Small Steps

[Kim]

I've been doing a lot of thinking and talking with my friends and family. My nature is really one of trying to be more aware of what I'm doing and build community with those around me. In the short term it help me to prepare for change and in the long term it helps keep me on target. Yesterday morning, at breakfast with my women friends, we talked about how so many people we know suffer from a disease of "affluence" - buying too much of what they don't need and replacing items with more-better items. Later that evening, one of the women at breakfast sent me this link: <a href="http://sustainability.publicradio.org/consumed/">Consumed: Is our consumer society sustainable?</a>

My goal over the next several weeks is to figure out what I can do to make more change in my life, household, choices... to reduce what I generate to the growing wastefulness in this country/world. I've already convince my partner-in-crime (i.e. my spouse) to participate and by having my friends engaged - they will bring it up every Friday! - it will help me stay the course. As I start the New Year, I plan to have a list of 52 things I am going to do to.

I know somethings will just happen because we are more aware. Small steps. For example: my husband likes yogurt and always has some in the refrigerator. I talked with him about reducing the plastic we bring into the house. He reminded me that it's mostly recyclable ("yeah, still" I said.) The other day when he returned from shopping, he had a large yogurt container instead of the 12 single size containers he usually buys. He commented that he might even try making yogurt like he use to.

My small steps this week:
1. Shopped only at the Co-op.
2. Refused bag for books at Borders.
3. Found three recipes for pita to try to eliminate plastic pita bags.
4. Working on ideas to re-use plastic in art projects.

[Kim]

Sorry, I haven't been here for a while. I'm trying to wrap up 2007 and then I can starting setting my sights for 2008's goals. I understand what you are saying - I struggle with the balance/baby step/being responsible "cha cha" ALL the time. First, if I can just keep myself aware and focused - and guide my intentions to actions, I'll feel successful. I know how my actions can influence my family and friends, I witness it all the time. So, secondly, as my choices influence my family and friends choices to be more aware or change their behavior, I'll count that as being successful too.

With that said, I need to start preparing for January!

[Deb]

I like your idea of an annual plan. I'll have to give that some serious thought. It appeals to my left brain sensibilities.

I completely agree that many small steps will fall out of just knowing. I do have a question for you about how you approach your friends and family. With one exception, my family is generally supportive of my efforts, and even give me a push sometimes when I'm feeling rebellious and don't want to be responsible anymore. I worry though about how I can talk about these things in a way that focuses on the positive aspects of the changes rather than the dangers (Yikes - plastics everywhere!!) or doing without.

Some of it is easy - we now eat much better because I made a choice several months ago to eliminate processed foods to reduce our packaging waste. We have made our meals into a family event. Some of it goes back to the gist of your article. In that respect, the benefits are there, but much more subtle, and harder to convey (at least for me) without sounding hopelessly sappy.

And then, I sometimes find it difficult to keep my own focus positive. Most of the time, I feel better when I take a pass on the "more/better" hamster wheel. Most of the time. Sometimes, I just want that latte, d***it! I resent being a grownup, and long for the time when I just didn't know any better. Not a lot, and not often, but it's there. I am, in fact, a grownup, and I do know better, so I do what is needful. But it's hard to be a cheerleader then.

Does anyone else struggle with this balancing act? If I don't get a handle on it, I fear I may never get invited to another party. :)