Clean Energy = Clean Living

What exactly does clean energy mean? It is energy that has been created using natural, renewable resources, such as wind, solar, geothermal and biomass. Of these, Geothermal is said to be the cleanest and most reliable source. Geothermal basically is a system that taps into the heat of the earth. It is expensive to start, but turns out to be the least expensive source. Biomass is created by using the plant material and animal waste, turning it into a gas or liquid(like ethanol). Solar and wind are pretty obvious. So....currently there are at least 4 other ways to produce energy. Why are the governments and private sectors of the world not putting more money into the production of these? Why have we let Oil companies have so much power?

The NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) recently interviewed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. asking "How do we change this energy mix?" His response made me chuckle. "Right now, we have a marketplace that is governed by perverse rules that reward the filthiest, most destructive, most poisonous fuels from hell, rather than the cheap, clean, green, safe, wholesome fuels from heaven. We need to reverse that." You can read the entire interview here: http://www.nrdc.org/naturesvoice/feature6.asp Now, I'm sure you are wondering why that made me chuckle. I think it's because that is exactly how I feel. This nation has come a long way since 1776. However, when money becomes more important than the health of our people and our planet, you have to wonder what legacy we are trying to leave.

I, for one, would rather find the balance. We can put the health of our people and our planet first and then reap the financial windfall that will follow. It will just come from a different source. I know change is difficult for many to embrace, me included, but won't it be worth it in the end. I think we take the planet for granted. That God will fix it, because we are the children of God. We are the most important. However....this attitude frustrates me...how conceited can we as a race be. If we look at the scientific history of this planet, the planet is approximately 4.6 BILLION years old and humans "homo sapiens" can only be dated back half a million years. Doesn't that put it into perspective. Wouldn't that make the planet the most important, as it was created first, and obviously not created specifically for us. In my opinion, if God created this planet for us and our use, then wouldn't we have been created closer to that 4.6 billion years?

We are stewards for this planet. And it is time we step up and take responsibility for keeping this planet happy. Now is the time to push for change in where we get our energy, how we keep our air & water clean and how are food source is created/harvested. The best part of clean energy...it makes us a healthier nation. When we are healthy we are more willing to be what we were meant to be.

Stand up! Be a responsible human! Be a Steward! If you have no idea where to start...start here. Find out where the energy in your home comes from and ask your utilities company if they are looking into clean energy.

Remember the Planet -

Kristen
for Angel readings

Earth Hour 2010

On March 27, 2010 at 8:30 pm local time(your local time), please turn off your lights for 1 full hour. This movement started 3 years ago(thanks to the World Wildlife Fund) to symbolize that by working together, we can make a positive impact in the global warming "fight". This symbolic event sends a clear message to those "in charge" that the global community is ready for change. We are ready for a new way of life. One that protects not only ourselves, but the air we breath, the water we drink and the land we walk on everyday.

These are the things we take for granted. How many times in a day, a week or even a month have you thought about the what the Earth provides for you? Be honest...is the only time you think about the planet those times when the planet is "acting up"? I know, I have, in the past not given much thought to the planet until I heard about a earthquake, blizzard, hurricane or mudslide. I used to wonder how God could let these things happen to his people. Until it dawned on me that if I compared the planet to a human, it responds the same way I would. When I'm under a lot of stress and feel I'm being mistreated, I try to handle it, but eventually I explode and someone gets hurt. Now, when it's me...I usually just throw a temper tantrum and yell and scream. The Earth literally explodes and people die.

Now, please don't misunderstand me. I'm not saying that if we all go completely green and the world is a perfect place that earthquakes, blizzards and hurricanes wouldn't happen. I don't believe that's true. Those things are a part of the natural order of things. However, I would know that we, as a race, were not 90% responsible for it. That's where I see it stands today. Since the Industrial revolution these events have increased dramatically. While we had made great strides in making our lives easier, we had not given much thought to the impact on the planet. We were arrogant and a little selfish. But things are changing. We want them to change, more and more people are joining in the "fight". In 2009, nearly 1 billion people participated in this event. Let's make this year even bigger.

