Embracing the tortoise

More than a few years ago, I decided to try to live a less environmentally damaging lifestyle. So, I don’t use pesticides on my lawn, I carry my own refillable water bottle, I bring reusable bags when I shop, and I don’t eat meat. I try to be green. But I still throw batteries in the trash, drive most places I go, and buy organic berries in plastic clamshells. In so many ways, I live a typical American lifestyle that is far from environmentally friendly.

As I try to adopt a greener lifestyle, I’ve discovered that it’s a steady journey of small steps rather than a quick sprint to a destination. I’m finding that emulating the fabled tortoise, and not the hare, works better for me—and I hope for the environment. I’m taking small, deliberate steps, rather than making large, lightning-fast changes that easily fade.

This blog will explore my next steps, more changes I can make to feel, and be, greener every day. In part, it’s a personal journal, recording what I’m learning and why I’m choosing certain directions. But it’s also a place to share what I’m learning.  Through passing on what I learn about different options and evaluating how my new choices are working—perhaps I can inspire others to make changes in their lives, too. Each post will share one of the steps I’m considering, and look at what is, and is not, working for me.

The race for humanity to live in ways less damaging to nature is an urgent one. But, in that race, I feel that a series of small changes are coming together for me and little by little helping me to win my leg of the race—to feel greener every day. I find I make more effective and lasting changes through imitating the tortoise, rather than the hare. Slow, but steady, wins the race.

I welcome you to my blog and invite you to join me in embracing the tortoise in a shared journey.