Brummet's Conscious Blog

Too often the media is full of negative information. Studies show that by being fed negative information people tend to get into a state of apathy and become depressed with a sense of powerlessness in the face of the problems of the world.  Sadly, this frame of mind has us ignoring how much impact very small actions can have. Let us look at some positive information. Let’s examine just 2 areas that can conserve water and save you money: - Every time you wash dishes by hand, you can save 5 gallons of water: Start with just a couple of inches of very hot, soapy water and begin washing the least soiled items first, keeping the water as clean as possible for the upcoming items. By turning the hot water tap on to rinse the dishes over the soapy sink, the level will slowly increase and will maintain a hot temperature. This means you won’t need another sink full of water solely for rinsing.  - We use excess rinse water to pre-soak stuck on dishes as well. If the soapy sink becomes to...

Did you know it is National Ozone Day tomorrow Sept 16?  Apparently, tomorrow - September 16th - was set aside by request of the United Nations as an annual day to celebrate steps that have been taken to preserve and repair the atmosphere, from air quality to the ozone layer.  It is a good time to reflect about our own behaviours, actions, day-to-day choices and purchases. Did you know that I once wrote a column on this topic back in 2000-2007 that was published in several countries around the world? Some publications would use it as a monthly column, others bi-weekly, and it reached all around the world and won several awards. around 2007 I decided to compile all the articles and create a database in book format for people interested in saving money while having a positive impact on the environment. The first edition of the Trash Talk book was a success and got noticed by the Recycling council of BC who gave us an award for our work. I can't tell you how exciting that wa...

-- Rainscaping --    Rainwater – running off driveways, down streets, pooling in yards and corners of properties, pouring out of downspouts… Where it runs down through the street picking up all kinds of undesirable components and then sent directly to the water treatment centre sent directly off to some swamp or water way.   Yes, there are rain collection and pond options out there but they are not always an economical way to go …and for some areas TOO much water is the problem as opposed to conserving it. Diversion is one option… for instance last year we put in gravel and sloped the soil underneath (and painted the foundation) around our entire house. This involved digging down about 3 feet, cleaning the foundation wall, repairing any spots that needed it and painting 2 thick coats of water repellent product, refilling the hole and sloping the earth away from the home and then topping everything off with gravel to level it for a walk way. We also crea...

-- Quote of the Day --  "Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." ~ Lao Tzu -- Positive News --  Have you heard of the Recycle For Nature program? - this new program was designed to create more awareness about recycling and conservation, to increase access to recycling and to help people understand and participate in water conservation and protection.  According to the article I read - http://tinyurl.com/l5sl2hc - nearly 35% of rivers and 50% of lakes within the USA are not safe for drinking, swimming or fishing.  Every time national (US) recycling rates jump .25% PepsiCo is going to donate additional funding designated solely for water protection. By making recycling easier, with accessible bins in more locations, and additional motivation and promotion the people involved ( The Nature Conservancy and PepsiCo ) aim to protect rivers and land that impact the health of important water resources and to sav...

-- Quote of the Day --  Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.  ~Anthony J. D'Angelo -- World of Writing --  Did you know that 25% of societal energy is spent on simply moving water?  Can you imagine the difference we could make with using permaculture ideas on our land and via buildings where we not only conserve water, but collect water in rain barrels, gray water systems and cisterns?  To learn more, and save more, while making a difference for the planet - Check out the chapter on water conservation in the book Trash Talk when you get a chance...  Trash Talk Book Two, It's Easy To Be Green: http://brummet.ca/store.html     Find Dave and Lillian Brummet, excerpts from their books, their radio program, blog, and more at: http://brummet.ca * Support the Brummets by telling your friends, clicking those social networking ...

 -- Quote of the Day --  “I really wanted to travel, I was a good writer but I hadn’t really developed my travel writing voice – and that is where my blog came in. I blog on it regularly – the first few posts are a little embarrassing …but you develop your voice over time, it was only through practice really… you know that 10,000 hours at something to really become good at it. …The blog allowed me the opportunity to be able to see what really resonated with people, to digest their feedback. Before I wrote my first book I had already had years of writing experience and communicating with others interested in this topic.” ~ Shannon o’Donnell Today’s quote originates from the Conscious Discussions Talk Radio episode that aired back on … titled: Volunteer Travel   (*Click on the title to access the full discussion) -- Positive News --  I read an ...

-- Quote of the Day -- "There are times when fear is good.  It must keep its watchful place at the heart's controls.  There is advantage in the wisdom won from pain."  ~ Ãtschylus -- Brummets in the Media -- Join me on: The Sharon Kleyne Hour, today - Feb. 20, at 10:35am (Pacific)... where Sharon and I will talk about waste reduction and our support of non-profits. This syndicated show airs on the WorldTalkRadio.com station.  If you can't make the live show, be sure to visit the site below and click on the tab located near the top of the homepage for "archives". http://sharonkleynehour.com  Access the Archive here:  http://www.worldtalkradio.com/worldtalkradio/vshow.aspx?sid=1384 Find Dave and Lillian Brummet, excerpts from their books, information about their radio program, newsletter, blog, and more at: www.brummet.ca * Support the Brummets by telling your friends, or visiting the Brummet's Store - ...