I am a compulsive list-maker. The first story I ever wrote was in the 5th grade and it was basically a long list of supplies I would take to the moon when I became an astronaut. My career aims have shifted since then but my predilection for list-making lingers. I also like to boil ideas down to concrete, relatable stories and examples. So, as I examine my so-called green life and how I am connecting my daily actions with my values – how I am walking the talk -- I recognize several stages:
1. Reaching for the low-hanging green fruit which I have named “Switch out your Lightbulbs”. These are the simple and painless changes that anyone can make at least on a small scale. The classic green example is changing from incandescent and halogen lighting to compact fluorescent bulbs. The trend is moving towards LEDs so I’m watching to see the lighting color tone improve and prices come down. For a business or organization, this may be a larger capital expense. But regardless, the technology is established, readily available, has clear benefits and few downsides. Other ways I’ve changed my lightbulbs, metaphorically speaking, are switching from paper napkins to cloth napkins years ago (much classier!), using cloths for cleaning and mopping, drinking my own filtered water instead of buying bottled water, and using cleaning products made with without petroleum-based or toxic ingredients. I’ve also learned a few cheap home-brewed cleaning recipes. You can do a lot with baking soda, vinegar and liquid detergent – future post coming soon!
2. Then, there are “Lifestyle Changes” which require a little more research and commitment but are still easily made. These are things like shopping for produce and meats at organic grocers or farmers markets, changing over to organic hair, body and makeup products, and signing up for renewable energy credits for electricity supply. A case in point is my love affair with food. I love to eat and am also very picky so I place a high priority on fresh quality produce and meats, preferably from local and sustainable sources. I am good friends with a foodie who introduced me to the Slow Food Network. Now I am friends with a group of people who also love to eat and who promote clean, fair food. It’s a great intersection between my “hobby” (eating) and my sustainable values.
3. Next are the obvious and expensive changes otherwise known as “Get Out Your Checkbook”. These are the big changes that can have a real long-term impact but demand a larger upfront investment. If you have a house, think: putting in more or better insulation (check), installing energy efficient windows (check), sealing any cracks or leaks (check), wrapping pipes and ductwork (check), upgrading to energy efficient appliances including the furnace, water heater, HVAC system, range, refrigerator, washer, dryer, ceiling fans… umm, that's a lot of checks. Long term these will largely pay for themselves in energy savings, comfort and efficiency, and it is very rewarding to see your gas bills go down instead of up. If you are considering where to live, sustainability should factor into your decision about the neighborhood, desirable amenities, age and condition of the home and commuting distance to work. And speaking of commuting, transportation is a big contributor to global warming and a big-ticket item if you are trying to green up your life. You may decide to drive a hybrid vehicle (check), and it is better still if you ride-share in one, take public transit, ride your bike, walk or telecommute. I’m doing a combo of telecommuting, driving and taking Metro based on the traffic, the weather, my mood and how late I wake up. Ideally I’d like to not have to drive, and the worse the area traffic gets the more likely this is looking.
4. If you’ve passed through Phases 1, 2 and 3 and are feeling empowered, here comes Phase 4: “Share the Love”. This is an important phase where you become an advocate and activist for sustainable choices. One of the most important things you can do is to lobby your leaders and government for policies, legislation, regulations, incentives, enforcements and penalties that will lead to a more sustainable society, healthier environment, better governance, and greater social equity. You will need to vote, and also write letters, go to city council meetings, talk to your friends and neighbors, call your representatives, show up at rallies, support organizations and generally Get Loud. It takes some energy & confidence and is absolutely crucial to helping create a sustainable future for yourself, your family and your community. I live in a small city and know several of the City Council members, and this is its own kind of power because I can talk to them directly about concerns and see the impact that this can have. And, keep in mind that you can vote with your wallet just as powerfully as you can vote at the ballot box. If you want to effect change in the consumer world, exercise your purchasing power and voice as a consumer. There are boycotts, customer feedback, consumer reviews (very powerful in the Web 2.0 world!), shareholder votes (tip: check out GreenAmerica.org), and the actual purchases that communicate your values and priorities. Businesses do pay attention to how customers react to their products and services, and to those of their competitors. If you don’t like how a company does business, tell it, and then tell all your friends.
So that’s my list. It continues to grow and I’ll share more actions and changes as I go greener. What are some of your discoveries, new habits and tips, dear reader/s?
