but, it's just a straw (and other conveniences)
There are depths to the human experience that I still can't even imagine, buried as they are under the layers of ambition, plastic and comfort that we've all been cloaked in, through no fault of our own, from the moment we were born. - Mark Boyle
This week, I finished reading The Way Home: Tales from a life without technology, by Mark Boyle. The author gives up technology to live a simple farming life in rural Ireland. Almost all technology. No running water, electricity, gas powered engines, or a plethora of other conveniences we take for granted in our daily lives. He takes on this challenge to become more focused on his "lived" experience (see quote above), and out of concern for the well being of the planet.
It was a fascinating read, but even for someone who dreams of moving "off grid" (however unrealistic that may be), Mr. Boyle's commitment to eschewing technology would stretch me well beyond my perceived limits. There is a point in the book where he considers if he is a part of the problem while using glue to repair his bicycle tire. I get it, but...
I have an uncle who has lived in my great grandmother's farm house for as long as I have known him. When I was a kid, I loved spending time at his place. The house had no running water, or air conditioning. It was heated by a wood burning stove, and his kitchen stove/oven was wood burning. A concrete water tank, next to a windmill, served as a summer bath tub (just ignore the minnows and the bullfrog). It was like staying at a remote cabin, and other than late night trips to the outhouse, I was a big fan.
I always assumed my uncle's motivations were economical, but now I can see that this simple way of life was a choice driven by life priorities. Simple is not a great term to describe the lifestyle of Mark Boyle, or my uncle. Living without the conveniences of the modern world is hard work. Everything takes longer, is physically demanding, and requires a level of patience that is a rare commodity in our modern world. But, it also strips away many distractions that keep people from enjoying the little things in day-to-day life.
The book did give me pause to consider how small conveniences I take for granted might have significant associated costs. For example (not from the book), consider disposable straws. We all know they aren't good for the environment (in their production, or after use). We use WAY too many (a 2018 NPR article put the number at 500 million a day -- in the US alone). And, while they may be a necessity for some people due to a disability or medical condition, most of us don't need them. So, why is it so hard to give them up?
As I read the book, I thought about items such as straws, or clothing, or coffee, or cars, or water bottles, or... We are inundated with seemingly minor "choices" that ultimately have a significant impact on our environment, our health, and the well being of society.
I may not be moving "off grid" anytime soon, but I can use fewer straws. And, be more mindful and appreciative of the conveniences I have at my disposal.