Introduction
Hello again. Today’s question? What can we do to simplify our lives now that the complex supply chains that many of us take for granted are no longer a given?
Of course the best way to weather the current instability and unwind complexity is to reduce our oil consumption. Beyond that, there are four more ways that could help us simplify our lives. We could begin the deliberate process of systemic simplification by supporting local manufacturing capability, decentralized energy generation, reformed politics, and expansive and affordable housing options.
Re shoring
Socially and economically, the unwinding begins with re shoring which entails the shortening of supply chains. Decades of hyper-globalization have prioritized efficiency over resilience leading most of us to presume that long supply chains would continue.
Now, with oil blocked in the Strait of Hormuz under resourced areas of the world (even some that are considered wealthy) are suddenly being forced to drastically cut back on flights and driving https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/23/europe-jet-fuel-shortage-airlines-cut-flights.html and some nations are even closing schools and factories to save on oil.
Even in the US which has resources to spare, the oil blockage is showing up in the form of higher gas and grocery prices. Choosing products that have shorter supply chains is probably a good idea.
Micro grids
Another way to unravel complexity is to support the decentralization of critical infrastructure. The current centralized grid, for example, is way too fragile and complex. And who wants to pay money to utilities every month?
Moving toward a distributed model—utilizing neighborhood micro grids, localized solar arrays, and decentralized battery storage—removes the single point of failure and empowers the people to be producers rather than just consumers.
This reduces the administrative overhead of massive utility monopolies and puts energy wealth directly into our hands.
Ranked Choice Voting
Politically, the rigidity of the two-party system has led to gridlock and more and more people choosing not to vote. Younger people, especially, are used to having multiple choices in their day to day lives and expect that in politics as well.
Implementing Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) at the local and state levels is a primary tool for unwinding this rigidity and some cities in the US already do this. In ranked choice voting when you have three candidates the candidate who gets the fewest votes drops out and their votes are transferred to the majority’s second choice. https://fairvote.org/our-reforms/ranked-choice-voting/
RCV simplifies the political landscape by allowing for a more nuanced expression of voter will. Is the US as a whole ready to adopt this new way of voting for federal elections? Let me know what you think in the comments.
Housing Diversity
Finally, the most tangible form of complexity unwinding must occur in our lived environment through the reform of local zoning laws.
Current zoning laws are a maze of restrictions that guarantee scarcity. By updating and simplifying these codes we can allow a diversity of housing including tiny homes, accessory dwelling units, and multi - family dwellings so more people can start to build generational wealth.
Also, integrating urban farms and “agri-hoods” into these simplified codes turns cities from passive sinks of resources into active nodes of production.
Conclusion
Is the oil blockage a dress rehearsal or a permanent situation? Whatever the outcome we can prepare now by supporting localized manufacturing, decentralized energy production, ranked choice voting, and changes to the zoning codes to allow many kinds of housing that can build equity for families.
I have only scratched the surface here. What are some other ways we could simplify our lives and beat the rush? I have drastically cut down on my news consumption and have been spending more time walking, drawing and knitting. What about you?
Oh, and there is this good news item to share. https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/the-book-fairies-are-giving-away-25000-books-to-new-york-city-children-thanks-to-big-donation/
Have a good week, everyone. I will post again soon!