As everyone begins to worry about their carbon footprint and global warming, we start to look differently at the products we use everyday and where they come from.
For instance, at breakfast today, I had cheese from Ireland and jam from Switzerland. Not exactly local. Undoubtedly burned lots of fossil fuel transporting them to Canada.
But, it's depressing to contemplate having to give up entirely the wide variety of things that international trade provides for us. (Not to mention giving up international travel, and the benefits of cultural exchange that widen our intellectual horizons.)
Perhaps, though, we could find a greener way to transport goods and people around the world.
What about reverting back to sailing ships? These days, they could even have green back-up power supplied by solar panels.
I don't know if it's economically feasible to resurrect sailing ships as a form of transportation on a commercial scale. But the prospect appeals to the romantic in me.
Anyone else have thoughts on this idea?