Taking Action
Today is Blog Action Day where bloggers around the world are encouraged to post about the environment — one of my favorite topics to discuss. There are many ways I’ve modified my behavior in the last few years to be more green — like bringing my own grocery sacks to the store and my own cup to the coffee shop — and a few other changes I’ve only recently noticed that could be considered environmental.
Yesterday I met some friends for breakfast at a bagel shop 20 miles from my house. By riding my bike, I saved a gallon of gas round trip. I washed my car yesterday at the $.25 coin operated spot and literally ran like mad to make it happen within the initial 4-minute $1.25 time slot. I am also trying to consume and eat less, recognizing every little bit adds up.
Ultimately, what I think we need to remember is that we cannot shop ourselves green with new light bulbs or hybrid cars. We cannot eat ourselves thin with 100-calorie packs of crackers. We cannot pull ourselves out of financial ruin by shopping sales that “save.” Nice marketing ploys! If we make these choices because they fit in our budgeting, nutrition, environmental plans — that is another story. Simply, I think we can focus on using less and walking more — those two things alone will make us all healthier.
Crafting, the do-it-yourself movement, cooking at home and gardening are forms of domestic sustainability that work toward these two goals. One day, I will grow much of my own food, live on solar power, trade my car in for a mountain bike and live with the seasons.
~K
What a lovely, simple post. I did one too.
October 15th, 2007 at 8:43 am“using less and walking more”
Those five words alone have the power to heal most of our self-inflicted wounds. Nicely written.
October 15th, 2007 at 9:07 amWhat you said is all so true. If everyone would just stop and change two things in their life it all adds up.
October 15th, 2007 at 10:39 amExcellent points, Kelli!
October 15th, 2007 at 11:25 amWell said, my friend. We can all surely find ways to conserve along the way without buying a bunch more stuff to do it. Thanks for the reminder.
October 15th, 2007 at 11:44 amA concept that often comes to mind is “treading lightly on the earth”. A lot of that translates to using less and living in a way that doesn’t work against natures forces: eating in season foods (eating squash instead of buying tomatoes during the winter), wearing sweaters when it’s cold (instead of cranking up the heater), sitting in the shade and doing low-key activities when it’s hot (instead of cranking the AC) - that kind of thing.
Not that I know much, but I do know that between me and the environment, I’m not going to win by forcing it.
October 15th, 2007 at 12:24 pmMost of this comes down to simplicity in our lives. We have been told for years to get more, more, more, as if that will bring more happiness to our lives. What you are doing is benefiting the environment and at the same time creating a more self sufficient individual. As you may know from a few of my other comments, my oldest son is currently serving in the Peace Corps in Eastern Europe. Every time that I talk to him or get an email about his daily life, I am reminded how much we take for granted. I now aim to simplify. Great post as always.
October 15th, 2007 at 3:00 pmmjanice12
I hear you sista! =) This very topic has been on my mind all week, if we consume less we have less of an impact on the environment, it costs us less money and in the case of food we would eat less. Sounds like a win-win to me! =)
October 15th, 2007 at 6:04 pmSo true! I love it! Let’s be green-conscious not green-trendy! Right?
Re-use idea:
October 15th, 2007 at 9:27 pmThought I’d share this link about how to re-use an old t-shirt into a shopping bag. From your friend and mine, Martha. . .
http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.3a0656639de62ad593598e10d373a0a0/?vgnextoid=37b1b744dd165110VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&autonomy_kw=t-shirt%20shopping%20bag&rsc=ns2006_m1
[…] Kelli wrote a fantastic post today on “Taking Action”Here’s ONLY a quick extractCrafting, the do-it-yourself movement, cooking at home and gardening are forms of domestic sustainability that work toward these two goals. One day, I will grow much of my own food, live on solar power, trade my car in for a mountain … […]
October 15th, 2007 at 10:19 pmExactly! I’ve changed a lot, me too, I’m more aware of the world I live in, and I’ve changed the habits of the ones near to me too! I have a very big companion in my daughter, she’s very environment-friendly and I like that in young generation.
October 15th, 2007 at 10:58 pmYou are awesome! Excellent post
October 16th, 2007 at 7:28 amYou are my muse Kelli. EXCELLENT post!
October 16th, 2007 at 8:29 amWell spoken.
October 16th, 2007 at 9:37 amWell said! Thanks for a refreshing post.
October 16th, 2007 at 10:11 amWonderful post, Kelli. I love your thinking and actions.
October 16th, 2007 at 12:02 pmI agree whole heartedly!
October 16th, 2007 at 12:09 pm