Emmestyle

As I reflected on my last blog about global warning at my green blog, Simply Green with Emme at iVillage, I decided that because the issue is so vital, I need to reinforce it today. But where to begin? I am led to a problem that has definitely hampered the implementation of the green movement: it’s difficult to make a difference when you don’t understand or feel personally connected to the issue.

Of course we all know the buzz words associated with global warming: gas emissions, toxic waste, recycling and so on. We also know that we need to respond to the growing crisis of the earth’s depleting natural resources which we rely on so heavily to sustain us in our increasingly complicated lives. But both are big concepts and we sometimes fail to personally connect. There are innumerable articles and blogs (including my own) that address learning how to conserve, improving the environment, and going more green. We offer examples and advice for do it yourselfers and even recommend businesses that specialize in helping us live a more green life, practically doing it for us! So let’s not allow ourselves to become too far removed from the issues, problems and consequences and let’s start by really appreciating the very beautiful world that we are trying to save! Day in and day, out as we travel the fast paced consumer lane of life, we feel immune to natural disasters that hit, twirl and shake the world, always “there” and never “here”.

Change, real change, takes place because we believe so deeply in something that we acknowledge the threat that it will likely go away unless we act. Until the pain of not changing pushes us, we won’t change.

So here’s an idea for the Memorial Day weekend which commemorates the many who have served making the ultimate sacrifice in order to preserve the freedoms of our beautiful country: why don't we dust off our old camping gear, campfire grills, hammocks, and pocket knives and re-connect with our beautiful green earth? If you’ve never camped or haven’t in years, now’s the time to start. No need to travel far, just get out there and enjoy! Experiencing the overwhelming awe of morning dew or a starry night or even witnessing the last sun burst before a multicolored sunset could even spark a new personal commitment to preservation and conservation.

I assure you that once you expose yourself to camping and the great outdoors, all that is going on in this world will matter more to you. Then "going green" won’t be only for "those greenies from the 70's", but will include you, me and everyone around us!

So I offer a heartfelt thank you to each of you who has served (and of course those of you who are currently serving) our country. Let’s do our part in preserving the land that has so courageously been protected for us. Happy Holiday!

To read more of my green blogs, please check out: Simply Green with Emme