A Bad Case of the 'Ones'

I am by a measure an ecological disaster. Reflexively I protest: "I've planted more than 50 trees on my property in the last 5 years". 

Ecogog: Call me when you have planted 200 more!

You see, I'm a 'One' as in a single member household (About 35 million such in the US in apartments, condos, townhouses, and single units). That would be just me--okay, with my dog--living in 1300 square feet with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a double car garage. 

Heating and cooling throughout the year via overwhelmingly nonrenewable-sourced electric power--and a water heater of course--all for little ol' me. I set the thermostat at 67 during winter and 77 in the summer. I use curtains and blinds to curtail the sun's rays when it's hot and open them up to grab whatever warmth might be available during cold months. 

Which is why I planted a row of deciduous trees along the southwest side of the house.

Ecogog: Pffft!

I drive a 2017 Terrain bought 6 months ago that is averaging 22-23 mpg during what is referred to as city driving. If I keep it as long as my last vehicle, then I'm looking for another set of wheels around 2032. I drive 500 to 600 miles per month these days. About 99.95% of those miles are single-rider miles. Fuel source, nonrenewable.

I live like many do, in the burbs or the environs or, as I say, the Lyman Metro. Bank--how quaint--about 3 miles away, Food Lion about the same, QT 2.5, Post Office 2, parents about 12, Lowe's nearly 9, and Barnes & Noble 11. In other words, if I need or want something, it's drive, drive, drive. 

Now I would be perfectly willing to switch over to an all-electric vehicle, maybe a mid-sized pickup, selling in the mid-to-upper 20-thousand range. I know, cue full studio laugh track.

And as for housing, find me a smart 600 sq ft 2br with a third to a half of an acre and I'm for it. That's not 45 minutes away from the conveniences of modern life. Or just outside Kearney, Nebraska.

Really my environmental rehabilitation is all about money and location, location, location.  Hey, I'm on a fixed income and am spoiled in the modern sense of habitations. So, what to do?

Ecogog: Get a job!