Leaky Lee knew this day would come.  He was actually surprised it hadn’t come sooner because the Smart family was just that, smart.  But, the appliance truck just turned into the driveway.  Workers hoisted up the back door, and there she was, shiny, sleek and Energy Star certified.  Electra Range smiled as she surveyed her new home.

       Inside, Lee sensed the workers disconnecting him from the gas line while Electra was wheeled in.  Lee had a few minutes with her alone before he would be taken away to the salvage yard.  There was so much he wanted to tell her.

       “Good to meet you; I’m Lee Keystove,” he began. “Welcome.  It’s clearly time for me to go; this family deserves better.  In hindsight, it’s really quite remarkable the Smarts even let a gas cook stove into their house.  Turning me on creates combustion, and combustion releases (or leaks) toxic pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide and formaldehyde inside the house. 

       “A couple weeks ago Mrs. Smart rented an air monitor because she’d learned that kids in homes with gas stoves increase their risk of respiratory illnesses by 20%.  To test the level of NO2 in the house, she made a pot of tea and baked a pan of brownies.  After a half hour the monitor indicated there were 207 parts per billion (ppb) of NO2 in the air.  That’s almost TWICE the maximum amount recommended by the World Health Organization!  It didn’t take the Smarts long to realize I had to go.

       “On top of that, the natural gas supply system – drilling, fracking, processing and transportation -  is notorious for leaking greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.  The Smarts decided replacing me is just the first step toward weaning their home off of natural gas.  As appliances need replacing, they’ll swap them out for electric ones and maybe add a heat pump to reduce their furnace use.  A heat pump would use the ambient air temperature to both heat and cool their home,” Lee concluded.

       As he was wheeled into the truck, Lee couldn’t help but admire the collection of electric Energy Star certified appliance ready for delivery. “I’ve had my day,” Leaky mused. “Now it’s time to build a healthier, cleaner world.  After all, for humans and all creatures this is the only home they’ll ever know.  It’s where they’re all forever …Earthbound.”

       After years roaming the open seas, Sal Monn felt an urge to return to the waters of his birth.  The ever so faint scent of Whatcom Creek drew her on.   Finally, the stream she’d last swum through as a tiny fry opened before her.  Sal easily finned upstream as several of her long-lost siblings joined her, their compulsion to push onward growing by the hour.  Then suddenly, the carefree journey ended abruptly.  A massive 40-foot, boulder-strewn, seemingly insurmountable waterfall rose high above, its gushing torrent raining down on the salmon siblings pooled below. “How will we ever scale that?” Sal moaned.

       Elsewhere…after millennia roaming and populating Mother Earth, Hugh Mannkind had grown quite scientifically sophisticated.  So much so that he understood the dramatic changes Earth was experiencing were not chance occurrences.  The increasing drought in some areas, massive flooding in others, growing wildfire threats and melting glaciers were the result of his use of those oh-so-convenient and plentiful fossil fuels. 

       In 2015, Hugh took stock and determined that to avoid climatic catastrophe, he needed to limit additional atmospheric warming to 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) more than pre-industrial average temperatures.  But by 2022, the Earth’s atmosphere had already warmed more than 1degree Celsius.  Suddenly, his relatively carefree Earthly journey ended abruptly.  A massive, seemingly insurmountable global challenge rose before him.  “How will we ever reduce warming rapidly enough to stabilize the climate?” Hugh moaned.

       Back at the waterfall Sal carefully studied her siblings’ attempts to gain finholds against the rushing waters.  After several failed attempts, Sal leapt to a ledge a few feet up. She was able to hold her position in a relatively calm pool.  Then she made another successful leap and another.  An overwhelming compulsion to preserve and propagate her species drove her onward.  Then with a frantic mighty leap Sal cleared the final hurtle and landed in  calmer waters above.

       Inspired by Sal’s courageous efforts, Hugh devised several “tools,” each a part of a collaborative climate-stabilizing cocktail including clean energy sources, advanced energy efficiencies, “smart” appliances and energy tools, soil and water carbon sequestration (draw-down) techniques and more.  Driven by an overwhelming compulsion to preserve his species’ Earthly home, Hugh is steadfast in his commitment to achieving the goals set in 2015.  After all, what other choice does he have?  Hugh Mannkind is forever …Earthbound.