Remember, this isn't our planet. We have borrowed it from our children and grandchildren. Let's make it a better place to live for them.

Please join me on Saturday March 27th at 8:30pm local time and take a stand!

Remember the Planet -

Kristen

Things you should not buy

Today I stopped to get coffee from my favorite place and thought about why I feel bad when I forget to bring my re-usable cup. I will recycle the cup they give me, so I shouldn't feel that bad, should I? Well I should and this is why...

Even if they use recycled material to make the cup, it takes water and energy to make it. So, if I didn't need the cup... Basically I wasted water and energy today. I will do better next time and will do every thing I can to conserve those resources for the rest of the day.

One the of the first and easiest steps to take in becoming "Green" is to become a conscious shopper. Is it necessary to buy the apples pre-bagged? Do I really need to use a plastic bag on my produce? How many layers of wrapping before I get to the actual product? These are the ?s I ask myself when shopping. To keep my produce separate from the rest, I put one of those hand-held basket in the cart and fill it. My produce has a strong protector and I didn't waste plastic. I try to buy products without packaging or only 1 layer when necessary. Plus, I always use my own bags, so I don't need to waste more plastic.

Things I never buy: styrofoam cups, paper towels, bleached coffee filters, conventional household cleaners and plastic utensils. If I need to take a snack for my daughter's Girl Scout troop, I take plastic cups that I can recycle or use again after washing. I use baking soda and vinegar to clean my home. Try to go chemical free for one week and see how different not only your energy level is but the energy in your home. I don't make coffee at home, so I don't worry about the filters. However, jut think about it. If you are buying bleached filters, know that they use chlorine to bleach them and that it can leach into your coffee. I personally don't like the added taste. Even when I'm at other non-grocery stores, I consider what it is that I'm buying and is there an option with less packaging.

All I ask of you is to pay attention to what you buy and the impact it has on the planet. If it has a negative impact on the Earth, it will eventually impact your life negatively.

Check out this link: http://www.storyofstuff.com/ it really makes you see the connection.

Remember the Planet -

Kristen

Angel readings

Introduction

Good morning! I was having a conversation with a friend about my passions and realized that my two most favorite things to talk about(and being a Gemini, there are a lot) are saving the planet and being on a spiritual path. So, I figured I would combine the two. To me they go hand in hand. I can't imagine having the spiritual beliefs I do and not caring about the actual planet that keeps me from floating off into space. To me the planet is my friend with a soul very similar to that of my human friends and every creature that breaths in life. So, I treat it like I treat my friends, with love and respect.

It may sound silly, but I talk to the birds, insects, trees, animals and flowers and listen for their response. If I believe that God(Spirit, Divine, etc...) created the universe, and I do, then I must believe that we are all similar. That we all deserve the same amount of respect. I believe in a compassionate Creator who despite our faults loves us unconditionally and I practice that with the planet. Now I didn't always.

I grew up thinking that the planet and the animals exist only for humans to do with as they please. It wasn't until I was a teenager that I realized there is a lot more going on in the world then what I had been taught. With a mind that is always craving more information, I searched for answers to what life is really supposed to be about. I found a lot of information. Some useful, some just nonsensical.

My "adult" beliefs have been composed of the information that made me feel inspired and just felt right when I absorbed it. Some people may not agree with me or may show me a twist(give me something to ponder), but the core is unshakable. The core to my beliefs is that we have been placed on this planet to learn lessons of compassion, love, patience and that we are all made up of the same energetic fabric of the Divine source(whatever you may call it).

If we are all made from that fabric then who am I to decide who is more important. We are all equal, animate & inanimate(not that I see the planet as inanimate). So, we need to treat the planet the same way we treat our friends, family and ourselves.

Someone once asked me if sending loving energy to the planet was enough. Of course I said it wasn't and after I thought about it some more I realized it similar to any abusive relationship. You wouldn't tell the abuser that it was okay to keep up the abuse as long as they send loving energy to their victim. Would you?

Anyway, that's enough for today. More later!

Tip: Turn off the water when you are brushing your teeth.

Kristen W.
Angel readings