mrosloff’s Recent Comments

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  the REAL issue

  The real issue in the US is not so much our obscene population growth in terms of total population.  The United States may have a slightly higher population growth than Europe but it is still far less than in most Third World countries.  More relevant than the total population growth in the United States is how that population is managed.  The United States is using more of its natural resources than necessary, polluting more than it needs to, and is consuming land at a faster rate than it should.  Suburban sprawl is creating unhealthy communities and is almost completely responsible for the decline of American cities AND farmland.  Americans are more likely to drive larger cars, in fact more likely to drive period, than Europeans.  Overall I believe that the real issue is not that the United States is becoming overpopulated, it is that the United States uses more than its fair share of resources.  "Smarter" taxes to encourage public transit and decrease urban sprawl, increased investment in alternative energy research, and more global cooperation among developed countries to reduce environmental degradation are what is needed to reduce America's environmental problems.  It is the Third World that needs to worry about overPOPULATION.. America needs to worry about overCONSUMPTION.On If you want your kid to be famous. posted 3 years, 6 months ago 3 Responses

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  farmers markets ARE awesome

  Boston, where I live, has several farmers markets, a couple of them downtown during the summer and most of the suburbs also have their own farmers markets in some location or another in season.  Having produce that has not traveled from another state or country IS a good idea, and having farmers markets is also very healthy for the community.  If only they could be better publicized and even more sustainable...  I think that people are too likely to go to the big chain supermarkets for produce because they're there anyway and can get everything in one place.  

  In Boston we also have another huge produce market - not a true farmers market, since almost none of the stuff being sold is locally grown, but it's a venue for produce wholesalers who normally sell produce to restaurants and supermarkets to sell to the public on Fridays and Saturdays.  Still a much more interactive buying experience than going to the supermarket, it reduces waste (anything that can't be sold to restaurants goes to the public) and it's a fraction of the price (last week I bought a pineapple for $1 and 3 red peppers for $1).  And it's done with very little of the overhead of a supermarket either - it's outdoors under makeshift tents, without using massive quantities of wasted resources (electricity, water, etc...) that many supermarkets use.  On Farmers markets posted 3 years, 6 months ago 8 Responses

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  I agree, but...

  Yes, Americans use too much gas.  I agree that everybody should re-examine their driving habits and not drive as much as they do, and the suggestions given should be heeded by everyone.  I personally do not own a car at all and take public transit to work, go shopping, and everything else I need to do.  However, it is unfair to say that "humans, or more to the point, as Americans, are spoiled, over-indulgent, self-absorbed, me-first brats".  Yes, there are Americans who are that way, but it is not fair to categorize all Americans as self-centered and uncaring of the environment other people, and also unfair to categorize all people who are self-centered as American.  There are certainly people like that everywhere.  Not trying to be a jerk, and I do agree with your overall point - I just think that your criticism is a little excessive.

  I do think that in addition to reducing the amound of automobile dependence by everyone in this country is a good thing, however.  More money should be spent on building more and better public transportation - something Americans could learn from the Europeans.  Also driving smaller cars.  A rancher in Wyoming might need a Ford Expedition, but almost nobody where I live in Boston should need anything that big.  On Gas price rant posted 3 years, 6 months ago 36 Responses