On Wed, Nov 4, 2009 at 11:39 PM, Dennis Haynes wrote:

  I am a bit surprised at responses
> that we are environmentally destructive or insensitive to others needs
> for
> quiet.

Dennis, no offense meant, but your statement reveals the problem.  Folks
who believe they are entitled in this way ARE the problem.  I have
family members who say that they have earned these things because they
can afford them -- so long as one has the money, they don't see it as
problematic.  Well, anyone who thinks about others and the environment
readily sees the problem.  Those of us who have the money have a
particular responsibility to try to do things in a responsible manner.

I live in a climate where most people believe they must have their house
cooled to 70 F in summer (from 100 F) and heated to 75 in winter (from 0
to 10 F).  I find I can get along quite comfortably without air
conditioning, and with my house heated to 65 F in winter.  I have spent
quite a lot of money to upgrade my insulation and windows, and to do
other things to conserve energy.

Yes, many of us must reduce what we use.  Smaller houses than the
McMansions that became popular would help, too.  The earth is finite.

David McNeely