Do you remember the "Boneyards" show on railroads? It was mostly focused on recycling, and how the railroads re-use equipment, and recycle metals and even old ties to get the maximum out of them rather than just creating more landfills and dumps.
Many of us do this, too. We don't throw stuff away, but instead keep boxes of old parts that sometimes come in useful for repairs or projects. We transfer ownership of things we're through with at train shows, swap meets and on eBay.
It's a pretty low-impact hobby. Most of the time, I doubt that my layout is drawing much more energy than a 100-watt light bulb, a bit under one amp. I've got my scenery lighting circuits on front-panel toggles, so that I can leave them off in the daytime, or when I'm not "showing off" the layout. I usually go to my LHS or the craft store on my way home from work, saving a bit on gas, too. (I've even bicycled to my LHS, returning with a Peco turnout in my back pocket.) While that's no different than going to the grocery store on the way home, it's all part of that "environmental consciousness" and the small things that add up to significant savings in the long run.
Remember before the environment was a concern?
I sure hope the production of hops and barley is good for the environment, though.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Soy based plastics and hemp scenery!
I saw a show on industrial pollution in China last week. They said the Sun barely shines through it in some large cities.
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
Jerry SP FOREVER http://photobucket.com/albums/f317/GAPPLEG/
The environment has been in the news lately, especially relating to the hot topic (pun intended!) of global warming. Since this is a model train board, and as a meteorologist I have an emotional investment in this topic, I'll stay away from the debate of whether global warming is a man-made or natural phenomenon (not looking for a flame war!).
That said, for those of us looking to reduce our impact on the environment, maybe lower the power bill a notch, or just reduce pollution, here are a few tips I think could help:
1. Unplug whenever possible. Appliances draw current when plugged in, even if they're not on. The current is very small, but it's still there. I plug everything into a single surge protector, which I can then unplug.
2. Layout lighting. I use fluorescent lighting, but that's really not as eco-sound as it could be. CFLs are a better bet, but require baffles, and can be slow to reach full intensity (depending on the type). LED lighting is getting there, but still has the one major drawback of LEDs: LEDs are directional. I've seen some discussion on this topic, and most have been disappointed with LEDs so far for layout lighting. My suggestion; use the minimum possible wattage you can get away with and still have adequate lighting. I think in a few years CFL and LED technology will have improved to where they will be preferable for layout lighting.
Note: CFL bulbs contain trace amounts of mercury; dispose of them at a designated facility.
3. Work outside. In warmer climates, benchwork can be built outside or in the garage in sections, and moved to the layout room for final assembly. This cuts down on indoor climate control and lighting needed in construction.
4. Non-toxic paints and glues. Whenever possible, stick with acrylic-based paints. For plastic kits, there are very effective non-toxic plastic glues. I'm no chemist, and I don't know how they work, but I use them and they do work! This is less an energy-saving thing as a generally more eco-friendly thing.
5. Use good wood for benchwork! By this I mean look for wood that was grown in a sustainable forest. Proper foresting techniques can increase the amount of carbon dioxide removed from the air and sequesters in old growth trees and the soil.
Well, there are probably a lot more ideas out there. I'd love to hear them!
I also appreciate that not everyone is concerned with ideas like "carbon footprint" and energy savings. I respect those opinions and am not attempting to sway them. I do, however, suspect that there are other people like me who are concerned about how we can reduce our impact, to include our hobbies. Please, no flames!
With so much made in China, and with the requirements of shipping and lax Chinese emissions standards, "carbon neutral" model railroading is probably only achievable either by scratchbuilding everything, or by garden railroading (plant trees on your garden railroad!).
Modeling the Rio Grande Southern First District circa 1938-1946 in HOn3.