Date:         Sun, 6 Aug 2006 16:21:37 -0700
Reply-To:     Bob Elliott <bobe@LAME.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bob Elliott <bobe@LAME.CA>
Subject:      Battery usage shouldn't be our style.
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The last week on the list has produced some product endorsements that
I've found quite disturbing, in particular when these endorsements
originate from our supposedly nature appreciating group. Specifically
when the products mentioned this week use "C" and "D" cell batteries,
in some cases "8" at a time! How can we sanction this when the
majority of Westy owners have 12volt available to power these
devices? Regardless, how can we endorse the use of these products
period! I noticed that there was some discussion of wiring these into
our 12v systems or adding a cigarette lighter plug but there was no
chastising of the folks that actually bought these devices. Well
then, I'll do it ... What the hell were you thinking????? Any device
that needs 12v had better also need to be portable (flashlights, PS
etc) and these fans definitely don't need to be portable!!!! By
buying these environmental abominations you are encouraging the
WalMarts of the world to order more of this product and in doing so
the "earth killing" cycle continues. Where do the buyers and users of
these products think these batteries go when you fling them out in
the trash? There has been no mention of the environmental impact that
the disposal of these batteries have on the planet ... take the time
to Google and learn. On top of all this no mention was made of
re-chargeable batteries to run these electrical Neanderthals. It
amazes me the amount of effort and discussion that goes into Vanagon
implementation, maintenance and use of solar panels to run laptops,
stereos and portable DVD players in the wilds, but not a word about
using solar power to charge batteries to run small use appliances!

The reality is that our vans (in comparison to more modern
technology) roll the earth in far from environmentally positive
terms. Our stock engines produce high toxic emissions and our
dinosaur carcass consumption is at times truly shameful. To balance,
to a degree, these facts I believe it would be prudent to off-set the
negatives with a more environmentally positive approach to all other
aspects of our vehicles. These efforts would include (when affordable
and practical) the conscious use of reusable products, renewable
energy sources and the appropriate disposal of used material. I
realize that numerous members have already developed and implemented
these approaches and we should all applaud their initiative and
continued efforts.


I realize that the 'old guard' will find many faults with this
writing and will somehow devise a way to defend 8 disposable "D" cell
usage for a fan. To them I say that a wide tongue is often the
product of a narrow heart.

sincerely

bob elliott


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