An Inconvenient House

In March, 2007, the big news story was that Al Gore, famous for travelling the world preaching environmentalism and his movie An Inconvenient Truth, himself owned one of the least energy-efficient homes in Nashville. What was not reported was the fact that it was under renovations at the time and, by Dec. of the same year, had a LEED-rated Gold house (see US Green Building Rates). He installed solar panels, a rain-water collection system, and geothermal heating. His 80-year old home is now one of the nation's most environmentally friendly.

So what's YOUR environmental footprint?

Sure, you don't have Al's millions, but what have you done to try to reduce, reuse & recycle? Energy conservation is the fastest way to reduce waste. Some examples:

1. If every American reduced the amount of animal products eaten by half, we'd use 645 million fewer global acres.
2. If every American reduced their purchasing to products with less packaging or were made from 100% post consumer content, we'd use 521 million fewer global acres.
3. If every American took a local vacation instead of flying, we'd use 63 million fewer global acres.
4. If every American used less paper, it could reduce landfill waste by 30-40%.

"Making your ecological footprint smaller can also be greatly assisted by the three R's: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Try to reduce the amount of resources you use by purchasing items with minimal packaging, and avoiding products you do not use. Reuse empty containers, take advantage of thrift stores, and find creative ways to bring new life to old belongings. Finally, recycle unwanted items, either in curbside recycling or in the form of donations to thrift stores.

To reduce your ecological footprint even further, think about more extreme lifestyle changes. Live in a smaller house, or share the space in your house with more people. Change your diet: animal products are far less efficient than plant products and require far more energy to produce. Fly less; commercial airplanes are a huge source of carbon emissions damaging our environment. Start growing a garden, and encourage others to do the same."1

Food Suggestions:

Eat less beef, pork, and lamb
Eat out at restaurants less often
Eat fewer dairy products
Drink fewer soft drinks
Eat seasonal and local fruits and vegetables
Eat fewer packaged snacks and junk food
Upgrade to an energy efficient refrigerator
Eat wild fish that are not endangered
Drink less bottled water
Walk to your local farmers market or grocery store

2


Sources:
1. http://www.wisegeek.com/how-can-i-reduce-my-ecological-footprint.htm
2. http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/05/06/10-ways-to-reduce-your-environmental-footprint-through-food-choices/

Mistruth & Misinformation

Can you really believe what you see with your own eyes? Apparently not.



And this: