|
Post by AussieBird on Apr 25, 2007 4:05:34 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by Tiff on Apr 25, 2007 14:24:17 GMT -5
For some reason I can not pull up the site, can you list a few things from the site?
|
|
|
Post by AussieBird on Apr 25, 2007 20:01:23 GMT -5
Sure. They're from "An Inconvenient Truth". * Replace a regular lightbulb with a compact flourescent one * Drive less - walk, bike, carpool or mass transit more often * Recycle more * Keep your tyres inflated * Use less hot water * Avoid products with lots of packaging * Keep your thermostat one or two degrees closer to the real temperature * Plant a tree * Turn off electronic devices when you're not using them, avoid leaving them in standby mode I'm sure we can think of things to add to this list ourselves
|
|
|
Post by ouchy on Apr 25, 2007 21:26:35 GMT -5
I prefer incandescent bulbs to flourescent. Flourescent lights make me nuts. I read that Canada (and maybe Australia--don't remember for sure) are banning incandescents by 2012 or something. If they do that in the U.S., I will stock up on as many incandescents as I can find!
|
|
|
Post by Tiff on Apr 25, 2007 21:27:50 GMT -5
You have turn off electronics when you are not using them! I always unplug most of my appliances when not in use such as:
Coffee maker Toaster Microwave
Use less hot water is a little hard for me! I already only wash my clothes in cold water which helps but I love warm baths and showers. For some reason I can not get enough baths since I have become pregnant. I love em.
|
|
|
Post by ouchy on Apr 25, 2007 21:52:21 GMT -5
My father turns off the power at the breaker before he goes to work. Even though you shut something something off or unplug it, it will still be drawing current at the main switch and ready to use. Since no one is at home while he's at work, he turns everything off. His electric bill is like $7.00 a month! While I don't think he is doing this bit to save the environment, it does wind up helping...and it also helps his pocket book
|
|
|
Post by erzulie on Apr 26, 2007 15:55:00 GMT -5
ouchy, why don't you like flourescent bulbs? I like them better because they are more like sunlight and they reduce eyestrain and therefore reduce headaches. If you don't like white light you can get flourescent bulbs with other shades of light.
And it's Australia you're thinking of. I think it's good that they're doing that, they said it will reduce emissions by a lot! It'll aslo save people a ton of money.
|
|
|
Post by ouchy on Apr 26, 2007 16:12:17 GMT -5
I read that Canada is doing it as well. Australia isn't the only one. I don't like flourescents bc they actually GIVE me headaches. I can also see the phosphorous bouncing off the inside walls of the glass tube, and they make me dizzy. Feels like the Northern Lights to me! I know they can reduce emissions, but I will find another way to do my part rather than switch to a bulb that drives me batty. We do have them in some rooms, but I don't use them. I prefer light from outside. If it's dark out, I'll flip on an incandescent. Also, a lot of autistic people have BIG problems with flourescent bulbs for the exact reason of being able to see the phosphorous bounce off the sides walls of the tube. It's sad that they are in all of the classrooms. I miss the 80's.
|
|
|
Post by ouchy on Apr 26, 2007 16:36:22 GMT -5
Oh. And I read that some flourescent bulbs also have something radioactive in them, so by putting them in landfills, we could actually be harming the environment.
|
|
|
Post by ouchy on Apr 26, 2007 16:40:17 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by cherry on Apr 26, 2007 16:54:52 GMT -5
I have started replacing with flourescent bulbs bout I have some uplighter light shades so have to use normal small bulbs for those, and the light from flourescents can be pretty hideous! I turn my computer fully off and but unfortunately can't go around unplugging everything so just unplug stuff that we don't use much, and switch off the kitchen appliances at the plug when they're not actively being used. We have a cold fill washing machine which is especially efficient, and luckily for the safety of UK road users, I don't drive just yet, but I will be in a small car, then my family car will be a nice hybrid or run on biofuel like the new Saabs
|
|
|
Post by erzulie on Apr 26, 2007 18:56:59 GMT -5
You're NOT supposed to put flourescent bulbs in landfills. You're supposed to take them to a special place that handles hazardous wastes, but I'm not sure where (I haven't had one burn out yet). I don't understand the thing about the phosphorous. Why would you be looking at the tube anyway? You're not supposed to look at lights!
|
|
|
Post by AussieBird on Apr 26, 2007 19:01:24 GMT -5
And it's Australia you're thinking of. Actually, the checklist was from an American site based on an American documentary.... it has just spread to Australia
|
|
|
Post by ouchy on Apr 26, 2007 19:34:25 GMT -5
Why would you be looking at the tube anyway? You're not supposed to look at lights! I don't just sit there and stare at the bulbs. Obviously, you don't have the flourescent light issue, and you're lucky. I, however, know many people besides myself who are negatively affected by the fluorescent lights. I don't have to stare at the tube to actually see the light coming in weird waves. But when I do happen to look up at the tube, it's WAYYYYY visible what is going on (to ME, anyawy). It's like weird visual vibes or something. I can't describe it better to you. It just makes me dizzy and very aggravated, and I know I'm not alone in abhorring flourescent lights. I hope no one on here knows what I am talking about first-hand. ********* Ah. I thought of a good way to describe it--the flickering of a computer monitor!***********
|
|
|
Post by erzulie on Apr 26, 2007 19:40:49 GMT -5
I've never liked the big tubes, but the compact bulbs give me no trouble. Maybe someday soon, someone will invent a lightbulb that is very environmentally-friendly and doesn't cause anyone any problems!
|
|