Archive for February, 2008
February 29th, 2008
Here’s an interesting article by Mike Adams outlining why he thinks digital cameras are better for the environment than film cameras, even with the technology.
I’ll add one more plus to digital: Not only do you save the environment by not developing so much film, you cut back on clutter. I have an entire box of old photos that just sit there, doing nothing. I have three old photos albums that also just sit there and take up space. I should just scan it all in, back it up and be done with it. Besides, do I really need to keep bad photos of me in college, wearing cut-off shorts, black tights, and combat boots? Um, maybe not.
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February 26th, 2008
I’m always interested in new ways of doing business that don’t involve making new stuff. Here’s one interesting application of the Internet: Setting up sites where people can swap goods instead of throwing them away or purchasing new products. This lends itself quite well to things like books and CDs.
One such site that I am currently checking out is Bookins.com, which gives you points for each book you offer for trade and then charges a flat $4.49 shipping fee for books you receive. (You don’t have to pay to ship books, just to receive.)
Of course, you could just use your local library too. But some books are good to keep around as reference. And yes, we all look toward the day when books will be entirely electronic instead of made from paper…and then sadly we’ll have the book publisher equivalent of the RIAA on our asses for book file sharing. For that reason alone, perhaps I am old-fashioned, but I’d like to keep paper books around.
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February 20th, 2008
OK, I realize it is a bit ridiculous that I live by myself and own three television sets. To be fair, however, they are older sets, the big heavy behemoths of yesteryear: two 27″ screens and an old 13″ TV with a VCR built in.
The 13″ was being thrown out by a roommate years ago, which seemed like a waste, so I snagged it. It’s now in my office near my computer. The second 27″ a friend gave me (her landlord had it sitting around gathering dust). It’s now in my bedroom. The third 27″ is in the living room. I like it, actually. It’s big enough to see but it doesn’t take up too much space.
So I guess I don’t quite see the point in this constant TV-upgradamania that we seem to be going through. HDTV – why should I care? I have enjoyed TV for decades without HD so I miss HD about as much as I miss 3D TV. Which is…never. (more…)
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February 15th, 2008
I just got a Costco membership after being taken there on two trips by different folks who swear by the low prices there. (You must be careful, however, to not buy bulk items that you don’t really need.) I shop at Trader Joe’s for most of my groceries, but on occasion I have a hankering for things like Gatorade, Skippy, and deluxe macaroni, so I go to a normal grocery store for those items. Costco seemed like a better option.
But what about Whole Foods? Isn’t that supposed to be the feel good, environmental grocery store? Sure, but it’s damn expensive. I simply cannot afford to go there and shop regularly. The location near me, in West Los Angeles, has prices sometimes double or triple that of Trader Joe’s. (more…)
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February 5th, 2008
Today is Super Tuesday, and I’m watching the results eagerly. (I’m a Clinton supporter.) I’ll be disappointed if we have another Republican president next year, but one thing’s for certain: The next president will be a lot greener than Bush. Every single candidate seems to agree on one thing: We need to achieve energy independence. (more…)
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February 3rd, 2008
Gas-powered lawn mowers are stinky, noisy things, so it’s nice to hear that someone’s come up with a biodiesel lawnmower. I’d like to see someone do one better than this, however: How about a lawn mower that is powered by its own lawn clippings? Now that would be an efficient machine.
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