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Date Posted: 17:13:58 01/05/11 Wed
Author: BC
Subject: Re: CA - lightbulbs
In reply to: BC 's message, "CA - lightbulbs" on 08:15:06 01/05/11 Wed

First thing that captured my attention was ...
"California needs to get back to setting a good example" ...

My '99 Toyota 4-Runner (best vehicle I have ever owned in my entire life - almost 12 years old / 175,000 miles - still runs perfectly) ...
And, it's a *** "CA" 4-Runner *** :)!
The only "major" expense I've incurred is the replacement of one catalytic converter - now it seems it's time for the second one as well?!
side note: The "check engine" light had been on for a few months prior to "TN" emission testing before renewing my tags - diagnostics said it needed a new converter. Didn't replace it at the time because of the $600 or so estimate I was given by a mechanic. One week prior to the renewal deadline the "check engine" light went out. So, I decided to run it through "TN" emissions just to see what would happen?! IT PASSED! :)

Found some interesting info today on a Toyota message board re: CA as a "trend-setter" of higher standards - just thought it was "kinda cool" ...

"Does anyone know the actual differences between the Federal and California versions of the computers in our cars? Specifically the Toyota 5S-FE?
According to one site, the basic difference is that a California emissions ECU will turn the check engine light sooner than a Federal version. This will cause a failing component to be identified quicker and therefore reduce emissions..."
"... My understanding is that California switched to OBD and then everybody followed suit....
So, there's probably not that much difference anymore. Most Toyotas imported to the US got the California emissions package or something similar to it. Back in the day, Toyota used a special "C" code to designate an engine to be exported to the US. That went defunt as of the early 90s.
***Nowadays, you will find that the maitenance schedules for "California" engines are more aggressive."

Re: making people understand food controls are necessary to stop those feeding us considering only their bottom line...
I agree 100% - my oldest son has a culinary degree, and one day he shared with me some of the process of "bringing in the beef" from the farm/stall to the table. I won't go into details - and, I'm not 100% percent vegetarian (although my two sons are)! I'd say I'm 'bout 98% there myself though! :) "eewww" is the "nicest" way I can summarize some of the "tales" of "tails" I've been told! :)

Re: the higher price of the "CFL's" as compared with that of the "traditional" bulbs - it's more of a "mindset over matter" than the actual higher cost of the CFL's themselves - 'cause they do last longer than the "traditional" bulbs, and they're definitely more cost effective to "burn"!

When I mentioned making candles, it was just my way of sayin' that I would love to be more "self-sufficient" ...
I have to admit I've been listenin' to "talk" radio again in the mornings. It seems that it's always a "picture" of "gloom and doom" they "paint" for our future.
One way or another - not out of fear - but, as a matter of practicality I would like to begin doing a few more things to become "self-reliant" in regards to basic things like water supply / the collection of rainwater. Living in the "city" though I'm not sure just how practical some of my goals may be?!

The home where we currently reside is rental property, so unless the landlord decides to install solar - I guess will continue in our current status in regards to heating and cooling. But, in the summer - even on the hottest of days - it is rare that we run our air conditioner on a continual basis due to the abundance of shade trees in our yard.
When LauraG and I visited your part of CA this past summer the rolling landscape between the coastline and Paso reminded me of eastern TN (even the "smokey" effect which lingered in the mornings :)! Primary difference I noticed were the trees - or, the lack thereof!
I still found the landscape beautiful though. At the time, however, I wasn't aware of how that might have come to be - very sad the situation you described regarding the loss of all the oak trees.
"Oaks take many years to grow and many years to die" ...
*kinda reminds me of episode in "Christy" when "Opal" had all the nightmares regarding "Mr. Stone" and the clearing of the trees from the land for his lumber business.

But, I truly appreciate and enjoy when you share glimpses of your life in Australia - I can just imagine you guys running through the "wilds" of the "GEN" which you described! :)
And, I've never heard of a Mulga tree before.
So, as usual, my curiosity got the better of me ...
here's a photo I found ...
http://images.travelpod.com/users/jokertrekker/9.1264522019.roadside-mulga-tree-mingary.jpg

Thanks again for taking the time to stop in and visit with all of us here Stewart! :)
- BC

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Replies:

[> Re: CA - lightbulbs -- Valerie, 18:23:09 01/05/11 Wed

I heard about this mandate a while ago. My parents have been using those bulbs for quite a few years now and while they're initially expensive, they generally last a long time. They have some that have been working steadily for two or more years!
I've become more of a greeny after moving to where I currently live. I live in an area that is environmentally unappealing to me. It's flat and full of strip malls, no one recycles and if they do, it's very limited, the public transportation system is terrible and ineffective at best, and there aren't many sidewalks here. Oh, and have I mentioned that it's a huge college town? With six large colleges, you would think the city would strive towards at least a more pedestrian and environmentally-friendly community.
Stewart, your story was very interesting and sad. Our land is such an invaluable resource and when you mess it up, it's hard and time-consuming to fix. I've never heard of growing plants to help stave off the effects of pollution, but I think that's a terrific idea!
Anyway, like Melaney said, while those bulbs are expensive (check the dollar stores near you, BC, or maybe even look for them in bulk), they really do save you money on your utilities bill and they last a really long time. I think it's a worthy investment.


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