by Shawn Skinner

Highly acclaimed author of In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto, Michael Pollan, raises the question: “why bother?” in his article of the same title.  With the world population rocketing to seven billion, one can be left feeling quite insignificant and helpless to bring about environmental change.  While many in the United States are starting to conserve energy and resources, there are those across the globe in rapidly urbanizing countries such as China that want our standard of living—they want to drive cars and consume more resources.  So, many ask the question:  “Why go green when others are going the opposite direction?”

It is all too easy to settle into a lethargic comfort zone and ignore the problems facing our globe.  Pollan claims that, instead of accepting reality and diligently looking into environmental issues, many just turn to the popular entertainment and high tech gadgets in our society as a means of escape.  One could say:  “Why rock the boat?  The human race has made it this far; we’ll survive.”  Instead of driving to the gym to work out, people can plant and tend a garden—this will provide much needed exercise in our sedentary society.  According to Pollan, “Also, by engaging both body and mind, time spent in the garden is time (and energy) subtracted from electronic forms of entertainment.”  Besides, we would have to resort to finding alternative sources for food if a disaster ever removed us from the power grid; taking proactive measures now can help us stay a step ahead.  Even if living in a city, you can create an indoor garden or hang some pots outdoors.  Do some research, and be creative.

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