The Beauty Is In The Eye Of The Breather

Here is a classic conundrum for the environmentalist. On one side, we have the naturalist who would prefer that everything we do is aligned with our chakras and nature, meaning fresh air, organic produce, free range chicken, and all of the other caricatures of the granola set. On the other hand, we have the environmental protectionist, who wants to minimize the damage done to the planet and the human being by our artificial methods to improve our life qualities. So between the screeching of the chicken and the shrill bullhorn shouting of the protect-me-from-me sect, are we supposed to leave our windows open for fresh air, or keep our houses closed to the elements and conserve energy?

The Answer, Of Course, Is Forty-Two.

Well, that was easy!
Ok, not really. Let’s look at it from both sides and make an informed decision. The nature crowd’s way is down-to-Earth friendly use of natural breezes to maintain a comfortable temperature and environment inside our dwellings. Wind power is free, and a gentle breeze across a sweaty forehead is the feeling that poets write sonnets about. However, these poetry writing sweaty people didn’t live downwind from a coal-fired power plant or an industrial hog farm or a paper mill, (with the possible exception of Emily Dickenson, but she was a strange duck) so the wonderful feeling of a nice cool breeze is often augmented by the delicious aroma of coal ash and feces. Advantage: Protectionists.
Then again, let’s look at the ‘windows closed’ crowd. Since the windows are painted shut to keep the breeze out and to keep the house a nice temperature controlled environment, there is only limited air exchange available. Remember, comfort levels of humidity and temperature for humans are roughly the same for the breeding of viruses and bacteria as well. The protectionist also buys heavy duty vacuum cleaners with high power ratings that suck up dust and other bacteria food, relies on ion-generating humidifiers, and has a substantially larger electric bill, which increases the demand on making electricity which further pollutes the environment that they are shielding themselves from. Advantage: Granola.

So, Barring Living In A Cave, What Can I Do To Help?

Now that you have seen an example of extremes, let’s be moderates and take away the bullhorns and armpit hair. Being eco friendly means taking the best possible measures for the planet as a whole as well as measures for your personal existence. In most cases, a gentle mixture of granola and yelling is a perfect blend of green awareness and action. So every once in a while, open those windows and let a breeze in, but keep your family safe as well. Other things we can do to moderate our impact on the environment without freaking out the neighbors include :

* Some elements of being Green are practical, such as Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Make the practical choices as easy and habitual as possible.
* On far-reaching global reform, when it comes to environmental issues most ideas are good ones, as opposed to the 10,000 years of horrible ideas we are paying for right now. It may not save the planet by itself, but at least it is a step in the right direction.
* When the fringe groups are yelling, they are angry about something. Anger is always fear in disguise. Find out why they are afraid and get to the source of the issue without the spin. It is often easy to put distance between yourself and a bullhorn.
* Global change begins in your yard and neighborhood. Take care of the issues that are close to home, and you can make a positive impact on issues worldwide.
* Find a nice spot to plant a tree, and plant one. Dedicate it to your grandchildren, and ensure they have a place to play long after you are gone.
* Instead of buying a new DVD or CD, donate to the World Wildlife Federation. The lifetime of an animal is far more important than watching a David Spade movie.
* Keep your personal economy as local as possible. Transportation is pollution and waste on a grand scale.
* Take your child to an aquarium, and let them play in the touch tank. Show them the beauty and majesty of the ocean’s life, and make them understand how important it is that they keep it that way.
* Instead of worrying about open windows or closed windows, go outside. There is a whole world out there for you to enjoy.

video : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRJ8BP95_3U
embed :

video : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIvoUi3Wx6A
embed :