Lifestyle Choices
An Oregon Perspective on Lifestyle Choices
Dick Roy
Founder
Northwest Earth Institute
The sustainability movement is picking up steam at the individual level. Manifestations include the growing practice of simplicity, growth in demand for organic products, concern over economic globalization and the attendant homogenization of culture, rising criticism of the commercialization of our children, and the demand for "green" consumer products.
Fortunately, there are many organizations and resources dedicated to helping people take steps down the path to a sustainable lifestyle. These can be helpful since hurdles stand in the way for most of us.
First, the structure of our society makes it difficult to live sustainably. The existing transportation and food supply systems, land use patterns, design and packaging of consumer products, etc. can be frustrating for those who seek to make daily decisions aligned with a sustainable lifestyle. Second, because of other priorities in daily life, the personal goal of sustainable living may not get the attention it deserves.
The good news is that each of us can make progress by taking incremental steps toward a sustainable lifestyle. Since we all have different circumstances, the next step will vary greatly. For example, one person might decide to take public transportation to work one day a week. Another may declare that his or her home a chemical-free zone. Another may decide to construct a solar cooker for an all organic, vegetarian diet.
As individuals take small steps, the collective impact will be a dramatic change in culture. As the people lead, the leaders will follow. In this respect, each person has an immense opportunity today to help lead Oregon to a sustainable future.
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