environmental costs of transporting food across the world. Check out the interactive feature showing the carbon footprint for wine sold in New York. So there's got to be a less-polluting way to get food...

Last week I read an article about urban farming in The Wall Street Journal (only the blog entry is available now) and then found out a similar story appeared on Good Morning America just yesterday. See where I found the photo, above, and find more information.

For even more fun and excitement, here we can have chickens in the backyard as well. Three neighbors within a block of our house each have a small flock. Something to think about for when the boys are a little bit older... No, really! It's part of our long-term plan. Seriously.

The Selfish Environmentalist

Today a coworker made a comment that made me think. People are often saying that they are "in awe" of our commitment. I get the impression that many people think we live a life of austerity due to our environmental beliefs. I just want to confirm that that is most definitely not the case. Most of the things that make our footprint smaller also make our lives better. I think I would go so far as to say that some of our earth-friendly actions bring great joy into our lives. I enjoy riding my bike to work. I love getting to experience the change of seasons and that I'm more likely to shout out a hello to a neighbor. I enjoy hanging clothes on the line. Joe likes to "help" me so it's something we can do together and I like the smell of fresh air in my clothes. I enjoy having a small house. I like that we always know exactly what the boys are doing because we can hear them so easily. I like that it takes no time to clean my house. I enjoy trying to buy less and share more. We've made wonderful connections with people by giving and receiving kids clothes and biking equipment. And, of course, there is nothing that Kirk enjoys more than growing our own organic vegetables.

I do not live a life of austerity. I live a life of being with my family as much as possible, enjoying the outdoors, and building community. Really, what more can a person ask for than that?

Giving Up Oil For Lent

I'm cutting down on oil for lent. I'm focusing on not ever driving to work and not bringing any extra plastic bags from the store. I read was inspired by these Mennonites in Virginia that went together as a church to reduce their oil usage. I usually don't drive often to work, except when it's icy or actively precipitating. I'm having to be creative, which is OK, but I'm ready for some warm weather.

As for plastic bags, I'm just forgetful. Dillons has some great new reusable bags for 99 cents. They even stand up nice like paper bags.

I know this doesn't sound very religious, but I think it is. I think that if the climate changes significantly people will be hurt and it ain't gonna' be rich people like me. It's going to be the most disadvantaged. I know that my little steps aren't going to change the world, but I also think it's lame to not do anything just because you can't do everything. I think God calls us to do what we can.

Rhonna's Treasonous Proposal

I have an idea! My proposal is that we all take our rebate checks from the government and spend them on reducing our energy usage. That's right, we subversively force the government to spend money on reducing global warming. I know, I'm evil! Kirk & I have talked about buying a new back door that is less seive-like and a whole-house fan. You could buy insulation, a programmable thermostat, a bike to transport your body, a clothesline, a greenhouse, flourescent light bulbs (just be sure to dispose of them properly). The possibilities are endless! Join me on this underground saving of the world.

Can't make it to Howie's?

I’m rarely ever on campus so I’m sure this is old news (the link is to a post from May 2007), but I just found out today and thought I’d mention it. I saw an ad for Go Green Curbside Recycling. Best wishes to the entrepreneurs - it’s been at least, oh, about 10 years since the last private attempt at this. The history has been that the business lasts until the individual graduates and moves on. At least it’s an option again for residents who don’t have the time to make the trip to Howie’s.

Rhonna's Hang-ups about Global Warming

Wonderful news in this article from Christian Science Monitor. Apparently there is a movement advocating hanging clothes on the clothesline. They are even trying to pass a law in Vermont (of course it would be Vermont) that communities can not have rules against hanging up clothes. This is down-to-earth environmentalism. We can protest all we want, write letters, buy a Prius, but hanging clothes on the line is something simple and cheap that really lowers the amount of carbon we put into the atmosphere. Kirk is great about almost always hanging Isaac's diapers on the line. I'm much more inconsistent with the rest of the laundry. But this article has inspired me. Let's gather together and hang up those clothes!