Good points, Jeff. I would add food to that list. Most people in the
so-called developed countries rely on store-bought food that is raised,
shipped, and preserved, with oil-dependent energy.
I would also add shelter. In this country we tend to use standardized
building materials shipped long distances rather than locally available
materials. Furthermore, continuing inputs of energy, which for many people
comes from oil, are needed to light, heat, and cool the shelter.
I'm trying to get off this downward spiral by building a small passive
solar straw bale house with PV integrated into the south side's roofing
material and by raising much of our food and some of our backup fuel in a
permaculture type garden which I will maintain with human-powered tools.
You don't have to move to a rural area to reduce your energy dependence,
either. I live in a major city and I've been raising lots of fruit and
veggies and some of my wood fuel for several years now. Plus, public
transportation and a walking-distance location means we were able to sell
one vehicle and drastically reduce use of the other.
Carol (and Abe)
-----Original Message-----
From: jeff owens [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Tuesday, February 06, 2001 9:01 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: [ecopath] The Oil Question
<snip>
1. The powerful countries are dependant on
oil for plastics, medicines, clothing,
pesticides, paint, and much of their
economy. This creates a high risk for
crisis and conflict.
2. We will soon begin a period of oil
decline. During this period the price
will raise, costs will go up, economies
will falter, and a few politicians will
focus the anger at oil suppliers or competing
countries or ?.
<snip>
jeff
