Happiness & Alternative Energy

-- Quote of the Day --

“There is no duty we so underrate as the duty of being happy. 

By being happy we sow anonymous benefits upon the world.” 

~ Robert Louis Stevenson

...This quote has me thinking of high-energy joy-filled folks that I've known that are reaching toward retirement age, or are retired, and have this boundless energy for life. People like Aunt Wanda and Uncle Gary, Hildegard, Barry and Bruce, Dave and Leslie... and others whose age is no barrier to happiness in and excitement for life. The way these people live their lives actually inspires hope in others, helping us see our lives differently. So many in this world become exhausted and bruised by life and lose enthusiasm for participating and finding joy, which perpetuates the fear of what age and the future will bring for those around them. We are blessed to have known several shining, positive influences that have influenced the way we perceive this life.

 -- Conscious Discussions Talk Radio --

I found today’s guest after stumbling on his blog one day and becoming thoroughly impressed. Tim Smith is the owner of that blog, where he offers quite an extensive array of knowledge on alternative energy.  Join us for this discussion live @: 10-11 AM Pacific - and drop in the live chat room if you have a chance. Of course you can access the archived interview at your convenience later on as well.

Here's the link: Alternative Energy

-- Positive Eco-News --

You might remember previous discussions on ways to inspire citizens to participate in recycling programs… We’ve highlighted many different studies showing the results of both punishment-based and reward-based programs, and also showed some interesting organizations that actually pay people for sending them their trash.

I was sent a fantastic bit of news along this same genre of thought, from Hidden Resources, which highlighted the city of Del Mar’s (California, USA) proposed waste management program.

Apparently they are considering taking a Pay-As-You-Throw type of system, using different sized containers to base their fee on. They intend to encourage businesses and individual homes that opt for the smallest container, by offering reduced rates. An increased education campaign for recycling and composting alternatives will accompany this program. 

Other cities from across the globe have proven that programs like these are effective – the cities experience double the volume of recyclables being collected, and a lot less waste heading to the landfill. 

What I like most about this is that those who are participating as much as they can in the waste reduction effort are being rewarded. And those who are abusing the system will face higher fees. It makes sense to me. I know I feel a bit miffed that while we put out 1.5 bags of garbage and 4 bags of recyclables per month, we are paying the same rate as someone who is putting out that much every single week. I see a lot of homes still putting 2 very full big black garbage bags out on the curb every single week. So why should I be charged fees that cover their wasteful habits?  At the same time some flexibility must be in place for those who might be doing construction or repairs to the property - which tends to generate more waste (such as old paint brushes, masking tape and plastic drop cloths, etc). It is an interesting concept that really needs to be explored more fully.

 

Find Dave and Lillian Brummet, excerpts from their books, information about their radio program, newsletter, blogs, and more at: www.brummet.ca

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