When most people think about New Jersey, they think about Bruce Springsteen, Mr. Born in the USA, the thousand and one shopping malls, Bon Jovi (Slippery When Wet is still a classic album), former Governor James McGreevy, the Jersey Shore, the opening credits for the Sopranos (…got myself a gun), or that stretch of the New Jersey Turnpike that doesn’t smell all that great. Well besides being home to the World Champion New York football Giants (yes I realize they are the New York Giants, but they play in Jersey, don’t let anyone fool you).  New Jersey is a wonderful state that I’ve come to love dearly.  But the turbulent economy that has hindered the nation, has also affected New Jerseyans all around the state. Like the rest of the United States, gasoline prices are at an all time high. But it’s not just gas… increased prices can be seen in many household staples including bread, eggs, fish, not to mention fruit.  A few weeks ago, a watermelon was more than five dollars. Heck, a gallon of milk is about the same… I’m thinking, what’s in there, a pot of gold?

Times are rough.  In talking with friends and co-workers, the raised prices for everything under the sun is taking its toll. People’s paychecks are simply not stretching to the next payday. It creates a scenario where citizens here in New Jersey are changing their behaviors and habits. The new cd or iTunes purchase is being put off, or just forgotten about. For better or worse, girlfriends of mine are doing their own hair instead of going to the salon. Trust me, for all of you that don’t know… when a sista puts off a hair appointment, you know it is a very serious situation.  I really knew that times were changing when I came across several    stories   which spoke of a significant increase in the use of public transportation by people here in New Jersey. For Jerseyans to give up their cars is a huge deal. This is a state where people are identified by what exit they get off on the Garden State Parkway or the New Jersey Turnpike (Holla, Im at 7A!) However, increased gas prices have driven Garden State citizens to the rails and buses. Co-workers are utilizing the newly constructed   light rail    line to come to work. Others are making the trek on the northeast corridor line. Nonetheless, they are using their cars less, either by only driving to the park-n-ride, carpooling with neighbors, or by leaving the car in the driveway all together and simply taking a long walk to their destination.

 For all the inconvenience that this causes, it does help the environment. Less cars and trucks on the road, means that fewer toxins and exhaust are added to the environment.  And while I am frustrated by the economy, I am pleasantly pleased by the prospect of cleaner air and water in the state. Who knew that the economy and the marketplace would be the biggest purveyor of this new “green” thinking? Maybe recessions and other economic downturns are good things.  Only kidding, I am just trying to find a silver lining amidst all these clouds in the sky.  Let’s hope that the sun comes out tomorrow.  Until next time, I will see on the train.