Local or global - do we have to choose?

Thomas Friedman makes us think about the globalization of the world and the possibilities that it brings with it. There is also a movement that is advocating that we eat and buy food that is grown near where we live. Is it possible to balance these two ideas?

Questions for Bill McKibben

Bill McKibben, author of Deep Economy, will be speaking at Colgate University this coming Monday, September 24. What questions would you have for him? If I get a chance, I will be happy to ask some on your behalf.

Globalization and climate change

Let's spend a little time this week talking about climate change. Start by going to http://carbonfund.org and poking around a little bit. Take note of what you were interested in and what you learned. Write a comment on the blog about your experience or do the carbon calculator exercise and report on what you learned or how you might be able to change your lifestyle to reduce your carbon footprint.

Our family has been working on our footprint for the last year or so. Some things we have done are changing light bulbs, signing up for more of our energy to come from solar and wind sources, and buying local produce and meat. And we bought a Toyota Prius.

How does this kind of behavior fit with Friedman's book? How do you think the effects of globalization fit with environmental issues such as climate change?

Interview with Bill McKibben

http://www.billmckibben.com/articles.html

Here is a link to an interview with Bill McKibben about his book Deep Economy. How can Friedman's philosophy of globalization and McKibben's "local production for local consumption" philosophy can be compatible? What are the benefits of each?