Super Eco

Photo credit: rediaj, flickr

You'd like to be a better steward of the planet. You know you could be a better steward of the planet. If only it weren't so hard. If only it weren't so confusing. If only we didn't wind up feeling so inadequate, so imperfect, whenever we hop on board the hybrid-fueled wagon and try.

Here's the deal: being green isn't all that hard, and it’s not only about recycling; do-overs are allowed (encouraged even!). The key is easing into it. Doing the best you can—and that means not beating yourself up when you backslide, when you’re not perfect.

Going green is like diet and exercise: change too much too soon and you're right back to your lazy old high-calorie/high-carbon ways. But make small, doable changes—a little at a time—you barely notice. Once it's a habit, you change it up some more. Pretty soon, your bills are lower, your eco-consciousness higher and you might even wind up a little skinnier! (See #7 and #8). 

Try these 10 gentle suggestions, which (we promise) won't give you an ulcer and might actually make you (and your planet) feel better:

Photo credit: ABC.net

America finally installed the nation’s first green President.

Environmentalists may now breathe a sigh of relief, while the more reluctantly green have found inspiration and motivation, a carbon-neutral fire lit under our collective butts to change our wasteful, climate-altering ways.

In his address to the world, the 44th U.S. President said of his promises and the environment: "We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories."

But is this green change we can believe in? Will we really see effort and enthusiasm there at the very top?

If the long weekend of inauguration festivities tells us anything, the answer is "yes." No fewer than four fancy schmancy balls had environmental themes. All food was local, all scraps composted, bikes valet parked and restrooms paper towel-free (washers could choose between hand dryers or their pant legs). 

Inauguration organizers banned caterers from using Styrofoam and plastics. Events in the House of Representatives served up organic eats in compostable containers and dished them out on biodegradable plates. Attendees were told to arrive via public transportation, on foot or by bike, though we're pretty sure Oprah showed up in a limo.

This greened up inaugural welcome mat (made from recycled fibers, of course) is just the start. Whether Obama’s policies—written and carried out by his “green team”—will bring change to the country’s stalled environmental movement, remains to be seen.

Photo credit: John LeGear - Flickr

Would it kill environmentalists to say “thanks” once in awhile? Maybe pat a recycler on the back? A little punch in the shoulder to acknowledge we’re all on the same side here? 

After all, for more than 20 years, regular people have been celebrating Earth Day each spring. Recycling is a reflex for most. Green living is no longer just for the tie-dyed, the vegetarian, the off-grid cabin dwellers.

We’ve come such a long way!

The problem is, our good green intentions, we're now being told, may only be making it worse. Or aren’t doing enough. Or, or … well, you get it. After years of effort and loads of excitement, the message remains doom and gloom. 

Welcome to the green backlash where, environmentally speaking, you can't do anything right.

Buffeted daily with bad environmental news: green-washed products just as dangerous as their toxic alternatives, poisonous drinking water, lead-filled toys.  Is it any wonder many of us are quivering in VOC-paint laden living room corners?