Being a hypocrite was a topic in one of my readings this week. That word always makes me cringe. I hate the thought of it, but I think many of us have filled the role at one point in our lives. Sometimes it can turn into a rewarding and humbling experience, other it’s just plain embarrassing.
I’ve learned that the more you speak out about your passions the more transparent you are and at risk for being labeled a hypocrite. Hypocrisy is a huge issue when it comes to health, but there is only one topic I can think of that beats it – being green.
I struggle with this a lot. When it comes to my green practices I typically do what I can without saying too much about it or getting on a soap box to say this or that is a good idea.
Why? Well, because often it feels like I am doing one green thing only to cancel it out by another green thing I’m not doing.
I unplug my chargers, but have been known to go over the speed limit. I may try to choose a more eco-conscious travel accommodation, but then I’m taking a plane to get there. I recycle and try not to do any excessive printing from the computer, but how long was my shower?
Green living seems to open the opportunity for being a hypocrite. There is always more you could be doing differently to help. Lately the media is giving us list after list of changes we need to make. You can’t help but feel guilty when you don’t do every one.
My practices have changed a lot since moving abroad. My favorite change, if you can call changes favorites, is the use of reusable shopping bags. When I got to Brazil and came home carrying 10 plastic bags for 8 items I knew this was the place to start bringing my own.
Aside from the environmental impact I love carrying them because I can pack the food in myself and they are so much easier to carry on my shoulder for 7 blocks. I will say I was surprised that I rarely saw anyone with their own bags when I was in my hometown in the US over the holidays. The bags are for sale everywhere, but no one seems to be using them.
My first encounter with the benefits of bringing your own bag came several years ago on my first trip to Europe. If you haven’t been, most grocery stores in major cities charge you for your bags. I recently read that Ireland charges 33 cents per bag and has reduced plastic bag consumption by 95 percent.
This made me remember that small changes make a big difference. I think this is key in protecting our resources for future generations and saving the polar bears. I am so sensitive to the influence our choices have on wildlife. Among other things, I couldn’t imagine a world without polar bears!
So I’ll continue to do what I can, but you won’t catch me as one to shout at the hilltops about actions you need to take to be greener. Why, because it is likely there are several I’m not doing myself.
Are you satisfied with the green changes you’ve made? Do you ever feel like a hypocrite when you do something that doesn’t fit the list of suggested changes?
I SO identify with this post! We do little things to be greener – including using reusable bags when shopping – but there’s so much more that we could do. It’s easy to make the green change if it’s not too life changing (like the bags), but once it starts to really affect my comfort level, well, it’s harder to make that change.
So, I’m a hypocrite too. But a hypocrite that is slowly changing in small ways, I hope.
Thanks for the thought provoking post!
What a great post. Very interesting. I agree that I feel like a hypocrite when I do certain non-green things. But, I’m trying. I love using my reusable bags, too!
I enjoyed this post and I completely understand and feel the same way. We’ve changed in small ways and really are just trying to do one little thing at a time.
I don’t much like talking about it either, because there are MANY ways I know I am not “green”. One of the biggest things we also have done is to use reusable grocery bags and recylced the many plastic bags we had in the cupboard. I also find the reusable bags MUCH easier to carrier.
I think one just has to take it a little at time or it would be way too overwhelming (at least for me!) And I figure each change, as small or gradual that it may be, at least makes a little difference
Wonderfully said! I sometimes feel as if ‘going green’ is presented as an all-or-nothing proposition: that a single slip or failure to adhere disqualifies your other efforts. You’ve hit on the most important lesson – that we should each do as best we can with an eye toward doing more when we can. Taken separately, it may not seem like a big contribution but if everyone were to do their small part . . . A single drop of water can’t nourish the whole garden until it’s joined by many others to become rainfall.
Great post, Lori. :)I think we all struggle with this.
