I write for Girlsustainable. So obviously I’d be a hypocrite (and a really nasty one at that) if I never practiced what I preach. And here’s the truth…I DO live a sustainable lifestyle but sometimes I fall short of being 100% at it. Yes I will own up to the fact that I do from time to time commit a green sin or two or three and sometimes all in the same day. But the point here is to just make everyone understand a fall from grace isn’t the end of everything and shouldn’t be a reason for you to give up on trying to lead a gentler life (less impact on the environment).
So what I’ve summed up here today are the top green sins I have been guilty of this year:
1. Powering down for that special 60 minutes on Earth Day
The Idea: 60 minutes in darkness might seems like a joke to you but when the whole world pitches in to power down it really does save the Earth from energy consumption/wastage – the top green sin of all time.
The Fact/Sin: I didn’t participate in the power down on Earth Day.
Justification: Needed to finish my work so the computer was kept on.
Remedial action: Keep the computer off for the whole day on the following Sunday.
Result: Deferred save the planet action
2. Buying local
The idea: Buying organic is obviously not always a choice so the next best thing is to go for local supplies which also cuts down on the carbon footprints.
The Fact/Sin: Sometimes I don’t buy organic or local
Justification: Organic = expensive and sometimes choice is limited. Local- well their imported counterparts just looked so much better and were almost equal in terms of price.
Remedial action: Buy less imported stuff – to try to anyway because the consumer in me might be an issue.
Result: My carbon footprint impression just sunk a bit deeper.
3. Driving instead of taking bus no. 11
The idea: Use the car less and walk more will save you a lot of money and the earth a few more years on its lifespan.
The fact/Sin: I get lazy after a long rough week at work so instead of just taking a breeze walk to the store about 2 km away, I drive.
Remedial action: Make it a point to walk to destinations where a safe walk will only take 10-15 minutes?
Result: Unsure, depends on how far along I keep to the plan
4. Printing instead of paperless
The idea: These days it’s easy to go paperless with photos and just about everything else. Less printouts = less trees meeting death.
The fact/sin: I’m old fashion/nostalgic about some things. So I still like to write letters by hand and print out photos to carry around/have framed up.
Remedial action: Eco prints on eco paper!
Result: Instant cut back on the severity of sin.
What’s your green sin?
