Ecology

In the past couple of years I have taken a deeper interest in ecological issues. My views on the subject tend to be more pragmatic than that expressed by some of the wackos who get more media time by expressing an extremist view. I suspect that my views fall in line with most Americans, but I also tend to do a bit more about these thoughts. Listed below are some of the clubs and/or programs to which I am a member or things that I have done:

Of course I have to start off with a plug for my other website, Austin Explorer. While not an ecology site per se, it is ecologically minded by stressing the fun and adventure that can be had by getting outside and enjoying what Austin and the surrounding area has to offer. Without lots of green spaces there is not much of a trail system to explore.

I recently purchased a brand new Ford Escape Hybrid. You can keep track of how well I'm doing in keeping the MPG up by checking out my GreenHybrid.com banner. As I fill up the tank and record mileage this will display my average MPG over the life of the vehicle.

The Nature Conservancy is probably the most apolitical (i.e. non-political) environmental organization out there. They have a razor sharp focus on doing what they do better than anyone else, namely, buying up environmentally sensitive land to preserve it forever. Their efficient, business-like approach has earned it many honors. There is even a Texas branch that is dedicated to saving the last greats places in our great state.

The Sierra Club has a long history in the California area and in the last few decades has become much more active in the political arena. It's probably on the outside edge of my comfort zone for activism, but they do good work and their reasonings are typically rational after giving them some thought. As an added bonus the Sierra Club also have numerous local chapters that present social events and outdoor activities.

Ecology Action is an Austin group that has been leading the drive to recycling for 30 years. While the city of Austin has mandated some recycling programs for apartment buildings the number of items that the apartment programs take is limited. The Ecology Action site in downtown Austin is the place I bring all of the recyclables that I can not recycle at my apartment. Isn't that somewhat inconvenient? Yes, but I usually plan dropoffs when I'm planning on being in the center of town anyway. Throwing recyclable material in the trash for me is not an option. I can't bear the thought of some piece of trash sitting in a landfill for 1,000 years because I wanted to enjoy a soda for 10 minues. It makes no sense.