By: Shane Houghtalin

Musicians usually seem to be some of the most cutting edge people on the planet. And, It seems that it is no different even when it comes time, to being a responsible steward of the planet. There are quite a few ways that bands can, go green. They can offer the album online, cheaper or with more tracks, to encourage less physical waste and shipping pollution. They can offer recycled cardboard CD cases, instead of using traditional plastic ones. And, they can play on instruments or use accessories, that are made in an eco-friendly fashion.
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By: Shane Houghtalin

My buddy sent me a text message about this phone number 973-409-3274, I needed to call, to help legalize marijuana.  Claiming to be connected to Obama and Change.org, I wanted to know what the truth was.  The fact that it was created by Humor Hot lines, created some serious confusion. I found some that thought it was a scam and some that thought it was legit. Then I found a good site with someone who seems to have done their research. This article I found, should help clear up some of this confusion.

Marijuana Phone Poll NOT a Scam, Just Confusing

“Do NOT Call” This is what one Youtuber has to say about it

But, let me know what you think! Will this grassroots campaign, even if its legitimate, really change the minds of the powers that be? Will Obama really sign a bill to legalize marijuana?

February 26, 2009

When the Commerce Department announced the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures for the fourth quarter of 2008 at the end of January, they revealed a historical context for our economic slide – the 3.8% GDP shrinkage at the end of 2008 is the fastest pace for an economic slowdown in a quarter of a century.

Consumer spending, stated the Commerce Department, has fallen sharply, with big-ticket spending plunging even faster, falling off by 22% for the 2008 fourth quarter.

But what if the GDP – measuring the market value of a country’s economic output – isn’t the best indicator of societal well-being?

“GDP growth is mostly a measure of growth in consumption, which is the driving cause of environmental decline,” writes Positive Futures Network chair David Korten in his new book, Agenda for a New Economy. “Human health and well-being depend on a great many things that do have market value: food, housing, transportation, education, health care, and many other essentials of a healthy life.  These, however, are means, not ends, and their real value is a function of how they contribute to improving human and natural health and vitality.”

Because the GDP measures quantity of consumption only, rather than quality of that consumption (and its costs to society or the environment), relying on such a measurement  suggests an underlying assumption that material growth and wealth accumulation are the greatest goods. In actuality, the GDP remains largely silent on societal well-being.

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By: Shane Houghtalin

(Videos Related to this article are posted at the end)

Purchasing a low-flow shower head is an excellent way to save money while conserving water.  And, they are really easy to install, as Sierra Club will show you in a video posted below. Combining low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators can reduce water use by up to 50% and your cost of heating the water by that much too! These items will pay for themselves within a few months, so there’s no good reason not to switch.

These types of shower heads should cut water use down to 2.5gpm or less. The best ones can take it as low as half a gallon per minute. And they don’t have to sacrifice any pressure to do it. As long as you get the right one. I will show you, what I have found out in my research.
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By: Shane Houghtalin

Eco-Friendly

Environmentally friendly goods and services that cause little damage to the environment.

Products and Services related to the environment

• Hemp – Minimal harm to environment when compared to most common crops and can satisfy many commercial and industrial demands.
• Organic Farming – The benefits of a healthier ORGANIC lifestyle
• Solar - Harness The FREE ENERGY of our SUN with SOLAR.
• Home Products – MONEY and ENERGY saving products that can be used around the house
• Wind Power – The Friendly FREE ENERGY producer
• Bio-Fuel – FUEL made from plant matter Like Hemp, Corn, Soy and Sunflower oils
• Textiles The impact textiles have on the environment

By: Shane Houghtalin

Water Conservation is important to our sustainability and can save you a good deal of money. You can start by purchasing water conserving appliances from now on, fixing any leaks and by using aerating filters on your faucets. These low-flow devices can save water without reducing the pressure. They also make low-flow shower heads that save hot water too.

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By: Shane Houghtalin

The answer unfortunately, is YES!

Most people will probably never notice anything. But, some people may have sensitive skin and develop a rash relatively quickly under the CFL light bulbs. We will each have to try them and see if we notice any irritation.

“I have been using these new CFL bulbs and think they feel good, no symptoms, yet!. But, I think I will still try to limit my use, by using LED’s in spots that are close to me.”

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By: Shane Houghtalin

Lighting your home more efficiently and saving money is fairly easy. Lighting can consume 15% of your homes energy needs. Its possible to reduce that by 50% or more, by using more efficient lighting. So, try to use the sunlight whenever possible, its free, creates no pollution and is the best for your eyes and overall health. Candles are also nice because they use NO power. Use smart motion detector switches wherever possible, to eliminate energy being wasted. Dimmer switches can also be helpful. There are many choices you can make, to prepare, for the coming change.

Incandescent bulbs are currently being phased out right now because they are highly inefficient, 90% of the energy is used creating unwanted heat. The U.S. Congress has acted to eliminate incandescent bulbs between 2012 and 2014, in an effort to create $18 Billion in savings from the budget annually, so you will need to know your available options for new replacement lights. You could use Halogen light which is close to natural light, good for reading and art displays, but you would probably have to change your existing fixtures. They last twice as long as incandescent bulbs but also burn HOT and are not as efficient as the newer alternatives on the market. There are some really good options available that are also easy to switch to.

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