| Transitiontown, USA | |
| It doesn’t take a scientist to realize that our planet is changing. Globalization has brought the world together with trade, transportation, and diplomacy. While this projects the image of a unified, accessible world, what is the true cost? Modern western society has lost a connectivity with the land that our ancestors once experienced. To us, food comes from a grocery store, a drive-thru, or a factory. Local food is practically a novelty. This mindset is understandable because the majority of food we consume comes from another region, another country, or even another continent. There is a definite disconnect when it comes to consumption, not only with food, but with resources as well. If we don’t see the effects of our impact immediately, we believe it doesn’t exist. Out of sight, out of mind! The emissions from our vehicles end up as acid rain in the Amazon, or the plastic bags we get at the grocery store find their way to the stomachs of seabirds. Not only have these “forgotten” impacts contributed to climate and wildlife change, but also they have perpetuated our addiction to petroleum and propelled us towards reaching, or, at this point, even surpassing Peak Oil. Peak Oil is the concept that we are running out of the cheap oil that our world runs on. Peak Oil is the point of no return, after which the rate of petroleum production enters terminal decline because the method used to extract the distant oil supply will be too expensive. In response to the recent BP oil leak, President Obama addressed the nation. He spoke of the need for a transition to alternative energy, not only as a preventative method against future atrocities like the one in the Gulf, but as a realistic and necessary progression towards a sustainable way of life. Beginning in the United Kingdom, the “Transition Movement”, has begun to make its way into American communities. It is a “vibrant, international movement that builds community resilience in response to the challenges of Peak Oil, climate change, and the economic crisis” (transitionus.org). Recognizing that these challenges stem from unsustainable practices, the Transition Movement seeks to revolutionize and localize modern living. The main goal behind the Transition Movement is to initiate a downward slope of energy use from the peak at which we as modern society have adopted. Through our own creativity we can create ways to live in harmony with the Earth. Furthermore, deep Earth stewardship can assuage the plaguing environmental predicament by creating an understanding that all life is equally respected. Establishing a community with food, water, transportation, government, energy, art, and recreation on a much smaller, communal scale can reinstate the homegrown essence that is lacking today. Food from a neighbor’s farm and energy from a windmill are balanced out by another’s intellect and keen problem solving skills as a part of the local government. It’s a more communal way of life. If we are directly active in our community, we are more likely to care about the impact of our actions and of our neighbors’ as well. There are currently over 70 Transition Towns in the US, and even more internationally. A transition is a process, and an extremely gradual one. The first step to curing an addiction is acceptance. Accept that oil will not be around forever, and there is no time better than now to skip out at the gas pump and hop on a more viable form of transit – a Transition. For more information please look to transitionus.org |
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| Two Wheels to Freedom | |
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Summer is a great time to escape the vehicular four-wheel holding cell in your garage. Find yourself there more often than not? Next time, make your one phone call from the “car prison” to your bicycle. She will be more than happy to bail you out.
For those able, a bike is a great companion when the weather is sunny and your errands are minimal. A trip to the grocery store, park, or beach is a great opportunity to get outside and be active. Also, there are great accessories that can make your bike trips both fun and productive.
Try attaching a rack and milk crate above the back wheel to carry cargo acquired from a quick shopping trip. The back of the bike is more suitable to carry weight. Or, for those who want a fun new way to exercise with your pooch, check out attachments that clip onto your dog’s leash so he can run alongside you as you ride. Not only are these fun ways to enjoy nature, but they also minimize your carbon emissions and eliminate your need to hit the gym! |
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