There is something about the topic of energy and the continuity of our way of life in the United States that politicians turn a blind eye to. However, this is a bigger problem than simple political myopia. The problem’s scope extends not only to United States political figures, but to the very citizenry. I believe that education is key, but is not enough. To convince, you must live as you want others to live. It is not enough to tell; you must do.
Of course, you can read rhetoric and diatribes about the state of our environment without ever taking a single step. You can even write such rhetoric yourself without ever taking a single step, particularly if you are a well-trained and well-practiced writer. I will admit my bias as a recent graduate of The Evergreen State College, which some find synonymous with the environmental movement. I learned about sustainability as a freshman and haven’t quite been able to let the topic go. It is simply too important at this time in our lives, at the beginning of a new century where “being wired” is the only way to be considered socially correct. We are beginning to see a new generation of children who grew up with technology, who have far better grasp of it than our parents and grandparents (and perhaps even we) ever will.
How do we address this? What does it take to make environmental awareness and stewardship a reality? Where is the current energy policy of the United States lacking, and how do we change it for the better? There are many questions, and the only way to find answers that will satisfy all of us is to collaborate. My aim by writing here is to facilitate and empower that collaboration, though I know this is not enough on its own. Of course, I will not claim to be unbiased; rather, I simply claim to be observant. Through my observations here, I hope to start something. What that is, I don’t yet know.
Pete,
Good luck with the blog. The subject is of great value. I’ll be interested to see where you take it.
Noel Jensen
http://www.noeljensen.com
Pete,
Good luck with the blog. The subject is of great value. I’ll be interested to see where you take it.
Noel Jensen
http://www.noeljensen.com
I am happy to see that you are now Environmentally enthusiastic but my one question I have to ask is due you e-waste (IE Computer, Batteries … and other items) I thought you didn’t.
I am happy to see that you are now Environmentally enthusiastic but my one question I have to ask is due you e-waste (IE Computer, Batteries … and other items) I thought you didn’t.
Hey Marcus,
(Peter, this question was probably directed at me…)
I think the phrase “now environmentally enthusiastic” suggests that I wasn’t before. To an extent, this is true. However, energy efficiency and sustainability have been aspects of my lifestyle for many years. You can see that from the compact fluorescent lightbulbs I’ve purchased and used in my various apartments and how I practically strong-armed my roommates 5 years ago into having a recycle bin. So, this type of thinking is definitely not a new thing for me. A low-key thing, for sure.
However, as my time freed up (e.g; no homework), and virtually zero progress has been made (and I saw Al Gore’s film – which I recommend!), I felt that now was the time to speak up. And so I am, here.
As for e-waste: I certainly don’t throw it out. I have a bucket somewhere for spent batteries and I tend to stockpile other electronic junk until I have an environmentally-friendly way of disposing of it. Fresno State has a monthly e-waste recycling program where you can drop off e-waste (computer peripherals, CRTs, PCBs, etc.) for a nominal fee – something I took advantage of in my last e-junk cleanse.
Cheers,
Sean
Hey Marcus,
(Peter, this question was probably directed at me…)
I think the phrase “now environmentally enthusiastic” suggests that I wasn’t before. To an extent, this is true. However, energy efficiency and sustainability have been aspects of my lifestyle for many years. You can see that from the compact fluorescent lightbulbs I’ve purchased and used in my various apartments and how I practically strong-armed my roommates 5 years ago into having a recycle bin. So, this type of thinking is definitely not a new thing for me. A low-key thing, for sure.
However, as my time freed up (e.g; no homework), and virtually zero progress has been made (and I saw Al Gore’s film – which I recommend!), I felt that now was the time to speak up. And so I am, here.
As for e-waste: I certainly don’t throw it out. I have a bucket somewhere for spent batteries and I tend to stockpile other electronic junk until I have an environmentally-friendly way of disposing of it. Fresno State has a monthly e-waste recycling program where you can drop off e-waste (computer peripherals, CRTs, PCBs, etc.) for a nominal fee – something I took advantage of in my last e-junk cleanse.
Cheers,
Sean
Sean,
I didn’t mean that this is a new thing for you but actually making a site and expressing more on enviromental issues is impressive and is new for you to voice opinion very strongly. I am happy you found something to be excited about and I was just wondering on the whole e-waste issue (your opinion) which I do keep all of my batteries in a bin in the house and I know I can take it to the landfill in Sac and pay for e-waste but I don’t so I just stockpile it. Also I believe in programs like the one that Apple and Hp have for returning nonworking products so they can e-waste it. The only thing I hate about e-waste is the cost that people pay per pound to recyle products which most people don’t want to pay so they still dump things, if the state was smart they should not charge for e-waste, that is why I like companies that take e-waste so they can reuse the working parts.
Sean,
I didn’t mean that this is a new thing for you but actually making a site and expressing more on enviromental issues is impressive and is new for you to voice opinion very strongly. I am happy you found something to be excited about and I was just wondering on the whole e-waste issue (your opinion) which I do keep all of my batteries in a bin in the house and I know I can take it to the landfill in Sac and pay for e-waste but I don’t so I just stockpile it. Also I believe in programs like the one that Apple and Hp have for returning nonworking products so they can e-waste it. The only thing I hate about e-waste is the cost that people pay per pound to recyle products which most people don’t want to pay so they still dump things, if the state was smart they should not charge for e-waste, that is why I like companies that take e-waste so they can reuse the working parts.
According to Californians Against Waste (http://www.cawrecycles.org/issues/ca_e-waste/recycling_resources) – recycling some of the most common (and hazardous) waste is free. Some places, like Fresno State, charge the nominal fee to bring a recyling location to a more convenient place. In my case, Fresno State is around the door and the nearest e-recycler is 8-10 miles away.
According to Californians Against Waste (http://www.cawrecycles.org/issues/ca_e-waste/recycling_resources) – recycling some of the most common (and hazardous) waste is free. Some places, like Fresno State, charge the nominal fee to bring a recyling location to a more convenient place. In my case, Fresno State is around the door and the nearest e-recycler is 8-10 miles away.