Some day, perhaps not so far from now, we will look back to this time and shake our heads in disgust. The reason? Let’s call it artificial abundance. We are ripping through resources like kings at a royal feast on the eve of a coup d’état.

A recent report shows that up to half of the world’s annual food production – 2 billion tons worth – is thrown away each year. Up to 30% of crops are not harvested because they do not meet set standards. 550 billion cubic meters of fresh water is used to produce crops that are never removed from the field. Much of what is harvested is lost in transit or improperly stored then dumpster bound. In the US and in Europe, half the food is thrown away after it is bought.

On top of all this, a good majority of world-wide food production amounts to a net energy loss. In other words, more energy is put into the process of planting, fertilizing, watering, harvesting, packaging, shipping (often across the world), and selling our food than the total energy we get from consuming it. And much of this input energy comes from non-renewable fossil fuels.

Would you call this a sustainable system? Of course not. But think about what the world unsustainable really means. The math level of an average 8 year old should suffice in coming to an obvious conclusion here. Where are we headed? Massive food shortages. Empty grocery store shelves. Ridiculously high prices.

When people can’t get basic things like food and water, what do they do? They become violent. They do whatever is necessary, often things they would have never imagined themselves capable of in order to survive.

This scenario is a near certainty if we keep up the foolish notion that our resources are automatics and they can be wasted without a second thought. It begins here with a simple shift in perspective. We become aware of all transfers of energy, and we make these things sacred in our minds. From there we can begin to redesign a way of life that respects the things that allow us to live, to build, to create and to thrive in true abundance.

What does a system like this look like? For one, it produces very little waste. Nutrients that are not consumed are cycled back into the system. Secondly, it is designed for net energy gain. Food and energy production systems are more self-regulating, mimicking natural patterns to produce more with less input. Energy efficiency is maximized and long-distance transport of goods is reduced to a minimum. Local production becomes a priority.

Now if some of this sounds redundant I understand. We’ve all heard it, reduce reuse recycle, green green green green. Once something becomes common it becomes uncool; I get it. But this is about more than just fashionably separating your recyclables for everyone to see. This about a system overhaul, a food and energy revolution of individuals taking back control of their own lives from the people that have disrespected them.

It’s also about not being an asshole to your kids and your grandkids. Create something intelligent and leave behind something real.

But it really all comes down to this: do you give a shit?

TVP