<p>Old Microwaves should be checked for emissions. They’re not always as well shielded as they should be…also newer appliances are more energy efficient and (usually) quieter. Go Green!</p>
<p>Big economic stimulus on the way…when old tv’s no longer work because of the change-over an awful lot of people will have to decide if life without tv is worth living. Frankly, it could be good for a lot of people to free up brain-space presently occupied by “Dancing With the Has-Been Celebrity…” But I’ll bet most folks will run out and buy themselves some cool flat-screen thingie.</p>
<p>We have a wonderful multi-stage water filtration system at work. There are two huge spheres that the water passes through and then additional filters on a hot/cold water dispenser and the coffeemaker. We have all sorts of drinks too but the cold drinks are carbonated (except for juices which are very strong). The water drinks are carbonated which I generally don’t prefer. So my current approach is just to use the filtered water, sometimes mixed with Gatorade powder in a plastic bottle.</p>
<p>To be environmental friendly I used a Nalgene water bottle for years. Then I started having health problems. I saw many specialists and underwent many tests. I thought I needed an operation to remove some offending body parts that gave me chronic pain. Then Canada banned the polycarbonate bottles that contain Bisphenol A (BPA). I stopped using my Nalgene and soon my problems went away. I carry a steel water bottle now or I use bottled water.</p>
<p>I read through this thread and it was not what I expected based on the title. I expected to see a discussion about cutting back on purchases and living a simpler style. Instead I found mostly drivel about water bottles and old cell phones. Neither seem to be big issues. Drinking bottled water often makes sense (although I do refill mine from Pur filter on the kitchen sink) and most cell phones break or become obsolete pretty quick. </p>
<p>If you want to find out how we spend and/or waste money drive to the local mall and look around. You will probably find a cell phone store and you can buy a bottle of water but these are incidental to the major shopping events - clothing and adornments. It is all fad and fashion with very, very little utility or functionality included.</p>
<p>^Me too. All the good threads digress to odd tangents at some point. I love them. Not everything has to be a big important point defending a position on an important issue. This isn’t the Senate, nor Highschool Debate Club.</p>
<p>I enjoy reading about Obama’s economic policy as much as I do the bump on his nose or Michelle’s dress, or the causes of global warming as much as whether its better to use plastic or paper.</p>
<p>Usducladad,You are absolutely right. In our area, it is difficult to get a stripped down new car. My son was trying to buy one a few years ago. You have to order it and wait, and they do not want to negotiate much on the price. For nearly the same amount you can get one on the lot or at another dealer’s. He stayed on the waiting list for 2 months, before finding a used car that he bought instead. It’s a pretty stripped down model, manual transmission, no stereo/radio, no special package but it does have the airbags, and automatic locks. </p>
<p>Trying to buy a new house without the extras is not easy either. We bought our house new but not custom made for us. We did catch the builders in time to stop a number of the high cost extras, like moldings, chef’s stove, special frig, extra fireplace, etc, but the granite countertop was a done deal. </p>
<p>However, many here in our area have very expensive older homes with very few extras added. Don’t have to load them up here to get the additional money. </p>
<p>Was at the mall today with S, and, oh yes, the place was filled with material temptations. Makes you feel poor when you aren’t going to buy any of the goodies. They say this year is going to be a tough one for retailers but Nieman Marcus sure doesn’t look like it’s holding back. I can see how Sarah Palin ran up such a bill there. Saw some gorgeous vests and sweaters for men that cost over a thousand bucks. Just stacked and waiting for buyers like they cost $20. Same with the handbags. We parked under there so went through the store to get to where we needed to go. </p>
<p>Didn’t price the water or cell phones. My kids have been relegated to the pay as you go phones after losing their family plan phones a few times too many.</p>
<p>Well, I had to post this, cptofthehouse: Online, Nieman Marcus is offering a set of four Italian glass water bottles for the (low, low) price of $195.00.</p>
<p>I saw those QuantMech…they’re fun, created in the shapes of actual water bottles…kind of like the ceramic ‘Starbucks’ cup that looks exactly like the styrofoam version complete with cardboard cup-guard.</p>
<p>uc<em>UC</em> dad, your daily driver is a 66 Mustang? That is incredible. I love the old car hobby, but driving a 66 every day is not good for air quality. Do they allow that in California?</p>
Yes, it’s allowed. It doesn’t need to be smog tested because it’s so old but back when it was needed it always passed (but it’s relative to the year). It doesn’t spew fumes though - I keep it in good shape and since it’s an original California car (built in San Jose) it actually came with some smog equipment. I doubt it spews any more than lots of other vehicles like trucks, large SUVs with a single driver, etc. Besides, think of all the energy that’s been saved along with raw materials in not having to have manufactured the typical 8 cars many people would have had in the duration this car has been continuously driven.</p>
<p>Speaking of cars and value - a colleague of mine bought a new Mercedes SL500 and when I went out to kick the tires of it all I could think of was that for the same price he paid for that single 2 seater car (about $92K) I can pay for about 4 years at a UC and felt I was getting the better value. He didn’t have kids though.</p>