Response 3

It is difficult to comprehend where the items I own originate.  There is a certain ignorance that goes along with not coming to terms with how we get various products.  I feel as though if more people were aware of where electricity comes from or where we are really getting our fruit from, we would be able to change environmental, production, and pollution issues.  The main problem is the fact that we purchase goods that are from across the world.  Not only is this impractical, but it is creating unnecessary pollution.  It does not make sense to buy foods that were grown South America.  We do not know where they come from or even what these foods are being grown in. 

As Leopold points out “there are two spiritual dangers in not owning a farm.  One is the danger of supposing that breakfast comes from the grocery, and the other that heat comes from the furnace” (Leopold 6).  Of course it would be a great idea for our food to all be grown locally, to have clothing made by the community, and electricity generated through alternative power sources.  This would also, in turn, help the economy of the local community.  There would really only be positive outcomes through practice of this simple concept.  However, there would have to be drastic changes in how the nation imports and exports materials.  As well as vastly change the basic outline of the economy.  Therefore, Leopold’s statement is definitely relevant to today’s world.  The only concept that I would disagree with is the fact that everyone should own a farm.  If we were to grow everything locally I do not think that it would be necessary for every household to have a farm.  Just certain people in the community should take care of produce. 

In my life I can honestly say I know very little information as far as where my clothes, food, heat, and energy sources originate.  It is difficult to even the way I go about purchasing items.  I have very little resources to be able to buy my food locally or have an alternative energy source for my home. The only way to truly make an difference is to have the government make these drastic changes.  As I like the idea of leading an agricultural life, I do not know if it will ever