Sometimes a verse of a hymn in church just really hits me. This morning, we sang God of Grace and God of Glory and , although I've heard it many times before, the third stanza stood out almost as an mission statement:
Cure Thy children’s warring madness,
Bend our pride to Thy control.
Shame our wanton selfish gladness,
Rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
Lest we miss Thy kingdom’s goal,
Lest we miss Thy kingdom’s goal.
Author:
Harry E. Fosdick (1930)
What is the goal? Not things, but peace and wholeness. Selflessness.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Efficiency at the expense of comfort
"Energy efficiency" has become somewhat of a buzz word. With concerns about climate change, availability of natural resources, pollution, and rising costs, trying to conserve energy seems a bit like a no brainer - especially if one doesn't have to change their lifestyle significantly to do it! Therein enter "energy efficient" products. What's not to love about products that can do the same thing as old ones but using less energy? That means lower electricity bills, less demand, less need to produce electricity.
Well, the truth is that few "energy efficient" products do the same thing as what they replace. At least, not exactly. New technologies mean that the replacement products have their own risks and benefits, and that they don't perform in the same way as the old ones. In some ways this is good - the most obvious in this case being energy savings. But what happens when CFLs are used in place of incandescent lamps, for example? Disposal requirements change. The apparent color of a space shifts. The wavelength of light on is exposed to has different peaks. (The health impact of different wavelengths is a topic for a different discussion.) In short, something lamped with a CFL rather than an incandescent lamp will still produce light - and a comparable amount for less electricity - but the qualities of that light will be different.
None of this is to say that we shouldn't be conservationists. We absolutely should do what we can to be good stewards to the world and each other. But, change does not come without cost. And "easy" change that doesn't make us change our lifestyles may not be the most efficient way to conserve. We like easy, and easy changes are better than no change, of course. Real, lasting, sustainable change, though, will require lifestyle change for most of us. What steps we take will depend on what our priorities are.
For those interested in reading more about the technology and lifestyle balance, consider these links:
One in a Billion
EU Argument for Environmental Policy Pushes
Sustainable Consumption and Behaviour Change
This idea of prioritization and sacrifice is an important one. Sometimes, we lose sight of the big picture when looking for energy savings - to unanticipated results. To be better stewards, to be more sustainable, we will need to make some hard changes. But, I suggest that we shouldn't make these without evaluating the cost/benefit.
Walking more and taking more public transit feels inconvenient and takes more time - but it's often better for us, not just from a pure energy perspective but also health. That may not be as true for someone who lives or travels through a dangerous neighborhood; the crime needs to be addressed before people will see a "benefit" to traveling through such a neighborhood, particularly at night.
A skyscraper that I frequent this last week decided to reduce its electrical consumption by changing halogen MR16 lamps in the elevator cabs with LED retrofits. This seems like an easy way to be more energy efficient, even if it's a relatively small part of the building's overall energy consumption. But, not all LEDs are created equal and the result was considered a failure by several. The elevators had had a yellow, warm light from a fixture that indeed generated a little heat. Now, those cabs had a blue, cold feel, and in fact were colder, as the lamp didn't dissipate much heat. Worse, the lights flickered. Not an inviting entry nor a pleasant trip to an upper floor. In fact, there is a technological problem with many retrofit MR16 lamps on the market and how they are installed. This change was not worth the discomfort caused by this particular energy efficient solution. After some complaints, the building management changed the lamps back to the halogens, awaiting further study. There is a more energy efficient solution to these elevator cabs; cheap LED retrofits without consideration of color temperature and flicker is not the correct one.
How do we find the balance between efficiency and comfort? How much should we rely on technology rather than lifestyle adjustment?
Well, the truth is that few "energy efficient" products do the same thing as what they replace. At least, not exactly. New technologies mean that the replacement products have their own risks and benefits, and that they don't perform in the same way as the old ones. In some ways this is good - the most obvious in this case being energy savings. But what happens when CFLs are used in place of incandescent lamps, for example? Disposal requirements change. The apparent color of a space shifts. The wavelength of light on is exposed to has different peaks. (The health impact of different wavelengths is a topic for a different discussion.) In short, something lamped with a CFL rather than an incandescent lamp will still produce light - and a comparable amount for less electricity - but the qualities of that light will be different.
