One Small Act

With spring around the corner and the new year still so fresh with possibility, there’s no better time to get inspired to go for the green. Green means good for the earth under our feet, good for our neighbors, good for us. It’s not about the grand scheme or the big picture. We can’t honestly expect to change our entire lifestyle — much less the planet — in one fell swoop. However, it is all about a tide of positive change, and just like a tide is created by countless tiny drops of water in motion, so can little ol’ you and me start to make a difference that betters both our lives and the world at large. Joining the green movement is as simple as taking one small step in the right direction. (But don’t be surprised if that step naturally leads to another!) On my Web site chat room, ideas are blooming from the fertile soil of connection. As concerned citizens gather together and share their perspectives, a collective consciousness begins to grow. Gumption has a way of getting around! One person’s shade of green may not match another’s, but one thing is sure: We’ve all got a stake in this. The women on my Web site are testaments to the fact that people everywhere are ready to get back in touch with the food they eat, to cut out the chemicals, consume less and make better use of what they already have — and they are finding individual starting points to do just that. AnneMarie in British Columbia began a thought-provoking discussion in my Web site chat room recently. She said, “In Canada we have a challenge going on called One Million Acts of Green (http://green.cbc.ca). The idea is that one small act can make a big difference. I was wondering what your act of green would be. My family has given up paper towels, and we’re using cloth, instead. I’ve also personally decided that if a destination is within walking distance (and if the weather permits), I’ll walk it or bike it.” Immediately, others began piping in with ideas that run the gamut of green. Here’s what they’ve been saying: — “I will either make my own housecleaning products or purchase ones that are environmentally safe.” — Homemom, Rhode Island — “I’m going to plant my long-desired vegetable garden. I will plant enough to can for next fall, and I am using as many heirloom seeds as I can find.” — JenniferJuniper, New Hampshire — “I’m going to try giving micro-loan gift certificates instead of presents this year. The person you give the certificate to will make a “micro-loan” directly to a small entrepreneur in a developing country of their choice. Once the loan is repaid, the lender can relend or withdraw their money. Pretty cool stuff. You can lean more about them at www.kiva.org.” — Huckelberrywine, Washington — “I’m buying a filter for my water faucet so I won’t have to buy bottles anymore; I’ll just refill my own. And I’m going to work on turning the water faucet off when I brush my teeth. For some reason, that seems to be the hardest thing to do!” — Farmmom22, Kentucky — “My son and I are going to raise an acre or so of open-pollinated corn. We will eat, freeze and can all we want, then he will chop up the stalks and leftovers for cow feed.” — Bellepepper, Kansas — “I’m bringing my cloth totes to the store and getting reusable bags for produce, too.” — Catscharm74, Texas — “I’m working on taking the chemicals out of the house; cleaners, make-up, shampoo, etc. They will all be natural this year. So far, I have make-up and cleaners done, now I’m working on soaps, shampoo and conditioner.” —Sweetproserpina, Ontario — “I will be buying a side of beef and a whole pork locally, from a farmer in our county.” — Aunt Jenny, Utah — “I have a clothesline and will use it more often.” — Yarnmamma, Pennsylvania — “I’ll be buying more organic food, eating simpler and concentrating on less food waste.” — Julia, Oregon How thrilling it is to see that change really is happening all around us — right here, right now. The green revolution is gaining momentum, and I believe it’s because the more we talk about it, the more we “get it.” Conscientious living makes sense, and it’s easy to get on board. Whether you start out by switching to more energy-efficient light bulbs, shopping at your local Farmers’ Market or browsing thrift stores before buying something new, you’re going green with gusto. One choice — your choice — makes anything possible. What will your One Act of Green be?