My Board

I read in this morning\'s electronic news from CTV.ca that Sir Richard Branson has offered a US$25 million prize to any scientist who develops a way to remove Greenhouse Emissions from the atmosphere. Gawds, I wish I were a scientist lol....

All kidding aside, I think that I might have to admire Sir Richard for this move. According to the article, which can be read [url=\"http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070209/branson_climate_070209/20070209?hub=SciTech\"]here[/url], Virgin has also started a new company called Virgin Fuels, which \"is to invest up to US$400 million in green energy projects in the next three years.\"

I think it\'s great that such high profile people as Sir Richard Branson and former US Vice-President Al Gore are stepping up to the plate and raising awareness about the condition our planet is in. Mr. Gore\'s movie, [url=\"http://www.climatecrisis.net/\"]An Inconvenient Truth[/url], is sparking controversy across the United States. I saw a news story from one of the Seattle, WA television stations which was actually considering banning the movie from the schools. For moral issues. HELLO, PEOPLE! The only moral issues in this movie worth noting are the ones about what humans are doing to this planet. Yes, the movie could have been better written and better produced, but the basic message is the important one - we have put our home on a downward spiral, and what are we going to do about it?

Our governments need to get on board, they need to stop arguing about the Kyoto Protocol and take action - now. What we as adults do - or don\'t do - right now - will have a lasting effect on what kind of Earth we leave for our children and their children to inherit. Do we not want the best for our descendants? Why then, are so many greedy human beings intent on leaving them a destroyed planet? One of the best and informative web sites I\'ve seen about the Kyoto Protocol is from the David Suzuki Foundation. David Suzuki is a long-time environmentalist and scientist, and I have the utmost respect for him and his organization. Please visit his [url=\"http://www.davidsuzuki.org/Climate_Change/Kyoto/\"]web site[/url], scroll down to the bottom, and click on the page link entitled \"What you can do\" ... if you truly care about this planet which is our home, you will change your lifestyle, because one person at a time can change the world.

Go [url=\"http://www.davidsuzuki.org/Take_Action/Politicians.asp\"]here[/url] for hints on contacting your politicians. The links to the politicians are for Canadians, but the advice can be used worldwide.

Oh yes, and my pet peeve for the month is for all you other Pagan types out there who say you are of the Earth spirituality, yet do nothing to help Her. You throw out items which can go for recycling because you can\'t be bothered to follow the processes required, you let your kids litter without teaching them different, you waste energy and power with absolutely no regard for the ultimate costs. Shame on you.

Well I am not a pagan, but I don\'t litter and I recycle..even if it requires taking out the stupid recycle bin at night in the ffreeeeeeezing cold on sunday nights so it can get picked up on Mondays /blum.gif\' class=\'bbc_emoticon\' alt=\':P\' />

I dont litter. I always recyle. I pick up other peoples rubbish /smile.gif\' class=\'bbc_emoticon\' alt=\':)\' />

[b]What you can do:

* Reduce your home heating and electricity use. A more energy-efficient home will lower your utility bills and reduce the emissions that cause climate change. Find out how you can increase energy efficiency in your home through the EnerGuide for Houses program.[/b] - Never turned on a heater in this house, thats what jumpers are for... air conditioner gets used when necessary (40c+ days)

[b] * Choose energy-efficient appliances. New refrigerators, for example, use 40 per cent less energy than models made just 10 years ago. Find out more[/b] - Dont have much say here, but i checked ours out, and most are 3-4 stars (out of 5)

[b] * Check the Canadian government’s Auto Smart ratings for the next car you intend to buy to make sure it’s fuel efficient and low polluting. A typical SUV uses almost twice the fuel – and releases nearly twice the emissions – of a modern station wagon, although both seat the same number of passengers. Visit the Canadian Annual Office of Energy Efficiency EnerGuide Awards to find the most fuel-efficient vehicles.[/b] - uhm... ok. will do.

[b] * Walk, bike, carpool or take transit to get to one of your regular destinations each week.[/b] - i walk or ride everywhere already /smile.gif\' class=\'bbc_emoticon\' alt=\':)\' />

[b] * Learn about the impacts of air travel and consider vacationing close to home.[/b] - oh so cant afford air travel. so no dramas there

[b] * If you are moving, choose a home within a 30-minute bike, walk or transit ride from your daily destinations. A convenient place to live reduces the amount you drive, which means you’ll lower your greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.[/b] - heh. bike, see above /smile.gif\' class=\'bbc_emoticon\' alt=\':)\' />