tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125698507772106631.post3662308719304275405..comments2023-10-17T10:25:34.828-05:00Comments on Prairie Rose's Garden: Celebrating Earth DayRosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01384059342847120951noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125698507772106631.post-23886428712577750982010-04-19T12:30:10.669-05:002010-04-19T12:30:10.669-05:00Like you, I don't think of myself as radical, ...Like you, I don't think of myself as radical, and I truly believe that a lot of little things that we can do add up in a big way. Great post!Helen at summerhousehttp://summerhouseart.com/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125698507772106631.post-55545941013040499812010-04-12T15:29:24.545-05:002010-04-12T15:29:24.545-05:00A most thoughtful post Rose. Those horrible plasti...A most thoughtful post Rose. Those horrible plastics bags can also wrap themselves round tree branches :(Annahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10794392333038962798noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125698507772106631.post-92070834068860811732010-04-12T13:35:36.514-05:002010-04-12T13:35:36.514-05:00Wonderful post, rose. We bought a log-maker for Da...Wonderful post, rose. We bought a log-maker for Daughter last year. You stuff newspaper into a tube and compress it. As they have a wood-burning stove it comes in useful.Liz Hindshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04646532093872561703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125698507772106631.post-32133780826236493812010-04-12T11:17:17.654-05:002010-04-12T11:17:17.654-05:00Frances nailed it, Rose - "good points in cle...Frances nailed it, Rose - "good points in clear concise language, without taking sides or pointing fingers!" And your images perfectly illustrate your words, as always. <br /><br />Last year I gritted my teeth and bought two of the urn-type rainbarrels - the only locations our house layout allowed were two very prominent positions near front and back doors and they look pretty good. Two barrels won't stop a Texas drought, but they let me use rainwater on the veranda baskets and containers in the front, and for the containers on the patio in back. And the overflow hose lets me direct the extra water where I want it to go. <br /><br />We can recycle some plastics, newspapers & cardboard and cans, but in my subdivision glass was removed from the list of what they'll take, which was pretty upsetting. There are only so many jelly jars I can wash out and fit in with the stacked up plastic ones ;-]<br /><br />Annie at the Transplantable RoseAnnie in Austinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14662139490401110432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125698507772106631.post-30704413192343128372010-04-12T07:30:16.794-05:002010-04-12T07:30:16.794-05:00You point out that there are so many simple things...You point out that there are so many simple things we can all do with hardly any effort at all.Commonweederhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10913336590036045901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125698507772106631.post-60880457484469376382010-04-09T15:15:57.852-05:002010-04-09T15:15:57.852-05:00Joyce, Always glad to hear from you!
Shady, Our s...Joyce, Always glad to hear from you!<br /><br />Shady, Our school made some attempts to recycle, but it seemed they always fizzled out.<br /><br />Frances, I don't know about being a diplomat, but I do hate to offend anyone. I do envy you your local recycling program; here nothing gets picked up except garbage. The little ones do remind us of our responsibilities, don't they?<br /><br />MMD, Funny, but I keep coming back to the ways of my parents. Our Master Gardener program had a rainbarrel project last year; I'm hoping they'll do one again this year.<br /><br />Skeeter, I'm impressed at all you do! We need a more user-friendly recycling program in our town.<br /><br />W2W, enjoyed the pun:) I have to admit I put plastic eggs in the Easter baskets, too; kind of hard to fill the hard-boiled ones with candy:) <br /><br />Amy, Thanks. I failed to mention that we don't put any chemicals on our lawn either, but we do have such a big yard that it wouldn't be economically feasible anyway. I'm always concerned about what they might do to the kids or my dog as well.<br /><br />Jean, Good for you! I can't quite give up meat yet, but we do eat more vegetables now with the garden.<br /><br />Rosey, I've now seen some containers made from recycled plastic--there's a good idea, too!<br /><br />Chandramouli, I think pesticides have to be weighed against the damage the pests are doing. I've been lucky not to have too many problems. I still haven't seen "Avatar"--what a great quote!Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01384059342847120951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125698507772106631.post-21152283249075518762010-04-09T12:06:21.457-05:002010-04-09T12:06:21.457-05:00We fill our bottles at home when we go out on vaca...We fill our bottles at home when we go out on vacation and avoid plastic bottles too. One thing that I find really difficult is the use of pesticides, but now I've restrained myself to using only the Neem Sparay. <br />A very well written post, Rose.