This week, I accomplished what is an important goal for me. First, some context; I grew up on a farm and was always aware of the seasons and the weather. Farming is totally dependent on these aspects of climate. I know first-hand, that we are experiencing climate change now. I see it in the change in season lengths, some longer, some shorter, and in the changes in vegetation and precipitation. For years I have wanted to do what I could as an individual, to slow and reduce the effects of climate change.
So, I traded in my gas-burning car for an all-electric car. For the reasons explained above, I have wanted to own and drive an all-electric vehicle for at least 15 years. However, I live alone, and I need an all-wheel drive car for winter navigation and dirt roads, and also a vehicle with a practical SUV-type shape. So, my desire remained only a dream. There were no vehicles in my price range until about a year and a half ago. Wow! I jumped on the opportunity as soon as I learned about it. I am the excited owner of a Ford Mach E, all-electric, all-wheel drive, small SUV!
So far, I am very pleased. There have been adjustments, many functions are computerized. I joke that I own a rolling computer. And I will have to become familiar with ways to travel when venturing farther than 270 miles. I have learning to do. On another note, the driving experience is fantastic! Best of all, I can “fill’er up” overnight in my garage. What is not to like about that!
While owning an electric vehicle fulfills one of the goals in my effort to wean off using and burning oil, I still need to figure out how I can heat my home without fuel oil or even propane. I haven’t figured that out yet. I do have some solar panels, but I could now benefit having more of them. There is more work to do.
In my quest to reduce and eventually eliminate burning oil, I look for other steps I can take in the meantime. I found this website https://theartofsimple.net/tips-to-go-green-at-home/ which offers some simple, inexpensive steps to reduce and replace dependence on fossil fuels around home.
The existential challenge of climate change requires that all of us step up and do as much as we can. What are you doing?