"Why Bother?" vs. Madsen

   Kyle Madsen makes a few points against my article "Why Bother?" that I believe do argue a good point however may also just be misunderstandings of my attitude toward the “going green trend” (Madsen 113). Although I do show a very dominant angle of vision in this article and strongly emphasize the “garden-growing” approach, I do not think that is the only way we can cut back on our environmental consumption in order to save the planet.  Contrary to Madsen’s comment that garden growing is the only solution given in my article, I do also mention biking to work, turning the thermostat lower, hang drying laundry, buying a hybrid vehicle, and eating locally grown foods. There are many other ways to reduce our carbon footprint but perhaps garden growing is one that produces many positive outcomes “some of them directly related to climate change” (Pollan 93) but also exercise for our own bodies by working in the garden and a feeling of self accomplishment when able to provide completely for ourselves. Although Madsen does make a good point that I could have discussed “more realistic alternatives such as pursuing smart consumerism…” my article does form a strong case for Americans to consider choosing one or two things to change in order to slowly “reduce [our] sense of dependence and dividedness” (Pollan 93) on cheap-energy.