When I consider the irrefutable fact that the world is burning five barrels of oil for every barrel that is discovered and that we cannot, as a matter of simple arithmetic, continue to burn through non-renewable energy at this rate indefinitely, or even for very long;

And when I drive through the countryside outside the urban area of Jackson and see streets being paved, utilities being extended and large houses being built on large lots;

And when I further consider the fact that these expensive houses on large lots that consume water, electricity and natural gas on a grand scale are purchased by well-to-do professionals—educated persons in positions of responsibility requiring mature and informed judgment;

And when I further consider that the educated dwellers in these houses seem to be unable to connect the incredible waste that results from their lifestyle—the suburban low-density sprawl that consumes open farmland and makes such a demand upon infrastructure, the energy and resources required to heat and cool large homes, water to fill swimming pools, water lawns, make hot water and wash dishes and clothes—with the rapid depletion of the very resources upon which they depend,

I am amazed that some enterprising architect or builder has not already designed and built a community in which almost everyone can get to work and obtain the necessities of life by walking; where high-density residential areas are pleasant and conducive to neighborliness and voluntary participation in one's community; where homes are energy-efficient and as much as possible make use of renewable energy for heating and cooling; where autos are driven only for pleasure and not out of necessity; where children can walk almost everywhere safely and not be simply tolerated but loved, nurtured and guided by the entire community; and most of all, where everyone, young and old, can make a contribution.

Anyone who can come even close to profitably creating such a community would be doing the world a huge favor and making himself/herself wealthy as well.

Success in such an endeavor would require skills far beyond architectural, engineering, building and landscaping; social entrepreneurship and vision would be essential. The idea is not to create a utopia but a satisfying place to live, work and love. It is almost certain that we will be forced to do more with less in the next few years as the cheap oil that sustains our modern suburban civilization becomes a thing of the past.

Surely we can plan for such an eventuality, rather than motoring blindly into what could be a calamitous economic and societal breakdown.

Ideas?