I was helping a friend build up his new bike in my basement this weekend. It was quite a nice bike, and he’s excited to use something that’s lighter, faster, stronger and cooler than what he had before. AS he explained to me his motivation for getting the bike, I remembered how new products are so often the inspiration to ride more. It’s not that we need new things to keep us going, but the excitement of getting to use something new certainly carries more weight for most people than “time to go for a ride again…”
He was also telling me about the efforts he’s taking to get in shape–some of them smart moves, and others not so smart–and how over the summer he made a conscious effort to go Organic. It’s a move I try to make whenever I have the chance and whenever I can afford it, because quite frankly, it’s worth knowing where things come from and what impact they’ll have on you when you consume them.

That’s a life lesson we could all pay attention to: pay attention to where your stuff comes from, and what impact it will have on you once you’ve consumed it.

Think about it, and that translates to nearly every facet of your life.

Buying a used car? It sure pays to know how the previous owner treated it. Oil change every 3,000 miles, continual maintenance, garage kept, highway miles sounds a lot better than city use, public parking, zero maintenance and never washed.

Buying lunch? It’s awfully nice to know that the guy preparing it washed his hands and knows enough to spot decaying meat before he throws that slice of turkey on a bun.

Filling up your gas tank? Six years ago, very few Americans were aware that buying gasoline was essentially the equivalent to supporting terrorism, nor did people realize that by traveling 80mph on the highway, you were contributing to those little pools of water underneath Antartica–but guess what, you are.

Buying a bike? It’s great to know that your purchase went to support the livelihood of someone who pays attention to detail and has his/her finger on the pulse of all things bike. And that’s not just the feel-good factor, either. If you have a good relationship with that person, he/she is more likely to know about and notify you of any possible recalls, tell you when something of interest is coming to town, and maybe set aside a deal that could have gone to someone else.
You see people, it’s all a life lesson here. Know where your stuff comes from. Know the consequences of your actions. Be a smart human.