The hypocrite In Us All

I thought about calling this the "don't be afraid" article, for I am finding more and more people who seem intimidated to make minor changes in their lives to help the environment (and therefore themselves). There is a certain "all or nothing" mentality. We all need to go easier on one another and allow the baby steps... because they do lead to greater good.

One holiday I was standing in the kitchen ranting over an environmental issue to my Dad, and he says, (half jokingly, I like to think), "Didn't you own a suburban a few years back?". Now, immediately I felt completely exposed as an eco-hypocrite. After all, how could one who owned a massive SUV for a family of 4 and 2 dogs just 5 years ago really have any voice regarding making changes? I am confessing this because I can relate to the fear that being seen as "green" opens one's choices to judgement. But we all need to care for our planet...and everyone can make a difference. If we feed the notion that any steps beyond recycling are crunchy or elitist, we will never touch the mainstream public to bring about major change. And major (and quick!) change is what our plant needs right now.

Fabricwrapper Note: Even though http://www.fabricwrapper.com products are very affordable (an individual could not duplicate our products on their home sewing machine for less), it would be hard for someone to afford to completely change over to reusable gift wrapping all at once. Over the years one can see the financial benefit, as swapping with friends and family reduces your gift wrap expenses to zero. Until then, however, the Sierra Club points out that if every family wrapped just THREE gifts in reusable gift wrap, we would all save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields in a year. Amazing.

A Must Read

Ok, I know I am a little behind the times, but for anyone else who has not yet picked up a copy of The Omnivore's Dilemma, by Micheal Pollan, this one is a must read. I checked it out from the library but just ordered a copy of my own just so that I can lend it out to my friends and family!
Pollan' attention to detail and his inclusion of the social and political pressures that have influenced the food industry are impressive. This book gave me a great education on where our food is coming from and has inspired me to make some changes in my family's diet. I cut red meat out of my diet for 13 years because of the environmental impact of the way most cattle are raised on CAFOs, yet that and other attempts at eating outside the mainstream completely fell by the wayside after my kids were born. For the last 6 years I have not been able to see beyond my need for convenience... I have become self-congratulatory over choices as simple as buying organic milk and mostly feel confused and trapped by the choices and ingredient lists at the supermarket.

Eating healthier food does take more time and money, and I will have to set priorities. But I am elated to finally begin a process of more informed decisions. Next time something does not feel (or taste!) right to you about a processed meal, listen to your instincts.