mjgraham’s Recent Comments

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  It will take more than just legislation

  Yes, our government is corrupt.  Exxon Mobil, and other powerful interests, have not only bought out the Presidential administration, they have bought out most of Congress, as well.

  While I believe that legal standards are useful and needed, it is not going to be the solution to this dilemna.  Let's face it, as a society, we consume FAR TOO MUCH!  Unless Americans and others like us begin to change the way we live, the planet is doomed.  We build houses far bigger than needed, we are addicted to self-transport instead of mass transit, green space and wetlands are being developed more and more each day while city neighborhoods rot, forests are cut to provide virgin paper we do not need, etc., etc.

  Even if our elected officials were totally in touch with the reality of climate change and legislated accordingly, it will not solve the problem until we can get the vast majority of over-consumptive Americans to do their part, as well.  

  We need to educate citizens on the impact our lifestyles have on climate change, fair wages, immigration, slave labor, and a myriad of other social issues.  It is only then that we can expect them to take their government back by electing those who will govern for the people and not the corporations.

  MJG - Buffalo, NY On Do you know where your candidates stand on climate change? posted 3 years, 5 months ago 5 Responses

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  The Price can be Less

  I have found that if you want to eat organic more cheaply you must be willing to prepare food from scratch.  The less processed the food, the less expensive it becomes.  Also, see if you cannot take advantage of discount pricing that is available through local natural/organic food stores or co-ops.  If you buy in quantity and are willing to put more work into food prep, organic eating can be nearly as inexpensive as conventional diets.  For example, purchasing fairly traded, organic, shade grown coffee in my local supermarket costs $8.50 a pound.  Purchasing the same coffee in five pound bags through a local natural food store's co-op program costs $5.50 a pound.  Fifteen dollars for a five pound bag of coffee beans is an enormous savings!On Umbra on the cost of organics posted 3 years, 6 months ago 6 Responses

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  Not sure about Europe

  There has been scientific talk that global warming can lead to another ice age.  The influx of fresh water from melting glaciers can virutally shut down warm ocean currents (Gulf Stream, for example) leaving those areas where climate receives the benefit much colder (Northeast US and Western Europe).  Also, the Gaia theory suggests that the Earth is a network of complex systems that work together to maintain a certain "homeostasis" and therefore, will create an ice age to cool down a planet that is too hot.

  More on this can be found at the following (even our own government!):

  http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/paleo/ctl/future1.html
  http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?
  http://www.oceansonline.com/gaiaho.htmid=dn8398e1.html
  On Umbra on climate-induced relocation posted 3 years, 7 months ago 2 Responses

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  Cost of Organic Produce

  I belong to a local organic CSA in Western New York State at a cost of $400.00 for 10 months worth of produce (and believe me, that sure is stretching the growing season here in snow-laden WNY).  I split a large weekly share 4 ways and we each have lots of food most weeks.  I have done some checking and conventional produce purchased in a grocery store would cost me more (even the local stuff).  And the conventional fruits and veggies I can buy locally directly from the farms are rarely available before May or beyond November.  What I can't get organically in the local area, I will buy conventional from our other farmers, but those occassions are pretty rare.  If you look around in your area you might be amazed at just how affordable organic fruits and veggies can be.On Seriously, now -- why aren't organics getting affordable? posted 4 years, 2 months ago 18 Responses

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  What about conservation

  Umbra, while you do speak factually, your comments (and those of others) are more about saving money and energy.  Let's not forget about water conservation itself.  Much of the country is not on municipal water but rely on wells (essentially no monetary cost except for minute amounts of electricity for the well pump). We as a nation waste far too much water. We have to get beyond cost alone when considering what products we purchase and consider the preservation of resources for ourselves, wildlife and future generations.  Thanks.On Umbra on washing machines posted 4 years, 4 months ago 11 Responses