We have been in the market for a car. We gave mine to our son-in-law last fall so that he could do his job, which requires quite a bit of travel. In the meantime, I decided to go with a hybrid. We had pretty much decided on the new 2010 Prius because the batteries are designed to last the life of the car. (A car we will have for a very long time.)
As I mentioned in my last post - my Achilles heel is children and animals. And one of the animals that I love the most is the elephant. After watching this 60-Minutes segment, my husband and I have decided NOT to buy the new Prius we were going to buy this summer. In fact, we are going to do our very best not to buy anything from Japan and China due to their importation of tons and tons of ivory, causing the subsequent slaughter of elephants in Africa (up 45% this year alone). Japan continues to hunt whales, another subject I feel deeply about. Since we are not really buying much more than food these days, this shouldn't be too difficult.
At some point we need to make a stand for the creatures on our earth that cannot speak for themselves. And, for me, this is mine.
In no way do I feel negatively toward the Chinese or Japanese people (for whom I have the utmost respect and affection). It is their government's policies on these issues that I disagree with. And the only power I have is with my wallet (a constrained one at that). So, lets take a look at that new Ford Fusion hybrid...
39 comments:
The use of ivory may not be the only reason to not buy a Prius. I read an article last week about some of the problems that people who drive a Prius are having:
http://www.riverfronttimes.com/2009-04-22/news/wild-rides-cars-accelerate-on-their-own-they-stop-dead-hybrid-prius-drivers-have-discovered-unexpected-adventure/
Kathy - Thanks for the info.
Good for you!
The looter mentality. Take because it's there. I may be a hypocrite because I eat chicken and fish, but I am really passionately against hunting for sport or for gain. I saw a segment, probably on 60 minutes, many years ago of how elephants were treated in a zoo in India...I fell to pieces. Thanks for posting this, even though I didn't want to read it, I had to. Money talks, so mine will too.
I say it too...good for you. Elephants are so intelligent, such wonderful creatures. I saw a show awhile back about an elephant that was taken to a protected preserve and there was another elephant already there that she had known maybe 20 years previous and then they were separated. It was obvious that these two elephants not only knew each other but were so glad to be reunited.
Yep. So many travesties take place in this world every day, big and small. We can't fight them all, of course. This is a good battle to have picked, it's just too bad that the American car companies are in such trouble and have been so poorly managed.
Sniffles - Thanks for your support.
Rain - I know what you mean about not wanting to watch it - I usually turn those programs about elephants off. But you have inspired me to be more courageous and face those things. This amounts to me standing up for something I feel strongly about.
Ellen - They are wonderful animals - kind and loving and very protective of their species. We need to end this awful business with ivory, once and for all.
Scarlethue - We do have to pick our battles, and I thought long and hard on this one. I knew it would be controversial with some. But sometimes you just have to do what you feel is important. Also, Ford did not take bailout money, and seems to be in good shape so far. Maybe it's time to stand behind them.
I admire you for your decision.
Good for you!
And buying American right now is really a very patriotic thing to do.
Unfortunately, we already own a Honda Civic Hybrid - although we did buy it 6 years ago. We have not had a spot of trouble with it and are still happily getting 50 miles per gallon. Our next hybrid purchase will be for my husband and will absolutely come out of Detroit.
I'm a 1936 Steinway owner and it has real ivory keys. It took 5 elephants' deaths to produce that one keyboard, so Henry Steinway quit making keys out of real ivory and moved to acrylic. I had already planned to tenderly take these real ivories off and move them to any other instrument I purchase. It is a tragedy.
I saw the same story about the two elephants who not only recognized each other but were glad to see each other. It was so heart warming!
In another show, I saw elephants mourn for their dead loved ones, years after their death. It's too sad to describe here.
Thanks for sharing. Your posts are really touching!
Oh...Thank you for adding me to your blog list. I'm so honored and delighted!
There are so many import cars now--even some GM cars are made overseas, so check and make sure where the Ford was built and...all of its parts. Of course we may never have another TV or electronic thing that isn't made overseas!
I commend you on NOT buying a Prius!!!
I am not a vegetarian...far from it. Last month we ate one of our own chickens. I guarantee though that our rooster did not suffer. But I'm totally against killing any animal for sport or for 'trickets'. And what's worse is the cruelty that is part of the process. What purpose does ivory serve? Yes, it's pretty, but so is a herd of elephants. No creature should die for vanity. I applaud you for standing up for your beliefs.
Elizabeth - Thank you for your support.
Good Cook - I applaud you for your purchase six years ago of a hybrid! We are just getting round to it...
Chris - Wow, thank you for your comment, and for your respect and honoring those keys.
Beatriz - Yes, they are amazing animals. They remember everything, and their capacity for compassion is amazing. They take in little orphans, like they were their own.
And thank you for sharing your amazing story - I know it can't be easy for you.
Jude - I know, they are so interconnected. And I would like to add that I'm trying to think globally when it comes to supporting businesses. People in Japan need their jobs, too. But this business with ivory makes me furious, and I have to make a stand, feeble as it may be. :-)
Mizz - I'm not a vegetarian, either. And small farming is the way I like to buy my meat. I like to know if it is giving it's life for me, that it also had a chance to live in a healthful, humanitarian environment like the one you have. And I agree, no one needs to buy anything made of ivory!
