Simple Living Can Be Good for the Planet

Today is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Ten years ago today, I remember spending my Saturday standing near the Washington Monument and listening to James Taylor and Carole King play live at the Earth Fair. It was hot outside, we were guzzling down bottled water, and my friend Rebecca and I had driven my ancient Volvo 30 miles roundtrip to the National Mall for the event.

The electricity necessary to power the music acts on stage, the gasoline my car chugged to drive us there, and the...