I am NOT proposing getting naked and "returning to nature." Went through that in the '70s.

Not do I think that anyone is proposing that. What I AM in favor of is using less, being more personally responsible for what and who I am and what I do, making what I have last longer and do more.

Here's an example. The roof on the library where I work is cedar shakes. It was, as far as we can tell, put on in 1907 when the place was built. It's not leaking, but it does need maintenance.

We can either replace it, and since it's on the National Register we have to replace it with something that will meet historic standards for the exterior of the building, or we can prolong its life with powerwashing and an application of shingle oil.

Powerwashing will use detergent, water, and electricity. Shingle oil is made from linseed oil and some petroleum products.

Replacing it with cedar shakes will mean trees will die. Replacing it with, say, a good metal imitation will mean that somewhere the earth will be torn up, metals extracted, waste created, electricity used, etc. In any case petroleum will be used to transport the material.

We're going to wash and oil. Not only is it the least expensive option, but the residue can be cleaned up and the roof life prolonged. We'll have to do this every five years or so and eventually we will have to replace the roof (donations for this will be GRATEFULLY accepted, and if you cover the entire cost we'll name the roof after you). But we don't have to do it NOW. (By the way, there's some wonderful copper flashings up there.)