Sadly, many of the people involved in the wholesale slaughter of Elephants and other such animals, are doing this to obtain income to survive. They just don't know any better. It's the governments of these countries which should be forcing a stop to this kind of cruelty. It is a similar tale with the Gorilla's of the Rwandan Jungles where Dian Fossey was savagely murdered for trying to protect them.
Bogey - Good point. I'm hoping if there isn't a market for ivory, then they wouldn't be killing them to get it. But I agree - looking at how these people can make a living and be eco and animal friendly is the key.
The wallet is a mighty weapon, very effective. If more consumers sent the message you are sending, it might make a difference. Kudos to you!
Can't let the opportunity go by to say I whole agree with your objections buying one single thing from countries that continue to use up other species while perpetrating such cruel and inhumane practices at the same time. The word "inhumane" really bothers me these days, as I have concluded that there is no more senseless or cruel animal in existence than humans. Perhaps the word should be reworked. Any ideas?
Joanne - It's really the only weapon we have, I think.
JoMama - Nice to see you back! I totally agree - inhumane is rather nice compared to it's meaning. I just had to make a statement after watching last night's program. Elephants are more humane than humans, in how they take care of each other, adopt orphans, remember kindnesses, etc.
I too, am a lover of all the creatures that grace this planet. Note the word is grace...they are in our keeping and a shame that some people can be greedy for their own good. I'm a vegetarian and just can't get past killing animals. Living in the Midwest, we come across many feedlots that are fattening up cattle for the market. Horrible conditions..just so someone can eat a hunk of muscle called a steak. Fine for others, but just not for me. GOod for you for taking a stand!
I agree wholeheartedly. I have saw the segment and it was heartbreaking but they all are. I don't understand why people feel they have to have such stupid things, such unnecessary things for stupid reasons...sex drive or whatever the reason is. I just don't get it.
Thanks for sharing.
Joyce
Makes me want to cry. Thank you for your kind heart.
~Lorna
Alicia - I understand your feelings, and we are eating much less meat - mostly because of the factory farming. The meat we buy is grass-fed and then only about once a week or so. My daughter is a veggie. We are slowly working our way in that direction.
California Girl - Is that why they want the ivory? Man, that just needs to stop!
Joyce - Thanks for stopping by.
Lorna - I can tell you are a lover of animals, too!
I completely agree with you. I wish consumers were more aware of other countries' policies.
In any case, I think we should keep manufacturing and purchasing in our own countries.
I visted this orphange when I was in Kenya. It is such a happy place. The babies are playful and happy. It was a wonderful experience. I loved it.
I've spent years trying to make sensible, humane purchases when buying something is necessary. It's getting more difficult but I applaud your decision.
Were you aware that even if people decided to go back to horses and buggies, there aren't enough horses anymore? I guess you knew that.
Jo - I'm in total agreement on each country having some manufacturing. I think Ford has done a good job with the Fusion Hybrid. It's more expensive than the Prius - :-(
LaNeita - Wow!! You visited the little elephant orphanage? I love that woman that runs it!!
Susan - No I didn't know that there are not enough horses, but it would certainly make sense. Here in Nevada we have a problem with wild horses. They are always trying to find a way to kill them. But there is always someone that comes forth for adoption! T Boone Pickens wife is currently trying to get funding to start a huge refuge. Bless these souls!
thats very kind of you! i will surely follow this...
We saw the show too (2nd time) and it really rocks your world. Poor babies.
Love the elephants! And thanks for following my blog. I will be an empty nester soon and I am not looking forward to it. My second child left last year and my last will be leaving this year. It is really hard to deal with!
Yes, good for you! Thank you for the info, I didn't realize that still went on. I admire people who takes stands on issues!!
good luck with the car hunting!
pranky - Thanks!
Jill - Second time for us as well. I just had to do something, however small.
Desiree - Empty nest is definitely an adjustment - but you seem they type of person that will move on fairly easily.
Eva - Thanks for your encouragement.
Good for you, standing up for what you believe in! It is terrible what they do to the animals.
Everything is tainted. It makes me so sad.
Everything need not be tainted, Reya. More people need to realize the power they have within and do what Lover of Life has done. More people need to live life with conviction and principles that are not for sale. Each of us has that power within us. Thank you, Lover of Life for sharing that spark. I hope it ignites a forest fire of change!
The easiest way you can tell if an elephant is Indian or African, is by the shape of their ears. If the ear looks like the african continent, than it's an African elephant and vice versa.
Chic - Especially elephants. They are so dear.
Reya - We have to stand up for those that can't.
Kate - Thanks for the support!
Nabeel - Really? I didn't know that.
I love that you posted this!!!
I watched the 60 minutes report on the killing of elephants for ivory and I'm still upset and wondering what we can do to STOP this insanity!! I'm with you..I try NOT to buy from China..and
Japan!!Sure hope nature lovers are aware! Good for you! I applaude you!
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