<br />Reading through your post, I am reminded of what the hero says in Avatar to the Holy tree. He'd say something like "The sky-people(earthlings) have killed their mother..." which touched me!Chandramouli Shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06532146969497878220noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125698507772106631.post-34892551548932036742010-04-09T08:42:42.037-05:002010-04-09T08:42:42.037-05:00A very informative post...I am trying to integrate...A very informative post...I am trying to integrate a lot of what you wrote about. Although I am terrible about recyling. Each person can make a difference and you surely are doing your part! I like what you said about making water bottles from things other tan plastic. It would be aweseome if they could figure that out.Chloe mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02265196480664185330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125698507772106631.post-71692002675428397632010-04-08T22:17:32.182-05:002010-04-08T22:17:32.182-05:00Some good ideas Rose, which I wish everyone would ...Some good ideas Rose, which I wish everyone would use. I've been doing many of the same things for years. In thinking about what further I can do I realized I and my husband had made a big step in that regard this past year - we no longer eat beef, pork, or chicken. Maybe I should do a post on that...Dig, Grow, Compost, Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10111150807638669133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125698507772106631.post-7693573928853149192010-04-08T18:47:35.566-05:002010-04-08T18:47:35.566-05:00This is a timely post Rose and I agree with your t...This is a timely post Rose and I agree with your take on the poor human handling (up to now anyway) of our beautiful planet. You listed good ideas - I'm going to check out that "meme" - all these little tips add up especially if we act on them. <br /><br />The photos of the children (always should be our foremost concern!) prompted a memory from my nursery days. Families would come in the nursery and buy bags and bags of poison to spread on their lawns. Then guess who rolls in it the next day? Education is the key! If I'd had my druthers we would have been an "organic" <b>only</b> nursery. It's difficult to reconcile some of these realities into our daily lives.<br /><br />Thanks for the great info Rose!Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00080418514689447091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125698507772106631.post-91482852020255700822010-04-08T12:39:39.251-05:002010-04-08T12:39:39.251-05:00That "clean plate syndrome" is an inconv...That "clean plate syndrome" is an inconvenient truth on my waistline too, Rose:) Your post could not have been better at pointing out the fact that we all share responsibility and consequences for what we consume and produce while we're here on this Earth. You know, I felt a little guilty about buying those plastic eggs to hide for our grandson and wish I could have found something biodegradable. We used to look for hard-boiled, colored eggs when I was a kid, but I don't think that would fly today. Interesting information about the Asian lady beetle. I didn't know they were purposely imported to attack soybean pests. I thought they just hitched a ride aboard a freighter.walk2writehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13501812375142037251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125698507772106631.post-9572562618553567782010-04-08T11:16:27.856-05:002010-04-08T11:16:27.856-05:00I am not so sure about all the hoopla about Global...I am not so sure about all the hoopla about Global Warming either but I do try to do my part to keep things out of the landfill. We are now recycling aluminum cans, metal cans, plastic’s numbers 1 and 2, newspapers, magazines, plastic bags and cardboard boxes. We are after our county to take glass so hopefully in time that will no longer be in the landfill as well. A little goes a long way and that is why we no longer use disposable razors either. <br /><br />The last two pictures say it all Rose! Recycling is well worth the small effort…Skeeterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08222522533934405029noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125698507772106631.post-56223843785181498542010-04-08T09:56:10.979-05:002010-04-08T09:56:10.979-05:00It's funny how the habits of the Depression an...It's funny how the habits of the Depression and WII were such good ones, and how the generation failed to adopt them as their own but now see the wisdom of them. (Mom, Dad, you were right.)