“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.” —Edmund Burke

Not-Quite-So-Giggly Gas

Posted: October 29th, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Behavior, Global Warming, Habits, Transformational Change | Tags: , , | No Comments »

dentist_nightmareI frequently parrot the message that a lot of small actions can add up to big change. For proof, look no further than this short video clip I did over the summer, one of a series of greener-living advice segments for a real-estate website called Cyberhomes.

There I am, proving the point that easy gestures—in this case, unplugging idle electronic devices—can all add up. It makes sense on paper, which is why the “everyone do their bit” credo is the basis of many behavior-change campaigns. And sure, it’s all well and good to unplug a few video games, or enjoy a healthy bike ride, or savor the vegetables and fruits you grew yourself.

But what about nitrous oxide? You know, laughing gas?

My dentist offers it to me every time I go in for a new crown or onlay which, given the pathetic state of my teeth, is pretty much at least once a year. And I usually turn it down, because despite its jovial nickname, the stuff is effectively two kinds of bad in one bottle.
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