Excellent article on the human "footprint"

[Pax]

The article discusses the ways in which we chose to live and how those choices affect the size of the footprint we occupy.
http://www.dispatch.com/science/science.php?story=dispatch/2007/02/13/20070213-D6-00.html

[HillSlugger]

Humankind is screwed!

[Pax]

We're house hunting right now and have made a conscious decision to buy a smaller house and to live closer to work/groceries/activities, I'm going to start cycling to work and we're selling one of our cars. I think the situation is fixable if people want to try.

[emily_in_nc]

Great article Queen - thanks for sharing.

My DH and I hope to find a way to live car-free (or as close to that as possible) someday, either in a conducive town or on a cruising sailboat. If I didn't have to drive to work (29 miles each way :eek:), that would make a huge difference as well. I work at home when I can, but it's not possible very often. I'm hoping to retire early so even if we stay right where we are, our fossil fuel usage will go way down. We do what we can now -- burn our free wood (we live in the woods) in an efficient woodstove instead of running the heat pumps, use compact fluorescent bulbs, combine car trips, turn off lights, recycle...but it's not enough, I know. Good for you making some of the changes you are making!

Emily

[missymaya]

I took a environmental ethics course a little while ago and this subject was a hot topic because it also implied this need to "mass produce" if you will, the human race. Is it neccessary in today's age to have 4-5 kids or +? But, at the same time, you would be limiting one's right to have kids (look at China for example) and then apply the argument to 3rd world countries where the mindset is still to have many kids b/c of increased labor, lack of birth control or knowledge of control, etc.
Also, here in Orlando, the city is discussing light rail as another form of transportation but too many people don't want it. I have the feeling that they are too attached to driving and are not willing to compromise, as well as on other things, like what products they use and how they dispose of them.There are so many answers to the problems but no one wants to compromise,even when the compromise is as simple as recycling or riding a bike 5 miles to work.
As what John Denver said, I may not be able to save the world, but I can help as much as I can in my own way!

[annie]

I may not be able to save the world, but I can help as much as I can in my own way!

I think that attitude is the KEY. We all need to do what we are able, in our own lives, to make a difference.

Annie

[RoadRaven]

Missy... I have 5 children and have been involved (either actively or passively, depending on how aggressive those in the discussion are) in several conversations around this. They are fascinating to listen to and I have heard many pros and cons around large families.

I have also been stunned at some of the family-size propaganda that comes to this country via American kids cartoons (cue "Captain Planet" which my children loved when they were younger and so did I for its environmental messages... telling my children at the end of one episode that 1-2 children was ok, but to have more is irresponsible).

Here's my perspective on this one

My kids are educated, enviornmentally aware, considerate contributers. So I do not feel the need to justify them, or my decision to have them. They will be assessts to this planet.

My feeling is that not everyone will have big families, not everyone always has kids! My teenagers first carreer paths are looking like this - nearly 19 wants to be a journalist and a writer and wants to document lifestyles and changes around the world... my almost 18 wants to work in fitness and get more people cycling and walking and making healthy food and lifestyle choices... my just 16 is intent on the sciences, and is thinking he would like to research something in terms of efficient and earth friendly fuels....

They grow food (vegies and fruit) to eat, they are already in the habit of recycling, all three have there drivers licences but none own a car, or want to own a car and they tend to walk, bike, or get a lift with someone else. When they eventually move away from us and into a town I am guessing they will use public transporrt.

My children will give back to this wonderful earth so much more than many take... and I really believe if we could just get our lifestyles and greed sorted, this arguament would not be an issue.

However of course, what comes into play is what Missy has mentioned - not all people/countries on this planet are working on the same principles or with the same motivation...

I heard on the radio yesterday that Japanese fisheries took 1200 minkes from NZ waters for research purposes... research???? Yeah right... Of course there is the clearing of rainforest for cattle in South America which just breaks my heart... so many things around the world... how can we ever get it together?

[missymaya]

It's perspectives and situations that make this conversation so complexing, such and agree completely. It comes down to compromise and even then, there must be adjustments for those who don't have the ability to make those compromises.
Raven, your kids sound pretty darn cool! Those who think it can not be done need examples such as your children to inspire. Right now, I'm trying to convert my back yard into a garden but vegies are kinda hard b/c I live in Florida so, the heat and rain can be difficult to work with. Fruit, on the other hand, well let's say, I already have 10 pineapples that will be ready to harvest in the summer:) yummy. And I will never really be out of tangerines or oranges or lemons!!

[Trek420]

Roadraven, Since I forgot to have children :eek: (OMG, the 80's were a blur, what was I thinking? :eek: :cool: ) I give you permission to have whatever number of kids I'm allowed to have. I think you're doing a great job.

[Bikingmomof3]

Roadraven, Since I forgot to have children :eek: (OMG, the 80's were a blur, what was I thinking? :eek: :cool: ) I give you permission to have whatever number of kids I'm allowed to have. I think you're doing a great job.

Thanks for the smile Trek. :)

Road Raven, I could not agree more. I have three very bright, respectful teens who will be an asset to society. And as I sit here I realise the 4 neighbours nearest me are childless and do not plan to have any, so I guess I balanced things out or the over way around. ;)

[Trekhawk]

on...

I heard on the radio yesterday that Japanese fisheries took 1200 minkes from NZ waters for research purposes... research???? Yeah right... Of course there is the clearing of rainforest for cattle in South America which just breaks my heart... so many things around the world... how can we ever get it together?

Yikes dont get me started on Japanese fishing. I guess after they admitted that they had exceeded the fishing limit for Southern Bluefin Tuna in 2005 (hmm makes you wonder about all the other years) nothing should suprise me but funnily enough it still does.

[RoadRaven]

LOL... thanks Trek...
:D
Take your pick... they're all stunning kids
Honoured to have "had" yours for you... ;)

Now... about all that money you have been able to spend on bikes while I bought groceries and school uniforms... :p