Environmental Simplicity

"What are the best ways to educate people on environmental simplicity? In talking with folks on your trip have you picked up any pointers?" -Kristine Hansen

I have come to believe that the best way to teach anything is through living it. Personally, I hate being told to do anything, even if it is the right thing to do. I am much more open to ideas when they are just put on the table. My project has not been about telling people they should bike, or use solar energy, or get out in nature, or exercise, or use technology for something other than making money, etc, etc. My dream was to create a project that adhered to my values and people could learn from it in an open way. Overall, people have responded very favorably to this approach during my trip. Of course, it also helps to have some kind of "gimmick." Riding a heavily loaded bicycle is unusual and makes people curious. Having solar panels on the back and a sign on the frame with the website address makes it difficult for people to resist asking me, "What are you doing?!"

The photo above was taken on Long Island in the village of Greenport. Instead of paying $25 for camping across the street I was able to camp for free on the beach. How's that for simplicity?! :-) There was no one around in the afternoon, making it a magical place for some R & R.

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