Going Green: How Practical Can It Be?
by We all want to save the world…but let’s think about it.
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There is an almost fairy-tale quality to the way many people look at “going green”. The implication is that by “going green” you are dedicated to improving the environment, living frugally, returning to your roots, getting “off the grid”, and devoting yourself to “living more naturally”. While there is a great deal to be said for departing from mass consumerism, a return to the ways of our ancestors is not always the better road.
So what are some good ways to improve the way we interact with our surroundings? Many writings about ecology and environment talk about the “foot-print” our life-style leaves on our surroundings. A good strong look at the impact we have on our world is a great place to start.
Transportation choice is one way we have impact on our world. For example, I drive a four-cylinder small truck that burns standard gasoline. My truck gets pretty good gas mileage (I bought it new, and I shopped VERY carefully in this regard), and it is one of the models that could be re-engineered for alternative fuels. Right now, such fuels are not readily available, and I would be doing myself a great dis-service if I impaired my ability to get to my jobs. Therefore, knowing that I am burning fossil fuels, I plan my driving very carefully. Work is a must. Shopping, recreation and visits are planned to get the most out of each trip and to cut down on repeat visits to stores. (A practice which also helps my budget since I can always find one or two things not on my list that somehow seem to make their way into my shopping cart.) My little truck is a two-seater, with a seat-belted space suitable for one small child in the middle. This is perfectly reasonable since I usually travel alone. If I need to haul something like a board or a roll of wire, I have the space to do that. Since I am going to need a gas-powered vehicle for at least the next 9 years, I feel that Baby Truck does quite well in this regard.
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Post CommentJoe Dorish
On April 1, 2009 at 6:57 am
Going green is a business.
Daisy Peasblossom
On April 1, 2009 at 7:15 am
Good point, Joe. And there’s a lot of hype connected with it.
Ruby Hawk
On April 1, 2009 at 12:45 pm
We can only look at how we live and make any changes that we think are benificial to the planet. We can’t go back to the horse and wagon. But there are many things most of us can do to make it better.
You have a lot of good points.
kate smedley
On April 1, 2009 at 12:45 pm
It is a big business, thought provoking article.
rutherfranc
On April 1, 2009 at 7:00 pm
green.. grin..
Eunice Tan
On April 2, 2009 at 3:14 am
Wonderful article. Let’s research and go green.
PR Mace
On April 5, 2009 at 6:06 pm
Good article. We all have to do what we feel is our way to go green. I recycle, reuse water for plants and hang my laundry outside to dry when I can. If you have a chance read my articles,” The Greenhouse Effect and Mother Nature’s Dryer. They are older articles but still get several hits a week.