Notes to Self

Some people reflect on their goals and values and visions for their respective lives at the end of the year, translating any perceived discrepancies between actual and authentic narratives into "resolutions."

Not me, man. I tend to do these kinds of reflections when I am on vacation, regardless of time of year, such as this fortnight of vacation I am currently experiencing in New Zealand and Australia. My reflections primarily tend to revolve around diet and exercise, because these two domains (and correlates of mental, physical, and spiritual well being) are ones that are sometimes difficult to optimize whilst on vacation. I am currently (in Brisbane AUS) craving a healthy salad or grain bowl, for which there seems to be a dearth in this locale. The Aussies generally adhere to a Western style diet that is, in some ways, sh!ttier than the Standard American Diet, with lots of fat, refined carbs, meat, and salt. We've been getting by thus far on this trip finding vegan options, but I am eager to get back to my healthy routine when we return to Madison WI next week.

My plan is to drink more smoothies for breakfast, like Deborah does. I also want to eat lots of salads and meal prep healthy batches of chili, curry, and "dish" (my word for concoctions of my creation that don't fit easily into typical recipe descriptions). I plan to prep and freeze some vegan burritos and eat more fruit as well.

I am eager to get back into my regular aerobic exercise routine too, intentionally directed at disenfranchising the Diabolical Forces in the Universe. In the colder winter months, this typically comprises Peloton exercise bike workouts.

The End.

The Best Way to Prevent Global Climate Change May Surprise You

When I listen to the mainstream media and hear people talk about the best ways to reduce human dependence on fossil fuels and prevent global climate change, almost invariable the pundits focus on driving less (in more efficient cars), turning down the thermostat, turning off lights, regulating energy companies, and using public transit (as well as walking and biking more). Some suggest incentivizing alternative energy development with subsidies similar to the ones (still!) given to the fossil fuel industry.

But almost always, they overlook one of the simplest and most impactful ways for individuals to help prevent global climate change, even if society and individuals don't make any other significant changes. What is that?

Well, if you haven't guessed by now, it's adopting a plant based diet (SOURCE). Meat, dairy, and egg production in its current form is a primary producer of greenhouse gasses and it is extremely wasteful of fresh water and other resources, compared with plant food production (SOURCE).

So if you want to make a significant impact on global climate change through your own actions, while keeping the thermostat right where it is and leaving the lights on at night, just eat less (or no) meat, dairy, and eggs (SOURCE). 

Importantly, you don't need to wait for the government to step in and do something about global climate change. First of all, they won't! There are too many powerful interests in the food industry working against governmental policies to promote whole food plant based eating (SOURCE). Secondly, eating less meat and more plants is something you have total control over, rather than waiting for an apathetic and bureaucratic government to impose a nanny state on you, over which you will have almost no control, except for civil disobedience. As we have seen, historically, when the government imposes regulations on people and businesses, the result is usually disastrous, because people rebel against any infringement on their personal freedoms, even if doing so goes against their best interests (Freedom First, baby!). But if you have the choice to do something on your own to make the world a better place, with very little impact on your safety and comfort, wouldn't you consider it?

It's just a question. Post your responses in the comments.