What does it mean to be green? A few days ago, over on Simple Lovely, Jocelyn blogged about her New Year's Resolutions. One of her resolutions is to go 3 months without spending money. Today she elaborated on what drove her to this resolution. I was intrigued, because like so many others, Adam and I have decided to "go without" for the next 6 months. I know.. crazy. We made some guidelines (yes to movies, but no to the new cute sweater). Our decision was partly driven by finances, but moreso about not buying things we just don't NEED. (Sure I'm a slave to Anthro, but do I really NEED the adorable new bowls when I already have 20 perfectly good bowls? I find it ridiculous that I even have 20 when we are a family of 4!)
Her thought process was along the same lines, but also about being more mindful of consumption. She referenced this great article from the Washington Post. I found it spot on. I'm what you would call a lazy environmentalist. I'm a big talker, but not a big doer. Sure, I carry my enviro friendly bags religiously, but I've never thought twice about filling them up multiple times with things I JUST DON'T NEED.
"Keep those plastic bags away from me! I ONLY use my cloth bags."
"I'm so happy Lulu has 20 summer dresses to choose from each day. She really NEEDS them."
It reminded me of a conversation I had with a friend about recycling. I was going on and on about how great we are at recycling. As I was doing this I was pulling out individual bottles of water for a little gathering of 20 or so. He commended me on my recycling, but also pointedly asked why then am I not getting water from the tap, instead of using individual bottles of water? Sure I recycle, but wasn't I missing the point. I was taken aback. How daft could I be? I was a complete contradiction.
I've been thinking about my wasteful ways. Buying another bottle of water instead of filling up a cup I already have. Freshening up my wardrobe when really I just need to be more creative with what I have. I'm turning over a new leaf. Good bye consumerism. Hello to A NEW WOMAN.
