Keith:
Many of your blog posts have opened my eyes to the problems in climate change, but don't you think that, despite the hoaxes and all the other horrible things surrounding this field, that it is in general better if we consume less? I mean, the amount of waste that Americans produce annually is absurd. Have you ever heard of the North Pacific Garbage Patch? Google it if you have not. It is frightening. Bill McKibben's book Deep Economy spells out the problems with the way we view economic growth. I think one problem with many conservatives is that they could read a post from your blog and interpret it as "yeah, this climate thing is a big hoax, so I don't have to worry about what I consume" and they don't make conscious efforts to eliminate waste production and resource consumption because they don't think they need to. This is a problem. I think most people that I encounter take a stand one way or the other. Either Global Warming is a Hoax, so we don't have to take care and watch what we consume, or it is real and we need to. Can't there be another option? Does it always have to be black or white?
bjb
Note from KBJ: Excellent questions, Brad. I have always tried to keep my footprint small. I went 17 years without a dryer, for example. I hung clothes on the line in my back yard. I drove the same car (a 1989 Pontiac Grand Am) for 17.5 years. I drive only 5,000 miles per year. I live frugally and simply, compared to most people. I use things until they stop working. My electric shaver is more than 20 years old. My coat is more than 20 years old. My jacket is more than 20 years old. My shoes are about 10 years old. I control only my own actions, and I choose to live simply. Yes, I have a computer, a stereo, and a television, so I'm no technophobe or Luddite, but it's not all or nothing. It's a matter of degree. Also, as you know, I'm a demi-vegetarian, so no mammals suffer or die on my account. As a conservative, I resist governmental solutions to problems. Sometimes government is necessary, but often it makes things worse (or no better) while limiting our liberty. By the way, I was frugal long before anyone had heard of climate change. Ask my friends from law school or graduate school. I was frugal when I had no money and I am frugal now that I have plenty of money.
Note 2 from KBJ: I would enjoy hearing from readers of this blog. Are you frugal? If so, why?
Note 3 from KBJ: I recommend this book.
Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D. 