Low tech is only as good as the total embodied energy and other resources to make it. For example, a paper book takes a lot of resources to manufacture. Is the content any less valuable if available as a pdf? Take paper and ink out of the equation and the book may not be any better. Of course, you have to count the electricity to run the computer to view the pdf...maybe a small allocation for the resources to make the computer...it gets complex. Still, just because something is "old school" does not make it the best solution, or even a good solution. If a bike is good for a commute of one person at a reasonable distance, it sux for taking my kid to day care, then getting to work by 7:30. I'd have to ride on the road, in the dark (thanks daylight savings!) with the kid in a trailer: Not safe with kid on bike unless I have dedicated bike lane or path, but what about the resources to build that infrastructure in parallel with existing infrastructure for autos (roads, traffic signals, road crews...)? It might be better to take the car afterall...
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