Saturday morning hike in SF's Land's End we ran into many fenced off trails that lead down to the ocean. This path in particular leads to a cliff overlooking the golden gate bridge. On this cliff there is a labyrinth made out of rocks. Grant and I planned to walk the labyrinth until we met this gate, protecting us from the oil that may have washed up onto the beach. Grant and I both took the photo opportunity seriously and then promptly went on our way.
I love spider webs, especially when there is a fresh dew clinging to the delicate threads. When processing this picture, a thought came to me. It is amazing and sad; the way in which humans and the rest of the natural world interact. We are always pushing in on nature. We're really good at rearranging and destroying. We have some good attempts at restoring, but nature is never the same again once humans get involved. Even when humans try to make it seem as if they never got involved in the first place, they still leave their mark. But deep down inside, nature has a resiliency, a desire to keep living and an ability to negotiate around us humans. Even when we do horrible things, like spill oil all over our precious bay, a spider can find a new home.
While on the topic of human interaction with the world, the family over at
No Impact Man just finished their year long project. As I read their reflections, I'm starting to question our living habits and impact. At home, the most we've done to reduce energy consumption is installing CFL's in the light fixtures and sending Grant to work during the day (at least $5 a month right there!). Our refrigerator got replaced over the summer which had a positive impact on our electricity bill. For fossil fuel consumption, we try to get the majority of our produce from local farms and we drive a biodiesel car. But what else can be [easily- without too much stress or inconvenience] done? The next thing I'm thinking about is cleaning products. Any ideas out there?
I love spider webs, especially when there is a fresh dew clinging to the delicate threads. When processing this picture, a thought came to me. It is amazing and sad; the way in which humans and the rest of the natural world interact. We are always pushing in on nature. We're really good at rearranging and destroying. We have some good attempts at restoring, but nature is never the same again once humans get involved. Even when humans try to make it seem as if they never got involved in the first place, they still leave their mark. But deep down inside, nature has a resiliency, a desire to keep living and an ability to negotiate around us humans. Even when we do horrible things, like spill oil all over our precious bay, a spider can find a new home.
While on the topic of human interaction with the world, the family over at No Impact Man just finished their year long project. As I read their reflections, I'm starting to question our living habits and impact. At home, the most we've done to reduce energy consumption is installing CFL's in the light fixtures and sending Grant to work during the day (at least $5 a month right there!). Our refrigerator got replaced over the summer which had a positive impact on our electricity bill. For fossil fuel consumption, we try to get the majority of our produce from local farms and we drive a biodiesel car. But what else can be [easily- without too much stress or inconvenience] done? The next thing I'm thinking about is cleaning products. Any ideas out there?
2 comments:
I have a great book with recipes for natural,home-made cleaning products. I purchased it through Prevention. I will try to remember to bring it with me when we come next month.
that guy has a fascinating story! i feel just as torn - i'm in the thick of the high-tech world, i fly a lot, and i'm behind a power-sucking computer. but at home my electric bill is about $15, i bike almost everywhere, and i don't really do much consuming - i just go outside for fun. opposites.....
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