With the horrific oil spill taking center stage in the news, the small environmental steps we take...recycling, turning lights off and the heat down, buying used clothing and locally-grown foods...can look insignificant. It takes a bit of staying power not to feel like throwing in the towel. With the Gulf and its beaches and wetlands going to straight to hell, what difference will my tiny efforts in Pennsylvania make?
But I'm going to keep on because, deep down, I really do believe that our individual efforts can add up to important movements. I know that by staying true to what I think is important can help change other people's behaviors.
I hope that my friends and fellow eco-warriors don't become discouraged or bitter or cynical. They have every reason to go in that direction. Maybe I'm just being a Pollyanna, but I'm going to keep trying, and keep believing that we can make a difference.
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Sometimes it looks like a step forward for mankind, then 2 leaps backwards. We must get away from oil dependence. I'm going solar with electric cars in 2 years, and under my kitchen addition, will have a cistern to hold run-off water. Big changes in the next 5 years.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I've been a bit "head in the ground" about the oil spill because of how it breaks my heart a little each time I see or hear about it. I have those moments where I think "Does it really matter if I throw this away/buy X product instead of Y?" Though, more or less, I've come to gripes with the fact that I am still a fledgling when it comes to the re-making of my life as more frugal and green. I am doing what I can, perhaps not all I can, but I am making progress. I'd rather be Pollyanna about it because the alternative is far too frightening.
ReplyDeleteNadine, I like the changes you have planned. These things will make a big difference in your energy use. Swigget, I think we all just need to keep making little steps, as you are doing. How can we do otherwise?
ReplyDeleteDee Dee: I'm looking into what it would take to transition my house from oil heat to solar. I've had it.
ReplyDeleteLeah
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
ReplyDelete~Margaret Mead
It's more important now than ever before.
Leah, Solar is a great alternative, but it's not likely to be entirely adequate for heating your home, given weather conditions in our part of PA. It might work well enough for your hot water needs though.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspirational words, Rebecca.