GasHole....wish I could take credit for that title!!!

Started this post over memorial day weekend only to find out it did not save or post when my PC decided to reboot itself...arrgg love hate technology!
 Any whoooo...second verse same as the first...in other words let us try it again....Now where was I???

A friend of itsok2bgreen turned me on this amazing documentary The Consequence of Oil by Global Access Media.  It was that documentary which drew me to their site but in all honesty I had to check out everything....love!  Mark Manning brings 20 years of experience in the offshore drilling operations.  As all, if not all I would be shocked, know I surely oppose offshore drilling, ANWR drilling...not when there are so many options to alternative fuel!!!  The gulf explosion was the largest oil disaster since the 1969 disaster that sparked and fueled (pardon the pun) Earth Day and the environmental movement.

The US government bought and paid for by the Oil companies want us to believe it is safe to return to the gulf, no harm, no foul, all has been cleaned up.  Instead BP just continues to pay off the local government surrounding the gulf and continue to send campaign contributions to our politicians to prevent legislation against offshore drilling.  All the while we see advertisement from BP with their local employees touting the cleanest vacation spot around.   They want us to believe the disaster is over because the fire is out and millions of gallons are no longer dumping into the ocean.  It is far from over, only the cover-up continues at the expense of humans, animals, marine life, organisms and an eco-system.  After viewing this documentary I decided to check out another documentary on how oil companies have us and our government by the gonads...GasHole (hence the title I cannot claim as my own.)

GasHole is a mind blowing look at a "crude conspiracy" (to borrow a pun from their title), it certainly gets you thinking about how oil companies have been dictating how we live our lives since 1862 when John D. Rockefeller began Standard Oil Company.  Let's just take a look at history, besides the dirty dealings John did to buy out competitors and price gouging.

In 1977 Shell Scientists (yes I said the oil company Shell) were able to take a 1947 Studebaker which weighs about the same as a Hummer change the engine with some designs they stole borrowed that made it get 149.95 miles per 1 gallon of gas!!!!  Yes that is right folks 1977 we had the technology already!!!!  What happened to this scientific break through??? Gone, even missing from the Library of Congress.  Why would that happen?  Uh, duh...what oil company would want any vehicle to be able to get more miles to the gallon, why would they want anyone to save money by buying less gas for their vehicle.  Errr duh!  Just sayin', I am all for profits and making a buck to two billion.  At who's expense...mine...yours...the environment...the future of our kids or their kids? 

Would an oil company want you to know how big of a disaster the Gulf really is or how their technologies for gaining access to more crude oil is toxic to our oceans and to our drinking water?   Would they want you to know that in 1970 there was a scientist/inventor that was able to get 1000 miles per gallon or that one inventor suddenly died along side a Nevada road when his patent to increase fuel and power effeciency was suddenly bought out by some company that later disposed of the technology?  Yes I know all if it sounds far fetched or consiracy theory like but I put nothing past the power of greed in people.   Money changes people and the thirst for more of it or power to control the market share over takes the desire for the greater good or corporate responsibility.

If anything watch GasHole just to see how the US government bends over for the oil companies in the 2005 Congressional Hearings.  Or view to see just how our pocket books have been stipped of our hard working money because inventions have been surpressed.   Inventions that not only make vehicles more fuel efficient but also better for the Environment.   You will be in shock...I love conspiracy theories as much as the next activist but this will really open your eyes and mind to get you thinking a little more about the choices you make each day!

~Deanne

So when you have a moment from all the things we try to shove into a day, check out The Concequence of Oil and if that doesn't excite or anger you check out the documentary GasHole while you are at it!!!  Both are family friendly and I highly advise having your kids watching these documentaries.   

*Global Access Media images
*GasHole image

Earth Day

Earth Day has arrived...42 years in the making! 

Are we any better off? Are we more enlightened? Are we still fighting the same issues and ideals?  Will you celebrate Earth Day by pledging something "green" for one day or incorporate  eco-friendly ideas daily?

These are the questions that often enter my train of thought when Earth Day and Earth Month begin.  I become rather annoyed when people only take notice of environmental issues when it is April 22nd.  I especially become annoyed when my son's school only takes part in environmental issues for one week, instead of making it a priority everyday.  The only way to make change is to start with our youth because unfortunately....dare I say....the older generation are typically resistant to change (that was too politically nice)!  What I meant to say men and women my age and older are narrow minded, close minded fools!!! Muuuaaaawwww (insert maniacal laugh here)!!!!  Think about the history of the environmental movement, for goodness sake....

>April 22, 1970 the first official Earth Day

Why was Earth Day started?  Well, prior to 1970 there was an amazing book called Silent Spring by Rachel Carson 1962 that was the "real" beginning to the "green" movement.  No one before brought public awareness to organisms, environment and public health.  Then as with everything else time passed. 

Then....

