This started out as a review of the book "The Gardener's
Computer Companion" and grew into the question; how can
computers improve the quality of life and help us be earth
friendly?
It might be better to start with the question: Do computers
fit into sustainability? But, i assume we all have computers
so our starting point already has a computer attached.
My impression is that most home computer usage is a huge
waste of resources. The hardware is way beyond most peoples
needs, the software is inefficient, and even worse, most
computers are used for recreation rather than becoming a tool
for improving the quality of life. With the control of
computing in the hands of those who need to create new
markets this state may get even worse. New operating systems
which require new software to work with newer hardware....
on and on.
One way we might be able to get off of this treadmill is to
work with older equipment and decide what we want and need
rather than have someone tell us what we need.
What i seem to need most is information storage, information
search, and periodic scheduling (reminders). These things
are easy to do with available (free) software. For me they
consist of:
* local storage search for files or words within files
* Schedule and log program with cyclic reminders.
* Editor
* Web browser and email program
Those tools can handle most information for Health, cooking,
gardening, history logs, daily reminders, business reminders,
inventories, etc. In this mode the computer becomes a tool
to live more efficiently and provides data which cycles with
the natural world.
Another use is to serve as a community tool for communication.
This helps eliminate some travel and allows distant family
to remain in contact. It could also be a way to improve
education and organize local groups for exploring topics
together.
All this may not be enough to make todays computer an eco tool,
but i can visualize a future where computers fit better.
jeff
