Going Green

[Gingerale]

Okay, so the fad now, is GOING GREEN.... well... how odd is it that I have been trying to "Go Green" for a few months now, only to mention it to a friend [tonight] that we were  buying 2 wind turbines for our house to generate energy, and she innocently accused me of following the fads.... and... I so graciously pointed out to her that I have been "going green" since before the fad came in. Her reply- "Oh! Duh! I just thought you were cutting down on your electric bill."....

*shrugs*


so how are YOU going green?!

[okieoliveoyl]

i have some green on my clothes....does that count? ? ? ?    

[EricShane]

well for about the past year, I recycle plastic bags and take my own cloth bags to the grocery!

also, my brother Got many solar panels last year and hes in the process of making a few windmills

[The Purple Fuzzy]

I would love to have some solar panels and windmills and it has nothing to do with the current fad.  It would just make us more self sufficient and save energy costs.

[Sis]

I would love to have some solar panels and windmills and it has nothing to do with the current fad.  It would just make us more self sufficient and save energy costs.

I agree. 


I agree we should be good stewards of what God has given us, but I think this "get green" thing that is suddenly popping up again, is us being maniuplated by someone. Not sure if it's Government or who, but I feel totally manipulated. And I don't like it. Because of that, I don't do a lot. I have cloth bags only because I shop at Aldi's and they charge for their bags.

[Gingerale]

My 2nd book is about "going gaga over green"..... It's no so christian based, but it has a lot of references to God in it. hoping to have it finished by December. Edited and published by February of next year, should God delay His coming.

[EricShane]

My 2nd book is about "going gaga over green"..... It's no so christian based, but it has a lot of references to God in it. hoping to have it finished by December. Edited and published by February of next year, should God delay His coming.

*gasp*

thats so scary when people talk that way..

[Stevebert]

Opinion columnist George Will today tells about a new, satirical TV cartoon show (I have not seen it) that mocks socially-liberal political correctness, especially the "green" movement, and notes that part of the show's cynical point of view is to notice that nowadays ecology = psychology. As in, we are made to feel guilty about global warming but we can feel better about ourselves by changing to compact fluorescent lightbulbs and reusing grocery bags. Even better, buying a hybrid auto shows our neighbors that we are in the socially/ecologically-responsible "elite."

Will says the apparent popularity of the cartoon suggests that the "green bubble" has burst- economic recession has caused a reality check among environmental utopians.

His column "Green with Guilt" is in the Washington Post here:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/03/AR2009060303240.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

The show is called "The Goode Family." Has anyone seen it? (It is apparently on ABC- so, perhaps it's vulgar...?)

BTW, I admire anyone who can use windmills or solar panels (or whatever) to lower utility bills or decrease dependence on foreign oil.!

[Tsalagi]

This amuses, considering not so long ago "going green" was a sign of conspiracy nuttiness (wanting to get off the grid and *gasp* grow your own food?!  CRAZY, man!)

As things keep getting faster, I just want to keep getting slower.

[Gingerale]

My preference has always been "green". My daddy was 61 when I was born. we had a garden every year. We grew herbs [no not those kind] inside, we recycled shopping bags if they survived the grocery trip, we recycled EVERYTHING. My family was wealthy, and very frugal during those days.

I honestly believe that in the last days, we will have to grow our own food. I mean. The Bible DOES state that we won't be able to buy and sell things. Now of course, that depends on your tribulation view, but that's not what this discussion is about. lol. so I won't go there.


I honestly am not a liberal. However, I do believe in being a good steward. And that's not just with money.

[Sis]

I believe in reusing things, but I think it is a personal choice, and I don't like being manipulate.   I hate those new bulbs. They're mercury vapor, and they could be very dangerous with kids in the house. If one gets broken near a child the mercury could be a problem.

I was doing some of this stuff long before just because I felt if you can get two uses out of things, do it. *Shrug*  I'd much rather use shopping bags for trash than buying new ones just for that purpose. But that's my choice and nobody had to guilt me into it.

