Wooo! Break out the keg! Partaay!
Well, maybe not so much. But still! I love Earth Day, because it raises awareness of our surroundings. So I was surfing some friends’ blogrolls this morning, and Britta has a great list of eco-websites that are full of ideas, info, and inspiration. One that I particularly like is Green as a Thistle, which is one woman’s quest to make one green change to her life, every day. While most of us pat ourselves on the back if we can manage to make a change or two per month, she’s a real trooper. However, after reading though her list (of 366 changes!), I can safely say, as the great Meatloaf once did, I would do anything for love, but I won’t do that. To wit:
78. Unplugging my whole fridge (Because then where will I put my ice cream?)
96. Sleeping naked (No thanks)
98. Not having any more baths (I need those to live)
117. Selling the car! (I can’t live without a car quite yet, so I guess only owning one and it being a Prius will have to do)
136. Not drinking anymore canned beverages
137. Not drinking anymore bottled beverages (Juiceboxes?)
145. Eating food straight from the pot or pan (I would feel too slovenly)
170. Not wearing a gown at the doctor’s office (Does she just sit there nekkid?!)
172. Not using staples (I don’t know how that is possible.)
184. Using all-natural, locally produced face cream (Huh?)
191. Not using toilet paper for peeing. (Not going there)
220. Swimming in natural bodies of water, not public pools (This is my greatest fear)
225. Voting for the Green Party (Again, not going there)
239. Bringing my own reusable bib to the dentist’s (where would one even find a reusable dental bib?)
277. Not shaving my legs anymore (Sorry, Mother Earth)
302. No more highlighters (I think my GPA would drop at least one full point)
308. Not buying anymore plastic whatsoever (Amazing!)
323. Making fenders for my bike from old water bottles. (Speechless)
328. Commenting on other people’s decisions that aren’t very green, educating them about why it’s important to consider alternatives. (Please see the image at the top of the post)
333. Buying a used mattress and boxspring (There are some things I just won’t buy used.)
342. Not wearing anymore makeup (I’m vain)
So, happy Earth Day everyone! Spend it thinking of ways to be green, no matter how small!
22 comments
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April 22, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Britta
It’s funny what one will do and another won’t.
I can’t believe you won’t swim in a natural body of water!
And voting Green – she’s Canadian so it’s a little more acceptable.
Half the things you highlighted as you won’t do, I do
You’ve inspired me to write an Earth Day post.
April 22, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Britta
PS: Her experiment was last year, so I don’t think there’s been many updates since she completed the 365 days. Same with No Impact Man’s, but he went even further than Vanessa and he still posts. Both are writing books about their year experiment, why they did it, and the changes they are keeping and the ones they are rejecting.
April 22, 2008 at 2:00 pm
ithinkimdying
The lake thing is seriously terrifying to me. Open waters send me into a panic attack. Just the thought– !!!
April 22, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Ethel
I prefer pools. And in the state of WI it is illegal to sell a used mattress. You can give it away for free, but apparently WI believes that used mattresses are too nasty to exchange money for. I agree.
What’s wrong with baths? I would probably use a lot less water if I took baths vs. showers.
I like the dental bib idea. I’m so drooly (is that a word?) that the dentist has to put two or three on me at a time. I’m sure some sort of reusable one would be a great idea.
April 22, 2008 at 5:11 pm
whip1
I would have strung it out and given up one color of highlighter every day.
April 22, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Britta
Oh, the bib thing – I think it’s just a regular bib and then she would wash it at home.
The average shower uses less water than the average bath. Especially if you turn the water off in between soap ups.
April 23, 2008 at 12:11 am
chris
Not using toilet paper is hideous.
Can you answer a question for me. I read your blog from time to time and enjoy it as I was once a 1L too. I’ve been out of law school for a decade (had three kids, stayed home, terribly exciting) and am now preparing to take the Bar in my new state. Are there any new courses that are out there that I should know about? I’m really only familiar with Barbri and Micromash, but if there’s something else that people like, I’d really appreciate knowing about it.
Thanks a lot.
April 23, 2008 at 12:18 am
ithinkimdying
Hi Chris. You will probably hate me forever for letting you in on this info since you’re in NC, but us Wisconsinites automatically get bar privileges in this state if we graduate with a certain GPA. Huzzah!
