Saturday, March 28, 2009

Lights out

Well I might have saved all of about 10 cents worth of electricity with the lights out around the world but it did get me to thinking about all the electrical appliances we could do without. But not just that. We have emassed so much over the last 40+ years and it seems that all of the electronics are nothing more than electric vampires. You know they need electricity even when they aren't running. Time to rething what we really need as to what we want in our lives. The one thing that struck me in this little experiment is the deafening silence that can only come from a power outage or the actual concious act of turning off all but the esential power. We do get a good bit of our power here in the northwest from hydro electric from the dams but not all of it. There's still a bit that comes from coal fired plants. Not a good thing if we plan on living on the planet for any extended period of time. Yes I could have the attitude that since I'm closing in on retirement of "oh well that's the next generation's problem, let them deal with it", but I can't because I've spent almost the last 20 years removing hazardous material. I have just a tad bit of respect for the planet and future generations. Don't you just hate it when you go to a campground and the last guy was a slob and left beer cans and garbage all over? As for me I will do what I can to preserve and protect what we have. It shouldn't be something that we're forced to do with heavy fines. It should be something we do because we realize that it will be cheaper in the long run and benefit us all. We need to stop being short sighted quick profit beings and take stock in what we have. This will take the effort of all of us because there are 330 million of us here in the U.S. and you'd be astounded at what we throw away in any given day and just how much energy we waste. Time to rething indeed.

5 comments:

MRMacrum said...

For the majority of Americans raised in an over indulgent culture, the lessons of getting by on less will only happen when they are forced down our throats. I do not think people really realize that the dream of a better life American Style is changing. And by the time most beging to re-think things, it will be too late. The thinking will have been done for them.

Tom Harper said...

I think that "Lights Out" thing was a good idea. It's easy to dismiss it as just "meaningless symbolism," but we all have to become more aware of how much energy we're using and the hazardous wastes we're all producing. And we have to start thinking about what we really need versus what we just want.

When I lived in rural California, we had frequent power outages. They could be infuriating, especially if they went on for several days. But it forces you think start thinking "do I really need this appliance or is it just a useless gadget?"

Phil said...

I really hate to admit this but I have the Parents washer, dryer, and dish washer, all going full blast right now because I know how much fun it is to do these things the hard way.
In another week, I am going to revert back to the sporadic and expensive way of getting these everyday house hold chores done, going to a laundry service and scrubbing dishes by hand.

When the power goes out or I can't afford to do it, it is going to be a GIANT hassle.
I guess I am going to be one stinky fucker.

Demeur said...

Actually the washers and dryer are more efficient ways of cleaning even using old machines. Just do full loads.
I would suspect that to curb usage they'll start charging more for water you watch. We're already seeing that happen in Calif. expect other states to follow.

BBC said...

I was camping and only using a little battery electricity.

A big deal over just one hour isn't a big deal overall if you ask me.