Thought

Improving those around you, the things around you, the ecosystem (if you will) that you come in contact with, regularly or not, ultimately improves YOU. By ensuring the success and prosperity of these detached things will also improve your life.

Sure, you want to take care of yourself, but it is just as important to improve these "things" around you.

Where this came from: Ted Talks

Choices

I believe that people, when give the choice, would live healthier, more sustainable lives. When given the opportunity people would choose to live near (not necessarily next door, but close enough to) the places that they work and socialize. They would also choose to use other forms of transportation (walking, biking, riding mass-transit)to get to these places of work and socialization.

And, not only would they change their place of living, and how they commute, people would choose to live a healthier life if given a legitimate choice. Legitimate means reasonably priced, regularly and readily available lifestyle choices.

It is up to all stakeholders; employers, businesses, industry, government, and, of course, people, to work towards a more sustainable and responsible way of life. We have to choose to live in areas that adhere to these principles even though it may mean facing adversity. No one is going to provide progressive (and, by saying progressive I really mean smart and sustainable) choices unless it is demanded.

Unfortunately, the status quo has taken over. People commute long distances, bring themselves out of their neighborhood, eat food prepared in an unhealthy way, work in buildings that affect their health, and do not interact with human beings outside of the work environment (and sometimes they don't interact at work).

It is time to wake up, demand change, take action, progress, and make responsible and sustainable choices for our lives.