As I read the blogs here, I see a trend of discussion that tries in one manner or another, to get a handle on groups versus individuals in regard to bringing our choices and actions on this planet to a higher plane of awareness, accountability and sustainability.

Can a 4 million year old species save a 4 billion year old planet? Is the species saving the planet for the planet's sake or for the sake of their own survival? If the specie's largest endeavors on the planet only rend forth resources and shed back poisons, is the species cooperatively living with the planet or systematically against it?

This week I"ve read and had some great discussions here on Evolver. Such inspiring ideas, concepts, perceptions and educational materials and references.
As I digest all the intellectual and emotive communications here, I can't help but be a little frustrated.

We all like to rant at what seems like the whole world on crack cocaine. It's a little cathartic as long as we do it with a modicum of awareness. Many rightfully say "We know the problems, quit repeating them, tell us what your suggestions for solutions are."

Ok, among a universe full, here are a few quotes that reflect some of my starting points.

This is an old saw of mine that was one of several to break through the opiate effects of the mainstream media fog.

I am an SUV owner/operator. I own one, I drive one, I prefer one, especially where I reside now. That being said, I don’t think they are an efficient vehicle nor will they save mankind from his ecological blunders. 

I sincerely appreciate all the response to my first off-the-grid post here. Your interest rewarding and inspirational. This blog entry is in response to many of the questions concerning how or why we chose to do what we did. I hope it answers those questions. Its a slightly long post but hopefully will help put you inside our heads during the process. enjoy.

 This is a blog I wrote this past new years eve. I wasn't on this site at the time, but seeing as the year is almost have over, I thought it might be interesting to compare these thoughts with what has transpired so far. In my opinion, sadly not much of difference has occurred yet.

 A New Year’s Opinion

I'd like to tell a little story about an experience I had when we first moved to where we live now. Its a small little rural mountain town in northwest Montana. We came from the bustling city and suburbs of Chicago. Big cultural/lifestyle change.