I have been so absorbed in producing a ‘go green’ inspired
paper that I never stopped to think about my own role in climate
impact.
Mark Bennett, news editor, was kind enough to hit me with
the fact I have a perfect ‘modern hypocrisy’ to contribute this
week.
Well, there is a reason my column is named as such. People
are such hypocrites, self included.
I drive a car and consume my share of gasoline; I leave a
light on in my room when I know I’ll be getting in after dark.
I use general appliances and keep them plugged in and I think
the light cast from those condensed light bulbs is not to par
with a high-wattage bulb.
And to be completely honest, my apartment complex doesn’t
even recycle. I can’t tell you how many newspapers I go
through in a week, because it’s more than seven.
All that paper…I’m giving myself a huge guilt trip right now.
So in an effort to save the planet, I need to think of some logical
and practical alternatives to my lifestyle.
One, I hate the dark. I’m a major coward, okay? I admit it.
I have a light on in my apartment from the moment the sun
begins to set. I here and now vow to have a light on only in a
room I am in!
I don’t watch TV so I save a little on my carbon footprint
there, but when my radio is not playing “Muse,” “The Used,”
or “Social Distortion,” I will unplug it. Same goes for you too
Mr. Coffee.
The one thing I have ignored to do since I was in elementary
school, even though it’s constantly mentioned, is turning off
the water when I’m brushing my teeth or washing my dishes
. I know that it adds up.
Habits are hard to break, but if it means that if I ever have
kids and they can roll around in 3-feet of snow like I did as a
kid, it’ll be worth it. Or, if I am 80-years-old and still want to
play in the weather and elements that will be cool as well.
Most likely the latter.
It’s pretty obvious with all the studies about organic food
that they hold a much better nutritional value for you than
genetically processed meat, dairy or what have you.
Basically, if you don’t know what an ingredient is, you
shouldn’t eat it.
Besides, pesticides are poisoning the ground. Don’t get all
tense on me, because it’s the plain-word definition of a pesticide.
It’s poison. Why eat it?
I had cancer, the only lucky duck in my family, and I think
on occasion what it was that I was around that mutated my
cells to turn against me.
I have those reusable bags from Wholefoods to tote to the
grocery store with me, but I always forget them and am left
stuffing 10 more plastic bags into the kitchen closet. I plan on
putting them in my car so that I don’t forget anymore.
I can be so lazy.
And how about the dozens of newspapers I go through each
week-I gotta recycle.
Done. Recycle.
I have no problem with tap water. Newtown Artesian is fine
enough for me, but I still acquire a bottle or two every now
and then. I suppose getting a thermos to carry with me to the
gym or on the road will hold back the mountain of waste at the
dump for a little longer.
It’s a matter of making a conscious effort.
Don’t feel bad, I am as equally apart of the problem as anyone
else claiming apathy as their excuse.
But, realizing you have a problem is the first step, right?
I have a problem, and like most articles, I preach what I practice.
I, however, have some work to do in going green. The
practical edge of this I believe is the key to really making an
effort to be more eco-friendly. I can’t go out and buy a hybrid
car and I am not going to take a bus when my Jetta is outside.
But, I do have a bike, and legs and I can take care of cutting
back on the exhaust pouring from my tailpipe.