[EricShane]

I believe in reusing things, but I think it is a personal choice, and I don't like being manipulate.   I hate those new bulbs. They're mercury vapor, and they could be very dangerous with kids in the house. If one gets broken near a child the mercury could be a problem.

I was doing some of this stuff long before just because I felt if you can get two uses out of things, do it. *Shrug*  I'd much rather use shopping bags for trash than buying new ones just for that purpose. But that's my choice and nobody had to guilt me into it.

but, so are Fluorescent Lights.

Honestly, LED are the best.. they arent that Popular right now, because an Led Light Bulb is about 40 bucks.. but they last for 10-15 years, and basicly use about 1/15th energy cost of a regular light bulb

[Sis]

I bought two of them. I have them in my livingroom lamps. I don't like them because the light is so white rather than soft, and not bright enought to even read by. I can use a 40 watt bulb and read with it because the lamp is right next to me. Put in one of those bulbs, it's like a store show case but not bright enough to read by. So how green can they be if you have to use six of them to get the same light as you get from one 60 watt bulb?

Fluorescent Lights are usually used in the kitchen way above and rarely does a couch pillow knock over the light fixture and break a bulb. And look at the size of the florescent bulbs, and in my kitchen there are six of them in the one fixture to get enough light to work with.

I would hate to see bulbs that long stickin' out of lamps to get enough light in the livingroom!

[EricShane]

lol.. well.. Their new, im sure they'll make cheaper, brighter ones eventually..

but.. we have solar power panels in the barn and led lights out there, it works perfect!

[Sis]

Some of it is practical, some of it is good stewardship, the rest is plain Globaloney!  

[Gingerale]

we found out that we couldn't place wind turbines inside the city. *pouts*

as I said in the sharing thread, I just bought some eco-friendly detergent. and one teaspoon was enough to wash a queen sized comforter.

we use pig-tail lights.  no kids. saves energy. I also try to keep all the lights off in the house, save the one I am using at the moment.

I am about to look into a drainage system that goes from my washer (since we use only eco friendly detergent) to my lawn. 

[EricShane]

We hooked up a solar powered Fountain in the Pond, to some hoses and ran them to the Garden so.. its Free! and its natural Fertilizer!

[Melody]

You know how many Christians I know that when they begin to start a family, they really begin to see the beauty of the "Little House on the Prairie" days?  A lot,  including myself.  Now I don't want to go live on a farm persay but there is such an honesty and independence from being self sufficient and healthy/clean.  

From the start I have said stewardship is good because God gave this earth for our enjoyment, and told Adam to be the garden dresser.  Even with the curse of sin, we cannot get away from desiring to utilize and take care of this natural world.  And things that I have scoffed at in years past I have found was based on ignorance and I needed to repent and acknowledge the truth and act on it.  I have to remember that sin is not just breaking the 10 commandments but failing to do what I know is right.  Thank God for grace!

I have and do think some "green" things are stupid depending on what they are based on.  If it's based on global warming, I have to consider if it's valid at all, let alone practical.  I think "organic" and natural things are also used often to take financial advantage of people's good intentions.  That irks me.

It is intentionally or unintentionally separating the US by class.  The wealthier you are the healthier you are able to be.  Thank God though we serve a God who's Spirit and wisdom separates us from the world's lifestyle and health if we so choose.  It is comforting to know that though I can't afford all things organic that I am trying to serve my family stewardly and giving thanks over our food cleanses it.

Then we also have the fact that becoming too self sufficient can lead to less faith.   I believe that most of our health issues are from unhealthiness in our own or previous generations, but I also think that spirituality plays a role as well.  We can be organic and "clean" on the outside all we want and still suffer from the effects of sin.    It takes balance.  Yes, God can heal that heart condition but we also need to not be eating hydrogenated oils which is practically poison!

