Green Living Myths

People displaying "green living" preferences and behaviors can look cheap and eccentric. To some yes, but only to those that are out of touch with emerging trends and the needs of our society and environment. The manifestations of acute intelligence and enlightenment have always been perceived as a bit eccentric, right? In all seriousness, though, most people know enough to accurately judge displays of thrift and conservation for what they are-and respect them-even if this isn't expressed. Those closest to you will certainly know the origin of, and goodness of, for example, your insistence on reusing items several times that most would discard after one use or your efforts to save grey water for use in the garden. As for anyone who doesn't know you, and doesn't get it, their opinion of you shouldn't matter.

The frugality that greener living requires means depriving me and my family of comforts of life and conveniences I've earned. Reasonable comforts and conveniences needn't be sacrificed when committing to greener living. A scale or quantity you're accustomed to may need to be reduced, but the ingenuity and innovation inherent within a capitalist system like ours, often the target of disdain by environmentalists, has nonetheless produced many products enabling earth-minded people to live the good life if this is important to them. Designer home furnishings, state-of-the-art appliances, a nice car, fine cuisine, exotic vacations-these can all be found in earth-friendly form. Just because you're not currently familiar with resources that can provide all these things and more doesn't mean they don't exist. Whatever your pet comforts and conveniences are, there is most likely a substitute that will prove to be equally or more satisfying when all the facts are in. Adopting a greener lifestyle doesn't have to be an exercise in deprivation unless that is your choice. Greener living can be compatible with modern living through a process of reconciliation, discovery and integration: reconciliation of your ideals, discovery of replacements and integration of those replacements into your life. You'll soon realize that what you're losing is an advantage and a relief, and what you're gaining is infinitely more satisfying: a healthier, simpler, more balanced life that will have the Joneses envying you.