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Thinkin' Green

Missing image
Thinkin' Green

The climate's getting warmer,
ice caps melt away.
Polar bears are drowning,
more and more each day.

What can you and I do
to change this dreadful scene?
We need to set priorities;
let's start by 'thinkin' green!"

With today's high cost of fuel,
we're less inclined to drive
those huge gas-guzzling cars..
(that rates a big high-five!)

Electric cars were all the rage
back in the year 2000,
the pow'rs that be decided we'd
be better off without them!

They piled them up
and squished them down
into a little square.
Oil companies were filled with glee..
not one car did they spare!

If we ate a lot less beef,
soon we'd have less cows
eating grass and passing gas
(what methane that endows!)

Let's use our wits and throw some fits
directed at the white house.
We'll make some noise, shake up those boys
as we complain and grouse!

When future generations
see our footprints in the sand*,
they'll yell and cheer 'cause we were here
and dared to take a stand!

Maureen Halasovski - July 11, 2008


Author notes

First poem I posted at AllPoetry was
"Summertime" when I joined August 24, 2001.

This is the last poem I posted.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, RENEE!

Maureen Halasovski
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Lives of great men all remind us
that we can make our lives sublime
and departing leave behind us
footprints in the sands of time.
Footprints that perhaps another
sailing o're life's solemn main
a forlorn and shipwrecked brother
seeing shall take heart again.

From "The Psalm of Life" by Longfellow
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

UPDATE ON ELECTRIC CARS!!!

GM partners with utilities to advance plug-in hybrids

CNET News.Com, July 22, 2008

General Motors is teaming up with 30 utilities in 37 states and with the Electric Power Research Institute to develop a charging infrastructure for electric cars.

They aim to fine-tune the technology, safety, and customer experience for car-charging stations by 2010, when the Chevy Volt is due to be produced.
_________________________________________________________________________________

10 Simple Choices

It's easy to get started living a greener life with the ten suggestions below.

"Buy energy-efficient appliances"
What’s on the inside really counts here. Home appliances look pretty much the same on the outside, but they vary greatly in terms of energy-efficiency and operating costs. The more energy-efficient an appliance is, the less it costs to run.

"Use Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs"
In general, Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) use 70-75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last 8 to 10 times longer. You can save money by using CFLs instead of incandescent light bulbs.

"Plant a tree"
Trees around your home can increase its value by up to 15% or more. They also help cool your home and neighborhood, break the cold winds to lower your heating costs, and provide food for wildlife.

"Recycle"
Recycling means taking a product or material at the end of its useful life and turning it into a usable raw material to make another product. Recycling provides community, economic and environmental benefits.

"Consider buying a hybrid car"
Fuel-efficient, hybrid cars are becoming increasingly popular. Hybrids are high-tech autos that get great gas mileage, cut polluting emissions and earn you a tax break.

"Conserve water"
Every day, on average, Americans use a total of 40 billion gallons of fresh water. There are numerous ways you can save water inside and outside your house.

"Buy locally-grown organic food"
Locally grown organic food is fresher than anything in the supermarket and that means it is tastier and more nutritious. It is also good for your local economy -- buying directly from family farmers helps them stay in business.

"Switch to Green Power"
Electricity generation is the leading cause of industrial air pollution in the U.S. Most of our electricity comes from coal, nuclear, and other fossil fuels power plants. Renewable energy sources (solar electric, wind, geothermal, biomass and small and low-impact hydro) can produce electricity with fewer environmental impacts.

"Install a Programmable Thermostat"
Using a programmable thermostat, you can control when the heat or air-conditioning comes on according to your schedule. Doing so will save you up to 10% on your energy bill per year.

"Increase Fuel Economy"
You can put a few extra dollars in your pocket while helping to reduce pollution. Increase your fuel economy by making sure your tires are inflated properly, your car is properly tuned, and oil and air filters are clean. Consider more ways to increase fuel economy - car pool or even walk or bike!

A contest entry

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Comments

1 - 29 of 29

  • Shakes-spear
    June 8

    Edit | Reply

    People don't realise what impact they have on life!

