My Progress Report #1: Goin’ Veg and Gettin’ Smarts
25 07 2007
Hey there, internet friend and/or creepy stalker.
It’s been almost a month since I started this here blog as a way to encourage me to be good, to encourage me to make some changes, to jump start me in making a change to either help the earth, or at least stop doing my worst to ruin it.
So, how have I done? Well, thank you for asking! The main changes I’ve made have been in eating vegetarian-ly, educating myself about all the green issues you probably already knew about because yes, actually, I have been living in a cave, and taking little baby steps to reduce my carbon feetprints.
Vegetarianism
I’ve tried twice before to be a vegetarian.
The first time, all I ate was cookies and grilled cheeses, and that lasted about 6 months before I got really ill, and ran into a hamburger joint in near tears.
The second time I knew what I needed — actual vegetables — but the only vegetable I liked was broccoli. All I ate was broccoli and rice and beans for another six months. I had no energy what so ever, and again, I ran back to my old friend the hamburger.
I couldn’t give up though. I was telling my fella one night how I felt like vegetarianism was a better choice for me morally because I don’t want to support the meat packing industry, and really it makes me sad to think of eating cute little animals. He pointed out that I was obviously a liar, since I ate cute little animals about every time I opened my mouth. He had challenged my honor to a duel and I couldn’t just sit back and let him!
This time, I’m taking it slow. I’m letting myself eat meat still once every week or two. It feels like I’m addicted to meat, because after a week or two of veggin it up…I start to obsess over eating a huge chunk of animal. I must be vitamin deficient, or maybe my body is seriously addicted to meat. We’ll see how this develops.
Carbon Feetprints
Call me stupid (Hey, stupid!), but I somehow didn’t know that the energy we use in our homes and stuff contributes to our carbon footprint. So, one big change I’ve made is now turning off lights and fans and air conditioners when I leave the room. Not exactly an earth shattering change, but it’s a little something.
I’ve also been using my hair dryer less, letting my hair air-dry for a while and then using my dryer minimally, just to make sure it doesn’t dry all wavy and crazy looking. (Believe me - not a pretty sight.)
I’ve been good about not using my car very often, but I still need to get a bike. I was mugged walking home from a bar a few weeks ago, and so my fella’s been making me take taxis home at night, not something I like to do. But, if I had a bike…
Edjumakation
The greatest change I’ve made is learning more. Learning how to contact my alderman to let him know of things that I think need to be changed. Learning about making conscientious shopping choices to help make a tiny change in what businesses rule our world. Being able to tell my friends where to go in Chicago to recycle.
Final words of Wisdom?
I still have a long way to go. I need to buy a bicycle. I want to learn more about the business and politics that really affect our life and environment. I want to learn more about the people in our world who have made a difference, and about what different cities do. I want to get more involved either in a volunteer or non-annoying activist capacity.
Wish me luck?? Hey, thanks! And thanks for reading!!
It sounds as though you are making a very good change. One thing I always tell people who start to make a transition to vegetarian, healthier, or more environmentally friendly diets (and lifestyles) is to just do what you can. It’s a very simple sentiment, but I think it really helps. People get wrapped up in trying to do too much too soon, sometimes because of pressure or guilt, or sometimes it’s to jump on a fad. There’s not much to help the latter, but the former sometimes gets burnt out too easily or isn’t quite prepared. It’s good to take your time so that eventually it won’t even be a thought process, it turns into instinct. It also gives one the chance to learn as they go. As with all things, change takes time. It’s much better to go slow and make a long lasting change than to make extreme changes and crash and burn. Good luck!!!