If you are lucky enough to live where there are four distinct seasons (can you tell I like changes in weather?) or even two distinct seasons, the way you do everyday tasks can change with the season. I’m sure you can think of lots of ideas, but here are some thoughts:
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The November 6 elections in the US are very important. The candidates we elect will help shape our world for many years to come. The issues on the local and state ballots will decide the near-term future of your part of the world, and some of these issues may have global effects. Do your research on the candidates and the issues. Look deeper than the information in the commercials, soundbites, and slogans. Then VOTE! It’s important, and your vote CAN make a difference.
Placing heat-generating electronics, appliances, or lamps near thermostats may trick them into thinking the room is warmer than it really is. In summer, this could result in your air conditioner running more than necessary. Keep the area around your thermostats clear so the air that reaches them is the same temperature as the air in the rest of the room.
There are many environmental dilemmas these days. Our choices can make a difference, but sometimes the most environmentally helpful choice is not the obvious one, or the one that social media is touting. Social media and TV commercials frequently try to create an emotional response to an issue, not a logical response based on knowledge. Our decisions also need to take into account the realities of our current society. For example, many people want to ban some of the most effective ways of obtaining fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas). However, we as a society don’t have solutions ready to replace the use of fossil fuels, so we cannot simply ban them tomorrow. To make progress on this issue, we need a multi-pronged effort to develop replacement fuel sources; develop more effective ways to move people from one place to another; reduce energy use by individuals, factories, homes, and businesses; and develop “cleaner” and more efficient ways to extract and use fossil fuels while the replacement technologies are being developed. So, do your research before you sign that petition or vote on a critical issue. Look for websites and articles by organizations that are likely to provide accurate, well-researched, unbiased information. Look for information put out by proponents of all sides of an issue. You might be surprised at what you learn. Once you understand an issue, you can make your own decision how to respond.
One of the fun things about traveling is living outside of your normal routine. You can enjoy your travels and still carry sustainability awareness with you. A few ideas to reduce your impact when traveling:
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