       Peering over the top of his reading glasses - “Hey Millie, did you read this?  It’s the latest thing - going ‘Au Naturel.’ Maybe we should try it,” Milford grinned.  “Whatever are you talking about, Milford Microbe?  For heaven’s sake!  Microbes don’t use clothes, so what’s the big deal about going naked?” Millie asked shaking her head. (Do microbes have heads??)
 
       “Oops! Sorry Millie,” Milford apologized. “This isn’t about clothes.  It’s a different sort of ‘natural’, a set of procedures farmers are using to improve the soil and water and that also help soak up excessive CO2 in the atmosphere.  They call these practices Natural Climate Solutions,” he continued reading.  “Some sub-categories or alternative names include agroecology, regenerative agriculture, natural carbon storage, and climate-smart ag.

       “It says here that some decades-old farming practices have led to problems like soil erosion and compaction, groundwater pollution and algae blooms in our ponds and lakes. But having better fertilizer and manure management, planting cover crops, using low or no-till planting techniques or pasturing herds using rotational grazing can be win-win-wins.  They leave the water cleaner, reduce greenhouse gases and improve soil fertility for higher crop yields.  Some farmers are even swapping annual crops for perennials; take agroforestry for example,” Milford read.

       “I wish Farmer Brown would go ‘Au Naturel’” Millie mused.  “Then you and I could breathe a little easier.  And with a little better oxygenation,” she winked, “Ooolala! we’d feel like having more kids.  The more we multiply, the healthier the soil; Brown would appreciate that!  I wonder why he hasn’t tried some of this.”

       “Deciding to make changes is always hard.” Milford said. “So right now only about 6% of agriculture fields in Wisconsin use cover crops even though it’s great for maintaining root systems that hold soil in place and feed us microbes. It takes education about these best practices, policies and regulations that support them and financial incentives to make trying new techniques worthwhile. 

       The next morning two pairs of boots stood right on top of Millie and Milford.  And wouldn’t you know, Aggie A. Gent and Farmer Brown were discussing these very practices.  “By golly, I’m going to give them a try,” Brown said.  “Because, after all, this is the only home we’ll ever know; it’s where we’re all forever…Earthbound.”

       With their breakfast combos pushed aside, Des Pair and Hope Less huddled over the morning paper. “Sez here,” Des moaned, “southern Wisconsin is part of the coming ‘extreme heat belt’ running through the whole mid-section of the country.  In the next 30 years the number of heat-index (temperature and humidity combined) days over 100 degrees will likely double.  Some heat index days will go as high as 125 degrees!”  “Lordy, how will we ever survive?” Hope sighed.

       From behind the counter, Mo spotted the grumbling gals and decided it was time to re-fill their coffee cups.  Seeing the newspaper sprawled across the table, “It don’t look good, eh ladies?” she asked.  Then she flipped to a second article. “But take a look at this!” Mo exclaimed with her usual sunny enthusiasm.

       The article laid out how ordinary citizens – you and me – can take advantage of many of the provisions of the newly passed Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to help stabilize the climate.  It extends tax credits for installing energy-efficient windows, doors, insulation, water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners or heat pumps, as well as for home energy audits. It also offers rebates for low and moderate-income households’ efficiency improvements, up to $14,000 per home and provides a 30% tax credit for rooftop solar and geothermal heating.*
        
       “We don’t have to sit here wishing the problem would go away.  We can be part of the solution,” Mo encouraged.  Then, glancing up at the door – “Hey, Wade Aminit!  You’re part of this too,” Mo called to Wade, a diner regular and prominent farmer in the township.
           
       Mo slide the paper to Wade as he settled into the booth.  “Look!  Farmers across the country are practicing ‘natural climate solutions’ that draw in and hold heat-trapping CO2 in the soil.  They’re planting cover crops, using minimal or no-till planting strategies, converting to perennial crops and pasturing with rotational grazing practices.”
           
       Then flipping to the back page, they saw an update on two major pieces of climate-stabilizing legislation California recently passed.  As the fifth largest economy in the world, these provisions may be as significant as the IRA in addressing climate change.
           
       “Could these be signs of a virtuous climate-stabilizing cycle?” Mo Menteum mused. “Surely, together we CAN wisely care for this, our only home, where we’re all forever…Earthbound.”
 
