I get so much from the people who comment on my blog. They help me with blind spots. Darmok and Nadine, both struck me with the gentle ways in which they approach their greening process. I have gotten caught in the trap of looking at all I do not do, rather than appreciating the many steps I have been taking. I am getting impatient. I want to turn green overnight, and it is simply not possible. Greening is a process of give and take, a willing attitude, and an awareness. It is about savoring the victories, and reflecting on the ‘oops’, laughing along the way. It is about sharing all of the above with others, friends, in real life, and on the web. It has to do with loving one self, and others. My little green victories:
- Unplugging my computer and cell phone charger, most of the times
- Turning off the lights, always
- No longer feeling like shopping for clothes
- Not flushing
- Not wasting water
- Skipping on paper towels whenever I can
- Refusing to use plastic bags for produce
- Hardly printing anymore
- Walking places more and more
- Taking the train instead of the car
I caught myself counting. Ten things, is that enough? I want to be a good green girl. Marion Woodman’s book, ‘Addiction to Perfection’ has been gathering dust on my bookshelves. Maybe I ought to reread it. Green perfection is dangerous, it can eat at you, and then, what’s the point?
That’s more than most people do.
It is “enough”? I don’t think about things that way. In general, I always aim for self-improvement. I’ll never be done. But I will keep looking for ways to be a better person, and being more environmentally friendly is one of them.
I meant enough for that particular time. Like you I agree, we are a work in progress . . .
i would need a shovel to bury the bulk of my planetary sins if i were to account for green offenses.
It is the sum total which maintains homeostasis. Nature helps us to reach some balance. That’s it. Compensation.
Good Girl!
thanks Nadine. You are so sweet. But the official green sites, and how to green lists make no mention of it. And that creates an incredible pressure, and guilt in normal people, who just can’t deliver. No Impact Man is good because it speaks to the hero archetype. The flip side is, it is unattainable for most, and discouraging.
I’ll point you in the direction of Wild Green Yonder’s post today about Shades Of Green, and use this quote from it:
“So don’t fret too much if you think you’re not “green enough” – the fact that you’re even wondering if you’re green enough means you’re on the right track.”
http://wildgreenyonder.wordpress.com/2007/10/26/three-shades-of-green-2/
Shades of Green, I like that . . . Thanks for the link. I love Wild Green Yonder. They are doing some awesome stuff. They were guests on this blog a few days ago.