I see the words "green", "sustainable", "eco-friendly" all the time now. If you use compact fluorescents you are green. If you install solar panels you are sustainable. If you buy laundry detergent with a tree on the label you are eco-friendly. What do these words mean? I'm not sure anymore.

I do know that if the lights go out in town, we will be ok. There is food in the garden and 6000 gallons of water in storage. If we are careful, we'll make it 'till the next rain. I know to open a window when it's hotter inside than out, and that with a little more manual attention, the home will keep us happy and comfortable in all seasons even if there is no power. I think these days that sustainable and green and eco-friendly are not about what products you buy. It takes more thought than that.