July 10, 2024

[lizzybuffy2008]

10. Global Energy Independence Day - a day to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. Have you tried (or are you planning) to reduce your fossil fuel energy consumption in some way?

We currently own a hybrid and would like to continue with that for a while; at least until our area has more charging stations and/or batteries get more mileage.

Comments

[twelvthdoctor]

I feel so stuck with this one. I'm an apartment dweller, so I can't alter my apartment in any of the ways our electric company recommends (the kind of things you hear in their ads over the radio about insulation and sealing and things), because it's not my property. And even if we had more charging stations in our area, I couldn't afford a new car/electric car to save my life.

The one thing I've felt empowered enough to do is pay attention to anything and everything I can recycle, rather than throw away. I've been starting to become more conscious, too late, about the sustainability of clothing. I have so much that doesn't fit me anymore, and now I'm afraid to give it away, because I know a lot of places actually end up throwing out a lot of the things people take in, when what I really want is for it to end up with someone who needs it. So I'm trying to research places that are better to take used clothing to, if any, but meanwhile it takes up space at home.

I feel so stuck. My intention was never to contribute to environmental destruction, but sometimes I feel like just by existing for 36 years, I have. I don't want to hurt the planet.

[lizzybuffy2008]

Have you tried looking into women's shelters for the clothes or shelters that take families after a fire?

[twelvthdoctor]

I hadn't even thought of that actually, thank you! That's a fantastic idea and a guarantee I can help someone. I know there are several women's shelters near me so I think that's the first kind of place I'll look into.

[kazzy_cee]

How much mileage would you need to be comfortable in a fully electric car?

[lizzybuffy2008]

Until K retires next year, he would need a battery of 400-500 miles, since there are not many charging stations up where he works and stopping to charge on the way up there or back is a no-go. After he retires with the current charging situation, I would say 300-400 miles.

[kazzy_cee]

Yes - that's too much. It is getting better over here as there are more places to charge, and of course, they now have the systems in place so that you don't have to stay in one place to charge the car (it doesn't take so long these days to get extra miles and 'top up').