A couple of days ago, I decided to go for a walk. I realize the benefit of the exercise because I feel better if I walk every day. Yet, it seems like such a task. But, the other day when I went I really enjoyed it. I thought, wouldn’t it be great If I could have this much fun every time. So, I decided to try a different approach; walk a different route every day and make it less of a routine.
Yesterday, I had some business in Branson. On my way back up highway 65 I stopped at Busiek State Park. I have seen this road sign probably a thousand times and never checked it out before.
There is a hiking trail right off of the parking area. I walked leisurely down the trail for about twenty minutes, turned around, and went about my day. It was very refreshing. The trail winds through a wooded valley with steep hills and small, limestone bluffs.
Sometimes we aren’t aware of what surrounds us.
I found Al Gore’s response to the publication of his energy use interesting.
Gore’s people say that…
1) Gore’s family has taken numerous steps to reduce the carbon footprint of their private residence, including signing up for 100 percent green power through Green Power Switch, installing solar panels, and using compact fluorescent bulbs and other energy saving technology.
2) Gore has had a consistent position of purchasing carbon offsets to offset the family’s carbon footprint — a concept the right-wing fails to understand.
I have nothing against anyone using renewable energy, fluorescent bulbs, hybrid cars, solar panels, bio-diesel, any of that. As for the “carbon offsets”; I don’t consider myself part of the “right wing” and I did some earnest research on this last night. I’m no genius but if you really dig in to this “concept”, it is not the easiest thing to understand.
Some of it makes sense, some doesn’t. The “offset” part is a little troubling in that I don’t see a way that it can be truly measured.
Also, I can see this as prime territory for a scam artist. What would stop me from throwing a windmill out in the yard and selling offsets over the internet?
I have observed this; all of this “carbon neutral” jazz serves one purpose as clear as day. It justifies an extravagant lifestyle.
I am not against anyone living an extravagant life. I object to people that can, making people that cannot feel guilty.
Woods Fork Creek, Busiek State Park
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Tags: Al Gore, Busiek State Park, carbon offsetts
Jayne d'Arcy wrote,
That park sounds beautiful. That’s something I need to take advantage of here. Spokane has about 12 parks, the most beautiful being the large park along our bus route (the name escapes me).
Link | February 28th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
Stephanie Vann wrote,
Its a bit like the ‘plant a tree every time you go on a plane’ concept. It’s a nice idea, but surely if it genuinely bothered someone so much they could go on holiday in their own country instead? Sure, it’s nice to visit exotic locales, but it isn’t necessary to do so.
Link | March 1st, 2007 at 10:07 am
Stacey wrote,
Busiek sure is a beautiful place!
Link | March 13th, 2007 at 7:40 pm