I just learned that our brains are made up of 60% good cholesterol.  Now when a person has high bad cholesterol, they give them the medicine for it. But that medicine does not differenciate between good and bad cholesterol but begins to deteriorate all cholesterol and thus cause the deterioration of the brain causing alzeimers and such.  Whereas in most cases a serious change in diet and lifestyle would cure it.

I really enjoy this subject because I find Christians against going green are either in love with their unhealthy easy lifestyle or they are afraid of losing all faith in God's miraculous.  

Knowing that there is a good chance war and government could lead most of us to be wholly dependent on the government and thus live like a 3rd world country before Jesus comes, I want to learn to be more resourceful.  I want as much knowledge as realistically possible to raise my children to be healthier than I.  And I do want to be a part of taking care of what God has blessed us with.

I have bought Sam's club and Aldi's totes to use for groceries.  And they are helpful when I remember to put them back in my car when going shopping...lol  I support the farmers at farmer's market by sometimes paying a bit extra for organic or their produce in general when I can.  I prefer using a fan for fresh air rather than running AC 24/7.  I prefer cleaning supplies that are biodegradable.  And I prefer natural products.  Wal-mart just came out with a brand around here called pure and natural.  It is handsoap and body wash that is 98% natural and hypoallergenic.  It's almond and cherry blossom scented, very nice; assuming the claims are legit.  

When we get a house I would LOVE solar powered energy.  I want just a very small garden and a worm kit ($100 @ target).  I also would love one of those brick outdoor grills.  If I were smart enough I'd get one of those things that makes waste into fuel for your vehicle.   And we WILL have a manual grass cutter.

For me it boils down to what I can realistically do on our budget.

[Gingerale]

MY, you never cease to amazr me with your sensibility. love it!!!

I agree with you. In my opinion, I think if it doesn't break the bank account, then it makes sense to be a good steward. and I also agree that most folks who are anti-'green' are happy in their unhealthy lifestyle. who wouldn't want to take care of what God has given us. we buy a new car and spend to the max on cleaners, waxes, air fresheners and so forth. why not cut costs while making this Earth beautiful and safe?

I am hosting a natural beauty party in a couple weeks with a friend at the church. I have found out that a lot of shampoos have chemicals that are toxic to our bodies. possibly leading up to cancer, with extended use. We are going to try and make our own shampoo. not sure how it is gonna work out. but we'll see.

[Geri]

The show is called "The Goode Family." Has anyone seen it? (It is apparently on ABC- so, perhaps it's vulgar...?)

I have seen the show twice.  Basically it was making fun of the people that "go green" for trend/appearance purposes only.  The family is vegan as well, including the dog.  While it was nice to see someone bring light to those who buy into the green/organic/vegan/etc movement simply for the appearances, it's not a very good show and we decided not to watch anymore of it.  And yes, Stevebert, I would classify parts of the show as vulgar. 

Wouldn't recommend the show.

[EricShane]

Cici's Pizza in fairfield ohio went Green last night, by deciding not to use Trays for your food anymore, because it cuts back on dish washing and water waste and stuff.. lol..

i was like "WhatEVER! they are just saving themselves some money!"

[Melody]

hahaha, that's stinkin' hilarious.



Ginger, how did the shampoo making process go, I'd love the recipe.  Sometimes I make my own laundry detergent.  It is cheaper. 

[Sis]

I see nothing wrong with being good stewards. That's what we're supposed to do, but the PC crowd goes WAY too far when they stockpile garbage to make it LOOK like they're recycling bottles and newspapers.   So, I'm gonna have fun with it.

[EricShane]

hahaha, that's stinkin' hilarious.



Ginger, how did the shampoo making process go, I'd love the recipe.  Sometimes I make my own laundry detergent.  It is cheaper. 

hmmm like.. out of what?

[Melody]

5 gallons of water
1 bar of soap
a couple of cups of washing soda.