    This is a very nice poem. It reads well and has a great story. I hope that everyone could nave a chance to read it! The Shaker

  • Shakes-spear
    June 8
    Edit | Reply

    Very nice!


  • poetryality silver member
    August 30, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    You didn't miss a lick lady, and if you did, you added it to your author's notes. GREAT!

    It is so important for the world's people to realize the seriousness of global warming. Thank you for the richness of truth in these words. Stellar rhyme and flow here. I wish you the best in this challenge.


    Much Love ♥

    Renee


  • Aesthete2000 gold member
    July 26, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Perfect, Maureen!

    I applaud you, along with the polar bears
    and the cows. And all sensible humans!

    Aesthete


    • Maureen silver member
      July 26, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Thanks, Aesthete! Darlene picked a subject I've been interested in ever since I realized the polar bears and all the other animals who depend on the ice caps are on the 'endangered species' list. I care for more reasons than that but that is what really got my attention!

      <3 Maureen


  • Yemassee gold member
    July 24, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Congrats on the gold. Lets see, what do I want for the next contest...something easy so I can win..."A tribute to Moxie!"


    • Maureen silver member
      July 24, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      Thanks, Yem!

      No doubt about it,
      "A tribute to Moxie" contest
      would ensure a golden victory
      for you..(so now I know
      what I must do!)



      <3 Maureen


  • Blushfulmoon silver member
    July 23, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    excellent~

    I can remember the electric cars but didn't know they destroyed them either.....
    You did great in the contest sis.....
    You had some insightful solutions to the global warming problem.....
    I think before its all over everyone will be driving hybrid cars and going solar power all the way.......
    Now if we could end the smog in the air wouldn't that be great....
    Best of luck in the contest....
    Sorry I missed this one but have been so very sick and been in the hospital as you know.....
    Loved this and you too
    Your sis
    Susan~~~


    • Maureen silver member
      July 26, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      Thank you, Sis!

      I appreciate the effort you make
      to keep up with everything.
      Your determination to keep doing
      what you do despite how you feel
      is admirable.

      Love you, Sis!
      ♥ Maureen


  • Hinemoa silver member
    July 23, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Dear Maureen, sorry I'm late in commenting, I have to wait until I go to Betty's place.
    Let's hope the powers that be heed our words and do something about the state the world is in and do something about it. Maybe we should send them a link to our contest.
    Love Hine


    • Maureen silver member
      July 23, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      Dear Hine,

      Since we've treated the subject in a mostly humorous way, I don't think TPTB would be inclined to take us seriously. Maybe we should all write to our representatives and let them know how we feel about global warming and electric cars, as an example of what is wrong with the way things are being done re: our current crisis. The people with all the power DO NOT have our best interests at heart. They DO have an agenda which has THEIR best interests at heart...world domination.



      Love,
      Maureen


  • jenelda silver member
    July 20, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Hi Maureen,
    I remember the electric cars but I didn't know they destroyed them, it just goes to show the greed for oil our Governments have. Unless they have another solution soon there's going to be no world to drive our cars in.
    Great picture.
    Good luck in the voting.
    Love Jen


    • Maureen silver member
      July 20, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Hi Jen,

      My husband and I watched the documentary on TV "Who Killed The Electric Car?" It was very interesting and actually showed all the cars piled on top of each other before they compressed them into a tiny square.

      Thanks for your good wishes and your applause.

      Love,
      Maureen


  • angelica silver member
    July 15, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Dear Maureen, Some very good solutions you have left us to ponder over. I enjoyed reading your poem.
    It's a pity they destroyed the electric cars, imagine how many could've been on our roads by now and the less pollution we'd have. Good luck in the voting.
    Love Joan


    • Maureen silver member
      July 16, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      Dear Joan,

      I'm glad you like my solutions for the global warming problem.

      The people who had the electric cars didn't want to give them up. I wish I had one now!

