I have lived in Northwest Minnesota for 30 years.  I have read that our climate is second only to Siberia in severity and I can well believe it. When I moved to this area in 1978, it was not uncommon to see temperatures of -39 and "warming up" to -10 degrees in December and January. Winter would often roll in around November 7th and stay until early to late April or later! Snow was common until May 15th. We wouldn't have much but it could get deep- after all it wouldn't melt until late March or early April or later! Some years — remember the flood in 1997?

We moved back into the City, and in the process changed from a "driving way of life" to a "walking way of life." I haven't driven a car in a year. We ride the subway and on weekends walk for miles (Making me much healthier). I now shop the Greenmarkets, buying locally grown produce.  Now if I could just give up my air conditioner.

October 25, 2008

Growing up in the Midwest, water was something I took for granted all my life. There were huge "Great" lakes full of it where I lived and I was never, ever admonished to use less or conserve the stuff.

Then, as an adult, I moved to California.

In order to combat changing climate, and the current state of the economy, we have traded in our SUV and bought a smaller, yet still spacious car, that is exceptionally more fuel efficient than our old car. We have long commutes to work, so we feel are saving the air and the money in our wallets, since carpooling isn't practical. In addition, we make sure to keep our older compact car running smoothly to prevent any unwanted emissions from polluting the air.
 

I've made so many changes and I keep finding more that I want to change.  I've changed almost all the bulbs in my home to CFLs and that included investing in some inexpensive switches to replace dimmer switches.  I've also started unplugging electronics that are not in use.  These two actions brought my electric bill down 25%.  Good for the earth and my pocket! 

We had to drop our plans for a home addition because the water table in our area has risen due to heavy rains over the last few years.  Our basement has flooded three times in the last two years, though we're not in a flood zone.  Poor soil conditions forced us to give up a kitchen and garage addition for a sun room to be built on an existing patio.  The city refused to okay the plans as originally drawn because the new structure wouldn't withstand 100mph winds.  100mph winds in Ohio?  A few years ago that would have seemed absurd but after losing five large trees i

Thank you for your research into people's reaction to climate change. I  believe that changing individuals’ actions will go much further in taking care of our planet than government policy and lawmakers ever will.

Six years ago our family took advantage of the deal the local electric company offered and replaced all of our light bulbs with the fluorescent type.  An unexpected benefit was that these energy saving bulbs come in a variety of "light styles" from soft yellow to a stark blue.  The kitchen where I presently sit has a variety of these bulbs and I love it!  In addition, we replaced our entire heating system and hot water heater with more efficient types.  A benefit of this was that our cellar could be used as a family room now that the steam pipes were removed.&n

Climate Change has effected almost every aspect of my life, in the classroom, as I am a science teacher, and at home with my family.  I guess the big idea I try to act upon is whether what I am doing is sustainable or not for our Earth.  I have a huge vegetable garden, I have changed the light bulbs, I buy locally grown food when I can, I buy organic foods, I recycle, I try to use ecologically sound cleaning products.  I try to do what I can.  We walk, we take the train, although we drive as our suburban lifestyle demands.