Welcome back to Farm Table Talk! Grab your favorite mug and let’s dive into a topic that’s crucial for our future: reducing our dependence on oil. Joel Salatin has a lot to say about this, and I find myself agreeing with many of his points.
Salatin believes that one of the most effective ways to wean ourselves off big oil is by growing as much of our own food as possible. Think about this: “Studies estimate that processed food in the United States travels over 1,300 miles, and fresh produce travels over 1,500 miles, before being consumed.” By growing our own food, we can greatly reduce those miles and, consequently, our reliance on oil and fuel to transport it to us. This reduction in transportation frees up fuel for other pursuits and, theoretically, if we aren’t demanding as much fuel, prices should drop for other essential uses.
But it’s not just about food production. We need to rethink our entire approach to living. Instead of driving to the mall every weekend, we should focus on patronizing our homes and communities for entertainment and recreation. This means intentionally supporting cottage industries within walking distance and centralizing our towns and cities back into villages. By doing so, we reduce the need for long commutes and the associated fuel consumption.
When building new homes, we should incorporate living roofs or garden roofs. These not only sequester rain and snow, decreasing the need for additional storm drains and infrastructure but also reduce heating and cooling costs. If you’re growing food on your roof, you also cut down on food miles. Additionally, every household should have chickens. This might sound unconventional, but it provides a steady supply of eggs and helps reduce waste.
Building a solarium on the sunny side of the house is another excellent way to cut down on heating costs. Passive solar heating is an environmentally friendly way to keep homes warm during the winter months.
Joel Salatin’s ideas might seem radical to some, but they offer practical solutions to reduce our dependence on oil. By embracing local food systems, sustainable building practices, and community-focused living, we can create a future that’s not only more environmentally friendly but also more self-sufficient and resilient.
Reducing travel is another key area where we can make a difference. Carpooling, using public transportation, biking, or simply walking can significantly cut down on fuel consumption. For those who can, working from home or adopting a hybrid work model reduces the need for daily commuting, further reducing oil use.
When it comes to construction, using sustainable materials and techniques can have a huge impact. Opting for locally sourced materials reduces the fuel needed for transportation. Energy-efficient designs and renewable energy sources like wood or hemp can also lower the reliance on fossil fuels. Incorporating features like green roofs and rainwater harvesting systems can further minimize the environmental footprint of new buildings.
Flying is one of the most oil-intensive activities. To reduce our reliance on air travel, consider options like virtual meetings and conferences, which became more popular during the pandemic. When travel is necessary, choosing direct flights, flying economy, and offsetting carbon emissions can help reduce the impact.
Additionally, we can focus on energy conservation in our daily lives. Simple steps like using energy-efficient appliances, insulating homes properly, and being mindful of our electricity consumption can collectively make a big difference. Supporting renewable energy initiatives, such as wind, solar, and geothermal power, helps shift our energy dependence away from oil.
Joel Salatin’s holistic approach to reducing oil dependence encourages us to look at every aspect of our lives and make intentional changes. By embracing sustainable practices in food production, transportation, construction, and energy use, we can create a more resilient and environmentally friendly future.
Until next time,
Traci