We’re like the only state left with this lovely rule, and believe me many legislators are rabidly attacking it. But bottom line, I don’t know of any good reviews out there because it’s not something that’s talked about much around here. I do know that Westlaw and Lexis have bar reviews, but I haven’t heard feedback on them. I just know they exist…
Sorry I can’t be much more help, you if you check out the link to BonjourBadger’s blog, she was once an attorney as well and recently took the bar again when she moved states. She may have some suggestions.
April 23, 2008 at 12:20 am
ithinkimdying
Hi Chris. You will probably hate me forever for letting you in on this info since you’re in NC, but us Wisconsinites automatically get bar privileges in this state if we graduate with a certain GPA. Huzzah!
We’re like the only state left with this lovely rule, and believe me many legislators are rabidly attacking it. But bottom line, I don’t know of any good reviews out there because it’s not something that’s talked about much around here. I do know that Westlaw and Lexis have bar reviews, but I haven’t heard feedback on them. I just know they exist…
Sorry I can’t be much more help, you if you check out the link to BonjourBadger’s blog, she was once an attorney as well and recently took the bar again when she moved states. She may have some suggestions.
April 23, 2008 at 1:32 am
StephG
I could never, ever, ever, buy a used mattress. Yuck.
I could also never, ever, ever give up on TP. Double yuck.
April 23, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Britta
The TP thing – it’s really no different than cloth diapers. You use cloth wipes, put it in the soaking solution and then you wash it. A lot of eco people will take the first step of using it just for pee, and keep the paper for the other. But really. Wiping shit around isn’t better than actually washing yourself.
April 23, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Britta
And, I’ve used Used mattresses all through college. You didn’t?
April 23, 2008 at 2:06 pm
StephG
What do you do when you’re out of your own house then, if you don’t use TP? I’m honestly curious.
Also, MU got new mattresses in my dorm, so Fres. year was brand new, soph year was a year old. When we moved to the apt. I got one of those plastic protector things to go over the mattresses.
I really wouldn’t buy one used.
I don’t like hotel beds either, but it is what it is.
April 23, 2008 at 2:11 pm
ithinkimdying
I slept on the used one in the dorms freshman year, and after that I was in apartments and had my own. I just took the one out of my bedroom from home.
People re-use rags to wipe themselves? Now I’ve heard everything! Honestly, I’ll just stick to recycled TP and using very little.
April 23, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Britta
The TP – I’m sure people use the paper when out in public. And it’s not like you use a rag to wipe several times. One use, then washed. Again, if cloth diapers work, why not this?
The why:
http://crunchychicken.blogspot.com/2007/09/cloth-wipes-benefits.html
The how:
http://crunchychicken.blogspot.com/2007/09/using-cloth-wipe-up.html
Have I done this? No. My husband requested I not.
My dorm didn’t have new mattresses. And when I moved off campus, I got a bed at a rummage sale that looked in good condition. I use the allergen barrier covers on the mattress. I don’t think you should buy a soiled mattress, but I still seeing nothing seriously wrong with used.
April 23, 2008 at 5:01 pm
ithinkimdying
Even after reading that, I am totally skeeved out. I would rather plant a tree once a week to make up for some of my TP usage than re-use cloths.
And some people use them for #2?!
Just… NO.
I guess I’m an armchair environmentalist at best.
April 23, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Britta
I can see the squirm over #2. I squirm on that. I’m no where near that point in my life. But cloth for #1? I am very open to this. I think it would feel more comfortable, and I don’t see germ problems. One use then washed. Clean for the next time. Babies pee themselves all the time and mothers just throw clothes/sheets in the wash. And wiping is just a few drops compared to that.
I think we have different philosophies over “green”. For me, it’s a reduction of products. Elimination of some entirely. You choose to purchase “green” options. It’s your path. It’s okay. For me, I’m trying to stop consuming. Or produce my own. Different goal.
April 23, 2008 at 6:00 pm
ithinkimdying
I really don’t think that a person’s aversion to wiping their genital area with cloths and then leaving them sitting in a hanging bucket, only to wash and reuse them, qualifies them as not having a goal of reducing and reusing.
We’ve made huge strides in the past year in our reduction of consumption generally, as well as reusing what we buy. I don’t think it’s at all fair to say that someone who draws the line at hygiene products doesn’t share your goal. Bottom line, I find it disgusting, but that doesn’t mean I don’t reduce and reuse in other, significant ways.
Sorry… but that got me riled up.
April 23, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Britta
I’m sorry. I was mistaken. I shouldn’t have spoken on what you think, since obviously I am not you. And I didn’t intend to put down your efforts. I didn’t mean to make you upset.
