Heloise

Dear Heloise: I asked you to remind readers of the environmental harms of tourism travel so that they might consider traveling less. You printed this letter in the Buffalo News, and in your response, you placed most of the blame on global warming and air pollution from fossil fuel companies rather than on tourism, implying that changing travelers’ behaviors is unimportant.

Certainly, these companies bear the greater blame because, for decades, they misinformed citizens about the harms of their products (as tobacco producers argued against linking their products to respiratory diseases). However, the well-being of future generations depends on all humanity — that is, everyone living in harmony with Earth.

Antismoking campaigns rightly call not only for adjustments to business practices from tobacco producers, but also for smokers to stop smoking. Similarly, caring for the planet requires corporations and the public to exercise their environmental responsibility. We consumers decide how much and what we consume. Those of us who are privileged to have money available for the pursuit of pleasure can choose environmentally friendly habits. — Andrew H., via email

Andrew, this column provides hints for readers to help make their work and personal lives a little easier. However, I try to never tell anyone how to live their lives.

As for tourism, I think with the high cost of living getting higher every day, fewer people will be traveling in 2026. And there is more hope on the horizon — the birth rate in many countries such as China, Japan, the United States, and Russia are declining, which means fewer consumers. More and more people are looking at how they live and spend their income.

More of us are recycling, are using solar and wind energy, and have decided that keeping up with the Joneses is a waste of our time and money. Yes, there is still waste, and some people will always need to have the latest gadgets or fashion trends. But more and more people are becoming aware of the impact each of us has on this planet.

More people have come to realize that designer clothes and fancy cars are nice but don’t bring peace of mind, a healthy body, or lasting joy to our lives. I do agree with you on one thing: Earth is our home, and it’s time that we cleaned house. — Heloise

SEND A GREAT HINT TO: Heloise@Heloise.com

SPARE BULBS

Dear Heloise: For years, I just put the spare bulbs that came with a new strand of Christmas lights into a small coffee can. This kept all the replacement bulbs all together, but it’s not always easy to find the correct replacement bulb when needed!

I have since changed methods. I now use a small prescription bottle with a secure locking cap, and I drill a hole through the center of the cap, then push a tie wrap through to secure this bottle to the cord of lights. Only one hole is required.

I feed the tie wrap through the hole from the inside of the cap, around the light cord, and back through the same hole, securing the tie wrap inside. I trim off excess length; the tie-wrap-locking mechanism should be larger than the hole. Then I add bulbs to the bottle and close the lid.

Now when a replacement bulb needs to be installed, I have one right on hand, and there’s no sorting for the correct size or color! — D.S., in Fort Wayne, Indiana