Oil based products are intrinsic to our lifestyle. From the rubber on the bottom of our shoes, to the foods containing hidden GMOs and unhealthy fats and preservatives, to the plastic containers and shrink-wrap in which our organic foods are sold, our dependence is definite.

If the wheels on our tires on not recyclable, shouldn’t we be looking for an alternative? I see so many used tires littering my tiny part of the world. Can we even imagine a world where everything is made from biodegradable materials? If we can’t, maybe should try a little harder. Society should not be defined by the things we have, it has more to do with the decisions we make as individuals and as a group.

If space settlement is the next biggest conquest, I submit that humans aren’t prepared mentally, emotionally or even physically to take that leap. I believe in the karmic rule that we really need to ‘put our own house in order’ before blundering into another. (think Mars) Maybe the transportation issues we should be addressing with untold millions of dollars should go towards hybrid automobiles and cleaner mass transit options.

Our planet is the most beautiful place I can imagine. Our experience here is colored brighter or dimmer by the attitudes of her people and the decisions made by the lucky rich folks. By the way, luck is not the ultimate gift of life. In my humble opinion, the ultimate gift is the peace gained through taking care of each other. A healthy environment does not preclude a healthy economy.

If you agree that taking care of our children is the best goal we can aspire to in our short lives and that many of our plant and animal planet mates no longer have the power to survive without our consent, then please join green discussions. Together we can make great strides in mapping out the way to a sustainable future for everyone on our beautiful blue world.