‘Do the Green Thing’

Do the Green Thing is the new green social network, and it’s exploding. Started by two Brits, its premise is to get its members to do one fun green thing a month. ‘Green Thing is for those of us – and there’s a lot of us – who don’t get turned on by the tree-hugging thing, the guilt thing, the scientific thing or the world-is-at-an-end thing. Green Thing is an easy thing, a fun thing, a creative thing and a community thing. It’s for anyone who wants to be a bit greener but hasn’t found a way.’ The two Brits are onto something . . .

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Make Me Laugh!

No Impact Man and I must be on the same wavelength. Just as I was feeling dragged down by the enormity of the work to be done, I read his post today about the importance of fun. Humans respond to humor, especially in times of crisis. Look at YouTube. The most popular videos are usually the silliest, goofiest ones. People can’t seem to get enough of the stuff. What’s missing from most of the environmentalist voices out there, is a bit of lightness, and also kindness for their audience. When I wrote about ‘Forget Lecturing’ yesterday, I forgot to add one important piece. Yes, do not lecture me. Yes, do not make me feel bad for what I am not, should be doing. Yes, show me through your example, not harsh words. Yes to all three, and also please, don’t take yourself so seriously. Make me laugh!

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Green Fun

Last night, walking around the Marais, we were met by swarms of bicyclists at every corner. I learned from my brother, that the City of Paris just released 10,000 bicycles for people to use as they please. There are stations in every neighborhood, where one can rent a bike for only one euro a day. Riding the bikes seemed like so much fun. We are going to have to add this to our list of to-do things before we leave. Which brings me to my point, that being green does not have to be a chore, proof in point with the bikes initiative. This is where the American could learn from the French. The French have the innate ability of turning pretty much any activity into pleasure. They don’t diet, they just eat right. They don’t exercise, they walk on their way to places. They do not work at being green, they just have fun with it.

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