But sometimes I buy a book because of its cover (or title).
I walk facing the sun.
Clouds obscure the
Transit of Venus. My
Naked eyes are saved
From temptation.
Peace and light, E — Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.
Peace and light, E — Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.
This anecdote is a powerful incentive for those who could not care less about consequences of fossil fuel consumption.
Total electric bill this late spring/summer by month so far:
May 2011: $6.92 (PEPCO carrying charge); solar output exceeded usage
June 2011: $6.92 (PEPCO carrying charge); solar output exceeded usage
July 2011: $6.92 (PEPCO carrying charge); usage exceeded solar output, but by less than the extra output in May and June
Wow! How much was your monthly electric bill in the Southern and drought states? Do you know any one who would be persuaded only by the money? Tell them what a great investment it is, and they will start thinking seriously about it. Putting a dollar value on social good is the way to get through to those who only look at the numbers and do not see how budget numbers relate to real living beings and honoring the beauty of the web of creation (this would not be a veiled reference to something going on in that big domed building down the street; definitely, not).
It may not always work, but putting what you want in the language of those whose actions and beliefs are not in synch with yours is the beginning of communication and change. These cost savings say, in the language of those who care most about the money, that alternative energies are worth considering.
So said the meteorologist, when I called to check the weather yesterday before getting ready to go out for work. I thought, “it is easy to enjoy your day, ‘regardless of the weather’ living in a nice house with enough money for heating and cooling, working inside, and getting food flown in from wherever, if the garden isn’t doing well.”
I am awed and fascinated by the weather, although living this almost entirely protected and secure (from the elements, less so from other people) urban life, it is an almost vicarious relationship.
One of the reasons I love gardening is that it links what the weather — a rainy and cool spring like we are having; a drought, like we had for the past four years; violent thunderstorms; a snowy winter — with what food grows well, how my wildlife supporting little garden in the front thrives, helping to tie me back to the earth.
