" in every age in history there have been visionaries, not content with the accepted norms of their peers, which often weather condemnation and scorn in the persuit of their convictions and ideals..."
As we move into the twentyfirst century, with daily news reports of energy and water shortages, and forecasts of global disasters, many ask "what can I do to make a difference?"
The good news is that although one persons efforts to conserve will make little impact, personal conservation by millions will!
And all without giving up a modern lifestyle. I invite you to explore what I have been doing the past seven years through the writings, links, and pictures that follow...
This is one big way to cut energy usage!
The picture at the right is the motorhome I live in. By moving into a 1400 cubic foot space,
gas for space heating and electricity for air conditioning has been cut to a minimum.
All without sacrifice of the high tech trappings of our time. Sewer hookup, electricity, phone, gas, water, and
satellite dishes provide all of the comforts without all of the waste inherent
in big homes and apartments. Other advantages are the 12 volt dc battery systems which all motorhomes have: When the power goes out life goes on as usual. A photovoltaic panel on the roof keeps the batteries charged.
Saving water big time is no problem when living in an RV. Starting in the kitchen, by using paper plates and simply rinsing and wiping other dishes with a paper towel rather than using a dishwasher or filling sinks full of water, hundreds of gallons per month are saved. Contrary to popular belief, there are no plagues of disease festering and waiting to strike using this method. I wouldn`t want to see food facilities serving the public adopt this practice, however. Moving to the shower, two gallons is all that is needed for a complete shower. Now on to every homes real water hog, the flushing toilet. RV`s use a nonflushing toilet which saves an additional six to nine hundred gallons of water per month!
WATER CONSERVATION
Here in this photo we see a small bucket full of used toilet paper. Once full the sanitary plastic bag can be removed and in a few days will be completely dry. Once dry the paper can be refolded, so that the outer surface is clean, and can be reused. Over the years an entire tree will be saved by using this simple method...
The life of a paper towel
Here in the motorhome a paper towel has four lives. First, a clean new paper towel is used at mealtime.
MORE CONSERVATION
CONSERVATION THROUGH RECYCLING
Next, the slightly used paper towel is used to clean dishes, pots, or pans,
Thirdly, the now soiled paper towel is used to do some cleaning around the potty, which often needs attention.
Finally, the well used paper towel is moved to the waste paper bin where it will be taken to the vacation home to be used for fuel to heat my house in the winter.
RECYCLING
Metal food and beverage cans, glass and plastic bottles, paper and cardboard are all materials with value and can be easily recycled into new items using a fraction of the energy needed to create new ones from scratch, and in addition help to preserve the Earth's natural resources.
Even used motor oil can be recycled easily at most auto parts stores.
Once a deviant rogue oil dumper myself, I now take my used oil back to the parts store where I got it. They also take the used oil filter.
Is this the legacy we want to leave to our children?