Two more months. Just two more months. Then, I’ll finally be done.
Not that this is torturous or anything, don’t get me wrong, I’m perfectly happy to continue on my newfound green path in life. But this whole coming-up-with-something-new-every-day thing is really getting to me.
I mean, yes, part of leaving the lightest footprint possible involves being creative, being disciplined and at times being extreme. But what I’ve realized now is that it also involves enjoying and appreciating life — and while I derive a lot of satisfaction from using tote bags, clearing out my closet and supporting local green businesses, I’m equally happy watching the latest episode of Dexter, which I can’t unless I go out and rent it because there’s no cable at my house anymore because television uses electricity (OK, and I was pretty broke at the time, too).
Perhaps a better example: I love that my bi-weekly CSA delivery forces me to cook with foods I’d normally never buy, like turnips, yams and cabbage. But you know what I’d also love? Roasting those vegetables. Which I can’t. Because I unplugged my oven.
Yes, yes, it’s all about being green in moderation, making positive changes without depriving oneself of all things fun in life. I know this, I do. But coming up with 365 ways to green my life ain’t easy, and it definitely involves giving up some of the fun stuff, like joy rides on my sister’s motorcycle, ice-cold martinis in the summer and avocados.
On a lighter note, though: A couple ideas this month have turned out to be surprisingly easy and fun. Drying my dishes in the top rack of my dishwasher and letting the water drip into my houseplants is working out perfectly. It’s a bit annoying having to walk around it when it’s open, but it means no tea towel getting soggy and smelly and less worrying about the last time I watered my succulents. And avoiding corn (unless it’s of the organic and edible variety) has been remarkably easy, but perhaps that’s because I’m naive and don’t quite realize when I’m consuming it. The only downside is, all yogurt seems to have corn starch in it, and making my own ketchup just seems like it would be a pain in the butt.
Less wonderful this month is the fact that my legs are getting hairier and my floors are getting dirtier. But then I guess that’s just part of the whole authentic hippie experience, right?
OK, I got about two hours sleep last night on account of New Year’s so I’m cutting it off here.
Posted by gettinggreen
Posted by gettinggreen
