My Recent Struggle Trying to Live Sustainably

I don’t want to become one of those friends that you dodge because you’d rather not put up with their latest rantings of saving the planet.  I don’t like explaining to friends that I’d rather not drive 20 minutes out of the way to have coffee because I’m on a carbon budget, or that we should go to Whole Foods on the way home because I don’t want to drive 2 miles off route to go to Central Market.  (Why doesn’t CENTRAL Market have a more CENTRAL location?)

How do I explain to Mr. E that I’d rather not go to Miami because I don’t want to fly more than twice a year?  It’s hard maintaining close relationships with people who don’t really see things the way you do.  I’m sure I must come off as ca-ra-zee when I casually try to get a play by play from people so I can figure the most efficient way to get everywhere I need to be.  My closest friends don’t live in Austin, and it’s difficult explaining to them that my carbon budget doesn’t allow for frequent trips.  It’s hard maintaining normalcy when you choose to be green.

I am not really a planner.  I’m the kinda gal who likes to begin packing hours before she has to move somewhere new for a year.   Want to take a road trip tomorrow?  I’m down!  It’s difficult to live sustainably and be myself.  But I’ve just made the decision to sacrifice a little here and there.  It’s like I’m on a carbon diet right now, and eventually I hope it just becomes an accepted way of life.  I hope that eventually, my choices will become like vegetarianism in Austin, just a choice, not a smug and sanctimonious belief that I insist everyone abide by.  Although it would be nice if they did.

So how do I get through my days?  Just a few tips to stay in Check this winter:

• I like to have a weekly reminder of why I’m doing this.  I seek out my passion, because it doesn’t always come easy.  Whether it’s a nice chat with friends, an email from my host parents back in Costa Rica, a photograph, an old journal entry, reading an article, anything that strikes a chord.
• My whole day is mentally mapped out.  If an invitation arises that’s not already on the way to my destination, then I decline.
• Dress warmly if you’re on your bike or having to work outside.  I hate the cold, but you can’t keep the compost in the fridge forever.  Anybody have a spare trooper hat for me?
• Turn down your heater when you leave for the day if no one is home.  It saves more energy than turning it off or leaving it running.
• Car Pool!!!! If you must drive your car, do it with a friend.  If you’re taking a lunch with the office buddies, pick a close location and go together.

Thanks to all of my friends and family for putting up with me.  I know I can be a real pain sometimes.  Love you all.

COMMENT: What do you do when you have problems being green? How do your friends handle your green addiction?

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