Bonnie writes that "Taxidermy, the Victorian art and tradition of stuffing animals, is becoming fashionable again. Only this time round with young artists who see it as an ethical design choice. If the animal is already dead, why not preserve it in a new and cutting edge way." But commenters found it creepy.
We love George Monbiot, but is he off base this time? he thinks that reusable bags are a distraction: "they permitted the rich and famous to telegraph their green credentials while still running the Aga, the Range Rover, the yacht and the second and third homes in far-flung parts of the world. By buying the bag, they could tick another box: now, among their other attributes, they were environmentally conscious." He concludes that all they do is "ensures that everyone feels better about themselves, while continuing to trash the biosphere just as we did before."
We had a long debate 'round the water cooler about Mark's post on heirloom computing, about whether computers could be built to last a hundred years and eliminate the waste of constantly upgrading. Heirloom computers like the Suissa shown above already exist; you just upgrade the guts. But Mark asks: "if we're so collectively technologically smart, why can't we develop a piece of (mostly) solid state equipment that lasts a century or more?" We ask, why should we?
Vanity Fair has spiked its annual green issue, and the numbers show a serious decline in newspaper coverage of environmental issues – including climate change, global warming, green consumerism and sustainability – fell by 27 per cent in 2008. In the first quarter, there were 3,866 articles published on green issues, compared with 2,811 in the final quarter.
Anne Applebaum at Slate wonders why they bothered spending $75 million to get together.
Nothing that will be discussed at the summit, and nothing that will be discussed at any of the follow-up summits, could not also have been discussed on the telephone. Or by e-mail. Or on a Skype conference call. Indeed, one British writer suggests that "the world's leaders should have followed their usual platitudes about looking to the future and engaging the young by holding the whole thing on Facebook."
A lot of people spend a lot of time on yesterday's April Fools Day. It's a bigger deal in the UK, where The Economist announced a theme park and the Guardian announced it was going all Twitter, but our fellow green sites went all out. We introduced Weehugger and painted China green. Do you enjoy it?
This is a continuing debate in TreeHugger headquarters; questioning the boat anchor that is the modern webworker career. Many TreeHugger writers have not forgiven Graham for tying them down to computers at desks and in coffee shops when they used to take their pens and lined steno pads anywhere at any time. They yearn for the mobility and freedom that came from working at home, in the barn, in that garret in Paris, before they were tied into that insidious web. We have to ask, are computers a curse?
Library use is way up, at least in North America. It is a cyclical thing, because after all, It Has Computers, Gives Advice and Is Free. Other kinds of libraries, from tools to clothing, are springing up all over.
OK, the world has just been through its third Earth Hour. The first was a fun Australian event, the second a viral phenomenon, and the third perhaps a bit oversold. Is it past its sell-by date?
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We probably have more posts on the subject of the evils of bottled water than any other. Then along comes water in a box and Jaymi says "they're right in their tagline - boxed water is better for the earth...but it's still not good for it." Others would not even go that far.
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Earth Hour is this Saturday at 8:30 pm. Wherever you are, turn off your lights as a vote for the Earth. The question I'm asking is what will you be doing during that hour? I've got my home automation system already set up to cut the power to our house automagically..
I'm shooting for a late romantic dinner.
You?
Post your ideas here....
It started in Sydney two years ago, spread around the world last year, and comes to the USA on Saturday night at 8:30. Are you going to be part of it?
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Tom proposed some pretty radical ideas for reducing waste; We have also suggested it's time for deposits on everything.
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There is a lot of sun in the Mojave Desert; one would think it is just about the most perfect spot for solar power installations. But there are also desert tortoises, so a California Senator is pushing for a ban.
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Pepsi is proudly selling a premium pop made with real sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup, a substance that we have criticized here and here. Daniel asked Corn Syrup vs. Sugar: Which is sweeter for your diet? and we ask you:...
Sami calls it "eating aliens", conjuring up a different image, but some people suggest that it is good for the environment to eat invasive species to help restore the balance in native ecosystems; Peter Singer once wrote that it is OK to eat meat out of a dumpster because the animal didn't die for your dinner. Or maybe we just shouldn't eat meat at all.
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Do you have questions for Ed that simply must be answered? Do you want to know more about composting, solar, wind, water...or do you want to know more behind the scenes stuff about his home or transportation?
TreeHugger is doing an interview soon with Ed and we'd like to know what your burning questions are? Ask them here and we'll pass them along.
Post Here: No Account Required...
George Monbiot is at it again, causing controversy by saying "Environmentalism may be emotional but it should always be based on science, not like the wishful thinking behind natural remedies."-Environmentalism must be fact based and there is no room for squishy stuff like alternative medicine. On the other hand, not too long ago vegetarians were considered squishy non-scientific flakes and George loves them. Not long ago the "healthy home" was the realm of a few kooks and now it is an accepted part of architecture.
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Alice Waters doesn't own a microwave, but then she cooks all day and is called an elitist. Some studies say they save energy; others note that people who cook with microwaves eat more overprocessed food.
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April tells us that "recession chic" is in, and that swap groups, garage sales and other sources of used clothing are increasing their business. However the second hand stores are running out of stock because people are making do and donating less.
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In honour of π day tomorrow on 3.14, we wonder if throwing green custard pies in the face of government ministers is a good protest technique. (that is the British Business Secretary being hit last week) The answer wasn't clear last year when Tom Friedman got pied, but he isn't a politician. Over on Planet Green, Jess didn't think it was a very good idea. We quote a pie-er and a pie-ee from Wikipedia:
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George Monbiot thinks investing any more money in the car industry is bunkum.
The motor companies have repeatedly failed to anticipate trends in demand. They have carried on producing thunderous gas guzzlers long after the market collapsed. Every so often the bosses wring their hands about jobs, put out the begging bowl, get the money, then shaft their workers anyway. Like the bankers, they have wrecked their own industry. And like the bankers, they want the rest of us to pay....
John recently informed us that Six US Baby Bottle Manfacturers Walk Away From Bisphenol-A (Polycarbonate) Designs. Walmart and others have pulled them from the shelves. Others suggest that this is all an over-reaction. What have you done?
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In his post, Pablo quotes Tom Friedman, saying "change your leaders, not your light bulbs." Well, we did that. He then continues to list five technologies that will save us from climate change, which some might say are too little, too late.
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Don't know how far or how fast it goes, but it will cost $ 5500 at Walmart and as Mike notes, More Than Half of All Vehicles Trips to Work in US are 11 Miles or Less. Eric asks in his post on it: would you consider purchasing of one of these Chinese electric vehicles? Lots of commenters responded.
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It is peddled as a power saver; the Fake TV "subtly pulses with a glow which changes randomly to recreate various programs" but uses far less power than a TV left on to deter thieves.
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As click as well as brick retailers close down in the recession, the green businesses are being hit hard too. Did they get our support? Did they deserve it?
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It was supposed to be Mass Civil Disobedience, with non-violence training and a lawyer for every protester, but in the end it was rather civil and well-behaved. Oh well.
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TreeHugger breaks it down for you in a series of in depth how-to articles that will help you green your life. No time like the present!
Here are a few recommended websites.
Here are a few recommended websites.