*The Conversation on-line journal

         Somewhere in Iowa County Wisconsin...

        Plunk…plunk…sploop.. Stu and Ken sat on the edge of the pond tossing in pebbles,  soaking in the last few days of summer vacation.   It was the start of their senior year, and the conversation soon turned to their waning high school days and their hopes and fears about the future.

        “Did you hear that Congress finally got its act together and passed legislation to begin addressing climate disruption in a big way?” Stu Dentt asked.  “Yeah, I’m relieved to see that adults are making serious efforts to pass a healthy planet on to our generation.  I just wish we students could help somehow,” Ken I. Pitchinn replied.

        A few days later in the school cafeteria - “Yo Ken!” Stu called between bites.  “Remember how you said you’d like to help the climate situation?  Take a look at this,” Stu said as he made his way to a poster at the catsup and mustard counter.  It read:
        “Clean Energy Transition Plan Essay Contest* -  Help your school district reduce energy use and prepare for applying to the Solar on Schools grants program.  Essay cash awards include: 1st place - $250, 2nd place - $125, and 3rd place - $75.  The 1st place essay will be printed in the Dodgeville Chronicle.”
 
       “Cool!” Ken beamed.  “It says students in all 5 high schools in Iowa County can submit essays, so 15 students in all could win cash awards.  This is just the kind of thing Ms. Teechur is always talking about - authentic learning.  We students CAN be part of addressing real world problems.  And if these essays actually persuade school boards to create clean energy transition plans, it’ll reduce kilowatt hour (kWh) usage, save money and help build a more environmentally friendly future.”

        That afternoon, in her Current Issues class Ima Teechur encouraged the students to enter the contest.  She had some great resources for them to use and would even give extra credit.  “Students across the globe are helping to drive the clean energy and energy efficiency revolution,” she said.  “Each one of you can be a part of that movement right here in Iowa County.  After all, this planet we’re on is our only home; it’s where we’re all forever…Earthbound.”
 
      *Sponsored by Iowa County Clean, Local Energy Alliance – Now (CLEA-N) and the Dodgeville Chronicle - Charles@driftlessconservancy.org for details

        The gloomy back corner of the club only served to darken the mood of Juan Tyme-Youse as he sat nursing his beer and bruised ego. “Not long ago,” Juan recalled, “One-Time-Use was the watchword.  I was at the top of my game.  It was beautiful - extract resources, process, consume & discard – all for limitless economic growth.  I was the key to a prosperous life for hundreds of millions.  We’d make it, use it, toss it and extract some more.”

       Then Juan spotted Bette Urrway, his old flame, across the dance floor.  “Who’s she flirting with, that fancy-schmancy new guy in town?” Juan muttered under his breath. “What’s his name?  Sir Cularity?  What kind of name is that?”

       Bette looked up and caught Juan’s eye; she beckoned him to join them.  He reluctantly shuffled over, and as he shook Sir’s hand, he felt as if he were symbolically passing some kind of torch.  Bette looked deep into Juan’s eyes and said, “We had some good times didn’t we Juan, but those days are over.  Sir Cularity and I are planning to build a new and even more prosperous future.”

      Bette went on to explain how Juan’s ‘linear’ model is unsustainable.  It takes extracted resources in a direct line to the landfill.  But with a circular economy, waste is minimized or even eliminated.  The Ellen MacArthur Foundation says the circular economy is based on three principles. 1. Eliminate waste and pollution.  2. Circulate products and materials (at their highest value).  3. Regenerate nature.  This system separates or “decouples” economic activity from the consumption of finite resources.  People and businesses prosper while at the same time helping manage environmental challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution.

      And it’s not all some pie-in-the-sky pipe dream.  Using the circularity model, HP, one of the world’s largest computer and printer makers, has added $3.5 billion in new sales in fiscal year 2021.*  HP is committed to reaching 75% circularity for products and packaging by 2030.  That includes the supply chain from start to finish and product use at home by consumers. 

       Elton John’s ‘Circle of Life’ began to play in the background,” …on the endless round.  It's the circle of life.”

       “So long Juan,” Bette saluted. “Our brightest future on the only home we’ll ever know now lies with a circular economy because we’re all forever…Earthbound.”
*www.marketplace.org

       Deep in the bowels of a non-descript, unmarked office building Effie Shency nodded silently as one by one her crack team of undercover agents slipped in.