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cathy – I know what you mean. When it comes to comfort level I think it takes a while to break out of our routine and change our way of thinking. For example, I still like to use warm water with my white laundry.
Happy Runner – I think trying is the most important part. It’s quite another issue if we don’t care at all. 🙂
lesley – I agree. A small change makes it easier and more sustainable in my opinion.
Tangled Noodle – Thanks! I really think we’ve got to get away from the all or nothing perception. I think media should work hard to do that as well. There are lots of people that may not even try if they look at it that way.
Jenn – I am doing cartwheels as we speak!! I’m so excited!! Thanks!!
GREAT post. I totally feel like a hypocrite. I am trying to take baby steps and get better but in some areas…I’m just totally not green. I stopped using bottled water. I bought a big ole water bottle and fill it filtered tap water now. I stop drinking diet soda (no more cans!!). But…I drive an SUV.
Congrats on the bra win btw!
yayyy love that your middle name is Lynn too!
I think about this all the time too. I subscribe to a CSA, bring my cloth bags to the store, recycle etc., but then I love love love long hot showers and feel guilty for it! It can be overwhelming, so I just do what I can:)
Hi Lori –
I struggle with this all the time. Being green seems to come with so many contradictions, like local isn’t always more sustainable, etc…
Having moved to Europe I also use reusable bags as they are more durable when carrying groceries home.
I am also OK with exploring the idea of decisions being made up further on the chain, i.e. in San Francisco grocery stores must use paper or biodegradeable plastic. Don’t give us the option for plastic bags and people will learn to deal with it.
Most people don’t use reusable bags out of convenience so if there is a charge to use them (like in many European countries) you bring your own because then you save 25-50 cents and your helping to reduce waste!
The plastic bag levy that was introduced here in Ireland has probably been one of the most successful environmental initiatives introduced by the government. It was one of those things that just worked. Having to pay for your plastic bags made people stop and think and, most importantly, get into the habit of bringing shopping bags with them. Simple but very effective.
It’s a great point! I always figure doing something is better than nothing. Lately it’s been bugging me how many plastic forks and paper plates I go through at work. But I do use reusable grocery bags. I have the kind that roll up and fit tiny in my purse for whenever I need ’em. Good investment. And the plastic bags I do occasionally use? I imagine them filling up my house one day because I feel too bad putting them in the trash.
Erica – Thanks! I’m thrilled! I know what you mean with the cars. We bought a more eco-friendly Scion xB, but then still had my husbands Montero sport so not sure we helped. 🙂
Caitlin – I want to look into CSA more when we return to the States. I love the idea. I know what you mean about long, hot showers. Love them, especially in the winter!
gastroanthro – I felt that when the move to buy organic became stronger. I’ve always felt local was better. Then people began realizing that organic from across the world may not be the best environmental choice.
I completely agree regarding making changes higher up the change. I think this will be completely necessary regarding plastic bags in the US, similar to what they did in Ireland. Sometimes people won’t change until you make them and then there is the arguement of when should you (the powers that be) make them.
Daily Spud – It looks like it has been highly effective. I would love to see it happen in the States.
Michelle – We tend to get more uses out of our plastic bags if we do get them as well. I’ve been known to forget my reusable ones. 🙂 I love those tiny ones you can fold up. I bought one for my friend for Christmas and I need to get myself some. Very convenient.
Lori–what a wonderful article and thank you for shaiirng the truth. We can all be proud of what we are trying to do and just continue to try where we can. While we are all trying to make the world a better place environmentally, I think it is also important to improve it emotionally. What do I mean? people behaving respectfully to each other in our behaviors and actions. 🙂
I can definitely relate! The more older and wiser I grow the more I keep off the soap box. I just do my best! Great post!
Hi Jennifer – Thanks for stopping by. I agree. If we adapt those behaviors taking care of things and future generations will come naturally.
Healthy Ashley – Ha, ha! I think my soap box might be retired good. 🙂