Eaarth Ch. 4 Close Reading

I'd like to focus on this passage from Ch. 4:

"Can we really have the equivalent of farmers' markets in electrons? It sounds unlikely, but think a little harder. Say you cut your energy use by a quarter--perhaps by turning off the video-game console once Grand Theft Auto was done for the day. Then say you put some solar panels on your roof, the energy equivalent of a backyard garden. They probably couldn't supply you with all your juice, but some of it. Now the task of providing the rest locally has begun to look less daunting."

The community garden in my hometown.

Farmers' market peaches in Michigan

In Chapter four McKibben finally gives us the tidbits of hope and the semblance of plans that we've been craving ever since that first devastating, hard-hitting chapter. His ideas on decentralized farming and cutting down our energy waste so that we can switch to sustainable sources are encouraging--because they feel doable. We just need to get everyone on board. Which unfortunately is easier said than done. Earlier he talks about how farmers' markets and community gardens are on the rise in the suburbs of the US. I love the challenge he poses with that first question. By putting it in terms of something that has become quite commonplace--a farmers' market--he makes renewable energy sources seem not so far-fetched and unattainable.

I also love how he puts energy conservation in every-day terms. He really emphasizes how even the smallest things we do can make an impact, which I find encouraging. I've been unplugging things left and right when I'm able. And although it's been less impactful on my utility bill than I would've hoped, it does make me feel like I'm doing what I can. I love this passage because he makes it sound easy. Just a few little shifts in habits, just a few new hobbies, a few new investments. I like that way of looking at it.

Communities working together to cut back reliance on fossil fuels and invest in local sustainability is totally manageable. In fact, there are many cities that are working actively towards these goals even now. I like how McKibben does such a great job of encouraging people to think as a team. There's a strong sense of togetherness in his plans for the future. Because that's where the hope lies, truly. I'm glad to leave this book feeling much more knowledgeable, and fired up to be a proponent of the shift in sustainability that our culture needs.