Going Green - We're in Newsweek's July issue !!!

Wow, we made it into Newsweek magazine... first paragraph ! We told them so much more, but the story was about a lot of things, people, companies. Even an antagonist. Our reporter, Jessica Ramirez, asked a bunch of questions and we filled her head with stuff she'd never imagined. She, amongst many millions of others, was unaware that we're in a crisis.

Okay, so it doesn't quite look like a crisis sometimes when you see blue skies, cool weather, or whatever's happening in your vicinity. But, if you look far enough beyond your immediate vision you'll see - stuff's happening. By most estimates, faster than anyone expects or predicts. In the news are Polar Bears, Amphibians, Primates, even our fish supplies for food. The best message we can all hear is that we need to cut back. Embrace the concept of 'less is more'. I was slamming those with big engines, tires and wheels... but as my wife explained to me, it's not about angst, we need acceptance - which isn't automatic for the majority of us.

Meanwhile, back at Howell Haus, I'm contemplating the addition of a 200W Heliotube onto a trailer designed to follow my new Vectrix maxi-scooter... once they arrive. You see, since it's an electric scooter all I'll need is some solid recharging between stops and I'll be able to run around as much as I like (at 62mph top speed), without causing a cloud, spilling a drop, or making someone choke. I'm betting that this bike and others like it will be the norm in five years... or less.

I hope you've had a chance to read Newsweek's article... to see Al Gore's movie 'An Inconvenient Truth', and to take a moment and think about the world that existed - as far back as you can remember. And be sure to note, it's not the world your Grandma grew up in. I know. I used to kneel right beside her, planting beans, corn, radishes, tomatoes, peas, carrotes, lettuces, cabbage, onions, etc. And helping her can them when the sun completed its work. If her frail 89 year old body, that just had a birthday on July 8th, could see our backyard filled with organic, heirloom varieties... well, I think she'd be proud.

Newsweek Cover - The Heat Is On !

 

Newsweek continues to turn up the heat...

"I feel famous already", I said while speaking to Jessica Ramirez from Newsweek. She picked up on a recent Grist.org article asking people to write and tell how they're reducing their carbon footprints. If you've read our blog you know we're up to lots. Now Jessica knows too. Maybe others will hear and get the message that it's not that hard to do.

We sent Grist a laundry list of things we're doing like organic gardening, hydroponics, bike riding/commuting, scootering, nativeenergy.com, terrapass.com, CFL's, hi-efficiency appliances, vegan/vegetarian diet, recycling, buying used stuff, etc. Our biggest hope is inspire others to get involved. Cut20 and reduce your carbon footprint.

She's intrigued with frequency and distance we ride our bikes to and from work. We explained that it's not just to escape the 'tipping point' we're faced with environmentally, it's also a good way to keep fit and save $$. My wife saw a Prius with a bumper sticker that said, "I'm saving gas so you can drive your SUV". Why stir up angst. Rather, be happy you live somewhere where you can afford any of life's luxuries. We can all get along with a lot less... us included.

Speaking of which, Rod Miner with Lightfoot Cycles in Darby, MT has promised me that my 24V Li-Ion electric drive system will be arriving soon. I'm excited about getting my electrified Xtracycle.com SUB together . I told Jessica I'll be able to do most of my travels on this bike, including transporting my 11 year old daughter to school, 8 miles away. I also told her how my 15 year old daughter was rethinking 'fossil fooling', considering an electric bike instead. This after seeing Al Gore's movie An Inconvenient Truth. Seems she likes the idea of a future, and also bought into my speech on the freedom that cycling offers compared to sitting in traffic. Hmm... wouldn't that be something if more young adults would give it a chance ! Let alone 40-something's like myself... see you out there !