Global Warming: Still Waiting on the World to Change.

 

Just like the lyrics of John Mayer’s song, “Waiting on the World to Change” I too am still waiting. In response to the possibility of increased heat temperatures and destruction of our planet, it seems that people and businesses are changing their thinking and way of life to prevent such a catastrophic occurrence for our future generations. But I question have we as a society really changed our behavior?

“With the world and those who lead it
We just feel like we don’t have the means
To rise above and beat it”

Perhaps this very question will be addressed by other Green Mom bloggers in a series of articles being written by a group of talented green moms on Global Warming, as part of the first Green Mom carnival set up by Lynn of Organic Mania (a marketing consultant and mom). Each article will have a unique perspective on this topic from women who are not just mothers, but who are powerful, strong, and passionate ranging in age, background, geographic locations, and number of children. I urge you to read all the different articles since I can assure you that they will be very interesting.   

Why is global warming an important topic to me? As many of my loyal readers know, I have four children and am a retired real estate lawyer with a passion for green building which culminated in building a home four years ago with many green building products. (Here is my story.) As I continued on my own green journey, I realized that my own carbon footprint was too large. I did not want to wear those shoes anymore, and started looking at how I could reduce my own footprint. I do not want my children and grandchildren to be left with cleaning up the mess that I caused. 

Everything I become involved in from school programs to my own personal life I try to think how I could help to teach others to reduce their own footprint. I don’t understand the word, “no.” I believe there is always a solution.

Over the past year, I am encouraged that the world is changing. “Green” is everywhere from the multiple articles written with green tips (including mine) urging all of us to use CFLs, reduce our water consumption, insulate our homes better, and recycle to using chemical free cleaners, clothes and food products. However, in my own community and when I travel across the country , as I did recently, I feel discouraged, frustrated and down right angered by how many people still just don’t get it.

Every day I hear, “it is too expensive!” “Why should I bother?” OR “It is too inconvenient”, as they murmur “tree hugger” under their breath. I watch in amazement when people just throw everything out in their trash cans from furniture that can be donated to items that can be recycled. I drive by many office buildings that have all of their lights on and “no one is home.” How about the freezing malls that you have to wear a sweater to in the middle of summer? Or the trash filled sky high with plastic bottles?

“It’s hard to beat the system
When we’re standing at a distance
So we keep waiting
(waiting)”

 Am I being too judgmental? Are people legitimately trying but green options are just not readily accessible or are green products just too expensive? Do people want to change their lifestyles? Should our government give more rebates to help people go green? Is there even money to give those rebates? Should recycling be more accessible? Will people’s behaviors change if it affects their wallet? These are questions that I ponder as I try and explain why some people will not even take the tiniest of baby steps.

“What you get is what you got
Cause when they own the information, oh
They can bend it all they want.”

I do know there are simple ways that everyone can help reduce their own impact that does not cost a dime which I outlined in my article, “18 Easy Green without Spending a Dime.”

 All I am asking is for people to tread lighter on the Earth and consider how they can reduce their own footprint. Consider reducing your footprint as follows:

 Use less plastic or buy something that has less packaging to decrease our dependency on oil? Fake Plastic Fish is one of my favorite blogs that is constantly making me think on how I can use less plastic.

 Reuse something in another way. (Want some suggestions, check out my reuse category.)

 Buy organic or local foods.

Buy less or buy only green products that are fair trade, and manufactured without harmful chemicals and environmentally sound practices? Send a message to companies that this is what we demand! I list plenty of products in my home décor and household products categories. In addition, check out Treehugger, Green Guide along with the Green Moms who are part of this carnival. (Some are listed on The Smart Mama’s site.) You know the saying, “Mother knows best.” All these Moms do.

Opt for public transportation, car pooling, or walking.

Turn that thermostat up or down depending on the season. Unplug those vampire electronics that suck up energy when you are not using them. Look at your own energy consumption. (See my articles on how to reduce your energy consumption here and here.)

 The list can go on and on.

 “ And we’re still waiting
(waiting)
Waiting on the world to change
We keep on waiting
(waiting)
Waiting on the world to change
One day our generation
Is gonna rule the population
So we keep on waiting”

 How about simply turn off the lights when you walk out of a room?

Let’s stop waiting and truly change the world. We only have one Mother Earth. How have you lessen your carbon footprint?

 Photo by SoftPIX Techie

Similar Posts:

• Earth Day, Green Infrastructure, and Global Awareness
• Is Methane Gas the Darth Varder of Climate Change?
• “Spread the Word” Contest
• MyEmissionExchange: Earn Money to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
• Beth Terry Makes Living without Plastic Easy.

Subscribe to My Newsletter

Don't Miss One Drop of Green Goodness!

 

Name: 

Email: 

 

Powered by Subscribers Magnet

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Tagged as: climate change, energy reduction, global warming, green behavior, Green Moms, Green Moms carnivals, Organic Mania, Recycling, the world changing