Gemini Manor and our Environment

1. We recycle all (glass & plastic) jars & bottles & aluminum cans. (They are given to the homeless people in the neighborhood who redeem them for cash.)
2. We recycle all metal cans, magazines, newspapers, cardboard, plastics, etc. (city pick-up).
3. Obtain cast-off building materials (doors, windows, wood facades, bathtubs, sinks, etc.) and use them in the construction & decoration of Gemini Manor. For example, bathtubs are used as fishponds. Sinks are used for aquatic plants and waterfalls. Toilets become excellent planters.
4. Use sawdust, food scraps (and other organic materials) as compost & mulch. In addition, the possums, raccoons & squirrels in the neighborhood pick through the stuff and eat some of the more desirable delicacies.
5. The two, separate home sections of Gemini Manor are connected to one (natural gas) water heater, which is housed on the roof. By having a glass door in front of the heater (which is painted black), the sun helps keep the water hot thus decreasing the need for the heater’s internal furnace to be used as much. In addition, the heater is turned off most of the time and is turned on only when needed.
6. Skylights are used throughout The Manor thereby eliminating the need for electrical lighting during the day. Small, solar lights are used in various areas.
7. Gemini Manor is heavily insulated and relies on small, antique heaters that use small amounts of natural gas but provide a large amount of heat. Several wood-burning fireplaces are also used for heat, at times.
8. Old tires are cut in half and used as planters that are hung from outside rafters.
9. Gemini Manor has a large automobile collection but they are driven very little. Mostly Alexander uses his bicycle or sometimes an old Chevy Chevette hatchback with a 4-cylinder engine (great gas mileage!).
10. Many trees have been planted on the property, over the years. Besides adding beauty and oxygen to this hidden corner of the world, the leaves and branches help keep The Manor cool in the Summer. In the Fall and Winter, the trees lose their leaves and allow the Sun to heat the dark-colored roof of Gemini Manor. Thus the interior stays warm and dry.

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Gas Cars? Bio Cars? Hybrids? Flux-Capacitor Models?????????

Yes, people will always debate which kind of vehicle would be best for our environment. Despite my love for old, gas-guzzling Classic Cars, I am very much in favor of electric cars (EV's). I was fortunate enough to attend a funeral for the General Motors Electric Car, a few years ago, where I witnessed these amazing vehicles in action. I was very impressed with the quality, the styling and the incredible performance aspects of this under-reported car. Sadly, it no longer exists (buy the DVD: "Who Killed the Electric Car"). However, there are caring, resourceful people who are now trying to create a new version.

Find out more: www.pluginamerica.com

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ALEXANDRA PAUL is one of my heroines, somebody who really “walks her talk”: a beautiful, talented actress who uses her public visibility to promote ways of helping our world and the lives of people and animals. She herself had a long, productive history with the General Motors Electric Car and went to great lengths to protect its existence. I've met her a couple of times and found her to be a very positive, charming woman who deeply cares about life.

PS: Alexandra starred with one of my favorite Classic Autos - a 1958 Plymouth Fury - in the 1983 Stephen King / John Carpenter Classic Horror Film “CHRISTINE”!

Check out her website: www.alexandrapaul.com