It takes a lot to ruffle my feathers, but the other day my feathers must have seriously looked like I got stuck in a wind storm! I was a little peeved that “someone” (not naming names) said to me that being green is just a matter of convenience. That “we” cannot honestly call ourselves green unless we are 100% green. This person went on to say (with an evil laugh and smirk I might add. Yes he was completely trying to irritate me!) that “true” greenies would never have a television. That we would not wear anything ever that was not pure organic cotton or hemp, that we would not own a car and blah blah blah!
His accusation was that greenies are green out of convenience.
I. about. FLIPPED!
In our defense, I assured this person that it was in NO WAY convenient to hang all of my family’s clothing on our clothes line outside and that it would be much easier to throw them in our dryer. I made it clear that it would be much easier to purchase the cheap laundry soap from the grocer, but instead, I make my own. I also pointed out that reading labels and taking the time to understand what ingredients mean and which to avoid is much less convenient than not caring about it and buying the first chemical potion I see on my store shelf – besides the fact that the chance is good that it’s probably cheaper too! *stomping foot*
So he accomplished his mission of irritating me…and I was so glad I could add entertainment to his day. By the way, this person is my brother! Don’t brothers ever stop picking on their little sisters? He always knows how to push my buttons LOL. But he did say that in light of his humor, he really respects the way that so many live without certain “luxuries” and that he could never do it. (note to self: work on making brother more green). I know, what a weenie right? hehehe (love ya big brother *wink*)
So I guess I would like to hear what your thoughts are on this. Do you feel that most greenies make choices for the sake of convenience? How can we defend our use of televisions, cars, air conditioners, curling irons etc? I mean, these things are sorta “luxuries” right? So if we are picking and choosing what areas to green, are we doing so based on what might be the easiest things for us to change? And if so, isn’t that convenience?
If we are making choices to be more green out of convenience, is that bad? I had not thought of it this way before and though I disagree with this perspective, I understand that it might look that way to some who don’t share my beliefs. I believe that we deserve a trophy (made of recycled materials of course) for any and all efforts that we make in greening our lives. There are so many shades of green and each and every action, whether small or large can add up to helping our planet and our health in some way. It takes all of us, no matter the motive, to change one or many things in our day-to-day lives. There is no score card, no “levels” and it’s certainly not an all-or-nothing plan – we just all need to make it work for ourselves and lifestyles knowing that we are green.
Say it with me.
WE. ARE. GREEN.
And I don’t care if it’s convenient or not if it helps my family and the only planet we can call home.
Image Credits:
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.warren-wilson.edu/images/environmental/greenliving/ecodorm.jpg
WE ARE GREEN! My motto has always been, something is better than nothing, and if you can do more, YAY! Imagine if you owed someone money and you couldn’t pay it all back at once. I doubt that the person owed the money would appreciate you saying “Since I can’t pay it all back at once, I won’t even pay back a little at a time. It won’t mean anything to you anyway” I repeat, something is better than nothing.
I would rather have people being green out of convenience than not trying to be green at all.
I completely disagree with your statement “I believe that we deserve a trophy (made of recycled materials of course) for any and all efforts that we make in greening our lives”. No one “deserves” a thing for being green; the results you produce by your green actions are your personal reward as well as your gift to the planet.
The personal reward gained by our green actions truly is good enough! My statement was made with the intent to say that every little action we take in greening our lives does have an impact and we should in fact feel very good about this. It wasn’t a literal statement, but rather that every effort made is one that holds great value! You are absolutely correct – the real gift comes from a healthier body and planet! So true!!
Totally! Something really is better than nothing at all Helga Dee
I completely agree!
I’ve always had a problem with the “all or nothing” philosophy when it comes to living green. Don’t get me wrong … it’s wonderful if one can achieve a totally Eco-friendly life. But I think that it’s an unrealistic goal … and I don’t personally believe that not being the perfect “greenie” means that other, perhaps smaller efforts don’t count. Every action, large or small, counts towards a better “whole”. For example, we all need water … if we all conserve a little, there will be more to go around. If I use slightly more than my neighbor, does that mean I’m not green? Living green is all about making the very best choices that we can. I would love to buy a hybrid car or live in a totally Eco-friendly house … but I don’t have the means to do so. But I can make the car I have, and the home I live in, as efficient as possible. As for convenience … it’s like everything else … some green ideas are convenient … others are not. But I don’t really see that as an issue … we don’t have to be inconvenienced and struggle to be green … we just have to be smart!
Right on Small Footprints, right on!