Live Green Like the World's Oldest Man

Walter Breuning, a Montana resident who grew up hearing his grandfather's Civil War stories, became the oldest man in the world on Saturday, July 19, after the death of 113-year-old Henry Allingham. Breuning, now 112 years old, accepted his new title with qualification, announcing that he is "more grateful for his health than he is for a world title." The importance of health, of course, is but one of the many lessons Mr. Breuning has to teach us.

Mr. Breuning's stories are, no doubt, incredible. However, when we simply look at how the earth has changed during Walter Breuning's lifetime, we hear an unsettling story about the planet. In the last 112 years or so, the average land temperature has increased about one degree Fahrenheit. Sea levels have risen between four and eight inches. The human population has increased from around 1.6 billion to more than 6 billion in this time period. The increase in population combined with steadily rising temperatures is leading to a world water crisis. The world's oldest man, it seems, has survived to see an age of dire environmental uncertainty.

Still, Walter Breuning has a message that could help us achieve his age and see a healthier planet when we get there. The secret to his longevity, Breuning believes, is "keeping busy and practicing moderation," a motto that could easily form the cornerstone of a green lifestyle.

Keep Busy

One of the most enjoyable ways to keep busy is to simple step outside and go for a walk. This quiet bit of exercise is great for stimulating thought, shedding a few pounds, and enjoying the outdoors. When combined with a few errands, however, walking can significantly decrease your carbon footprint by reducing the amount you drive.

How else can you keep busy? By digging in the garden, of course! Whether you live in a city and tend a container garden or till a field into an organic Eden, gardening is the perfect green way to keep busy, get some exercise, and produce your own low-carbon, organic, local food.

Practice Moderation

After keeping busy, Walter Breuning cites moderation as his secret to long life. Moderation, whether in food, drink, shopping, or nearly anything else, is also a great way to green your lifestyle. When you reduce the size of your home, you find that it's cheaper and easier to keep warm. When you eliminate extra gadgets you notice your home-energy bills drop. Doing more with less, practicing moderation especially when it comes to consumption, is integral to going green.

Walter Breuning, it's true, may not know he's an eco-philosopher. He may not care about the environment or worry about climate change. Frankly, it doesn't matter. His wisdom is universal and his lesson applicable to all aspiring eco do-gooders.