I figure the best place for me to try to live more sustainably is in the city because: 1) That is where my husband lives -- and he ain't moving! 2) More people will see that living more gently on the planet can be achievable, comfortable, and enjoyable. 3) Less use of fossil fuels for transportation. 4) I'm disabled and need weekly medical care. Our cities will have to change drastically in order to achieve complete sustainability, but I think they can come far closer than they are without pain and sacrifice. For example, I eat better than most city folks because I grow much of our food. Much of what I don't grow myself I buy in twenty-five pound sacks (organically grown legumes and grains, mostly) and store without refrigeration; I also still buy some canned and bottled stuff by the case. This has allowed me to limit my shopping to six times a year. My husband agreed to this "unusual" arrangement only because I assured him I wouldn't make HIM abide by it; he occasionally picks up a half gallon of milk and some bananas, but the other day he mentioned that my shopping only six times a year does seem to be working and that he isn't feeling deprived. In fact he has admitted we eat unusually well. This unconventional arrangement (many city folks shop daily) saves me money (bulk discounts and less opportunity for impulse buying), huge amounts of time, and lots of fossil fuel and electricity. I'm now campaigning for a smaller, more efficient refrigerator because much of our food is harvested minutes before being prepared for a meal or can be stored without refrigeration (winter squash, potatoes, onions, etc.). Actually, I wouldn't mind trying no refrigerator at all, but that is still too radical for the rest of my family. And the garden is such a nice place to be. It gives me hours of pleasure in addition to food and it has allowed us to get rid of our lawn mower, string trimmer, etc. It seems to save more time than it takes and it is far more enjoyable than mowing grass or waiting in long lines at the traffic lights and the checkout stands. And I feel good knowing that the food we eat is not genetically engineered or grown with chemicals. Carol (and Brodie) zone 8
