J.D. Gibbard’s Story

"Hajimemashite! J.D. Gibbard desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu."

“Hello! I’m J.D. Gibbard. Let’s treat each other in good regard.” This brief self introduction is one of the first things I learned in Japanese. Although I grew up in an eco-aware family in Victoria, I would say my time living in Japan (2000-2004) is when I really became conscious of the both the urgency to protect the environment and also the degree of apathy in government and general population. At last that apathy is being shaken off and we have entered a race made dangerous and exciting by the narrow margins between victory and disaster. I’m looking forward to cycling the full 1000 km of the Wheels for Change tour to raise awareness and encourage people in their efforts large and small to fight global warming.

Among my own daily efforts: I’m letting my car insurance run out now that the weather is warmer and won’t renew until the fall, until now I have been driving at the speed limit instead of the usual inefficient 10 km/h faster; I have reduced my consumption of animal-based foods; I reuse old photocopies in my printer; I reduce heating and lighting as much as reasonable; I’m choosing organic and local foods more often.

Larger campaigns like Wheels for Change can help make it easier to do the right thing by showing government and industry that we want more eco-friendly choices. Too many people feel they can’t afford to make good choices because marketing and/or subsidies make damaging options appear cheaper than cleaner options. Let’s get on the path to greater efficiency and sustainable alternatives!