End of surburbia. . . .

I watched a great documentary this weekend, called 'End of Suburbia'. It was made in 2004, and discusses the issue of peak oil (the theory that we've extracted the greatest amount of oil from the earth that we ever will, and from now on oil production will decrease). America's extreme depenence on oil and natural gas is mentioned again and again, and the consequences of slower oil production are dire.

What I found so fascinating, is that in 2004, the 'oil experts' basically predicted the situation in which we find ourselves in 2008: extended war in the Middle East, high food prices due to increase in ethanol demand, worldwide recession, and high gas prices.

The documentary was frightening, but it also made me consider what I can do now to help wean myself, at least, off oil and gas and help save money on food. Here's what I'm doing already, and what you can do too:

1. Use public transportation, if it's available. I moved to Portland, in part, because I wanted to live somewhere with a great bus, light rail, and bike lane system. I drive less than 5,000 miles a year, and possibly less than 3,000. I'm considering buying a lightweight bike so that I can ride to the transit center rather than driving and parking, to decrease my car use even further. As a side benefit, I'm saving tons of money on gas!

2. Grow your own food. Last year I planted three tomato bushes that grew to about 7 feet tall! I had tomatoes coming out my ears, and was able to give away much of what I grew. This year, I hope to plant more than tomatoes: lettuce, squash, cucumbers, and beans may be added to my little vegetable plot. Growing and buying food locally is something that the documentary mentioned several times.

3. Be conscious of energy usage in the home. Because I've been trying to save money on utilites, I've kept my thermostat at 58 degrees this winter. Yes, I was cold! But not as cold as I thought I'd be: I wore layers, including a hat, and tried to keep moving while in the house. I was also more aware of unplugging the TV/DVD, powering down the computer when I didn't need it, and unplugging the microwave. I saved money, but perhaps more importantly, I'm learning to live with less energy, something that won't be an option in the future, according to the documentary. In other words, we'll be forced to live more consciously, because the choices available and the costs of energy usage will be prohibitive.

4. Bring your own bags! To the grocery store, that is. Many stores will give you a 5 cent refund if you've brought your own bags. Plastic bags aren't biodegradable, and they're made with petroleum products to boot, so cutting back now and bringing your own bags to the grocery store will save money and help keep plastic out of our garbage bins and waterways.

5. Go vegetarian. Okay, I have to admit, I haven't gone totally vegetarian. But, to be honest, the only time I really eat meat or poultry products is when I'm eating out---either at a restaurant or at a friend's house. Eating less meat is great for the pocketbook and also for the environment: raising just one cow uses an astronomical level of energy and natural resources. Is that burger really worth it?

While most of my lifestyle changes have been driven by a need to save money, I realize that I, too, am doing my part to decrease my carbon footprint. What are you doing? More importantly, what creative tips can you give me and my readers about this issue?