Return to story

TRADING GAS TANK FOR THINK TANK

July 20, 2008 12:16 am

AUTHOR DOUG FINE wants to encourage people to reduce their carbon footprint and live "off the grid." "Farewell, My Subaru" is his good-humored account of his experiences embarking on a new life-style.

As a healthy, relatively young, well-traveled reporter, Fine decided to reduce his reliance on oil products. He bought a ranch and moved to rural New Mexico with the goal of raising goats and living a more independent lifestyle, one that maximizes the use of natural energy sources and local food products.

Educational without being preachy, he explores topics ranging from the energy impact of food choices to solar panel warranties.

One of Fine's first major decisions was to remove himself from the profit margins of big oil companies by saying farewell to his Subaru and converting a pickup truck to run primarily on vegetable oil. One of the few drawbacks to operating a vegetable-oil-fed vehicle, he admits, is a constant craving for KFC, as his exhaust tends to emit the odor of his major vegetable-oil suppliers.

While reading Fine's comments about eating local produce, this reader was struck by how fortunate we are in the Fredericksburg area to have access to numerous farmers markets. We can all support our local economy, local farmers and eat healthfully just by frequenting our outdoor markets.

Fine stresses the importance of making food choices that don't include wasteful transportation and energy consumption, i.e., "local living."

"I don't always need to start an engine to lead a modern, comfortable life," Fine says.

Readers are encouraged to support local farmers and plant their own gardens: "If some of us can't hack more than a small garden due to our overscheduled lives, we can demand that our local market stock foods grown not just organically (since most pesticides and fertilizers come from petroleum) but locally. That keeps Chilean apples in Chile. We might discover that we have to eat seasonally (apples are a fall fruit in the Northern Hemisphere), but lo and behold, we'll find that every season has its bounties."

For those readers who are actively trying to reduce their carbon footprint, this book will reinforce their knowledge and offer ideas and firsthand experience. For those who have an emerging awareness of these issues, it will be a humorous, informative source. Above all, promoting the formation of community economies is a critical lesson to teach the next generation.

Diane Makovsky is a freelance reviewer in Spotsylvania County.