Reply #34: 'Collective action and collective responsibility.' You get it. Thanks.

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My whole point is that WE need to take first collective responsibility and then take action. Now, I've said here before that not everyone can give up their car because they have to get to work. I realize there are things for some people that are just impractical to give up. But for those of us that can do so, we should give up EVERYTHING WE DON'T ABSOLUTELY NEED. In my case, I got disgusted with being a part of the problem by helping to build major projects like Terminal D at DFW airport (for those of you passing through, the north end of that roof was under my foremanship) where I got a first-hand look at the intensity of our species. So I taught myself a new trade (I now manage an online store selling alternative energy products, helping divert some energy sources away from fossilt fuels) and I now work from home. That eliminated a 100+ -mile daily commute. It eliminated all manner of consumption from fuel to breakfast to lunch (so that I'm not eating as much junk and am healthier for it) to wear and tear on my vehicle and other things picked up along the way just because it was convenient based solely on my being on the road every day.

Also, I am beginning to find local sources for some of my food. I base my spending now on what I truly need and not mostly on what I want. Again, I realize not everyone can do these things. For instance, I can't have a garden because I don't have my own space for it. For those of us who can make changes to reduce our negative impacts on nature, we should do so. Just think of the positive effects we could have if we took collective responsibility for the DEMAND side of the equation that led to the gusher under the Gulf of Mexico and were we to take collective action in reducing that demand..