So now we have a problem, where have you been?

I hear a lot of people talking about prices of gasoline, fuel oil, electricity, natural gas, etc. The next logical increase is the cost of all of the goods that are made from fossil fuels (90% of what we use daily is made from oil) and have to be trucked across the country. My only response: Where have you been?

My beef? Those who for decades talked about how all of the conservationists were out of their minds. How they discussed the downfall of the environment and their solution would destroy all of our ways of life and raise taxes. Are you kidding me? When are we going to learn to be proactive and stop the nonsense? The cost of changing/cleaning up, etc. is enormous.

So everyone is complaining and I know that we can't change the past, but what are you doing now? Are you going to continue to complain or are you going to do something to make a change for the better, model a better way of life for the future, and teach the younger generation that you do care. By the way, they think you don't. There are a lot of very angry young people upset about the state of the world. The problem seems enormous but everyone working together can accomplish much. We all have to give up a little now or we stand to have to give up a lot more in the future. It is all too easy to think it will just work out by itself. Ask yourself, what do you believe? What will you do?

So what do I do? For me, I have been concerned about this since the 70's. Sure, I still consume my share but take a definite stand on many issues. I have used my own cloth bags for shopping long before it became popular (is it where you are?). As a matter of fact, certain family members did not want to be seen with me when I used those bags. I have recycled as long as well (BTW I do not live where there is curbside recycling), I limit trips in a car (one with better gas mileage), combine my trips, grow my own produce and even make our own dog food. I can go on and on about computer use, using resources and electricity, but will actually be doing this for my high school classes soon.

As for my classes, I educate. We are researching, we are understanding viewpoints and problems around the world, and we are hoping to make change. The same message here I am giving to them. They have a voice and they want to be heard. I am encouraging thoughts turning into action. I hope it becomes contagious.