Letter: Consume less

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My embarrassing lack of education leaves me in a quandary: I just can’t ascertain what is the most viable source of power. We need to keep the lights on, our toilets flushing, our communication prompt and succinct. Our medical facilities, our emergency teams and our nutritional routes must be kept free of obstruction. How can these vital functions remain operational without consideration for the long term, the needs for future generations? I ask this because, in my naiveté, I am given to believe in what is published: that all of the means of generating energy to provide these vital services have dire drawbacks in the long term.

Coal, propane, fossil fuels, wood burning, these are villainous for their ozone destruction. Nukes produce heinous waste from which there is no viable protection for eons. Wind, clean and endlessly abundant as it apparently is cannot be tapped without invading wildlife habitat, human audio pathology or the obstruction of visual bucolic sensitivities that we build our lives around. Hydrous generation of electricity messes up fish flow and other dire benthic natural functions.

So, as folks deeply dedicated to the well being of all life forms, knowing that humans, with our enormous brains, cannot evolve further without the companionship of incomprehensibly complex biodiversity are obliged to re-evaluate our membership in this magnificent biosphere.

So, within the confines of my limited understanding, it would seem the response to avoiding bio annihilation in the frighteningly near future through thoughtless energy consumption could be taught in elementary school: consume less. Turn down the thermostat and the lights. Share bath water. Walk to the market if you are able. Bus. Share. Care for other indigenous species. Exercise your body rather than your motor, for recreation.

Above all expect less. Simplify.

SONNY CRAWFORD

Charlemont