Always Anna

So, Earth Month is over.

As an environmental almost-nut, I love that it’s become “cool” to care about the environment. I love that now, if people say they don’t recycle, everyone freaks out. I loved “An Inconvenient Truth” - the movie and the song - and am completely thrilled that Gore managed to make everyone care about something that’s gone ignored for far too long. I love that cities and states are stepping up where our federal government is refusing to go, by requiring that new buildings be green (whether that means LEED or something else) and providing benefits for hybrid drivers. I love that practically every magazine has had some kind of “green” issue this last month, and that I’m getting more and more information on how I can make a difference.

But I’m a little worried too. I’m scared that, even though everyone is talking the talk right now, we won’t really walk the walk. I’m afraid that all this impetus towards change will get stalled, sputter, and then blow up. I’m worried that - in the end - people won’t be willing to make a change. That they’ll think that since they can’t do everything, they shouldn’t do anything.

I don’t think people realize that you don’t have to be all or nothing. You don’t have to be No Impact Man - whose blog, by the way, is awesome - to make a difference. Every little thing helps. Recycle cans, bottles, and paper. Buy recycled paper napkins and paper towels. When you can, buy local or organic food. But here’s the thing about all of these ideas - even if you do them only half the time, you’re still making a difference! If you just do one thing a week, you’re making a difference!

So… I guess I’ll just keep doing what I can, and helping my loved ones do what they can. And hope for the best.