[at-l] environmental ethics

[icw39@ncfreedom.net (Clark Wright)]

Good points - a simple way to look at it is to take your hiker mind set
home with you . . . here are a few more simple ones:

1)  Install low flow showerheads; there are some good ones out there
that still let you "feel" like a non-restricted shower.
2)  Insulate your hot water heater if it is electric.
3)  Buy the cheap, pipe insulating foam tubes and insulate your hot
water pipes under the house.
4)  Add another layer of pink insulation under your house.
5)  Caulk around drafty windows and doors.
6)  Consider storm windows/doors.
7)  Practice momentum cooking - experiment with your oven and stove and
learn how which recipes work well with cutting the heat off early and
just letting it coast a bit.
8)  In summer, try to cook and run any heat-generating appiances [like
dishwashers/fryers] later in the evening. This also helps power
companies during the week with peak loading.
9)  If you have a heat pump, do NOT run the thermostat up and down
between day/nights trying to save energy - it won't work.  Heat pump
systems work off of momentum and a well insulated house.  If you have
gas or oil or wood heat, then by all means DO run the thermostat down at
night; you can buy simple programmable ones to do it automatically for
you year 'round.  Try a degree or two higher in summer and a degree or
two lower in winter; if you make changes gradually, you'll be amazed
what you get used to! :)
10)  Turn hot water heaters off when you are away for more than a
weekend; if it is well insulated, you may still be able to get an
immediate warm shower when you return . . .
11)  Proper tire inflation helps mileage; take ski and bike and canoe
racks OFF when not in use - they exact terrible air drag [and thus gas
mileage] penalties.
12)  On modern cars, running AC on econo can be more efficient than
windows down - again, due to coefficients of drag.
13)  Gates down in pickups does save gas . . .
14)  Study the energy efficiency ratings on appliances - there is a wide
range and, once bought, the savings are automatic.
15)  Turn lights off at the office when you leave if you can - ditto re
thermostats if you can.  See if you can think of one or two
institutional efficiency/recycling changes at work that you might be
able to sell to your boss . . . 

And last-but-not-least:  Here is my unique [at least I've never seen it
mentioned before] contribution to saving energy and reducing waste while
hiking on the Trail . . . if you go to town and rent a hostel room or
motel room, DON'T use any laundry facilities; instead, get in the shower
with your clothes on, put the tub stopper in [or cover the shower only
stall drain], run some water to get wet; cut water off; shampoo your
hair and wash yourself [clothes still on] with soap; peel everything off
and let it soak in the dirty water below; stomp on it all with your
feet; pull the drain and let the nasty water run out; replace the drain
plug; run a bit more water to rinse your hair and body off; stomp your
clothes around in all that cleaner water; pull the drain and let all
that out; and do one more rinse for you and the clothes down there in
the botton of the tub/shower stall.  Works great; saves money; saves
water; produces less dirty water . . . I did that for over 1,000 miles
and only used one laundry facility one time! 

hike [and conserve] on!

thru-thinker

Lamar Powell wrote:
> 
> Before the environmental movements, my concept of caring for the world
> was mostly limited to kicking up trash. Of course this was largely
> because of being unaware of how human activity could be so damaging. We
> thought DDT was great stuff. As more information became available, I
> started to view "industry" as the buggyman who was killing our planet.
> Little by little, it sank in that my actions were contributing factors.
> 
> At some point, I was introduced to a little booklet which shed great
> light on how I could positively influence the environment. I think the
> title was "Fifty Things You Can Do To Save The World." I tried to find
> this title online but could not so I may not be remembering correctly.
> Anyway, there are everyday things that are simple to do, which could make
> a difference. I think everyone appreciates the important of recycling so
> I'll skip that and mention some others that I recall from the book.
> 
> 1) Turn the water off while brushing your teeth. This may be one of the
> biggest areas in which America wastes water. The author of the book
> believes that each American could save 40 gallons of water per year by
> just turning off the water while brushing.
> 
> 2)Replace large wattage light bulbs with smaller ones. The difference in
> the amount of light from a 100 watt bulb and a 75 watt is not
> significant. The dimmer light can be adjusted to easily. By changing to
> florescent lighting vs incandescent will allow using an even smaller
> wattage and still obtaining the same amount of light. Just think, going
> from 100 down to 75 watts could mean a 25% reduction in power demand
> without the need for any new technology or modification to the home.
> 
> 3)Turn off lights and appliances when not in use. It isn't necessary to
> live in the dark, just don't leave lights on when no one is in a room or
> leave a radio or tv on when no one is listening or watching it.
> 
> 4) Use less. This doesn't mean to stop using stuff, just use only what is
> required. There was a documentary on PBS a few months ago regarding post
> consumerism. This refers to a philosophy opposite to "consumerism," the
> idea that more is better so long as it is new and improved. One example
> from the documentary deals with tooth paste. The supporters are not
> opposed to the use of tooth paste, they are opposed to the idea that a
> big glob of tooth paste is required to get the job done. The
> recommendation was made that a person try using half the amount they
> normally used. If that amount works, try using a tad less. If that amount
> is too little try using a tad more but don't load down the tooth brush
> with more than is needed.
> 
> If anyone remembers seeing this little book, I'd like to know the correct
> title so I can try to get another copy. Mine grew legs and walked away.
> Hopeful
> ________________________________________________________________
> GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO!
> Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less!
> Join Juno today!  For your FREE software, visit:
> http://dl.www.juno.com/get/web/.
> _______________________________________________
> AT-L mailing list
> AT-L@mailman.backcountry.net
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/at-l