I think all changes to more sustainable living are good.
I also think it’s interesting on where people draw a line. What is disgusting to some is completely natural to another. Even in the example above, I would not use a hanging mesh bag. I’d use the equivalent of the diaper pail my mom used with us as babies. But the bag is obviously not a problem for others, and using cloth at all is a problem for others, too. I think these lines are interesting from a sociological point of view, about comfort levels, beliefs about hygenine, about what’s acceptable in society.
Again, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to come off as I did.
But I still think our goals are different. I’m preparing for economic collapse. Life off the grid. Life where there is very little money. Life where resources are scarce and conservation and non-consumption are a must. I know I’m more extreme in my views. I know this. And I’m not advocating that my way is the right way. I hope my outlook is wrong. I hope to God I’m mistaken. However, this is one of my goals. Is it yours?
I am curious to why are you making changes? What are your goals/beliefs about it?
Just like in convergent evolution, the same solution can come about but for very different reasons. Your reasons are obviously valid, and you don’t need me to tell you that. I like hearing other viewpoints. I really do want to know what motivates people.
I know you’re busy right now and may not have time for this conversation. But if you don’t have time now, I hope we can talk about it later (email me).
I didn’t mean to put down your efforts. I honestly didn’t. And I honestly do want to know your viewpoints. I think you are a smart lady and I value your opinion.
April 23, 2008 at 11:21 pm
ithinkimdying
I got overly involved in the conversation–sorry. It’s clear you weren’t insinuating anything, I just took offense when it was not necessary (what’s new??) And I think you’re right, that our ultimate goal is different, even though we are going about it via the same means (Since I don’t think labeling my goal as “reducing, reusing, and recycling” would be accurate).
My motivation is honestly true environmentalism. I think it’s criminal what is happening to this earth and there is no reason humanity cannot live as it has been but do so using renewable resources and energy. There can be enormous profit for the big corps to be greedy about, as they always have been. There can be enough food, water, and energy to go around. But ultimately, I believe that can be done without allowing the ice caps to melt (although probably too late there) and forests to disappear.
John and I often talk about ways we could build an off-the-grid house someday and become much more self-sufficient, so that is in the background. But economic collapse? While it is something I worry about, I am honestly thinking about saving rainforest, preserving species, and stopping global warming. That is 100% what motivates every decision, large and small, that I make. So that’s my goal.
Maybe I’m just too naive or optimistic about the economic crisis impact. But I see how it’s so easy to currently live the life that will occur after peak oil–major energy companies offer solutions, local markets offer solutions, and our government has weathered the storm before (although not that well). So I just focus elsewhere. Not saying weathering a major depression is guaranteed, but I just have my hopes up.
Who knows… it’s so interesting to talk about. I wish you lived closer and we could go grab some beers and discuss this stuff for HOURS. (everyone else rolls their eyes by about hour 3
)
April 23, 2008 at 11:26 pm
chris
I won’t hate you forever but it IS difficult to type this as I am crying! No Bar? That’s fantastic. I mean, for you. For me. Well, I just figured out that I should have taken tax law instead of Feminism and the Law. Darn feminists. They’ll get you everytime.
Thanks.
April 24, 2008 at 2:27 pm
carrie
A couple of things…
To Chris, if you’re still reading this: Hi. This is BonjourBadger. I used BarBri to take the bars in NY, PA and WI (yes, I’m nuts and took three bars yet I don’t practice law). I found it very helpful and passed all the bars quite easily. Thankfully, I didn’t actually pay for any of them (the firm I was going to work for paid for the NY materials, and I borrowed the PA and WI ones from friends). If you know any lawyers in the state where you’re going to take the bar, I highly recommend that you try to borrow materials — I wouldn’t use any that are more than 2 years old though. You can also buy them on eBay.
In re: to the environmental discussion — maybe it’s because I have a baby so I am no longer at all squeemish about bodily functions, but I don’t find the idea of cloth wipes for #1 disgusting at all (different story for #2). I don’t do this though, and I’m curious what you both think about whether this really is energy saving. I know in the diaper world, there is some debate about whether you’re really saving many resources by washing cloth diapers, since it uses more water and energy to run the washing machine, etc. I would almost think the argument would be even stronger in favor of using a small amount of recycled TP over using energy to wash cloth wipes, since TP doesn’t have the same sorts of other “bad things” that disposable diapers do (petro, landfill waste, etc).
Thoughts?