None of this is to say that we shouldn't be conservationists. We absolutely should do what we can to be good stewards to the world and each other. But, change does not come without cost. And "easy" change that doesn't make us change our lifestyles may not be the most efficient way to conserve. We like easy, and easy changes are better than no change, of course. Real, lasting, sustainable change, though, will require lifestyle change for most of us. What steps we take will depend on what our priorities are.
For those interested in reading more about the technology and lifestyle balance, consider these links:
One in a Billion
EU Argument for Environmental Policy Pushes
Sustainable Consumption and Behaviour Change
This idea of prioritization and sacrifice is an important one. Sometimes, we lose sight of the big picture when looking for energy savings - to unanticipated results. To be better stewards, to be more sustainable, we will need to make some hard changes. But, I suggest that we shouldn't make these without evaluating the cost/benefit.
Walking more and taking more public transit feels inconvenient and takes more time - but it's often better for us, not just from a pure energy perspective but also health. That may not be as true for someone who lives or travels through a dangerous neighborhood; the crime needs to be addressed before people will see a "benefit" to traveling through such a neighborhood, particularly at night.
A skyscraper that I frequent this last week decided to reduce its electrical consumption by changing halogen MR16 lamps in the elevator cabs with LED retrofits. This seems like an easy way to be more energy efficient, even if it's a relatively small part of the building's overall energy consumption. But, not all LEDs are created equal and the result was considered a failure by several. The elevators had had a yellow, warm light from a fixture that indeed generated a little heat. Now, those cabs had a blue, cold feel, and in fact were colder, as the lamp didn't dissipate much heat. Worse, the lights flickered. Not an inviting entry nor a pleasant trip to an upper floor. In fact, there is a technological problem with many retrofit MR16 lamps on the market and how they are installed. This change was not worth the discomfort caused by this particular energy efficient solution. After some complaints, the building management changed the lamps back to the halogens, awaiting further study. There is a more energy efficient solution to these elevator cabs; cheap LED retrofits without consideration of color temperature and flicker is not the correct one.
How do we find the balance between efficiency and comfort? How much should we rely on technology rather than lifestyle adjustment?
Monday, January 6, 2014
Trail in Review: Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve
One of the things wedding planning really cut into last year was weekend time. Weekends leading up to the wedding were full of appointments and shopping trips; looking for outfits for the wedding party and crafts for decorations and caterers and florists and such. And then busy-ness set in. So, I was rather pleased when MJ suggested New Year's Day that we get a hike or long walk in. It's in nature where I really feel refreshed and reflective, and it's great to unplug for a few hours.
We decided on Oak Point Park in Plano. The Park and Nature Preserve is run by the City of Plano as part of their parks system and features a large, relatively undeveloped area. Visitors comment on the good birding and diversity of flora. Indeed, a number of birdhouses are placed along the concrete multi-use trails. Plaques along the path describe the Blackland Prairie environment. In addition to paved walks, there are several miles of natural surface trails woven throughout the site.
Cost: free
Time of hike: January 1, a holiday
Weather: Sunny and mild (about 60 degrees Fahrenheit)
Of course, it being January, the trees were largely bare. But, being Texas, there was still greenery around. The wooded area is dense enough that you feel truly separated from the City, parking lots, and even the open field area. Trails are well marked and easy to follow. My disappointment with the surface trails was that they were really divided into three sections; there are only a few (paved) points that cross the ravine, requiring one to exit one "wilderness area" to get to another. I would have liked them to be more connected.
We spent about two hours at the park and were not able to walk all the trails. There is a restroom facility at the main entrance, although we found the fountains and lavs there to be turned off. (Perhaps because of the cold snaps on either side of our day hike.) A central feature of the park is a small lake, with paved trails around its perimeter. This looks to be an especially good place to stop and watch for critters and birds. Fishing is allowed. Near a pavilion just off the lake by the main parking area, we observed some cardinals and a yellow finch flittering about trees.
Trail difficulty is easy, whether on paved or surface trails. The only tricky part was navigating fallen trees in the path. There are a number of outlooks over the ravine, so small children will need supervision. Signs warn about all sorts of creatures, including poisonous snakes. We didn't encounter any on our visit, but it was a busy day.
