The new Converse ad reads
Conscience Requi(red)
Do not wait for other people
to change the world
The time is now. Do something
Although meant as a campaign to help Aids in Africa, it could also be taken as a call to save the Earth. What am I doing right now, to help? How much of my time, am I actually devoting to the environmental cause? How much of my time, am I spending in activities that make matters worse? How much of me is waiting for others to solve the problem? How loud is my green conscience? These are all questions, worthy of being answered. Illusion, laziness, and complacency tend to make me lose sight of the bigger picture, in my day to day life
On the plus side, this blog has been a great tool, to make me more conscious, or at least more honest. Rather than resting on my seemingly green laurels, I have had to look at all the inconsistencies and hypocrisies that permeate my life as a green girl wannabe. If one believe that consciousness is the prelude to action, that is probably a good start. I find making personal changes to be the most difficult. Working on ways to make a difference on a business level is a lot easier, as it does not involve direct personal sacrifices
On the question of how loud is my green conscience, the answer is simple. Not as loud as a Target press release. My obsession with the upcoming Dominique Cohen for Target jewelry line, continues. August 19th is when the much anticipated line will come out in all Target stores. I made sure to write down the date in my day book. Last night, I searched for more images, and was disappointed to not find any yet. I looked at the pricey baubles sold by same designer at Neiman Marcus, and imagined Target would treat us to some similar designs, only in cheaper materials. I remembered my days as a jewelry artist, and started to fancy myself as a guest designer for Target. I quickly abandoned the thought. To paraphrase Jung, I am a modern girl in search of meaning, and jewelry is not where it’s at.
It may be that I need to be more realistic in my expectations. I am a green girl wannabe, who is also frivolous. How do I mediate that reality right now? Can one buy carbon offsets for Target jewelry? How does one measure the effect of cheap jewelry on the environment?
Thought you might enjoy this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g62XVewUgQM
Thanks Michelle. Nice green video!
marguerite
I find it easier to make personal changes, because its only me I need to persuade! I’m currently working on an environmental policy and action plan for our organisation and I think a lot of people will either think its too much effort, will cost the organisation too much or will find another excuse.
It is easier to work on global change projects than working on making personal changes. Not that other people will necessarily follow . . . In that sense, you are right, one has a lot more control on one self. But the effort required is greater.
[...] manteau-rao presents Converse ad posted at La [...]
Thanks Anja for including me in your carnival of bloggers. I will make sure to send more or my writings your way.
[...] first, is a short, soul-searching post by marguerite manteau-rao Converse ad posted at La Marguerite. Not a long post, but nicely [...]
It’s easier to make personal changes when one has a vision of what one is creating in the future. I’ve challenged my readers and a few bloggers with my “Five things my Grandchildren will say to me” Meme. Here are a couple of mine:
Grandma, what’s a lawn.
What did you call those buildings where the community gardens are now, supermarkets?
What do you wish your’s will say to you?
Once we vision the future we wish to create, everyday decisions and everyday inspiration comes so much easier.
Blessings
The Nourisher