Life on Foot

We recently moved from a rural suburb in Massachusetts to a small coastal village in Rhode Island. It’s been transformative, and I wish I’d done it sooner! Trickle-Down Effects Unlike a city, a village has homes with yards. Unlike a suburb, a village has businesses and parks intermixed with homes. It’s the best of both worlds. Being able to walk or bike places has trickle-down effects. Instead of driving 20 minutes one-way to get groceries, I can ride my bike there in 5 minutes. Because the grocery store is so close, I don’t need to “stock up.” I go every day and buy less with each trip. Because I’m only buying what I need for that day or the next or so, my meats and produce are much fresher. Because I can ride my bike there, I’m getting more exercise every day and spending less time sitting. Because there are so many shops nearby, its easier to go out and do things. Because it’s easier to access entertainment out of the house, I buy less stuff and spend less time at home. Because I…