Years ago, a Muslim acquaintance told me that one great aspect of Islam is that it has an answer for everything. He mentioned theft and adultery (with no mention of amputation or stoning), drinking and … that was it. But the statement it has an answer for everything stayed with me. It sounded very Big Brother-ish. People do need answers and guidance, and religion can provide a blueprint for living. That’s easier than spending the time to consider things critically and be able to reason why something is wrong or right.

Well, green is the new ‘god.’ I’ve noticed a shift in my thinking and it’s usually along ecological lines. Should I get food delivered? No, because I can save fossil fuels by walking 10 minutes – unless they have a bike, in which case I can be lazy. Should I eat factory-farmed meat? Sure, if I want to support their ecologically horrific practices.

Gee – this sounded a bit like the Islam I had told about years ago. Could being ecologically sound really have an answer for everything? Probably not, but it could definitely impact a lot of decisions. And there have been some interesting domino effects too.

I drive 55 to work, mainly to get 10 more mpg. I like the savings and the decreased fuel consumption. The side effect happens to be that I’m the slowest mofo on the road. Everyone, including most senior citizens, passes me on the road. I’m used to it now and as a result I have zero-stress commutes. It’s like I’m driving with this goal in mind – I’m just on the way. It’s strange, from a former road-rager.

On a semi-related note: speaking of Big Brother this person I referred to was in the clutches of a very devout family. To the point where there literally was a Big Brother involved. In his case, it was a spirit he called ‘the buzurg.’ It apparently kept an eye on him and reported back to his family in case he went astray. The buzurg must have really liked him though, because it didn’t say a word of his drinking and other fiendish activities to his parents.