My only complaint about the day is that the park seems to suffer from its accessibility. While it is certainly an escape from the City and even suburbia, we were never really alone. Plenty of families, couples, teens, and dogwalkers were to be found throughout. I wonder a bit how typical this is, although other reviews suggest it's a common opinion. That said, it is a good option for families.
Despite this, we quite enjoyed our day in east Plano and look forward to returning in a different season to try other parts of the trail system and to observe the changing flora.
We decided on Oak Point Park in Plano. The Park and Nature Preserve is run by the City of Plano as part of their parks system and features a large, relatively undeveloped area. Visitors comment on the good birding and diversity of flora. Indeed, a number of birdhouses are placed along the concrete multi-use trails. Plaques along the path describe the Blackland Prairie environment. In addition to paved walks, there are several miles of natural surface trails woven throughout the site.
Cost: free
Time of hike: January 1, a holiday
Weather: Sunny and mild (about 60 degrees Fahrenheit)
Of course, it being January, the trees were largely bare. But, being Texas, there was still greenery around. The wooded area is dense enough that you feel truly separated from the City, parking lots, and even the open field area. Trails are well marked and easy to follow. My disappointment with the surface trails was that they were really divided into three sections; there are only a few (paved) points that cross the ravine, requiring one to exit one "wilderness area" to get to another. I would have liked them to be more connected.
We spent about two hours at the park and were not able to walk all the trails. There is a restroom facility at the main entrance, although we found the fountains and lavs there to be turned off. (Perhaps because of the cold snaps on either side of our day hike.) A central feature of the park is a small lake, with paved trails around its perimeter. This looks to be an especially good place to stop and watch for critters and birds. Fishing is allowed. Near a pavilion just off the lake by the main parking area, we observed some cardinals and a yellow finch flittering about trees.Trail difficulty is easy, whether on paved or surface trails. The only tricky part was navigating fallen trees in the path. There are a number of outlooks over the ravine, so small children will need supervision. Signs warn about all sorts of creatures, including poisonous snakes. We didn't encounter any on our visit, but it was a busy day.
My only complaint about the day is that the park seems to suffer from its accessibility. While it is certainly an escape from the City and even suburbia, we were never really alone. Plenty of families, couples, teens, and dogwalkers were to be found throughout. I wonder a bit how typical this is, although other reviews suggest it's a common opinion. That said, it is a good option for families.
Despite this, we quite enjoyed our day in east Plano and look forward to returning in a different season to try other parts of the trail system and to observe the changing flora.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Thankful Thursday: New Year
This week, I'm thankful for time to rest. I'm thankful for time spent with family. I'm thankful for the beginning of another year full of new possibilities.That leads me to reminisce on highlights from 2013. Studies done on "positive psychology" point to how gratitude generates happiness. I've seen several friends celebrate the new year and wish good riddance to the last. That I don't feel a particular positive or negative sentiment toward the year may be a blessing in itself. There are a few things that stand out when I reflect on what I'm thankful for in 2013:
Most notably, MJ and I married in 2013. What a stressful, busy, exciting time that was! I'm glad to report that we still like each other and that we are continually learning how to be better.
One of MJ's family members passed in 2013. We were saddened by the loss, but joyful for the time we spent together and the legacy that he leaves behind. Remember to cherish moments together for they are surely limited.
Work was incredibly busy for me, with lots of projects and travel - more than 65 flights! I am glad for the stability, despite the sometimes long hours!
I felt ill for more of the year than I would have liked, but most of these were minor incidents. Colds and congestion, maybe a stomachache here or there. All in all, I am blessed by good health.
We lost our CSA, as our farmer took ill and could no longer manage his fields. But, we found a new one, Eden's run by Farmer Marie who truly embraces the "community" aspect of a CSA. It's still new to us, and we're evaluating whether it's a good long-term fit. We enjoy fresh, local, organically grown produce, though, and are glad to continue to support that initiative.
What things in 2013 gave you a thankful spirit?
