Chapter 1: Understanding the Shift

In today's world, society appears to be diverging along two paths. On one side, mainstream culture relentlessly pursues growth, while a counter-movement retains the ancient belief in the interconnectedness of all life. — Helena Norberg-Hodge

Humans are inherently social, which makes it unsurprising that we coexist with numerous strangers. Yet, our biology suggests we can effectively manage around 150 relationships—referred to as Dunbar's number—indicating that we flourish in close-knit communities. The global pandemic of 2020 compelled everyone to explore ways of living more locally, resulting in both stress and valuable lessons learned.

For my vision of 2021, I drew inspiration from Chapter 5 of Carl N. McDaniel's Wisdom for a Livable Planet, which discusses the importance of local living through the lens of Helena Norberg-Hodge and her experiences with globalization. I first encountered Norberg-Hodge during an environmental science course at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where I learned about her journey that began in 1975 with a documentary film in Ladakh. This experience shaped her commitment to local living, leading her to establish Local Futures: Economics of Happiness. If there's one takeaway from 2020, it's the realization that local living is not only feasible but also beneficial for our planet. Here are a few straightforward steps to enhance this lifestyle in the coming year.

Section 1.1: Clean Commutes or No Commutes

Thanks to technological advancements, many people can now work remotely using their laptops and smartphones. While remote work has been an option for years, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed employers to adopt this model more widely. Initially, there were concerns regarding productivity, but evidence has shown that working from home did not hinder output. In fact, the productivity gains observed during the pandemic have sparked discussions about the future of remote work beyond the crisis. This shift not only reduces the psychological burden of long commutes but also contributes to combating climate change and pollution. Thus, a sustainable commuting vision for 2021 can be advantageous for both personal well-being and the environment!

Section 1.2: Clean and Renewable Energy

Incorporating renewable energy into our lives is an essential aspect of local living. Utilizing solar power for homes has often been a daunting task due to high costs and complex installations. However, with solar energy becoming one of the most affordable electricity sources, this barrier is diminishing. As of 2021, investments in solar and wind energy have surged, marking a pivotal shift away from fossil fuels. This trend has emerged even before the anticipated administrative changes. The declining costs and increasing value of renewable energy present exciting opportunities for homeowners this year.

Subsection 1.2.1: Starting a Garden

Both Norberg-Hodge and McDaniel emphasize the significance of gardening in local living. Gardening is a recurring theme in environmental science due to its numerous benefits for personal health and ecological well-being. If you're new to gardening, consider breaking down the setup into manageable tasks. By reallocating time usually spent commuting, you could establish a flourishing home garden within a week of remote work.

Conclusion

The lifestyle changes prompted by the pandemic in 2020 provide an opportunity to evaluate the advantages of living more locally in 2021. Focusing on environmental issues requires clarity of vision, and this holds true for embracing local living. Here are three key areas to consider:

1. Reducing or eliminating daily commutes.
2. Exploring renewable energy options for your residence.
3. Initiating a garden to promote health and environmental sustainability.

Ricky Bobby's Guide to Winning at Local Link Building in 2021 | 5 Hours of Local SEO offers insights into local link-building strategies that can enhance your community engagement.

LOCAL 219 LIVE February 25th, 2021 discusses current trends in local living and sustainable practices that can be adopted in your community.