PGAQ #3 by Vic Steblin, Dec 30, 2007

2570 Laurier Crescent, Prince George, BC, 250-564-1123

When I was younger we did not have central heating and yet keeping warm was not a big problem. I remember blowing clouds of fog above the feather blanket in the morning. Due to the cold, one would seldom leave a foot outside the blanket.

The sawdust burner in our kitchen was used mostly for cooking but the oven was also used to warm up wet feet. We were young and active and wore extra socks, long underwear and sweaters when cold.

In modern day Prince George many of us heat the whole house and then wander around in bare feet and short sleeves. This costs more money than necessary and lowers the air quality, locally and globally.

I see many good reasons for a change in attitude about keeping warm. We can lower the thermostat, wear sweaters and socks, get more active and also feel better about improving the air.

We don’t need to use as much natural gas or electricity and we should obviously stop using wood burners.

Sweaters are a few dollars at thrift stores and quality socks make great presents. A better attitude can help reduce the haze of smoke that often blankets our city.