Letter from the Editor: Sustainable Rantings

Dear Reader,

There are many reasons why we should adopt a more sustainable lifestyle: out of compassion for our fellow-human beings; to help create a better world for our children and children's children (which is probably about how long it will take); to have a healthier life; to live in a more solid community; to save money; to improve our quality of life; out of self-preservation; because we haven't got anything else to do; ...
Considering how quickly they are abandoned, New Year's resolutions are probably not the best way to start living more sustainably, but then again I have modified (code for 'adapted', which is code for 'dropped') so many New Year's resolutions in the past that a few more or less really won't make much of difference. On the other hand, I might just hit upon a winner this year. (Being irrationally hopeful is probably the most defining characteristic of being human, but I digress.)
I have decided to more strictly adhere to some rules about living sustainably that I already basically followed previously.
An easy one is not to eat at chain restaurants - I have had 100 percent compliance with that one for several years.
Another one is not to shop at chain stores. That one can be trickier, especially if you live in a glorified dormitory like Middleton that attracts chains the way dung attracts flies.
Which brings me to my next one: transportation.
I have decided to not drive my car anymore, unless there is absolutely no other way.
I put winter tires on my bike (studded Nokians) and have been pleasantly surprised at how stable a ride they are on ice and snow (not in deep snow, though - then they just spin and I walk). The main problem with biking in winter, however, is that bikers (and pedestrians and people in wheelchairs and anybody else who is not a motorist) are obviously considered second- and third-class citizens around here: While the roads are kept clean of ice and snow, sidewalks and bike trails are much less cared about.
Again in the city of Middleton for example, the on- and off-ramps between sidewalk and streets are often almost impossible to cross, even if the sidewalks are reasonably clean. I wonder what disabled people do and what about ADA?
So, not matter what Paul Soglin and other Neanderthals think about bikers on roadways in winter: We don't have much choice, thank you very much (in that context, please also read 'Bicycling for the rest of us' on page 17 of this issue).
Public transportation being what it is around here (and no matter how much Madison Metro pats itself on the back, it pretty much sucks), I shall probably not be able to use it much more than in the past, which is about not at all.
That reminds me: I contacted Madison Metro a week ago via e-mail to get some help figuring out a bus route around Middleton, but didn't even get a response. So much for customer service by a taxpayer-subsidized organization.
Fortunately there is always Community Car when I need motorized transportation.
Of course I don't use disposable tableware and I don't drink bottled water (unless it is in a glass bottle and has been properly enhanced, spiced, boiled, fermented and lagered).
I shall also make an effort to eat more local and seasonal food, but it's a challenge where vegetables, especially salad greens) are concerned.
I'll keep you posted.

George Zens