Seven Reasons Why I Don't Mind The Gas Prices
by Nikki Delvecchio-Hitchcock on Monday, June 9, 2008 at 10:18am
OK, I know it is horribly un-trendy to say you don't mind the gas prices. And I realize that at present, alot of people are really feeling the burden of the raised cost. AND I know that major corporations are at fault for the price jack up and no shortage or anything else. But here's why I DON'T hope they go down any time soon.
(Prepare to be scandalized!)
1) People are biking and taking public transportation. Yes! That's awesome. Better for the environment, better for your health, better for your perspective on your city and community. I'm proud of you guys!And for the record: People taking public transit means the public transit system will get better! Good news if you ask me.
2) There is a higher demand for alternative cars. Forget hybrids, we are looking for the lowest possible dependence on oil possible. There is already and electric car out there (granted, it's by jaguar or something?) and we will possibly see many more. Now, consumers, be advised that an electric car existed BEFORE gasoline cars, and then again in the late 70's. It is possible, and it works. We just need to raise our voices.
3) It is become too expensive to ship labor elsewhere. Yep, you heard me. The cost of bringing goods from China and elsewhere is becoming so much that we may actually (GASP) see American goods in our stores again. They may even be more expensive, which- to me- means we will have to buy well the first time and not treat every good we touch as though it were disposable.
4) American farms have been forced to compete with farmers in Fuji, New Zealand, Mexico, etc. so that Americans can have cheap food in or out of season any time of the year. Because the price of production elsewhere is so much less, obviously, many farms lost their business and have closed or (worse in my opinion) converted to farms that grow genetically modified corn in order to fuel our addiciton to high fructose corn syrup among other things. Now the American farm can possibly have another chance, since shipping prices will be so high.
5) Local communities have the chance to be restored. If most of us can drive to the local walmart for whatever and get it cheaper, most of us would. But the local store is bike-able, even if it is more expensive, and perhaps we'll get wise and buy it there.
6) Local foods are cheaper foods now. Yep, you heard me. Someone's arguement against eating local was that it was more expensive. Well let me tell you, local apples are 59 cents at my co-op and the Fuji apples are now 1.99. Someone quoted me 3.99 a pound for green peppers, I just got em local for 99 cents. Not only does this support the local farmers, but it also helps the environment. Local farms have suffered too long. And every time I hear a person say "food is so expensive", I hereby vow to shake that person by their shoulders and shout LOCAL FOODS LOCAL FOODS!!!
7) Also, the less processed food you buy, the better off you are, as less energy is consumed to create it. Mark and I buy almost all our food in bulk grains and go from there to turn it into our food on our own. Some of you have heard that I make my own soy milk- it's true. And tomorrow I'm going to make my own yogurt, and my own granola (call me crunchy if you must). I am exploring making my own tofu, and already make my own TVP beef. I am twenty times healthier, I know exactly whats in my meals, and i get the satisfaction of knowing I made it myself. (For more info, pick up the More With Less Cookbook at your LOCAL bookstore). We spend less than a hundred dollars to feed both of us and our friends that we frequently eat with each month.
Now I realize that to some, this kind of lifestyle is difficult, but I believe that communities can and will adapt and therefore, this kind of life will become easier and easier for all. Local farms may start having more farmer's markets, local businesses may start to thrive.
Please remember that corporate interest views you as an open mouth and an open wallet, but local business views you as a friend. The higher the gas prices, the better a chance the local business has of surviving.
(Prepare to be scandalized!)
1) People are biking and taking public transportation. Yes! That's awesome. Better for the environment, better for your health, better for your perspective on your city and community. I'm proud of you guys!And for the record: People taking public transit means the public transit system will get better! Good news if you ask me.
2) There is a higher demand for alternative cars. Forget hybrids, we are looking for the lowest possible dependence on oil possible. There is already and electric car out there (granted, it's by jaguar or something?) and we will possibly see many more. Now, consumers, be advised that an electric car existed BEFORE gasoline cars, and then again in the late 70's. It is possible, and it works. We just need to raise our voices.
3) It is become too expensive to ship labor elsewhere. Yep, you heard me. The cost of bringing goods from China and elsewhere is becoming so much that we may actually (GASP) see American goods in our stores again. They may even be more expensive, which- to me- means we will have to buy well the first time and not treat every good we touch as though it were disposable.
4) American farms have been forced to compete with farmers in Fuji, New Zealand, Mexico, etc. so that Americans can have cheap food in or out of season any time of the year. Because the price of production elsewhere is so much less, obviously, many farms lost their business and have closed or (worse in my opinion) converted to farms that grow genetically modified corn in order to fuel our addiciton to high fructose corn syrup among other things. Now the American farm can possibly have another chance, since shipping prices will be so high.
5) Local communities have the chance to be restored. If most of us can drive to the local walmart for whatever and get it cheaper, most of us would. But the local store is bike-able, even if it is more expensive, and perhaps we'll get wise and buy it there.
6) Local foods are cheaper foods now. Yep, you heard me. Someone's arguement against eating local was that it was more expensive. Well let me tell you, local apples are 59 cents at my co-op and the Fuji apples are now 1.99. Someone quoted me 3.99 a pound for green peppers, I just got em local for 99 cents. Not only does this support the local farmers, but it also helps the environment. Local farms have suffered too long. And every time I hear a person say "food is so expensive", I hereby vow to shake that person by their shoulders and shout LOCAL FOODS LOCAL FOODS!!!
7) Also, the less processed food you buy, the better off you are, as less energy is consumed to create it. Mark and I buy almost all our food in bulk grains and go from there to turn it into our food on our own. Some of you have heard that I make my own soy milk- it's true. And tomorrow I'm going to make my own yogurt, and my own granola (call me crunchy if you must). I am exploring making my own tofu, and already make my own TVP beef. I am twenty times healthier, I know exactly whats in my meals, and i get the satisfaction of knowing I made it myself. (For more info, pick up the More With Less Cookbook at your LOCAL bookstore). We spend less than a hundred dollars to feed both of us and our friends that we frequently eat with each month.
Now I realize that to some, this kind of lifestyle is difficult, but I believe that communities can and will adapt and therefore, this kind of life will become easier and easier for all. Local farms may start having more farmer's markets, local businesses may start to thrive.
Please remember that corporate interest views you as an open mouth and an open wallet, but local business views you as a friend. The higher the gas prices, the better a chance the local business has of surviving.
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