Eco-nundrum

The organic peppers (our preference) are imported from Israel. The pesticide pepps originated in Mexico. Is it better to buy organic with a much larger carbon footprint or consume the pepps that are "closer" to home?

I bought the organic. What do you think?

I Really Should Have Learned This about 23 Years Ago

I don't know how to ride a bike. I know. I'm in the probably minuscule group of nearly 30-somethings who never learned to ride a bike. Lately I have had a bee in my bonnet about learning and there's a bunch of reasons to try:

1. its about time, already
2. its green
3. it is something Jesse and I can do together
   
4. it will be great when we move to a big city
   
5. it can be my new project
6. eHow seems to think I can do it
7. its good exercise and exercise is good
8. I want to be able to teach my offspring
9. I'll be really proud if I can do it

But its embarrassing and I'm self-conscious and if I get discouraged I might give up. I don't want to go to the bike shop and tell them how snr I am and then have to take Bike101. Plus, maybe I can't do it. Do you think I can do it?


image via Real World: Freshman Year

Are You Considering Your Post-Mortem Carbon Footprint?

One of my favorite things has been all over the news recently: dead bodies. Popular Science and Green Living have both done stories suggesting that we contemplate a green disposition for the corpses of our dearly departed. Some options include being dissolved in lye and boiling water (uh.....), powering a microbial fuel cells with the gastric juices of the deceased (this is getting better as we go, huh?) or having your cremated remains turned into graphite for pencils to be used by your loved ones ("Honey, go get me your mom. I have to write a shopping list.").

CNN explores options that make sure you are productive even after you're gone. For instance, you could consider donating your body for display in a BodyWorlds exhibition. You'll be plastinated and kept around for the curious public and medical students alike.
No good? Ok. How about allowing one of a number of organizations to harvest your skin, bones, tissue and arteries for transplant or research? Don't worry. When they take your long bones, they'll put some PVC pipes into the newly vacated space (This is serious business; I've seen it with my own eyeballs). Nice, right?

I could go on but I think you get my point. If you're going to consider nontraditional disposition for your dead body, make sure its getting some shit done!