A great new way to save The Planet™

[Abdul Alhazred]

Washington Post blog.

Saving the Earth: The Biodiesel Bus Blog (scroll down a bit)

I have spent the better part of this tour trying to come up with easy ways for us all to become a part of the solution to global warming. Although my ideas are in the earliest stages of development, they are, in my mind, worth investigating. One of my favorites is in the area of forest conservation which we heavily rely on for oxygen. I propose a limitation be put on how many squares of toilet paper can be used in any one sitting. Now, I don't want to rob any law-abiding American of his or her God-given rights, but I think we are an industrious enough people that we can make it work with only one square per restroom visit, except, of course, on those pesky occasions where 2 to 3 could be required.

Of course any trees used to make paper in industrial quantities are a regular crop grown for the purpose.

So there's no "saving the forest" about this proposal. Which is probably not all that serious, though I can see some folks taking it seriously. In order to be pure of heart, you know.

Or maybe the Washington Post just wants to sell more papers?

 

[Mephisto]

I would be completely willing to use only one sheet of 45-ply toilet paper to save the Earth.

 

[Beerina]

I am, and have been for decades, for the complete Trantorization of Earth.

 

[ImaginalDisc]

Most of the wood pulp used in making paper in the United States comes from privately owned tree farms, not old growth forests. Besides, alternatives such as kenaf and hemp make great paper, too.

What's all the hubub, bub?

 

[Overman]

I thought this was going to be an announcement that Bruce Willis had a son.

 

[BobK]

One square of toilet paper?? Are you expected to use both sides?

 

[Mycroft]

I am, and have been for decades, for the complete Trantorization of Earth.

Uhm, that's where we pave the entire planet, isn't it?

 

[Vorticity]

I am, and have been for decades, for the complete Trantorization of Earth.

Wouldn't work.

You'll recall that the food/water/energy support of Trantor required the dedicated labor of hundreds of surrounding Earth-like worlds. We haven't even colonized our solar system yet.

Furthermore, the efficient elimination of the excess heat production from Trantor's global city required the use of technology which does not yet exist.

All of this is covered in "Prelude to Foundation".

 

[Vorticity]

Uhm, that's where we pave the entire planet, isn't it?

Yes, and cover it entirely with domes of ultra-high tensile strength polymer.

 

[rtalman]

But I kind of like her other idea about using your coat sleeve as a napkin/handkerchief. My mother would be mortified, but I kind of like it.

 

[slingblade]

Let the Daleks have it. It's inevitable, isn't it? Just go ahead and get it over with; the tension is killing me.

 

[Abdul Alhazred]

Update: Rosie's comments on this issue:

http://www.tmz.com/2007/04/23/rosie-to-sheryl-crow-have-you-seen-my-ass