Great and necessary: to look at the big picture when it comes to energy. Examining world trends, expressing functional outrage over systemic waste and exploitation of natural resources, and lauding large-scale implementation of alternatives - again, all needed, and (I have to say) really good for boosting my self- righteousness.
The cure to that nasty character flaw: realizing that I am still dependent on coal, petroleum, and nuclear power because the wider society I interact with and purchase products from is reliant on them. That, if I am to be an honest person, I have to hold myself culpable for mining deaths, de facto mass-murder of wildlife, a number of birth defects, and much more. Being tied to actions you know are wrong is damned painful, and there is often no clear and immediate way around it. Certainly no easy way.
Beyond admission of guilt: doing the best you can to personally implement alternatives, to pull yourself out of a system of which you disapprove.
True: There is only so much any one person can do at any given time.
Also true: That is not a valid reason to do nothing.
The current focus of all this preachiness (character flaw number two): insulation. Reason one: it's winter, and my booty is plumb chilly. Reason two: roughly 52 percent of energy consumed in residential homes in the U.S. goes toward space heating, according to statistics compiled by the Energy Information Administration. There's a lot of room there for amelioration of guilt, I mean, improvement of efficiency.
In the following pages, Chester offers one simple solution in "The Dignified Poncho," while "A roof over our heads" introduces the burly new construction tool that helped create a well-insulated kitchen ceiling for Ironweed: a sewing machine. Amy gives how-to help for knitting your way to warmth, both physically and emotionally. "It's not that kind of cathouse, folks . . ." tells a tail of rowdy, rugged home-improvement, and Ted calls a wary truce with the rodent family in his "Nature Corner." Finally, Penn proves an appliance doesn't have to be complicated to be useful in his every-home-should-have-one haybox spectacular.
Three things keep me going when cold weather and current events get me down. Facing facts directly and keeping a sense of humor are the lesser two. Remembering that every little bit really does help is the third. As always, thank you for reading and thank you for your support.
Every Little Bit •
Knitting •
Dignified Poncho •
Cat House •
Ask a Rabbit •
Hey/Hay! •
Roof Interview •
Nature Corner •
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