The End of Suburbia

This afternoon I have been watching the movie The End of Suburbia. While this is a disturbing film, it presents a reality that we all need to be aware of. It talks about America's dependence on foreign oil and how the supply is decreasing. It also discusses how our lifestyles need to change so that we can adapt to a future with less or no oil.

There is a debate over whether or not we have reached the Peak Oil. It would appear that if we have not reached it, we will in the next few years. Are we prepared for the time when we no longer can depend on oil for our energy needs?

This film gives the history of the development of the suburbs, highways and automobiles and how these things have lead to our extreme use of oil. It discusses not only peak oil but also presents some ideas of how we might move ahead and recreate towns and neighborhoods that allow the use of bicycles, more walking, buying local and other ideas.

Are we ready to accept a new lifestyle? Does the government have a plan to help us get more energy independent? Do we still want sterile environments that have few trees, no clotheslines, no gardens and developments that have destroyed the natural world?

I would recommend that all people view this film and take what it says to heart. Begin thinking realistically about what you can do now to reduce your use of fossil fuels. What could we do?

We could convince the town to erect windmills and put up solar collectors to help power the community. We could encourage the development of community gardens. We can support local agriculture by getting our food at local farmer's markets. We can make sure that we unplug appliances that continually draw electricity. We can lower our heating temperatures and wear more sweaters. We can consolidate our trips so that we drive less. Let's put our collective minds together and see if we can make changes locally.

We all need to realize that in order to make the necessary changes we have to shed the "not in my backyard" state of mind. We need to accept the reality of windmills and solar collectors on roofs. This will be a stretch for many as change is hard to accept but we can no longer go on as we have been.