>1969 a (what else) massive oil spill occurred in Santa Barbara California.  So a Gaylord Nelson, Senator from Wisconsin, was inspired by this spill, and the energy behind anti-war movement to begin Earth Day.  Along with others coast to coast rallies started a movement.  This led to the creation of United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts. 

>June 20 1979 President Jimmy Carter installed 32 solar panels on the White House.  He believed in the power and inexpensive use of the sun to provide an alternative energy source to our ever growing thirst for power.  He also believed in leaving the thermostat in your home alone by throwing on a sweater and blanket in cooler months to save energy.   President Jimmy Carter was ahead of his time, but he is only remembered by sky high oil prices and gas shortages.

>1981 President Ronald Reagan took office and by 1986 all 32 solar panels were removed.  One solar panel went to the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, one went to the Carter Library, one went to Solar Science and Technology Museum in Dezhou, China. Huang Ming (funny China produces 80% of the worlds panels today) and in 1992 about half of the 32 panels are on the roof of the Unity College cafeteria in Maine.  Reagan also depleted the budget for research and development of alternative energy by the time 1986 rolled around.

>1990 another big campaign...it went global 141 countries it was the prelude to the 1992 Earth Summit and Senator Nelson awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom.

>2010 President Barack Obama orders solar panels back at the White House.  As of yet...no panels!

Why you have things still not changed? Those against the environmental movement are bigger with more money and more lobbyists....yes my friends money talks in government and action walks.  All I can say is we need to get those with money on our side and talk with our own money at the stores.  Consumerism drives change..why? Because money makes corporations follow the bottom line.  If we can't force change in our government we can force companies to change their products and drive by impacting their bottom line!!

So if you ask me what I am doing today on Earth Day to pledge or make a commitment to the environment....nothing!  Nothing different than I do everyday, I choose to make decisions everyday not just one day a year based on sustainability, based on betterment of the future for my son and eco-systems everywhere.  I just wish we could all get there, so take a moment and think of one thing you could do each day to go "green" and increase it every day to one more thing.  Pretty soon it will be a habit for you too.

My son, Cocoa, and Lucky

~Deanne

Earth Day at my house....trying to beat 100 degree weather with an early hike with the dogs and cutest hiking partner ever!

*Earth Day reference

*globe pic

Earth Day Tips 2012

via NASA

Every time I see this picture my breath is taken away.  I know, such a nerd!

Earth Day is nearly here have you planned an eco-friendly event?  What tips are you trying to incorporate to save money and save our precious resources we all depend on??

Earth Day tips:

Solar: why pay someone for electricity when the sun does a fantastic job. Use solar panels for your whole house or just your water heater or external lights or to heat the pool.  There are so many options these days and thankfully the price is coming down every day.

Wind: believe it or not you can get residential size wind turbines to power your home. 

Windows: check them windows! Are they leaking air? Do they reduce the amount of heat/cold entering your home?

Reduce the amount of trash: we are losing precious amounts of land to our TRASH!  It reminds me of the movie Wall-E where every one on the planet had to leave because the amount of trash we through out squeezed us out of our homes and land.  Compost your food and landscaping waste, you can compost everything except the following.

Meat or meat waste, such as bones, fat, gristle, skin, etc.

Fish or fish waste

Dairy products, such as cheese, butter, cottage cheese, yogurt, cream cheese, sour cream, etc.

Grease and oils of any kind

>There are some Indoor Composters (me want one) that can allow composting of the above DON'TS but they are not cheap, however worth it if you want to totally reduce your trash!<

Recycle: no brainer right? You would be surprised how many people still do not recycle.  Check with your local waste management but just about everything can be recycled these days.  Plastic containers and plastic bags are generally the most difficult to get recycled but be persistent...recycle.

Exchange it: stop using plastic bags and containers.  I know it is a hard habit to create by remembering to bring canvas bags or reusable bags to the grocery store (yes I even have bags for regular retail stores too).  You just have to get use to bringing them to the store.  At some point, plastic bags will be banned from every state.  They end up in our streams and ocean killing animals we depend on for life.  Also, if you prefer plastic containers over glass, buy containers that are made from recycled plastic and do not have BPA. check out Preserve if you need some help.

Get some exercise: instead of getting the latest chemical from the store to kill weeds, bend over honey...heeeeheee! Pull weeds instead of using chemicals, you will feel great after honest!  Still too lazy to pull weeds, try vinegar (Vinegar, Orange Oil products).  Regular household vinegar is fine to use it works but I prefer 20% acid instead because it is far more effective on really tough weeds.  I use a combination of orange oil and vinegar in areas that I have issues with pest such as ants, but typically just vinegar directly on weeds just before the heat of the day.  The sun acts as an activator on the vinegar. 


See more tips next post.....

Make Earth Day everyday!

~Deanne

love my pets...

Picture is a bit dark but it is one of my favs of the furry kids and not so furry kid. 

