Comments srschnur has made

  • Supermarket Organic

    Another question:  How "green" is it to drive hundreds of miles a week to find locally grown of small farm products?  Isn't it better to make a 40 mile round trip to the nearest supermarket than a 120 mile round trip to a farmer's market or a whole foods srore?On Umbra on store-brand organics posted 11 months, 3 weeks ago 8 Responses

  • Compact flourescents & LED's

    I switched to CFL's long ago.  The first batch showed arount the edges of light fixtures because they were large and clunky.  Now they fit everything, and I am gradually replacing the clunky ones as they get dimmer.  Our transfer station has recycling for flourescents.  Otherwise, never buy them.  They are dangerous for landfills.  

    I like a lot of light, and the closer to sunlight the better.  I always use the largest daylight bulb that will fit.  For a couple of lamps I had to buy a larger harp.  For one lamp that also meant buying a slightly taller shade.  I recommend Lamps Plus on line.

    The LED's are another story.  I ordered a sample pack of several sizes.  Only the largest was bright enough to illuminate anything.  Each bulb had some sort of gasket on the base that prevented its being screwed into any lamp or fixture in my house except one antique lamp.  The light is very blue and looks truly weird in that lamp.  I would say they aren't yet ready for prime time.

    Does anyone know anything about how to dispose of them?On A review of compact fluorescent bulbs posted 1 year, 11 months ago 28 Responses

  • Feral cats, mice, pets, etc.

    First: Programs for feral cats bring the adults back to where they were caught after giving them vaccines and altering them.  That way cat lovers know the cats are okay and will assist in the trapping.  Eventually, this should cause the coloney to die out naturally.

    Second:  Several humans in my state are currently being treated with anti rabies vaccines because of three rabid (outdoor) cats.

    Third:  Having a cat that kills rodents is a good thing.  One doesn't want rodents in the house.  Cats in the house should mean the house is free of mice and squirrels.

    Fourth:  Neighbor's outdoor cats make dreadful smells in one's flower beds besides being an extreme danger to pregnant women.On Umbra on cats and birds posted 2 years ago 72 Responses

  • Framing the subsidy discussion

    As with so many subsidies in the US, corporations are the ones benefiting.  However, a strong argument can be made for subsidies.  It is absolutely vital (for every nation, not just ours) to be able to feed its own citizens.  The subsidies should go to farms near cities where property prices are so high a farmer can make lots more money by selling to a developer.  Subsidies might also go to the ensuing farmer's markets.

    By the way, Does anyone know whether the drive to a farmer's market wipes out (in energy use) the virtue of buying vegies grown close to home?  I estimate going to a farmer's market does not eliminate the need to go to a Supermarket, so it is an extra automobile trip.On A conversation with Michael Pollan posted 2 years, 1 month ago 12 Responses