Friday, June 12, 2015

How to save the world in 3 easy steps

Step 1: Be nice to each other. 

I mean what good is saving the world if we're all going to be assholes. Without this the other steps don't mean much, however steps 2 and 3 can help us achieve step 1. Be nice. Treat everyone with respect and dignity. Or, as has been said, love one another.

Step 2: Plant a garden and grow as much of your own food as possible. 

Besides the obvious benefits of fresh healthy food, exercise, and an outdoor lifestyle, growing a garden will fundamentally change you as a human being. I can't really explain it, but ask anyone who grows a garden and they will know what I'm talking about.

There are so many ways that growing a garden is critically important. Of course we need to break our dependence on the agribusiness monsters that are raping the earth and destroying the environment. Of course we need to feed our kids the best food possible to build strong minds and bodies. Of course we need to protect the land, feed and nurture it, and put it to the best use possible.

How will growing a garden help us be nice to each other? If you grow a garden you will have more food than you know what to do with. You'll be giving vegetables away to everyone you know, and they will love you for it.

Step 3: Ride your bike as much as possible. 

You don't have wear spandex and train for the Tour de France, or buy a fancy new bike. Ride in whatever clothes you're wearing. Ride whatever bike you have. Think before you get in the car. Can I get there by bike?  Can I run this errand by bike?  For so many short trips around town, a bike is a much easier way to get there than a car. But don't just ride for transportation, ride for fun. Do you remember how much fun it is to ride a bike?

Riding a bike will fundamentally change you as a human being. I can't explain it, but just ask anyone who rides a bike and they will know what I'm talking about.

You may not think that riding a bike will make that much difference if you still have to drive for longer trips. But every short trip you do on a bike adds up, and by the end of the year you'll find you've used a lot less gas. Plus you'll start getting in better shape, which will make you want to ride longer and farther. Pretty soon you'll start wondering if really even need a car.

How will riding a bike help us be nice to each other?  Riding a bike makes you happy, and happy people are nice people.