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The wife came in this morning, amazed at the cost of the latest trip to the gas pump: almost $55 to fill up our minivan’s not-particularly-large tank. While the vehicle doesn’t get phenomenal mileage, we’re content not to wander far from home, so a tank will last us awhile. Oh, and least it’s no Escalade. Nevertheless, Ouch!
I’m probably one of the very few, but whenever I see the gas prices go up dramatically like they have been lately, a part of me feels more than a little hope. Not that us gluttonous drivers will finally get a clue, because, apparently we just don’t get it. But that greener alternatives might finally see some serious investments as the higher costs associated with their development get a little cheaper, compared to the cost of more mainstream energy sources.
There’s no telling where the next game-changing energy resource will come from. But motivating tens of thousands of scientists and engineers to look for it increases the odds of finding the path to a happier, maybe even cleaner, planet.
At least, member #100 in Lighter Footstep’s mag.nolia group. Do I get a prize? 
As an aside, and since we’re kinda sorta talking about community sites, I created a BUMPzee group called Green Living earlier today. As far as I’m concerned, the more exposure green living sites get, the better. So if you happen to run one (or even just read one), it’d be great if you sign it on up.
From Wikipedia:
Earth Day is a name used by two different observances held annually in the (northern) spring, both intended to inspire awareness of and appreciation for the Earth’s environment.
Who isn’t aware of the environment at this point, beyond those that make it a point to keep their head planted firmly in the sand? As an awareness tool, I’d say it’s job has been thoroughly done.
It looks like Home Depot is doing a little Earth Day marketing by pledging to give away 1,000,000 CFLs this Sunday. Too bad I’m many miles away from the nearest store. It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense - economically or environmentally - for me to stop on by just to get a free bulb.
Then again, in my opinion, Home Depot has become the Walmart of home improvement stores - lots of cheap, shoddy goods and customer service that is borderline invisible. The last few times I stopped in, I left without finding everything I needed to complete my list (and twice with nothing from my list), nor could find anyone who was all that interested in helping me do so.
Nevertheless, a free n:vision bulb (the first brand of CFLs tried that put out light I actually liked) might convince me to stop in if I was going by…
This may be old news to those of you paying better attention, but Australia appears to be banning incandescent light bulbs in favor of CFLs.
But, of course, any attempts to do something similar is bound to get met with ridicule here in the states. Because, you know, taking away the freedom to chose what kind of bulb to use in your light sockets is tantamount to pissing on the Constitution. Or some such nonsense.