I want to preface this post with the following: I am what a friend calls “an urban hippie”. I guess that means I recycle, eat organic and fair trade where possible (and affordable), avoid chemicals, and generally try to live simply. I would like to head further down the path, but am intimidated by the commitment.
Mr. and I watched a documentary the other night about the ELF. It was interesting but disturbing. I can appreciate these people holding such strong beliefs that they feel that their actions are justified, but I cannot understand or support the destruction of property that also causes environmental harm. I feel like the tactics that they use (arson and property destruction) end up clouding the issue for many conservative folks who might pay attention to a well laid out argument for environmental conservation. Anyway, Mr. and I had a bit of a conversation about it afterwards, and he was all hot under the collar about companies cutting down these beautiful giant redwoods in order to make profit, and then about companies raping the environment to gain shareholders etc., etc. I’m usually pretty non-committal when these kinds of discussions come up, because they usually end up in loud heated conversations, and I’m just not up to it these days.
However, after he went off for a while, albeit with really good points, I finally said, calm as can be: “We cannot sit here and say anything about any company doing anything to make profit, because we support many of these companies in the consumer choices we make. We could choose to spend more money on clothing and furniture that is made locally from sustainable materials, but the fact is, we don’t. We choose to purchase consumer goods that are less expensive, and therefore, generally more environmentally harmful. I know I could get my clothes from the thrift store, but I don’t. I order from one of those big conglomerates that delivers the stuff to the house. I know that I am remiss in my choices for a large part, and so are you. Our investments are in oil and gas. We are voting with our dollars to support companies that add to the destruction of the environment, so we can’t call anyone else out about it when we are part of the problem.” Then I sat back and continued my game of solitaire with my heart pounding wildly in my chest. (I’m really bad with confrontation of any kind.)
He was quiet for a second and said, “You’re right. I didn’t really realize, but now that you’ve said that, it makes all the sense in the world.”
We discussed a little further, and got into the whole “we as a society” thing, which I think is a terrible way to look at things, because it separates us from society, and I feel like it reduces our personal responsibility by saying, Well it’s okay that I do this because I’m just one, but look at society, they’re all doing that. So, we decided that a big part of our responsibility “as a society” is to get out and appreciate nature as much as we can, and to foster that kind of appreciation in Tiny so that he can pass it on down the line. We’ll take visitors to hiking areas rather than tourist traps, and cultivate a love for gardening and free, environmentally friendly things to do; biking, kayaking, walking, etc. We’ll try to be more aware of our purchases, and buy second-hand a lot more. There are so many lifestyle changes that we can make that will make a difference, and I guess that’s the key: one thing at a time.
I know we’re going to have ups and downs with the path we’re on, but if we can live comfortably with less, and be role models for a simpler lifestyle, we can be comfortable knowing that we took responsibility for ourselves and our actions. That was originally part of my plan for this blog; to talk about my contribution to the world, and to hold myself accountable to someone. So far, I haven’t made many changes, and I feel like a bit of a hypocrite. Time to get back to it, I think.
Much love to all!
