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Happy Earth Day!
Happy Earth Day!
Today is the 38th annual celebration of the planet we call home, and a day to step back and think about things we can do to preserve and restore our natural resources…
So that’s the official line on Earth Day, but I want to know: what do YOU think about Earth Day?
Is it a time to reflect on accomplishments?
A time to call for more action?
Or something in-between?
Send a post, let us know, then go outside and do something good for the planet.
Home > Blogs > Living Green > Archives > 2008 > May > 14 > Entry
Pure genius - a cautionary tale
I had this post planned Monday. While gazing out a jet window on a scenic flight back from Florida, I mentally composed a wonderful post about the eco-conscious steps I saw implemented during my stay at a resort on Longboat Key.
I was going to talk about the recycle bins stationed at beachside, the soy-based plastic cups used for cabana-side Daiquiris and the beautifully dark beach, thanks to a ban on lights that might mislead sea turtle hatchlings.
I was going to then talk about the wildlife I saw in the Gulf, the pod of dolphins and good-sized shark that cruised by our beach and gave me hope that apex predators (and consequently the rest of the Gulf ecosystem) might be in reasonable shape.
But no. I have a different story to share; read on.
My wife and I got home Monday afternoon, and were starting to unpack when we noticed a smell.
Not just a whiff of something, mind you. This was an unholy stench that even now defies my attempts to describe it in words. My wife followed the wafting death to the refrigerator and opened the door.
To her credit, she kept down any screams.
Before leaving on the trip, I had gone through my usual routine of turning off nonessential breakers: no need to heat water or leave the microwave on if no one’s going to be there, after all.
In my rush to get out the door, I turned off the fridge.
After three hours, one roll of paper towels and half a jug of bleach, I’ve learned three things I want to share with you.
One: saving energy is a balance. Tip it too far with too much enthusiasm or too little attention, and you can cause more problems than you solve
Two: My wife is a saint. Would you have been able to keep your mouth shut if your significant other pulled a gaffe like this?
Three: Nothing, and I mean nothing, smells quite as bad as chicken after a four-day thaw.
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