<br />I wonder if your city might have a rainbarrel program. Around here, utilitarian rainbarrels are offered for about $20 to anyone who wants one.Mr. McGregor's Daughterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05911409327006498766noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125698507772106631.post-16912027216269497482010-04-08T09:05:03.191-05:002010-04-08T09:05:03.191-05:00Thanks Rose, for making such good points in clear ...Thanks Rose, for making such good points in clear concise language, without taking sides or pointing fingers! What a diplomat you are! Each year brings new awareness of the recycling that needs to be done. Our little town takes ALL plastic, it has changed the amount of garbage we put out each week to one tiny bag. If we really worked at it, we could have zero garbage, as is the goal is some places I have read about. Your reasons for saving the planet are the same as mine, it helps remind us that it is not about US, it is about the future. <br />FrancesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125698507772106631.post-79217314128851487292010-04-07T22:20:05.692-05:002010-04-07T22:20:05.692-05:00Very nice post, Rose! Thank you for the reminder....Very nice post, Rose! Thank you for the reminder. This is something we observed very closely at school. :-) I miss some of the special activities we used to do.Shady Gardenerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05007816271406393818noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125698507772106631.post-18000539077807453732010-04-07T22:15:51.330-05:002010-04-07T22:15:51.330-05:00What a great post, Rose, and I agree with you whol...What a great post, Rose, and I agree with you whole-heartedly!Joycehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10463831506588682774noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125698507772106631.post-7876566690565575932010-04-07T21:52:25.956-05:002010-04-07T21:52:25.956-05:00Gail, Thank you--my "reasons" are very s...Gail, Thank you--my "reasons" are very special to me in many ways. Yes, I doubt a rainbarrel would be enough in a drought. We've been fortunate the last few years that rainfall hasn't been a problem here. I do think I waste a lot of water, though, and need to work on that.Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01384059342847120951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125698507772106631.post-52182945667765853502010-04-07T21:50:19.371-05:002010-04-07T21:50:19.371-05:00Joey, I agree--common sense is important. We have...Joey, I agree--common sense is important. We have become a throwaway society.<br /><br />Maggie May, I think Europe is way ahead of us on recycling and conservation. Americans have been used to having so much empty space for so long that we're just now realizing that we can't keep building landfills forever.<br /><br />Cheryl, As I said to Maggie, I think you are way ahead of us in this country. I know I could do so much more if I tried. I want my grandchildren to be able to have a decent world when they grow up, too.<br /><br />Sarah, I don't do enough recycling, but part of the problem is that it's really inconvenient here--I have to drive 20 miles just to drop things off. Thanks for the comment on the grandkids--I couldn't resist including these photos from Easter.<br /><br />Suburbia, I get mad because there are so many people who think the countryside is a dumping ground. I'm always picking up trash and cans from the road next to our house. In some areas they even dump old couches and appliances!<br /><br />Linda, Yes, I think my mother's habits were a combination of conservation and frugality. I don't mind doing something that will save me money:)<br /><br />Noelle, I realized while writing this that I really could and should do more. My mom is the ultimate recycler:)<br /><br />Wendy, Thanks for those kind words.I think we had similar childhoods:) The dishsoap is a good idea, and I've found that natural remedies like this are usually all that's needed to get rid of pests. I'm most concerned about not doing anything that might harm the bees.<br /><br /><br />Beckie, You've found some great things from your dumpster diving! Those little manila envelopes were great for our seed swap this year. I remember S used to make fun of me for washing out plastic bags, but I still do it:) You ought to join in and do a post about your Earth Day board!<br /><br />Sweet Bay, I agree. I tend to be a middle-of-the-road kind of person on most political issues, but I think everyone doing their part to reduce waste and so much consumption as well as taking care of the environment just makes sense.Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01384059342847120951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125698507772106631.post-91932740237034664682010-04-07T21:34:50.826-05:002010-04-07T21:34:50.826-05:00Di, I think we do have a lot in common, but you ar...Di, I think we do have a lot in common, but you are definitely more knowledgable about economics and politics than I:) I am so sick of bipartisan political squabbles that I've quit listening to much of the news. In particular, I get turned off by people who are dogmatic and refuse to look at the other side, like some of the callers to our local radio talk show, which is otherwise pretty informative. I do think, however, that big business has a lot of clout in political decisions, which shouldn't be the case. Whatever the truth is about global warming, however, I think we do need to do more to reduce waste and be more concerned about the environment, particularly on an individual level. I think our parents' and grandparents' generations were much more responsible than we are today.<br /><br />Not offended at all--it's been interesting to read all the comments here. And, yes, do write a post!Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01384059342847120951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125698507772106631.post-88793860374630250502010-04-07T21:29:54.445-05:002010-04-07T21:29:54.445-05:00Rose, A wonderful read from start to finish! and I...Rose, A wonderful read from start to finish! and I loved the very excellent young reasons for your efforts! I did buy a rain barrel...but it's not enough in a drought ...I would love a cistern! We gardeners must dream big! gailGailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16194325535496408116noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125698507772106631.post-37073678013438862492010-04-07T21:24:01.017-05:002010-04-07T21:24:01.017-05:00Joy, I know there is much more I could do, but tha...Joy, I know there is much more I could do, but thanks for the positive feedback.<br /><br />Lisa, I do get frustrated when alternatives are invented or found and then nothing gets done about it. Sometimes they may not be financially feasible, but I suspect sometimes Big Business interferes. Or maybe I'm just being too cynical:)<br /><br />Rose, I found out last week that last year the Master Gardeners had a workshop where they made their own rain barrels. I'm hoping they'll repeat this workshop.<br /><br />Tina, those plastic water bottles just seem so wasteful, not to mention expensive. Couldn't resist adding that last photo of Sophie with the grandkids. She loved Easter!<br /><br />Jan, Thank you so much for sponsoring this! I think you're doing a great service getting people to think about this topic. I realize now that there are so many more things I could be doing. Don't apologize for not visiting lately; I'm having trouble, too, keeping up with blog reading these days.<br /><br />Marnie, I've found, too, that newspaper mulch breaks down pretty quickly in the garden. I think maybe the "experts" are referring to whole newspapers in a landfill.Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01384059342847120951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125698507772106631.post-10628828346406806142010-04-07T21:18:49.056-05:002010-04-07T21:18:49.056-05:00Wonderful post Rose. Whether or not the climate ch...Wonderful post Rose. Whether or not the climate change is induced by humans or is part of a natural cycle, I find it hard to believe that anyone reasonable would say that some things don't need to be changed. My greatest fear is what will happen with poorer countries as they develop and what will be lost.sweetbayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06248743114944736346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125698507772106631.post-16108940604206795482010-04-07T20:39:38.633-05:002010-04-07T20:39:38.633-05:00Rose, a wonderfully written post! I have listened ...Rose, a wonderfully written post! I have listened to that annoying caller as well and have had much the same reaction as you. While I do not believe that global warming is a total scam, I do think there are those out there who have found another way to manipulate, or at least try, the general public. <br /><br />Having said that, you know I am also into reducing and recycling and reusing in any way I can. I have been accused of 'dumpster diving' at work because I pull out paper and cardboard from the trash and put them in bins marked for that. <br /><br />Speaking of work, the board this month is for Earth Day. I have sent home several coloring pages about Earth Day with co-workers to have their children and grandchildren color. I have also asked that they write one thing they do to help keep the earth a green place. It should be fun to see what they come up with.beckiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06400859161321357279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125698507772106631.post-44744154477952925902010-04-07T19:38:44.348-05:002010-04-07T19:38:44.348-05:00Dear Rose, what an excellent post this is. You ne...Dear Rose, what an excellent post this is. You need to send it out to your local paper. Or write a "green" column. I'm serious. <br /><br />I can relate to a lot of this. My mom used to save old cottage cheese containers and I did as well when the children were small. We reused wax paper, aluminum foil. We used the butter papers to grease cookie sheets. The list goes on and on. I used to wear my brothers old outgrown clothes. <br /><br />We have recycling in our area. So newspapers and plastic containers, etc. get picked up every week.<br /><br />I think it's wonderful you're doing so much to go green. After all, it's for our children and grandkids and all those coming after.<br /><br />I use dish soap to get rid of pests. It works too. The formula is water, vegetable oil (about a tablespoon) and a few squirts of dishsoap. Spray it on your plants and most of the time the pests disappear. I also hand-pick the ones that don't respond to the soap. I like the rainwater idea too and plan to put that into effect at a later date.Wendyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14788733654505792266noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125698507772106631.post-91049517626620487022010-04-07T16:44:35.834-05:002010-04-07T16:44:35.834-05:00What an excellent post! I do much of what you do,...What an excellent post! I do much of what you do, but am still looking for ways to do more. I love that your mother was green before it was cool :-)Noelle Johnson https://www.blogger.com/profile/12198931083102476324noreply@blogger.com