Minutes for June Meeting - so many ideas

7 Green $elves attended a free flowing meeting on June 29th, and we shared our experiences of our efforts to reduce consumption. Admirably the group kept bringing the focus back to what each of us can do in our own way here and now to heal the earth. We realized that as opposed to feeling that our efforts to conserve seemed futile in the big picture of climate change, that just knowing that we were doing something, and even increasing our awareness, felt empowering.

Share in our conversation:

- Save the expense of a trip to France and lower your carbon footprint: Simply join the French bookclub at the Westbank library at 6:45pm on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. Even rank beginners are encouraged to attend – all that is required is an interest in the French language.
-Several folks are still enjoying the benefits of straight 5% white vinegar as a replacement for liquid fabric softener and static cling sheets. The opinion was that the vinegar worked even better than the commercial softener, especially on towels.

-Capture rinse water from the fruit and veggies (especially lettuce) in the kitchen sink to pour on plants. This is being done by many households in Australia who are dealing with long term water shortages. Also keep a large bowl in the sink to capture water and in which to soak dishes before putting in the dishwasher, then pour that water on potted plants outside, or onto your compost. Other water conserving tips were also heard.

Remember to provide water outside for thirsty wildlife on these hot days. Even a silver fox was seen in daylight in one backyard zeroing in on the water feature.

-After swimming with humpback whales, and feeling a serenity from the experience, one attendee decried the slaughter of whales for food or science. To keep from getting truly depressed they wanted to do something – and the group encouragement was to take the attitude of “Baby Steps”. So, closer to home, they are now focusing locally by volunteering for the Friends of Barton Springs. The next volunteer cleaning morning is July 23rd.

The inspiration was provided in the story of an American philanthropist using his money for good in East Africa helping in the building of schools and clinics, one at a time, and aiding in the recovery of land ravaged by civil wars. Again, “Baby Steps” were recommended, when one can’t be the one to chuck it all in and spend your retirement savings to be that philanthropist.

-The urban heat island effect can be felt when driving back to the city, and a temperature increase of about 10 deg. F can be experienced. Studies have shown that if all black surfaces (tar, roofs, etc.) were painted white to increase reflectance (albedo), the temperature of the area would decrease by up to 9 deg. F. – Austin’s heat island mitigation resolution of 2001:

-Strategies for hypermiling were shared, “imagine a raw egg between the foot and the accelerator, pay attention to traffic light patterns so that reduction of unnecessary acceleration can reduce use of energy dissipating brakes.” There was a wish for other drivers to sympathize with hypermiling efforts, so maybe bumper stickers could make the point. Make your own at home, such as "Research Vehicle-Please Pass". More hypermiling bumper sticker ideas

Save the expense of a trip to France and lower your carbon footprint: Simply join the French bookclub at the Westbank library at 6:45pm on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. Even rank beginners are encouraged to attend – all that is required is an interest in the French language.

And what’s with all the lights blaring through the night at our schools and in our neighbourhoods, contributing to light pollution? What about implementing a motion detector for any needed security?? Turn off outdoor lights as much as possible at night (and especially in the daytime!) and we might see the stars again. In 2010, hopefully even more folks and businesses around the world will participate in Earth Hour

The perennial favorite, Compost piles , were lovingly discussed, with later input provided on the “Biological Understanding of Soil Improvement ©” about natural soil amendments, gleaned from a visit to the Natural Gardener :

Michael Jackson even received an honorable mention for his “Heal the World” organization that he started in 1992, and his haunting (in a positive way, really) video “Earth Song” –this version is without words, but with African drums -

Join us "Journaling for $elf! on July 30th, led by our soon to be author, Heather.