Eco-leader

I'd like to consider myself a free-spirit.  I don't like to conform or to follow blindly, and I hate being told what to do.  However, I wouldn't consider myself a leader either.  Being responsible for raising 3 human beings and shaping who they'll ultimately become in their future selves scares the heeby-jeebies out of me.  Sure, I'll take the initiative to plan and organize things, but once someone puts that responsibility on my shoulders, I freeze.....except when it comes to this environmental thing.

I love being able to lead people in the right direction when it comes to being green.  I love when people ask me how they can be a little more eco-friendly and I can give them baby steps.   I will jump at any opportunity to tell people what they can do to be kinder to the environment (tactfully, of course).  Some people don't want to be bothered with it, and I get that, so I leave them alone and instead brainwash their kids to pester them at home.  Kidding, of course.  Sort of.

Most of all I love to lead by example.  By no means do I lead a strictly eco-friendly lifestyle.  Even this hardcore environmentalist can see the value of convenience every once in a while.  I think it's funny when my friends have me over and apologize for using disposable plates.  At least they are conscious of it and maybe feel a little bit guilty.  And maybe next time they'll think twice about it.  Maybe not, but that's okay, too.

If I can change the mind or action of just one person, I've done my job.  If I can get someone to question whether or not convenience is better than living a little more sustainably, then I haven't wasted my time.  If I can convince even the most conservative person that acting a little more responsibly and selflessly can affect our planet now and for future generations, then I feel like I need to continue to spread the word.

So for this Earth Day, check out some of my past eco-tips and take a baby step towards protecting our planet.  Thank you for reading and trying to be a little greener.  Check out your local Earth Day festival and learn some more.

Happy Earth Day!!