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Beyond the Lone Islands

http://dawntreader-island2.blogspot.com

Thursday 22 April 2010

BTT: Earth Day

http://btt2.wordpress.com/2010/04/22/earth-day/


It’s Earth Day … what are you reading? 
Are your reading habits changing for the sake of the environment? 
What are you doing for the sake of the planet today?

I'm listening to an audio book right now: an old Miss Silver mystery by Patricia Wentworth (from 1951).

Even if various electronic devices are contributing to changing my reading habits I don't really think I could claim that the main reason for this is "for the sake of the environment".   

I've been listening frequently to audio books for ten years or more, but that is mainly because I'm having problems with neck and eyes. I also read ordinary books. I borrow both kinds from the library, but also buy some. Sometimes I borrow a book at the library first, and buy my own copy later. When I buy books (or audio books), it's usually because I think that I'll be wanting to read/listen more than once, or look things up later, or that it will take me more time to finish it than the library allows me to keep it. I also buy books in English because they are often only available from the library in Swedish translation. I  sometimes download classics from Project Gutenberg etc but usually just to check or look up things; I find it too tiresome to read whole books on the computer. I have not yet tried the new electronic devices like Kindle . I'm sure it's an excellent invention, and might get even better - but I still find it hard to believe that they will 100% replace books printed on paper.

Little things I am doing "for the sake of the planet" (as well as for myself):
*I have a sign on my mail box saying I don't want any advertising mail.
*Recycling garbage: batteries, newspapers, glass, metal, plastic, food, burnable stuff etc.
*Using energy saving lights and rechargable batteries where that is suitable.
*Trying to remember not to keep too many devices on unnecessary stand-by.

Add to that that I don't have a car, usually use public transport, and very rarely travel at all... But again, it would be a false statement to claim that the main reason for that is my concern for the environment!

5 comments:

jlshall said...

I love Miss Silver! Glad to see Patricia Wentworth is still being read (or listened to). Have a Happy Earth Day!

Ginny Hartzler said...

A really good earth day post that gets us all to thinking, and you are so honest!! I bet most of us who are saving energy just happen to do it for other conveniences and not really the earth.

pussreboots said...

I read Heat Wave at the start of the year. I'd read another one if they release one. My BTT is here.

California Girl said...

I don't know if what I'm doing counts...chairperson on the Green Team for my community, posting green info, tips etc all day on FB for my tv station, writing a Letter to the Editor of our local newspaper about improvements we can make in our valley. Sometimes it seems like tiny drips in a rain barrel. Other times it seems huge.

MadSnapper said...

i do most of the things you do, but I do have a car. also I cannot listen to a book. i am a very visual person and find it hard to listen to anyone, as in a conference or training class. it is great and does save paper. I like my library books and since i retired in 06 have not bought a book. financial and saving trees. good thoughts today. we all need to pay attention

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