Priorities, priorities. . .

This is an apology to all of my loyal blog readers (I know you're out there somewhere). I have been in Mexico for the past week. I didn't tell any of you because I was afraid. I know what you're thinking. I just escaped from the Minnesota winter where we've been having sub zero high temperatures for almost 100 hours straight. This is a good thing. But, you say, how can you possibly be trying to save the world, and by eating locally to reduce fossil fuel consumption no less, and still think it is ok to jet set off to the tropics whenever things get too tough around here. Where is my hearty Midwestern background that thrives on matyrdom and suffering?

It is true. One of my biggest struggles in trying to live a more responsible lifestyle is air travel. Air travel is one of the greatest consumers of fossil fuels, and each additional hour flown per years adds hectacres onto my carbon footprint. But, what do I do? I love to travel. There are a great many benefits to traveling. In fact, I would go as far as to say that I wouldn't be trying to live a responsible lifestyle if I hadn't traveled in the past. Travel makes me understand how connected we all are. It has taught me that the flavor of an in season tomato or avocado in Chile really is so much better than those shipped to the U.S. at the same time that I shouldn't bother to eat the pathetic excuse for produce that lines the shelves of my local grocer in the winter. It has taught me both the benefits of and how to use public transit. It has taught me that smaller houses do not actually result in a lower quality of life and can be quite cozy.

So. How do I reconcile flying 5,000 miles with saving the world? The problem is that no one person can engage in every single world saving practice. Also, there is considerable disagreement over what practices actually do contribute to the saving of the world (which is part of the reason this blog exists, to help us all sort through the mucky muck). I think the best philosophy and ultimately the most successful is simple prioritization. There are a lot of things we could do or we should do to make a difference, but sometimes we can't afford to do them all or they directly conflict with eachother. Take a look at your life. Figure out what you value. If the most important part of your daily breakfast is the not-from-concentrate OJ you ship to Saskatchewan from Florida, then finding a local substitute or buying from concentrate OJ is probably no going to work for you. Right now, I drive a 1999 Grand Prix GT. It has a huge V6 engine and the best gas mileage I've ever gotten is 24 mpg. But, I can't afford a new car, especially a brand new Prius or the forthcoming Chevy Volt and I need a car to get to where I'm going on a regular basis. So I keep my car, but I take the bus whenever I can and I ride my bike all summer. You figure out what is important to you, what you absolutely need, and then you try your best to make the rest better.