CONDITION 1: Substances from the Earths crust must not systematically increase in the biosphere. The first principal of TNS is to cut down on what we take from the earth's crust -- oil, metals, and minerals. It's important not to systematically accumulate substances from the earth's crust above ground, because ecosystems cannot handle large concentrations of these substances without deleterious effects. To avoid excess removal of resources from the earth's crust means reducing mining and the burning of fossil fuels.
Every day I use items that depend on substances taken from the earth's crust. My car is made from mined metal and runs on gasoline. My household appliances are made from metal and use electricity, which is generated by burning fossil fuels. My food was grown and transported using oil-powered machines and oil-based products (plastic bags, plastic packaging). Pretty much everything I touch required the mining of oil, metals or minerals from the earth's crust. What actions can I take in my life to help reduce the amount of substances taken from the earth's crust?
First, I can cut down on my energy/electricity usage. Second, I can cut down on the amount of gas I use for transportation. Finally, I can get involved in the community to spread the word about peak oil and facilitate transition to a less energy-intensive society.
COMMITMENTS: Use less electricity: unplug appliances when not in use; turn off computer when not in use; replace incandescent light bulbs with more energy-efficient bulbs; take maximum advantage of daylight to do work or read in naturally-lit areas, instead of working at night with lamp-light; put up a clothes-line in my backyard. Bike more, and drive less. Bring reusable bags to the grocery store, cutting down on use of plastic bags Buy less packaged or processed foods; stick to produce, grains, and legumes, and purchase in bulk whenever possible Become more active in the Transition Towns movement, learning how to faciliate a graceful energy descent. Attend the Transition Towns training this fall. ( http://www.transitiontc.org/about) Talk to my friends and neighbors about peak oil, and point them to resources where they can learn more, such as chrismartenson.com. CONDITION 2: Substances produced by society must not systematically increase in the biosphere.
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