       “We have a situation folks,” Effie began gravely. “You’ve all seen the news.  Europe is in the grip of an unprecedented heat wave.  Here at home, these severe weather events are draining our coffers.  Get this; since 1980 The U.S. has sustained 332 weather and climate disasters costing a billion dollars or more each.  That’s more than $2.275 trillion* all together and why I’ve called you in.  It’s time to step up our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas-emitting fossil fuels and slow these run-away costs.

       “Thankfully, clean, renewable energy alternatives continue to drop in price.  In fact, they are increasingly the lowest cost option for both industry and the home.   But…”  Suddenly, Minnie Mizer leaped up, “I know! The cheapest energy is the kind that’s never used in the first place.”

       “Bingo!” Effie agreed. “That’s where we come in.  The problem is that shiny new technologies like solar panels, wind turbines and ‘smart’ appliances get almost all of the press coverage.  Our undercover work often gets ignored.”

       “Yup,” Ty Tennup interjected.  “Energy efficiency and climate-smart use of energy doesn’t have the bling that other stuff has.  But the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)’s data shows that we’re just as important as renewables in helping to keep the planet cool.  Unfortunately, it just isn’t very sexy to add insulation, weather strip windows, and NOT use one’s car so often.”

       Ray Duce hadn’t said a word, but finally he stood up. “Guys, you’re forgetting our three huge advantages.  First, every single person can use us.  Second, increasing efficiencies can often be done for little or no cost.  And third, using less energy means more dollars in consumers’ pockets.  What’s not to like?”

       “That’s it!”  Effie smiled.  “We need to help every American become an energy undercover agent in their own home.  Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy (FOE) program – https://focusonenergy.com - will be their Go-To source for energy efficiency giveaways, tips and resources.  FOE even offers cash incentives to property-owners for scores of efficiency improvements.

       “Not only will folks save money, but it’s patriotic and environmentally-smart.  After all, this is the only home we’ll ever know; it’s where we’re all forever…Earthbound.”

* (Today’s dollars) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data

         Dewey Droppe, world-traveling water molecule, lazed in Gov. Dodge State Park’s Cox Hollow Lake.  Sure enough, he soon bumped into his greenish acquaintance, Al Jaye, who was languidly floating (and freely procreating) with his billions of cousins.

         “Looks like you’re having another good year,” Dewey remarked. “You bet,” replied Al.  “All that good nitrogen and phosphorous run-off from the fertilizer on folks’ lawns and farmers’ fields feeds us well.  As you can see (or NOT see so clearly, Har, Har!) we’ve pretty much infiltrated the whole lake.  So many tasty nutrients!  The swimmers  put up with the cloudy water and don’t complain too much.”  Al Jaye smiled.

            Dewey continued to float along wondering if humans shouldn’t be more careful about spewing excess nutrients when suddenly - ZOOP!  Eve Aporation gathered Dewey up, and he was once again floating in the atmosphere.  Where to? Only chance and weather’s foibles would determine.

            Days later Dewey found himself crowded together with billions of his siblings in a thunderhead billowing over the New Mexican desert.  He could sense that he’d soon rain down, so checking his GPS Dewey discovered he was over the Black River Recreation Area.
 
          “Oh no!” sighed Dewey. “I’ll probably end up in some muddy desert water hole.”  But to his great relief, he rained down into a clear, deep desert pool.  By some amazing quirk of fate, three swimmers Dewey knew from the Cox Hollow lake were enjoying a dip.  He heard them marvel at how surprisingly clear and clean the water was.  “Well,” one speculated, “there aren’t any large-scale farms or fertilized lawns within miles.  Guess we shouldn’t be surprised that the water stays so clean.”

        Dewey thoroughly enjoyed his brief stay in this watery “desert dessert.”  But with the hot sun’s help, Eve quickly snatched Dewey up again.  As he sailed along, he realized the folks in Wisconsin didn’t have to settle for lakes loaded with Al Jaye and his kin.  Clear, clean, excess-nutrient-free water is a real possibility that can become a reality for Wisconsin waters.

        These days, farmers have high-tech means by which to carefully monitor and apply adequate, but not excessive fertilizers.  Home-owners can re-assess their use of lawn chemicals that get poured into our fragile environment.  Clearly, clean water is not only a blessing but also our responsibility on this, our only home where we’re all forever… Earthbound.

