harry roman

jonathansadlowe:

Greetings Friends,

Two images to share:

1) Google Earth overlay indicating current locations of Appalachian mountain top removal (aka strip mining for coal); and 2) A photo of a mountain that has been strip mined.

As you can see, strip mining for coal is a destructive practice. It is worse on the environment than burning coal itself! Strip mining destroys ecosystems and decreases biodiversity. It pollutes rivers and streams. It destroys resources that many people and animals in the Appalachian region depend on. Once a mountain has been strip mined the ecosystem is harmed forever! Would you want to live near that mess?!?! 

Is strip mining necessary? Of course not! It’s just cheaper and easier for coal companies. This is one of the many bad corporate practices that needs to change in America.

Is it possible to stop stip mining from happening? Yes of course it is!!!

If we the people change our behavior then businesses will change their behavior. If we consume less energy in our daily lives, then the need for coal and strip mining will decrease.

Is it possible to still live the good life while using less energy? Yes of course it is!!!

Simply be aware of your energy consumption while at home and in the office. During the day keep your lights off, and at night just use one light at a time in your home (or better yet use a candle like Thomas Jefferson did!). Ask your office manager to turn the lights off in the office when everyone leaves (many companies leave lights on 24/7 even when employees are not there!). Run your AC or heater less each day. Open your windows when it’s nice out. Dress warmer while at home or use a blanket instead of using the heater. Try placing notes around your home to remind you to use less energy!!!

Sure it takes a little extra effort to be aware of these things, but it makes the world a better place now and for our children and grandchildren and their grandchildren. For example, the good folks in Appalachia won’t have to be surrounded by the negative effects of strip mining! That’s gotta make you feel good!

Lastly, encourage your friends and family to improve their energy usage habits.

Learn more about mountain top removal at iLoveMountains.org. If you live in the Appalachian region, you should email your Congressional Representative and voice your opinion for strip mining!