Wednesday, November 28, 2012

New Perspective on Global Warming



I found this and just had to share:



At first, I thought, "Cool!" then I realized the implications of that. I know there are people out there who don't believe in global warming (why?) but it's hard to deny the evidence has been piling up for a long time. I won't get into that quite just yet, but it's coming.

Granted everyone hears the same things: the Arctic ice cap is melting, glaciers are disappearing, general temperatures are rising, warmer than average months are breaking records, etc., etc., etc., which is why I love this new perspective on global warming. Most of the millenials and the generations after (i.e. those born between early 80's through early 2000's) have pretty much never experienced a colder than average month. That includes me. Is it bad I'm secretly happy because I hate winter? Anyway, just because I hate snow doesn't mean I'm jumping for joy that we're all becoming warmer and warmer.




We have all become comfortable with the idea of global warming. We hear about it nearly every day. We know that waste of any kind contributes to global warming; for most of us, recycling and finding environmentally-friendly products is second nature. However, there's a line and it seems like that unless we all move into grass-thatched huts and figure out how to create heat without wasting resources, it can seem like a battle with no defeat.


I didn't write this to make you feel like shit, though I certainly am feeling a bit down while posting this. Just think of it this way, if there weren't such a great movement towards saving the environment and halting global warming, imagine how much worse off we'd be right now. The only thing we can do is continue to do the little things to improve our efforts. 

They can be as simple as:
  1. Covering your pots while cooking to save energy needed to prepare food.
  2. Buying energy efficient appliances when it's time to replace them.
  3. Using the washing machine and dishwasher only when it's completely full.
  4. Recycling in your home and outside. (So easy to toss that paper coffee cup.)
  5. Planting a tree, a plant, anything.
  6. Buy locally whether it's food, household goods, or anything else.
  7. Eat less meat. (You knew that was coming.)
  8. Try to reduce the amount of heat you use whether it's heating your home or heating your shower.
A simple Google search for "little things to prevent global warming" will yield tons of ideas and tips that will help you live better and breathe easier.

It's not hopeless and the more we're aware of what we need to do and the more we encourage others to do the same- whether they're believers in global warming or not (again, why?)- the more we're likely to make a difference. I am a vegetarian because I believe in animal rights. An animal shouldn't die just so I could have a meal, especially since there are tons of other things I can eat that are just as nutritious and satisfying. People would tell me that being one single vegetarian in a "world" of meat-eaters isn't going to make a difference. For me, though, the fact that one less cow is eaten because of me makes all the difference. If we could all see things the same way about global warming, vegetarianism, whatever you prefer, it will make a huge difference, whether other people say so or not.


What do you do to combat global warming and help the environment?

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Giving of Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving!


I was in Austin, Texas, for two weeks and when I returned home, it was pretty much hit the ground running until today. I'll be posting more often in the upcoming days, I apologize!

Today, I wanted to list a few things I'm thankful for. Sometimes, I get wrapped up in the minor details that I forget to take a step back and look at my life as a whole. 

Yesterday, I got really cranky because I spent the whole day cooking and didn't have a bite to eat. I failed to remember I was cooking for the very first Thanksgiving dinner I was hosting... at my house, with my loved ones. 

  • I'm thankful for having a home- one that's comfortable, beautiful, and in a neighborhood where the neighbors take their leaf blowing seriously.
  • I'm thankful for sharing that home with those that I love- Chanel my cat. Oh, and Guitar Boy too.
  • I'm thankful that my boyfriend can take a good joke.
  • I'm thankful that my parents are around and well enough to cook their version of Thanksgiving to bring over to the house. The more food, the better!
  • I'm thankful for the material things, as superficial as it sounds, because I recognize and appreciate what they've brought to my life: a car that I finally adore, my Macbook because I can write on it and learn from it, and my phone because it keeps me in touch with everyone I love.
  • I'm most especially thankful that I'm alive and experiencing life and that I've finally been able to embrace it.

It's a pretty common list many people share. (Come on, admit it, you're thankful for your phone too!) 

Now to the good stuff. What are you making today? On the menu at my house:

First course: Pumpkin Apple Soup

Entrees: 

  • Turkey-Less Roast with Roasted Vegetables (from Trader Joe's. First time trying it!)
  • A Small Turkey. But we don't care about that. It's for my dad. ("Must have meat! Rawrg!)
Also considered entrees but we can't help ourselves:
  • Dried Fruit and Pecan Rice Pilaf 
  • Mushroom Quiche 
Sides:
  • Garlic-Roasted Mashed Potatoes and Parsnips
  • Apple Bread Stuffing
  • Roasted Mushrooms with Green Beans
  • Rosemary Honey Cranberry Sauce
  • Orange Cranberry Sauce (Don't ask why we have two cranberry sauces.)
  • Cornbread 
Dessert: Chocolate Pumpkin Pie (Of course.)


I'm super-excited and I sincerely hope I remember to take a picture of it all before we devour it. 

Have a happy, joyful, and delicious Thanksgiving!