confessions of a lazy nature lover
I spend a lot of time outdoors. Camping. Fishing. Hiking. Soaking in the goodness of nature. I get irritated when I see people leaving trash (or their imprint) where it doesn't belong. I am concerned about our environment. I am concerned about our access to clean water (especially here in Phoenix). I want our natural resources cared for and protected.
But, I am also lazy. Life (especially in an American city), is just too easy. A grocery store on every corner. Coffee shops abound. There is a vehicle in my driveway. A thermostat on my living room wall. I have a dishwasher, a washing machine, and a dryer. I am surrounded by restaurants. The city comes by and picks up my trash each week.
You get the point.
When it comes to the environment, my actions do not always support my convictions. I often choose convenience over sustainability 😔. I own a reusable coffee mug, but I'm guilty of not having it with me and using a plastic cup when I need a caffeine fix. Reusable grocery bags? Yes, but sometimes I fail to take them into the store. In addition to the truck in my driveway, there is a bicycle in my garage, but I choose to drive 3/4 of a mile to the store. I live in a desert. The air is hot and dry. I could air dry my laundry with limited effort,but... And, I throw A LOT of stuff away.
Geez. Get with it, Jeff.
Here are a few ways I am going to attempt to reduce my footprint over the next month, or two (habit building).
- Reusable coffee mug, or suffer the consequences (caffeine withdrawal)
- Reduce wash cycles by 25% and air dry at least 50% of laundry loads
- Use rechargeable batteries in "high-drain" devices
- Set-up my bicycle for shopping and errands; ride when it's less than a mile (extend that distance as it cools off)
- Compost food waste
- Maintain a trash log to assess what I throw away and how to reduce
If you are reading this, I'd love to hear your "small wins" and suggestions when it comes to stewarding the earth. Please drop me an email!
I'll keep you posted on my progress in my weekly reviews.
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