Book Review: “Farewell, My Subaru”
Several years ago, journalist Doug Fine purchased a New Mexico ranch and moved there to start a new, “green” life. He documented his efforts in a book, “Farewell, My Subaru.” He attempted to reduce his carbon footprint by eating locally and reducing his direct petroleum consumption, all without giving up his laptop or sub-woofers. Fine was not looking to be a green monk, just to reduce his environmental impact.
The author localized his diet by raising goats for milk, chickens for eggs, and vegetables for eating. I don't want to ruin the book for any potential readers, but his obstacles included predators, disease, Mother Nature, and firearms mishaps. Petroleum saving projects included a biofuel truck conversion and solar power installation for hot water heating and electricity.
Fine handled adversity with sarcasm and a good attitude. He has some lessons for the rest of us who cannot or will not pack up our belongings and move to rural America to live off the land. He found his green life “more manual” as he managed his water collection and animal containment on a daily or hourly basis. He found instances of necessary hypocrisy when he used toxic sealant to assemble his solar powered water pump. Overall, he recommended steady progress and regular attention to daily activities if you choose to reduce your carbon footprint. No one can eliminate their environmental impact tomorrow but we can all take steps to progressively get closer.
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