The reality, they point out, is that we live in an arid environment, and instead of worrying so much about keeping front lawns green, perhaps we should adopt outdoor watering patterns that are more consistent with the hand that Mother Nature has dealt us locally.
Past the meticulously manicured yard of Marybeth Keigher’s North Boulder house, surrounded by vibrant flowers and fountains, lies what appears to be a converted guesthouse that now serves as a studio for her acupuncture and sound healing practice.
Once upon a time, most people harvested their food directly from the land or sea rather than selecting it from stocked grocery store shelves that bear the same appearance in August as they do in March.
As the temperature drops, the renters among us crank the heat and curse the landlord who won’t replace those old, leaky windows. But then, why would he? He doesn’t see a penny of savings off his bill, does he?
The bootstrap-pulling, flannel-wearing, trophy buckle-adorned tales of survival and triumph over the elements are a well-loved part of Americana. So does it matter that the leather to make the boots, fabric to make the shirts and metal to make the buckles don’t come from around here?
There are costs that consumers aren’t told about at the cash register, and approaching economics environmentally reveals that the price tag often fails to illustrate the true cost of an item.