Image courtesy of jscreationzs / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
2014 Starts when 2013 Ends
I've been away for a bit, occupied with work and getting married. I seem to have done the latter particularly well, as I now find myself with a husband. MJ and I are enjoying are home together, along with the two kitties. We consider adding to it; there are some sweet dogs available for adoption at the animal shelter...
For music these days, I largely listen to Pandora or else a local public radio station that plays an "adult album alternative". Similarly, we don't have cable. We watch Netflix's streaming options to find a few seasons of interesting TV shows or consume content on the Internet. Occasionally, network TV is on via antenna - primarily to watch football. I'm a bit surprised how much we've taken to "on-demand" and "tailored" content, really. But it makes some sense; we find some new gems we wouldn't have otherwise, but we're able to avoid the media we don't enjoy. It's also a fairly limited exposure to advertising.
This struck me particularly yesterday as I was cleaning with the radio on. I was tuned to "Jack FM", which is owned by CBS and licensed and marketed by SparkNet Communications. It's a major commercial station with a lot of major advertising contracts. A mix of local and national, probably about 3 minutes of ad time per break. Possibly more; I didn't actually time it. But, the focus or theme of the ads stood out to me. It's about materialism and "self." Appealing to immediacy and wants. The stuff that countless outlets assign to this generation.
(Also see AT&T's "It's Not Complicated" campaign and Dish's "More is Better" for examples.)
There was also an ad telling us that we'd had enough focus on others getting ready for the Holidays and now that they're past we should buy something we really want for ourselves.
On one hand, the premise of the "more is better" advertising movement is that more value is better. And, as advertisers, their job is to convince you that what they're selling has that value. But so often, when we talk about "more" we mean more quantity. How much value is there to more channels if one only watches five of them? What's the value of more food in a restaurant dish when 1/2 of the "serving" is adequate? The advertisers work from the assumed agreement that more is better and then explain how their service or product gives you more. They don't question the assumption. Simply, is "more" inherently better?
In a sense, whenever we have more of one thing, we have less of something else. This trade-off isn't always obvious, but it's there. The question of course becomes one of priorities. What I want now versus what I want later, perhaps.
But, what really stood out to me was the basis of advertising. I don't want more; I want to be less materialistic in the new year. I want to be truer to my values and live simply and happily.
And so, I make my list of "mores" for 2014:
Here's to a happy and healthy 2014 for all, with more blessings!
Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
For music these days, I largely listen to Pandora or else a local public radio station that plays an "adult album alternative". Similarly, we don't have cable. We watch Netflix's streaming options to find a few seasons of interesting TV shows or consume content on the Internet. Occasionally, network TV is on via antenna - primarily to watch football. I'm a bit surprised how much we've taken to "on-demand" and "tailored" content, really. But it makes some sense; we find some new gems we wouldn't have otherwise, but we're able to avoid the media we don't enjoy. It's also a fairly limited exposure to advertising.
- "More is better."
- "I deserve it."
(Also see AT&T's "It's Not Complicated" campaign and Dish's "More is Better" for examples.)
There was also an ad telling us that we'd had enough focus on others getting ready for the Holidays and now that they're past we should buy something we really want for ourselves.
On one hand, the premise of the "more is better" advertising movement is that more value is better. And, as advertisers, their job is to convince you that what they're selling has that value. But so often, when we talk about "more" we mean more quantity. How much value is there to more channels if one only watches five of them? What's the value of more food in a restaurant dish when 1/2 of the "serving" is adequate? The advertisers work from the assumed agreement that more is better and then explain how their service or product gives you more. They don't question the assumption. Simply, is "more" inherently better?
In a sense, whenever we have more of one thing, we have less of something else. This trade-off isn't always obvious, but it's there. The question of course becomes one of priorities. What I want now versus what I want later, perhaps.
But, what really stood out to me was the basis of advertising. I don't want more; I want to be less materialistic in the new year. I want to be truer to my values and live simply and happily.
And so, I make my list of "mores" for 2014:
- Spend more time outdoors in nature.
- Read more books.
- Be more consistent in my Biblical reading plan.
- Get more sleep.
- Spend more quality time with MJ.
- Exercise more.
- Make more healthy food choices.
Here's to a happy and healthy 2014 for all, with more blessings!
Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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