Yuma Sun: Going Green Neither Democrat or Republican
Filed under: Earth 911 - July 2, 2008
There have been a rash of letters as of late bashing global warming, efforts of consumers to go green, legislation that seeks to improve our quality of life and environment, etc. Interestingly, it is all blamed on pesky crazed environmentalists and liberal democrats.
The editor of this paper exhausts gallons of ink trying desperately to convince Yumans that global warming is a hoax that is pushed upon the general population by these same pesky liberals.
The overwhelming majority of scientists across the globe agree that global warming is a true and honest threat that can no longer be ignored. It is not a liberal idea, a Democratic thought, a crazed theory, but a scientific fact that affects this entire world.
Republicans are stinging because Al Gore has received so much notoriety for bringing this to light, but had it been a Republican who brought it to light, it wouldn’t have changed the facts. Facts are facts and you can’t put a D or an R after them and expect those facts to change. What we can do is change the way we react to those facts.
Here is where the word “green” comes in. After reading the rather strange things that come out in the letters each week, it occurs to me that many people do not know what “green” means. It means, taking everyday actions that have a positive impact on the environment and self.
The key word here is, “positive.” The way to go green is ask first how it will help you. Will it save you money? Will it make you healthier?
For example, if you switch to CFLs instead of traditional bulbs, begin unplugging appliances when not in use so they are not draining vampire electricity, purchase an Energy Star front loading washer instead of a top loader and your water and electricity bills decrease. Then you have just done things that are great for your pocketbook.
An added plus is the washer is easier on your clothes, and all of these things are better for the environment.
Now, if you throw away your traditional toxic cleaning supplies and opt for plant-based non-toxic cleaning supplies for your home, then you have just made a very healthy choice for your family by removing very unhealthy toxins and substances that can cause asthma, headaches, neurological diseases, cancer, etc.
The air quality in your house is often five times worse than the air quality outside. In making this change, you have made a positive change for your health, but it is also a positive change for the environment. What is going into the air is not toxic and therefore not adding to greenhouse gases, and what is being washed down the sink will not contaminate the groundwater. Furthermore, your house is just as clean as it was before!
Going green is just a circle of life thing. It is common sense. It isn’t liberal, or conservative. It’s just smart, socially conscious, economical and healthy. Some good Web sites are thegreenguide.com, ecofabulous.com, earth911.com, greenyour.com and akagreen.com
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ERIN HORNER
Yuma