Chapter 3 - Backing Off

In chapter 3 of Eaarth, McKibben envisions the world as being durable, strong enough to support what we already have instead of reaching for economic growth. In the United States, we grew quickly. We accomplished our National Project that involved exploring the west and increasing revenue. A national government was created along with a national bank that made it possible for the building of public roads and railroads. We owned land, we owned resources, and we owned people. We accomplished a few notable National Projects, such as putting a man on the moon. But it is time to maintain rather than expand. The government can't do everything. McKibben illustrates that it is up to the local economies to build community. He points out that as it is right now, our economy works without the input of our neighbors (which is depressing if you think about it). In reality though, we need to reshape our society for a graceful decline. McKibben sold this concept to me personally when he discusses the history of Vermont. The historian Peter Onuf states that, "nowhere in America did local communities become so thoroughly accustomed to such a high degree of political self-determination [than those in Vermont]." For much of history, the people of Vermont maintained control of the state and it's laws. My favorite section in this chapter is about McKibben's summary of the Family Diner, a restaurant that uses local farm products for the menu items. How many restaurants are similar to the Family Diner in Michigan? Now that I think about it, there are only a few I've been to. I realize now that what we as Americans eat, what we wear, the products we use day to day aren't that real and authentic.
All in all, I agree with McKibben's proposals. We do need to focus on the essentials and maintain the small communities we have. If we focus on growth and expansion, our resources will diminish and we'll be lost on this new Eaarth.

The song for chapter 3 of Eaarth is here!