      Love and Hugs,
      Maureen

  • Just4u
    July 15, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    I do my part to bring relief
    by eating up ten times the beef
    Though if global warming really flows
    by how cold been here it sure don't show

    As long as greed does rule the lot
    solutions gone, for they have not
    Bring change by vote, boot out the "team"
    for maybe then can bring "real green"

    Spend less time out and more indoors
    exploring beds and even floors
    Keep car on driveway, don't take for spin
    more subtle things can bring a win

    My '94 made three one point five
    so there "new gas standards" are just a lie
    Solar and wind they both come free
    so in end is where we should be

    Ethanol you know loses just the same
    When the number crunched, they not real gain
    All just smoke and mirrors while their pockets line
    We must change the "top", then we'll be just fine

    Hugs...Eddy


    • Maureen silver member
      July 16, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Hi Eddy, Long time no see! Good to see you again! I enjoyed your poem..it made good sense to me!

      Hugs,
      <3 Maureen


  • Sir Ima Cucumber
    July 14, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    I'm all for marching on Washington...not just for global warming...I have a long list I want to march for!

    I concur 99.6 percent. But whatever pollution the Moxie plants emit we'll just ignore!

    We have to buy local food for another reason...it seems almost everyday there's a new case of food contamination. I still don't dare eat the tomatoes.


    • Maureen silver member
      July 16, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Thanks, Sir Ima! I'm glad you concurred 99.6%! The best-tasting tomato is a home-grown tomato! We should all start growing our own food (just to be on the safe side). I have a long list I want to march for, too. Ready, boots? Start walkin!


  • Blankscreen2222
    July 14, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    A case of finding the correct balance? I enjoyed the read Maureen. Thankyou.

    Georgina & Rufus


  • catz Moderators member
    July 12, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Very good, Maureen You've given us some food for thought... and action.
    Good luck in the contest

    Dee


  • hugh wyles silver member
    July 11, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    Dear Maureen,

    I reckon the solution
    is quite readily to hand
    let's make a resolution
    to take a firmer stand.
    If, during the next week or so,
    we only eat baked beans
    and eggs then to the White House go
    and squat upon their greens,
    we'll put those politicians out
    and send the whole damn bunch to rout
    together, when you hear me shout:
    "OK boys! Let 'er go!!"
    GWB and all I think,
    asphyxiated by the stink,
    will soon succumb to our demands -
    if not we'll just take further stands
    and down trou' in a wink!!
    Though the solutions you suggest
    are good, I think that mine is best
    for temporary air pollution
    does not subvert our Constitution
    and, once the methane gas disperses,
    we can go back to writing verses.

    Applause for your sterling attempts to solve the situation of the polar bears but I think we have to strike at the politicians who are the heart of the problem with all their hot air production which is surely the basic cause of global warming.

    Good luck in the voting.
    With much love and hugs,
    Hugh (R.)





    • Maureen silver member
      July 14, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Dear Hugh,

      Thank you for your poetic, though a bit odiferous, comment re: solving our global warming problem. I think the current residents of the White House would long remember our 'squat in' (so to speak)..and, hopefully, get the message! There is a lot of hot air coming from the White House, that's for sure!

      I'm thankful for any genuine attempts to make the environment better for ourselves and for those who remain when we've moved on to 'greener pastures' (so to speak).

      Love and Hugs, s
      Maureen


  • J aime Coudre silver member
    July 11, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Well written Maureen...you got all the requirements including a little humor...The author notes are great advise to all who will read and adhere to them...Thanks for the entry and good luck...love the picture you have...


    • Maureen silver member
      July 14, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Thank you, Darlene! I did the best I could (haven't been feeling well these days).

      <3 Maureen


  • Pisces rainbow gold member
    July 11, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    very well thought out write,

    we have been given such a lovely home,

    we need to keep it that way.

    very powerful write my friend

    alot of time put in here

    exquisite

    God bless...


    • Maureen silver member
      July 14, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Thank you for your very nice comment!
      Coincidentally, I used the rainbow in your avatar in a video I made to the music of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow", one of my favorite songs.

      God bless you!

      <3 Maureen

1 - 29 of 29