What is Enough to Be Happy?

By Scott C. Miller

Last year we sold a car, gave up most air travel, and I joined Gwen in eating plants. We are happier for it. Here is the question that got us there: what are your non-negotiable values, and does your life actually match them? Ours didn't. So we changed it.

Our Deepest Values

• Gwen's Values: Love and kindness for all people, and helping others live healthier, happier lives through changes like whole-food, plant-based eating.

• Scott's Values: Common-sense approaches to poverty, climate change, and personal happiness.

Together we're forging a middle path. When I lean into passionate rants about the urgency of climate change, Gwen reminds me to “be the change” without coercion or conflict, a principle that serves us well.

Carbon Footprint: How We're Reducing It

Did you know 99% of all species that have lived on Earth are now extinct? Humans may be clever and resilient enough to avoid that fate, but at what cost to the quality of life here? Our choices today decide whether future generations inherit a thriving planet or a diminished one.

Climate change has become politicized in the U.S. and elsewhere, and millions of Americans have been persuaded against aggressive action or global cooperation. Frameworks like the Paris Accord still offer a responsible path forward. Here are three common arguments against acting, and our responses:

1. Economic Cost:

Argument: Climate measures and the Paris Accord will cost jobs and raise energy prices. Rebuttal: Clean energy is creating jobs faster than fossil fuels, and the long-term costs of inaction, from disaster recovery to pollution-related healthcare, dwarf the near-term investment.

2. Limited Global Impact:

Argument: U.S. cuts mean little while China and India keep polluting.

Rebuttal: As one of the largest historical emitters, the U.S. has a leadership responsibility, and its action drives innovation and encourages others through diplomacy, trade, and technology exports.

3. National Sovereignty:

Argument: The Paris Accord undermines U.S. sovereignty.

Rebuttal: It is non-binding and lets each nation set its own goals. Participating simply keeps the U.S. at the table to shape policies that serve both the environment and our interests.

So what can the average citizen do while global leaders find their way? Be the change. Here is how we are cutting our carbon footprint while still enjoying a meaningful, connected life. Our circumstances are not everyone's, but millions of Americans could make similar changes.

The global average carbon footprint is 4 tons per person per year. Americans average 16 tons. Baby boomers like us are especially guilty, with more disposable income and a mindset that growth and consumption have no limits. Our goal is to get closer to 4 tons each.

Changes to Our Lifestyle

1. Reducing Driving: We sold one of our two cars and drive our Prius less than 10,000 miles a year. If we ever need to be in two places at once, we will call an Uber. In the seven months since we sold the car, that has not yet happened.

2. Eliminating Flights: Our work is primarily done through the internet so the need for travel has diminished significantly. We now fly only a couple times a year for occasional business visits and to see families and close friends, which cuts a major source of emissions.

3. Simplifying Life: We spend our disposable income mostly on activities and hobbies that keep us healthy, buy only what we will use often, and give the rest to Goodwill.

4. Adopting Whole-Food, Plant-Based Eating: Gwen has eaten this way for years and I am transitioning. Shifting from a meat-heavy diet to mostly plants can cut food emissions from about 6 tons a year to 1 or 2.

Making Sustainability a Way of Life

Living sustainably isn’t only about sacrifice. It’s about finding joy and purpose in alignment with your values. How much is enough to be happy? Often far less than we think. 🌍