If you knew me in college you would be very surprised at one of my current interests/passions. Back then I could be heard saying things like, “What? Heck no I don’t recycle. I’m a Republican.” I wasn’t kidding either. I didn’t see the need to recycle. Our planet’s resources and the method we inhabitants use those resources could not have been less important to my young and invincible mindset.
But today I find myself collecting, sorting, and recycling everything I can. I even try to purchase products that come from eco-minded companies that are packaged in easy to recycle materials. And it isn’t just recycling either. I support the Living Wage, I buy Fair Trade Coffee, I’m interested in alternative energy, donate to advocate organizations, and I’m even starting to have a bigger heart for all of nature’s creepy and crawly members. All of that is a leap and a giant bound from the “not my problem” personality of earlier Andrew.
Last night I found myself in a conversation with a person who I trust and respect very much. This person, like my own family, has been treated very well by coal burning energy production companies. We were watching a show that was describing how Americans can reduce their dependence on coal. This person’s comment was, “I can’t believe these people are wasting their time on this crap…we’re never going to not burn coal.” And as true as I believe that statement to be I asked, “But why shouldn’t we use this new technology to better our environment as much as we can?” I didn’t receive much of a response.
I will admit that the “Going Green” craze is a bit over the top. Retail giants are even using the theme in an attempt to lure customers who might otherwise not enter their doors. While I encourage everyone to do their part it is important to realize the limitations of such a movement. We will never stop burning coal or refining crude oil. There will be polluted water ways as long as there are people, and landfills will continue to, well, fill. But there is no excuse for not doing your part. I’m not asking you to collect rain water for your house plants, or switch to high efficiency appliances tomorrow. But we can all do little things everyday to make our community a little better than it was yesterday. And it might not hurt to open your mind to bigger movements that will help our planet.
What about you? What are your thoughts and opinions concerning our responsibilities as citizens of local, state, national, and international communities?
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