In my quest to get back to my vegetarian lifestyle I thought about my two dogs...Cocoa is the very dark image on the right and Lucky is the tan/white dog upper left.  Both are rescues, Cocoa is a pitbull that looks like Cesar Millan's dog Junior.  We rescued her when she was two from a family that was going to take her to the pound.  Lucky he is a pitbull mix, mixed with crazy as we say in this house, was also a rescue from a family who was taking him to the pound at 4 months because OH MY GOSH he pees a lot.  Hello - 4 month old puppies pee all the time it seems.  According to the vet he seemed to have sustained some head injuries.  I often wonder if he was hit because he had accidents in the house.  Anyway, I digress.  Of course the not so furry kid is my son.  They always sleep around him and yes in my home my dogs are very spoiled they enjoy the couch.

As I was saying about getting back to a healthier lifestyle, one I maintained for a number of years until I was out of work last year.  I suddenly felt compelled to eat like some crazed woman, believe me my health is paying the price for it and boy is it hard to get them pounds back off.  Any who, my dogs suffered because they were not getting healthy food they normally get either until recently.  I found this fantastic dog food that they both seem to love.



V-dog



Not only is the dog food vegan, nutritious and awesome it also comes in a compostable bag.  Look at that I even managed to get an Earth Day tip in with a product review, buy products that are compostable are a great green tip.  Plus buying healthy nutritious vegan dog food can reduce environmental impact that traditional dog food can produce.

Check it out your dogs will love it. This is not a paid post by the way....



Cocoa Bean and Lucky One

Here is Lucky who is 16 months and Cocoa who will be 5 in May enjoying their favorite past time sleeping!  They just came home from a 3 mile jog and decided it was nap time.  So today's tip while you are getting healthy and going green for Earth Month don't forget those furry friends who love you no matter your size, what clothes you own, the latest shoe you bought or what your status says on Facebook...they just want to love and please you unconditionally!

Now get out and play with your pets and if you do not have one go adopt one, our animal shelters across the US are over flowing with pets in need of homes. You don't have to adopt a puppy or kitty, older animals already have been potty trained and are not as hyper!

Have a wonderful weekend...see you next post with some tips on going green for Earth Day promise!

~Deanne

Earth Day 2012 Tips

Photo Disney

School House Rock was my all time favorite cartoon next to the Lorax especially School House Rock Earth edition!! I was an environmentalist long before it was cool and only for "hippies".  Of course some of you may also remember Captain Planet and Team Planet (Planeteers)...I DO!!!!

Oh how I wish they had these cartoons playing for kids again instead of some of the so called kid friendly shows now playing...I digress.

These particular cartoons got me thinking of little things we can do each day to be a little more energy efficient instead of energy vampires.  Even a little eco-savvy.

Tips and Ideas:

• Check for water leaks: thousands of gallons are wasted every day by leaky faucets or leaky pipes. Some repairs are quite simple such as replacing a washer, some repairs may need new faucets and some may need a professional.  Whichever repair you need you will recoup those costs of repairs tenfold by saving $$ from no more leaks.

• Check for ventilation leaks: yes that means your house vents.  You would be amazed how much is lost from ventilation leaks, whether you are heating your home or trying to cool your home seal those systems running through your attics.  I have not performed this check on my own.  I have had HVAC professionals come to perform the checks making sure there are no leaks.

• Insulation: after checking for water and air leaks now insulate.  Insulation will keep your home cool in the summer and warm reducing your need to touch your thermostat.

• Thermostate: control your need to play the thermo wars in the house.  In the winter keep your thermostate set at 72 degrees or lower and throw on a sweater or blanket plus slippers.  In the summer keep your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher and install fans throughout the house instead.  Fans circulate air giving an impression of it being 8 degrees cooler in the house than it is, plus they only cost 21 cents per day versus 7.67 dollar per day based on a home that is 1300 to 1600 square feet.

• Sunscreens: have sunscreens installed on your windows or do it yourself.  Many home improvement centers today of DIY sunscreen kits.  Sunscreens help reduce the amount of heat entering your home in the hotter month helping you keep your home cooler plus they help reduce the amount of UV rays from discoloring or lightening your furniture.  Most homes have screens anyway might as well make them sunscreens.

• Turn off the water while brushing teeth and/or washing hands.  You are only dumping gallons and gallons of water down the drain.

• Turn off non-essential lights.  Nothing more annoying than to see my kid outside playing yet his bedroom light is on!!!

• Turn off television: choose to watch television less and read more or play outside with your kids or take the dogs for a walk or go hike.. Commit to less electronics during the week and weekend but shutting them down or off.  So if you watch 6 hours of television per day (while on the computer or iPhone come on we all do it you know it) try cutting back an hour a day one week, then cut another hour the next week pretty soon you will be well read or super slim from all the other activities you have given up for becoming a slave to the PC or TV.

See more tips on the next post.....

~Deanne

Get yourself a copy of School House Rock: Earth while you are at it! You can spare a few minutes of TV time for this fantastic show.