(Letter to the Editor - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Just got in from taking out a tree my wife wanted removed. Used a Ryobi 18-volt battery powered chain saw. Got most of it done on the first battery. Will finish up tomorrow morning.

Taking a look around our local area, one cannot help but notice the abundance of trees.

Trees are a renewable resource. New ones are growing all the time. I also notice the evidence of coal, oil, and natural gas. God put those things in the Earth before we even knew what they were and how we could use them. To try to stop using them makes absolutely no sense at all. The tree huggers of past generations, and perhaps today, would be hard pressed to write all of the drivel they put out without trees, and paper made from trees.

I am not anti-alternative energy. I put solar panels on my roof, facing South, almost two years ago, and by my figuring I have reduced my electrical costs by 89%. I generally go three electric bills with zero due and a credit on my account and some kilowatt hours in the “bank.” I do not understand how it all works, but I do notice my electric bills. After three bills like that, then I go three months with low bills, some very low and some not bad at all.

Prior to putting on solar panels, I was using about 18,200 kilowatt hours per year. Now about 2,000. We have a Toyota hybrid that gets incredible mileage. Runs like a top.

I also installed a Generac whole house generator that runs on natural gas 13 years ago. Kicks on when power is off even when I am not home.

I am writing all of this to say we can use energy and still be good stewards of the Earth. I take care of my house and property and encourage others to do the same. We do not have to be extreme in our approach to energy usage, and demand an all or nothing attitude. If others still drive gasoline cars, and I still do, so be it. America is still a free country. We have the freedom to live as we see fit, as long as it is legal. There are those who act like “chicken little,” and worry about the sky falling. It is not. Whether you believe in God or not, He still is sovereign. Trust God.

Robert Sadler

Marietta