Who cares if GW is real or not, what are you doing to be less dependent on fossil fuels?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

"Long time ago, I have sex with Buffalo. I think maybe you my son."

[FortLaudy 10]

Aww sad about the fish! I love going fishing!! Only thing I don't like is putting on the bait and taking off the fish, haha.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Aww sad about the fish! I love going fishing!! Only thing I don't like is putting on the bait and taking off the fish, haha.

You're in Florida, right? Take a look at this map:

[FortLaudy 10]

Yup we fish down in the keys mostly, does seem to be less polluted there.... hey ya gotta die from Something, haha.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Yup we fish down in the keys mostly, does seem to be less polluted there.... hey ya gotta die from Something, haha.

You won't die from Mercury...but your hair will fall out, you might go mad, and if you have any children, they might be severely retarded.

[Scott & Lai 12]

Most of our light fixtures are either CFCs or LEDs (haven't found a white-light CFC to fit our ceiling fan, and the dragons need UV/heat lamps), our appliances our Energy-Star, we have a front-loading clothes washer, both the washer and drier have load sensors for adusting cycle-time needed, both cars are 4-cylinder, we have dual-pane windows...

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Most of our light fixtures are either CFCs or LEDs (haven't found a white-light CFC to fit our ceiling fan, and the dragons need UV/heat lamps), our appliances our Energy-Star, we have a front-loading clothes washer, both the washer and drier have load sensors for adusting cycle-time needed, both cars are 4-cylinder, we have dual-pane windows...

dual-pane windows...that's awesome!

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

You're in Florida, right? Take a look at this map:

(Mercury contamination is often from "natural sources". It exists in the soil and in the rocks, in certain areas. The west, because of its mountainous geology, is full of lower earth metals.)

We have an old mercury mine close by, and the run off from that area is carefully monitored, to make sure it does not contaminate the water supply. There should be a red triangle north of San Francisco, about 8 miles or so away from me. The mountains to the east are full of mercury mines. Those are on your map. You may want to have that next glass of Northern California wine tested before you drink it.

They used mine tailings as road base a century ago. Luckily, it has not been a problem in the area.

[FortLaudy 10]

dual-pane windows...that's awesome!

Proper insulation is key too, to keep the heat/cool air from escaping.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

(Mercury contamination is often from "natural sources". It exists in the soil and in the rocks, in certain areas. The west, because of its mountainous geology, is full of lower earth metals.)

We have an old mercury mine close by, and the run off from that area is carefully monitored, to make sure it does not contaminate the water supply. There should be a red triangle north of San Francisco, about 8 miles or so away from me. The mountains to the east are full of mercury mines. Those are on your map. You may want to have that next glass of Northern California wine tested before you drink it.

They used mine tailings as road base a century ago. Luckily, it has not been a problem in the area.

Two of the biggest sources of mercury pollution are chlorine chemical plants and coal-fired power plants. Chlorine plants, which use massive quantities of mercury to extract chlorine from salt, "lose" dozens of tons of mercury each year; power plants emit around 50 tons of mercury pollution annually. Facilities that recycle auto scrap are another big source of mercury pollution, pouring 10 to 12 tons of mercury into the air every year. The most common way Americans are exposed to mercury is through tuna fish.

link

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

link

Earth First?

How might I be exposed to mercury?

Eating fish or shellfish contaminated with methylmercury.

Breathing vapors in air from spills, incinerators, and industries that burn mercury-containing fuels.

Release of mercury from dental work and medical treatments.

Breathing contaminated workplace air or skin contact during use in the workplace (dental, health services, chemical, and other industries that use mercury).

Practicing rituals that include mercury.

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts46.html#bookmark04

Edited February 3, 2010 by Lone Ranger

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

What happens to mercury when it enters the environment?

Inorganic mercury (metallic mercury and inorganic mercury compounds) enters the air from mining ore deposits, burning coal and waste, and from manufacturing plants.

It enters the water or soil from natural deposits, disposal of wastes, and volcanic activity.

Methylmercury may be formed in water and soil by small organisms called bacteria.

Methylmercury builds up in the tissues of fish. Larger and older fish tend to have the highest levels of mercury.

[Scott & Lai 12]

Proper insulation is key too, to keep the heat/cool air from escaping.

Yep. We still need to replace the insulation in two outside doorways, but other than that, we're good

[NickD 203]

Electric bill came in 50 bucks higher with all those Christmas decorations we hung up, mostly outside. We don't get the heat value inside the home with those. Asked my wife if we could just put up a candle in the window next year. Watched that crazy Christmas decoration show on TV with guys having a 600-1300 buck electrical bill.

Could mount a coin operated timer on the road with a sign, enjoy our Christmas light for 60 seconds by inserting four quarters in the slot. Did try to buy some LED's when they were 80%, but didn't make it to the store on time, they were all sold out.

Seeing fewer and fewer homes decorating for Christmas since our electrical rates were nearly doubled. One thing about energy, never creeps up 1-5%, always a drastic rate increase.

[FortLaudy 10]

Electric bill came in 50 bucks higher with all those Christmas decorations we hung up, mostly outside. We don't get the heat value inside the home with those. Asked my wife if we could just put up a candle in the window next year. Watched that crazy Christmas decoration show on TV with guys having a 600-1300 buck electrical bill.

Could mount a coin operated timer on the road with a sign, enjoy our Christmas light for 60 seconds by inserting four quarters in the slot. Did try to buy some LED's when they were 80%, but didn't make it to the store on time, they were all sold out.

Seeing fewer and fewer homes decorating for Christmas since our electrical rates were nearly doubled. One thing about energy, never creeps up 1-5%, always a drastic rate increase.

Yes, I would agree that energy conservation is key at first, replacing appliances and bulbs if possible at first (Energy Star rated imo), looking at ways to insulate the house properly - I'm all for the recycled denim idea etc. Then to create energy on-site and off the municipal power grid. It's small steps that everyone can take at first to use less electricity generated by fossil fuels. My husband it the typical American when it comes to certain things, he want the biggest tv we can afford, I'm ok with that, as long as we're not dependent on non-renewable energy sources.

Solar is free energy that's completely clean and as abundant as sunlight!