I face this question whenever I bring up blogging about the environment as well as other, similar, “so what?” questions about bothering to recycle even one sheet of paper.

I like this question because it gives me an opening to discuss habits, psychology, and the responsibility included in our daily practices.

The only drawback of this question is people feeling like you are patting yourself on the back or being a little too proud of being a do-gooder.  In fact, I get that reaction often if the subject comes up (Example interaction: Q: “Why are you using a reusable metal water bottle?  A: Because it’s healthier for me and for the environment.  Q: “So you’re saying that my using of disposables is bad for the environment?  I recycle!)  People can feel as if you’re making a judgmental statement even when you’re in fact just answering a question about a choice you have made.

So you see that there is a fine line between helpfully pointing out more ways to be better environmental stewards and turning people away by coming on too strongly with your statements.  I’m very sensitive to this in my daily interactions, so as to not turn people away and having them tune out to any mention of waste reduction.

Often, one of the best methods one can deploy is leading by example.  Showing people subtly in this manner, such as sticking to some basic recycling, reusing, reducing waste, etc., can go a long way.

So why do I blog about the environment? I do so because the readers of this blog have (in most cases) sought out the type of tips, information, and not-so-subtle opinions regarding environmental impacts of human actions and how those actions (in return) impact us.  It is this relationship that both my readers and I care about and for that reason I blog.

This is a place where I don’t have to be super sensitive to being overly enthusiastic or forceful about being a good environmental steward because the very purpose of this site is to be enthusiastic about improving one’s envirohuman impact.

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