Fat Foot Philosophy

my fat footie

I live in Canada's Capital region just a stone's throw from parliament. Growing up as a country boy, I spent a lot of time barefoot on my Grandparent's farm and my parent's cottage which was built by my father. The country lifestyle is significantly different from the city. The main difference is that city folk in general have a heavier carbon foot print and therefore have fat feet.

moi in front of parliament

There are a lot of things I love about the big city. I like the diversity of people, the accessibility of goods and services and the miles of bike paths. In the city, people expect to have nice furniture, and a beautiful space well designed by an interior decorator. God forbid if my furniture is a little wonky or cheap. The peer pressure is enormous. 800 square feet is considered a small bachelor here in Ottawa which could easily sell for $250,000. In the city, people take a lot of things for granted. One example is long hot showers that last until the hot water runs out. Feels good doesn't it? Also, I notice that folks often make a full pot of coffee in the morning and only drink one or two cups. It's a small waste. It always starts small. The cumulative effect isn't small though.

outdoor heating

If smoking is your vice some restaurants have started heating outdoor spaces in the winter to make smokers comfortable in the winter. How luxurious! There is a ban to smoke indoors in public places you know. Imagine! Heating the outside in winter! That may be the best example of excessive waste! The list goes on and on. City folk are spoiled by the richness of culture,  availability of energy and resources. It creates a culture of what I like to call "wretched excess". 

burn up that fossil fuel

More, more more... it's never enough. I want bigger, better, newer and nicer. No wonder Canadians are in debt, always spending beyond their means to go on that next tropical vacation that everyone feels entitled to. If I had a nickel every time I heard the question "Are you going somewhere warm and sunny this winter?" from my colleagues I'd be a rich man. Do Canadians need to go on a sunny tropical vacation in winter to be happy in winter? No! Wake up and smell the coffee you brewed too much of! Did you know there are 13.5 tonnes of carbon produced for every 5000 miles of air travel? (according to conservation.org).

big beautiful planet

Yes I am bitching and moaning for a good cause; the children, and their children's children. And for this big beautiful planet earth which has a finite amount of resources. Richness doesn't come from money, large houses, fancy cars, tropical vacations or material possessions. True happiness stems from qualities long under-valued. Namely health, basic necessities, and fun times with quality friendships. The lucky ones have the wisdom and self-awareness to enjoy what the collective mind denies because it's drunk on the elixir of entitlement deeply ingrained in city culture.

Watch for my video coming soon:

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