        Welcome to the Solar System’s favorite reality TV show - The World’s Biggest Loser!  Our contestants have been isolated on Planet Earth with the task of finding the most promising ways to reduce CO2 emissions by the year 2050.  Excessive CO2 and other greenhouse gasses are intensifying climate disasters to the tune of $145 billion in damages in 2021 in the United States alone!
 
        Surprisingly, three early favorites are not among the finalists.  That is, they are not the very best ways to reduce CO2 emissions.  So we say, “Thanks for your good work and keep it up!” to Electra Carr, Ray Cycling, and Bill D’Composter.   All three have pledged to continue their critical roles as part of Earth’s efforts to “Stay Cool Bro!”  But our judges* have determined the 3 remaining finalists could be far more effective if implemented world-wide.  And here they are!  Which one could be - The World’s Biggest (CO2) Loser?
 
        “Who can resist the aroma of meat sizzling on the grill?”  Philmore began. “But we’d all be healthier and Earth would stay cooler if our plates were mostly filled with plant foods.  I’ve shown that my proposal would be almost 5 times as effective as the combined work of Electra, Ray, and Bill in reducing carbon emissions,” beamed Philmore Greenbowls.
 
        “Quite impressive!” Les Chowwaste admitted. “But frankly, earthlings would do even better by improving food management and reducing food waste.  My plan tops Philmore’s;  it’s about 6 times as effective as Electra’s and the other’s combined efforts.”

        Our last finalist has been secluded from all the other contestants.  Until now, only our judges have known her true identity.  I think you’ll be surprised, so please welcome Ms. Teary!

        “Most people don’t realize the potential power women would have in reducing the harmful effects of climate change.  Expanding both educational opportunities and family planning for women worldwide would empower us to be a dynamic force in stabilizing our societies and fostering environmental health.  Give us the resources, and we’ll show you we can be as effective as Les Chowwaste’s program,” Ms. Teary proudly exclaimed.

        It’s no mystery.  Now’s the time to promote these 3 climate-friendly concepts - expanding plant-based diets,  better food management and improved education and family planning for women.  After all, this is our only home; it’s where we’re all forever… Earthbound.

* Project Drawdown

        “Quite the sermon today!’” Bea Leever remarked during coffee fellowship.  “Pastor said all the troubles in the world these days may be a sign that the Final Days and the Rapture might be here any day now.  Seemed like he was almost looking forward to it.”

        “You aren’t kidding – the pandemic, war in Ukraine, our polarized society. We’ve got boatloads of troubles.  Pastor said the Book of Revelations describing the Final Days was written a long time ago, somewhere toward the end of the first century.  So I wonder if there were other times in the past 2,000 years when our ancestors thought the End of Days was just about to come,” Maeby Knottsosoon pondered.
 
        “Just think of someone living around 1350 A.D.  Their ancestors had survived attacks from the Huns and Visigoths.  The Little Ice Age was just ending when the Black Death (bubonic plague) blasted them.  Yikes!  I bet some of those folks thought the End of Days had arrived.

        “Or what about during America’s Civil War?  The country was torn apart; brother was fighting brother.  Golly, and think of what the folks living in 1918 went through.  World War I was still going on when the flu pandemic struck.  Eleven years later the Great Depression began; the dustbowl and another world war soon followed.  Seems like there may have been more than a few times when the Final Days seemed likely to be right around the corner.”

        The following Sunday – “So… did you like today’s sermon?” Bea Leever asked. “You bet!” Maeby beamed. “John Calvin’s* quote about the creation story is terrific.  Here, it’s in the bulletin. ‘Let everyone regard himself as the steward of God in all things… (and) not abuse those things which God requires to be preserved.’

        “You know,” Maeby continued, “the Final Days might be here soon but maybe not for generations to come.  Meanwhile, we’ve got this beautiful Earth to protect and preserve.  I’d like to think my grand and great-grand kids will know I’ve done my part to care for God’s creation.  After all, it’s what’s expected of us.

        “Let’s pray that, like us, they’ll be blessed with a bountiful and healthy planet right here on the only home we’ll ever know where we’re all forever… Earthbound.”
*Reformation theologian