My husband and I have always wanted to be self sustaining and just a bit green in our home.  Not because we are afraid of the government or because we are hiding from society, but mostly because we thought it would save us money in the long run. 

The other day, I saw a story on one of the home improvement channels (just can’t remember which one right now) and it ran again today so my husband had a chance to see it.  They showed “earthship” homes and I immediately fell in love with the concept.  My husband was more focused on the possible costs involved, but that’s the pessimist in him coming though.

Living green doesn’t have to mean giving up modern conveniences.  These homes had microwaves, refrigerators, and running water.  The great thing about them is that they are self sustaining.  Y2K wouldn’t have even caused these homeowners to break a sweat.  Inside the homes, they can grow food.  Outside the home, the house itself gathers water and energy for the daily tasks inside.

My only hold up is the look.  If they can figure out a way to get the self sustaining elements into an 1800’s Victorian then I will be the first to sign up.  Fortunately for me (and others who aren’t too keen on living in a house that will definitely draw stares) there are alternatives available. 

Living green doesn’t have to be obvious or ugly anymore.  Green architecture is developing a flare for style AND conservation.  My day may not be as far away as it once seemed.

Our family took a tour of an organic dairy.  They had some chicks there that were the same age as those that are processed in the chicken plants all around us.  These “normal” chicks were about the size of a softball - not exactly ready for the dinner plate.  Taking this tour really got me thinking about going organic with my family’s menu.

Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as you would think.  We don’t live in a large city and my father-in-law will treat anything growing around the property (I’ve tried to reason with him, but he’s old school).  Because of the recent drought, even the local farmer’s market is bare.

So I thought I’d buy “organic” at the local grocery store.  I did some research online, and thought I was prepared.  I was wrong.  There are so many labels that say as little as possible or nothing at all that it was a nightmare.  I ended up getting a couple of apples and some chicken breasts, but I know these weren’t “natural chickens.”  I’m not even completely sure what natural is.

Now, I flip flop back and forth between the value of organic compared to the importance of variety.  If the industry would make the labels easier and more uniform AND would make the costs a bit less then I might reconsider my organic lifestyle.

There are things in the environment that can kill you.  The smart thing to do would be to outlaw as much of the dangerous items as possible.  Some people are already pushing us in that direction - trying to outlaw smoking, guns, fast foods, and fat altogether. 

Now the local science fair is getting in on the act.  A high school student won the top prize with his petition to outlaw dihydrogen monoxide.  It can be some of the most dangerous stuff if used incorrectly, and it even contributes to erosion causing billions of dollars in damage each year.  I guess it should be outlawed.

There is just one problem.  The chemical his petition refers to is water.   And although water can be dangerous when used improperly, I hardly think that outlawing its use could help anyone and in the end it would probably kill even more people – especially given that we are 80% water.

It makes me wonder how much of the concern that is placed on all the “bad” things in this world is just hype created by the media, special interest groups, Hollywood, and politicians.  Maybe instead of outlawing everything, we should find ways to use the resources we have in a responsible manner that is beneficial for all involved.

McDonald’s in not exactly known for the healthy choices it offers its customers or the eco-friendly impact it has on the environment.  Best known for the golden arches and the Big Mac and grease, McDonald’s is working hard to change its image.

The company is beginning to make its waste cooking oil into biodiesel fuel for powering up its trucking fleet in Europe.  It will take almost an entire year to get the whole fleet converted.

I admire the corporate world for looking to creative ways to help the environment, but I can’t help but wonder if there is more in it for them.  I have a friend that owns a car run on waste cooking oil.  It smells a lot like what’s been cooking.  Now imagine an entire fleet of trucks driving around the region smelling like fries.  It could be almost as bad as the sound of the ice cream truck.

Still, the conversion of the McDonald’s fleet (according to their own figures) will save almost 2,000 tons of carbon.  Since it will also help the company by cutting the cost of shipping (because of the reducing in fuel purchases), I can only dream that it will also reduce the cost of my next run through the drive through.

Small, gas mileage savvy vehicles are great for the environment.  They are also easy on the wallet - costing less in initial price and in long term gas expense.  Now the automotive industry is poised to push the compact to a whole new level.

Renault-Nissan is planning for the future of the automotive industry by designing a compact car for under $3000.   The truly amazing thing is that they won’t be the first.  Tata Motors, an Indian carmaker, plans to launch its own $2500 car as early as next year.

Our family owns a compact car.  On the city roads, it’s not so bad.  You may have to get out of the car at the drive thru window, because the car sits so low to the ground, but it feels safe enough.  You may have to get out and push it up super steep hills, but it’ll get you there (eventually).

Interstate driving is a whole different experience.  Staring at the wheels of an 18-wheeler and realizing you probably COULD fit right under it (and the trucker would never even know it) just isn’t all that comforting -especially at speeds around 70 mph.  I still get chills from my last long distance trip in that tiny car.

There is probably a place and a need for a car so compact that it can be sold for less than a go-cart, but I can promise you it won’t be in my garage.  I’m not so green that I’m ready to become fertilizer for the cause.

You could get arrested if you try to build a windmill on your property.

It seems that every one wants to go green, but nobody wants the alternative energy sources in their own back yard.  There have been several attempts to develop wind mill fields that would be able to supply whole communities with power.  The mere idea of the unsightly monstrosities covering the landscape outweighs the environmental impact potential, and a fire storm of protests quickly destroys the hope of development.

It may be hip to be green, but it’s not so cool if it starts to affect your property values.  The rich and famous in and around Cape Cod were quick to bring up the dangers of wind turbines when a development threatened their own ocean views.

Now the government wants to get involved and make it illegal to produce clean, green electricity from wind turbines.  The legislation is being touted as an “animal protection” bill because migratory birds can be killed by the wind turbines (Never mind the oil spills, pollutions, or global warming).

Personally, I don’t see what the fuss is all about.  Some countries have made an entire tourist industry off of windmills.  Maybe the engineers need to spend a little time making something that is not only energy efficient, but attractive as well.