PerthNorg

JJ's Pet Peeve of the week

I have been contemplating posting a news worthy "PEEVE OF THE WEEK",  for several months now and had planned to commence in the new year, however after a discussion at work today (Christmas eve) I feel compelled to commence a trifle early.

Global warming and climate change are two buzz words that are frequently bandied around by all. Level of education, or social standing are no deterrent to having an informed opinion on the subject. As evidenced during the recent Federal Election when the "Green Issues", were front and centre in a number of debates between both politicians and those commenting on the politicians.

Not withstanding those handful of scientists who assert that, this cycle of warming is a natural process and the impact of humans is NOT a contributing factor, the general consensus is that 'Greenhouse Gases' are the primary cause of the planets current predicament. For Australia it is also held that the two biggest producers of these gases are motor vehicles and power-plants (somehow industry always seems to be missing from the list). The first is not so easily tackled here in the West due primarily to vast distances between places and the lack of any real public transport networks. I know we now have the wonderful new southern railway, but what of those in the hills, southern and northern coastal suburbs, or even north-eastern suburbs?

The second one, Power generation plants. Again we all need electricity, but surely being green (and most people profess to this leaning), we each of us should be doing our bit to conserve power if not for the environment then atleast for our own pockets. Why is it then, that we are celebrating an auspicious and holy event like Christmas (okay, so there are fewer people attending church services than ever before, but the main reason for the festive season is rooted in either Christian or Pagan mythology depending on your own personal belief structures), by encouraging as many people as we can to use as much electricity as they can. Every day I see more and more houses, apartments, and store fronts being given over to bigger and bigger displays of flashing lights.

If anyone is seen using sprinklers in a wasteful manner, they are rightly condemned by the media and the public at large, yet here there is a situation where people are being encouraged to be wasteful. Not only are there prizes for the biggest and most wasteful (biggest, brightest, most encompassing) display, those partaking in the  wastage are rewarded with a decrease in their bills.

I know the children love the lights (well mine do), and so do the young at heart, but lets consider the waste. My suggestion would be if there has to be this type of display then let it be for 1 hour a day for the 3 days before and 1 - 3 days after the event. Remembering that St Nicholas and the gifting of presents is NOT the primary reason for Christmas cheer.

Just my 2 cents worth. JJ