... A lot of people also think that small changes aren't enough, so why do anything? ... Apparently, it's better to use the energy hogging lightbulbs that also contain mercury rather than taking a small step forward.

Yes, in spite of the misconceptions, ostriches don't actually poke their heads into the ground to hide from the truth ... unfortunately, human beings do.

Stefanie said:

... I'm definitely going to be checking out your website more soon (and subscribing through email), but for now, I have to run to the store!

Thanks, Stefanie. I will be exploring more of your site too in time. Also, I have now officially made my first StumbleUpon favourite with this post. Thanks for the nudge in that direction. StumbleUpon seems like an interesting tool, and I'll try to be careful of any addictive effects.

You're right, it doesn't seem to be having much of an effect. I think many people hear something negative and shut off... they don't want to know. A lot of people also think that small changes aren't enough, so why do anything? My husband read an article about people saying that, because CFLs still contain mercury, there is no point in using them. Apparently, it's better to use the energy hogging lightbulbs that also contain mercury rather than taking a small step forward.

I'm still getting into Stumble. My friend introduced me to it a few months ago, but I just permanently switched to Firefox from a Mac browser a few weeks ago. Stumble is a pretty fun tool, my husband is addicted to it!

I'm definitely going to be checking out your website more soon (and subscribing through email), but for now, I have to run to the store!

... I didn't know what to say because I think about the fate of the planet, and it seems really sad to me, ...

That I think we can all agree on, Stefanie.

So many people trying so hard to educate people about the ecological problem and the general (average) response seems to be one of cautious indifference. I think part of the problem is that the seriousness of it all scares people, and fear freezes people rather than cheering them into action. This is why I usally choose to tackle these things in a humourous or irreverent way, because I don't see the serious way having any dramatic effects. A sentiment I have voiced before in a piece I wrote about hype and fear in environmentalism.

I'm glad to hear you liked my writing, and thanks for the Stumble. I'm actually a Stumbleupon newbie — I have an account which I have never used. Your post might be a good excuse to get started.

...so I'll consider your stunned silence to be a roaring endorsement of the brilliance of my writing. I think it's best that you neither confirm nor deny my delusions.

I was actually quite impressed with the quality of your writing, Samir. It was a good read. I didn't know what to say because I think about the fate of the planet, and it seems really sad to me, and your post just reminds me of it. I was very intrigued by it, though, and I gave it a thumbs up on StumbleUpon

As far as your reaction to my piece is concerned, I'm in an optimistic mood. While "there is no such thing as bad publicity", they also say "no news is good news", so I'll consider your stunned silence to be a roaring endorsement of the brilliance of my writing. I think it's best that you neither confirm nor deny my delusions.

You have a really nice site here. Thanks again, and keep up the good work.

Samir