Donald asks…
Do you believe our culture will undergo a voluntary transformation to a sane and sustainable way of living?
By culture I mean the dominant culture of mass media, cities, war, and violence.
If yes, why?
If no, what can we do? How does this realization change our tactics?
The Expert answers:
Few cultural changes happen voluntarily or peacefully but one can only hope we learn from history
some would say capitalism has sustained us why would it not continue to do so…well I would say because it is too reactionary and not sufficiently focused on long term social needs that may not be profitable such as health care, infrastructure or other isolated but important needs. Socialism has never really had a chance and tho it is being hybridized rather well with capitalism in europe we still see many class inequities
George asks…
Is there any sustainable energy methods I can harness while living in an apartment complex?
Or does anyone know a good website about harnessing energy for personal use?
I was thinking about maybe a small windmill or solar panels…But I’m not sure how it would work when being connected to other units. Thank you!
The Expert answers:
There were a lot of good answers given, especially regarding the film for the windows and the thermostat issues. Another suggestion I would like to add is one that I’ve done.
We bought solar outdoor lights and used them inside. We had the solar panel in the window and the sun charged it great, the lights were positioned around the room, and used for light at night. Buy rechargeable LED lanterns and use them in different rooms (my kids have these in their rooms, as oil lanterns are too dangerous for youngsters).
You can make a solar cooker if you have good sun exposure from a balcony or patio at your apartment. We have a variety of ways to cook (grill, propane grill, propane camp stove). I also re-charge batteries while driving in the car, plus charge the laptop when necessary. This I use for the kids to watch DVDs, and we have recently begun watching movies and such on Hulu. This would save on electricity for TV and save satellite costs.
Daniel asks…
which is more ecologically sustainable: living in a highrse apartment in a big city, or living on forest? why?
The Expert answers:
By living in the country at the edge of a forrested area. I get to see the impact on wildlife first hand and also get to watch and learn the wildlifes’ behavior, and see also how the city dwellers are so miss informed about wildlife. I see Californian’s and other city dwellers who move to the country and think how they are going to make a differance in the wildlife by feeding them food that is not heathy for them and not allowing hunting to keep the population of wildlife in check and allowing disease to run rappant in the wildlife.
By living in the country I get to smell fresh air everyday and not hear sirens and people arguing. You will know more about wildlife by being where they are and watching them for yourself and understand how they can adapt to people, and you yourself not being a miss informed brainless believer of the media or uniformed politicians. So as I sit on my deck of my loghome watching the wildlife and learning by watching and not listening, I hope I cleared the clouds for you
Lisa asks…
Sustainable Living/Environmental Experiment?
I need to come up with a environmental/sustainable living experiment for a class I am in. I only have a few weeks to do the experiment and then I just need to write a paper about it, but I am having trouble coming up with a project to do…..
Some people in my class are going to be vegetarians for a few weeks, one student is going to try and not use shampoo for a couple weeks!. The experiments dont have to be too extreme like these, some students are just going to make an effort to smile more and see what types of responses they get from others.
I want to come up with a unique experiment but I am drawing a blank….I would love any ideas!
Thanks so much!
Thanks so much for your ideas…the only thing is I am limited with what I can do because I am living in a dorm on a college campus!!
The Expert answers:
Not sure how much control you would have over your electricity bill (and if not, become an activist and get access), but if you can get a previous bill you could:
1. Change out all light bulbs for low energy ones;
2. Ensure your computer is off when you are not using it;
3. Don’t turn on the TV for a few weeks;
4. Go through the house and turn off everything that draws ‘phantom energy’ (chargers that aren’t charging anything, coffee makers with clocks, Sound video components in standby mode – you TV will be off etc.);
5. Wash dishes by hand, or ensure a dishwasher is full before running it (if you own one);
6. Air dry as much laundry as possible;
7. And turn off anything else with pretty lights you are not using (no straigting hair or haridryers either!).
Do that for two weeks, and either wait for your bill or contact the utility company directly to find out usage (if you can go outside and read the meter yourself before you start and when you are done you can even do the math yourself).
Once all that is said and done, you will have a profile of your energy use. Some changes can be permanent, others you can budget yourself for (such as TV – I am addicted to a few shows myself!) and make yourself sustainable for the long term.
There are some other things you can do too to minimize energy use, but I’m getting a pinky cramp writting…. Good luck and would love to see your results!
Betty asks…
natural/organic/sustainable living?
anyone know any catalogs or companies that sell organic or sustainable products? gaiam, etc…
The Expert answers:
Territorial Seeds ~ they will send you a catalog.
Also, there are some on ebay… Best Wishes!
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