I get three basic kinds of hate mail or comments related to global warming:

Good hate mail: Nice smart hate mail or comments with decent arguments and respectful comments (these folks just don’t agree with me). I post these comments and try to respond to the emails.

Stupid hate mail: Idiot hate mail or comments that make no sense and offer no back up, “YOU SUCK!” or “You know why the ice is melting  – the sun dumb ass…” or “This guy says you’re wrong” then there’s a link back to some joke website by Joe Blow the unpublished scientific mind who rambles on and on about nothing. Um, ok. I don’t respond to these because it’s a waste of my time.

The people who want me dead hate mail: To be honest it’s a little startling to get an email from someone who says they’ll find me where I live and get me or that they want to hold my brain in their hands, but oddly, they don’t freak me out like the stupid hate mailers. Sometimes, low and behold the crazies actually offer up some facts to support their violence mind set. NOT that I condone violence but well, at least they’re thinking.

I find all of the above strange because one, I don’t write about global warming all that often, and two, while I do believe in global warming, my whole stance is going green for other reasons too, not just because of global warming. Lastly, hello, nice family blog! I’m not out to get anyone. Oddly, in my real world offline life, people argue with me about global warming, but not to such extremes. I’m guessing hiding behind the Internet makes one braver. Or maybe the people I know in real life just don’t care. I’m not really sure.

That said, maybe you’re not getting death threats, maybe you’re just arguing with people nicely. Still, if you have these global warming issues with folks online or in real life I know a guide that can help you out.

Grist put together an amazing guide called: How to Talk to a Climate Skeptic: Responses to the most common skeptical arguments on global warming, that covers so many arguments and issues related to global warming it boggles the mind about how they found the time to pull this together. The guide is divided into common skeptical arguments on global warming, which include; Stages of Denial, Scientific Topics, Types of Argument, and Levels of Sophistication.

This Grist guide handles the easy – there is no proof that CO2 is causing global warming, to the misinformed – natural emissions dwarf human emissions, to non-scientific – global warming is a hoax, to naive – It’s the sun, stupid, and everything in-between. With over a hundred pieces to this guide so far (it appears to be growing) you’re sure to find one good way to debate with your questioning neighbor, mean MIL, crackpot co-worker and anyone else who comes your way.

Grist rocks all the time, and this guide just makes me love them more. Take a look today.

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But what about the weather? 

It is getting pretty cold, in fact Cedar and I skipped two walks this week due to cold, which yeah, we shouldn’t have done. Here’s what you can do.

Layer up. Heading outside for exercise in the late fall and winter can be freezing, but if you’re moving at a good pace, you’ll warm up. Be sure to wear a few layers, ones that can be easily peeled off.

Drink up. Even though it’s cold, you still need water during a workout. In fact, with all the layers, you may sweat more. Take a reusable water bottle with you.

Change up. Make the cold snowy weather work for your workout. Ice skate, ski, or build a labor intensive snowman. All are good calorie burners.

Weight up. Carrying weights can not only add a kick to your workout, but help keep you steady if the roads and paths are wet and slick.

Light up. Soon you’ll be able to bundle up you and the kiddos, and take a nice long walk to look at all the houses that light up for Christmas. This is more exciting than your typical walk, but still good exercise, so this year skip the car. Tip: use a wagon with a blanket for super little ones.

Got any more winter outside exercise ideas? 

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1) Make nature your gym of choice.

2) Switch to a reusable water bottle. Some good ones, with reviews:

• SIGG Water Bottle
• Klean Kanteen Water Bottle

3) Recycle those running shoes – visit (Approximately) 20 Ways To Recycle Your Running Shoes to learn more.

4) Wear organic workout gear.

5) Snag a cool eco-friendly workout bag: I like the Truly Organic Gym Bag – 100% organic cotton drawstring with a nice “Smallest footprint possible” message. Small, and easy to tote, yet still fits your gear. If you need more room, try the Everything Fits Gym Bag, made from recycled materials.

[Image via Truly Organic]

[Image via Gaiam]

Now get jogging! Or you know walking… that’s good too.

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For example; ditching the car and walking, even for just one mile, burns up to 100 calories. Ditch the car for a bike or skates, and well, you get places faster, and burn more calories. As you stay fit, so does the planet because you’re introducing literally pounds less of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere for each mile you don’t drive that car of yours.

Aim for an informal exercise routine that involves less driving – good for the planet, and great for your health.

November current events at Tree Hugging Family – themes, reviews, news, and more…

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