Give the Gift that Keeps on Giving
by Philippe
December 6th, 2005
It happened a few days ago while I was in a business meeting and someone turned to me, upon learning of my profession, and said "wow, that’s great. I must admit that I am far from an environmentalist myself but …" Now, let me clarify, he wasn’t talking about his professional career — he was referring to his own personal life. Please excuse me, but "far from an environmentalist?!" What is that supposed to mean? Now, I know people come out with some outrageous statements; but, I must admit that I am always astounded when they come out with that one.
How can one not be an environmentalist? (Note: this was meant to be a rhetorical question, not a painfully naïve one.) An environmentalist is simply someone who cares for (and hopefully works in whatever way they can to minimize his or her negative impact on) the environment. If this guy isn’t an environmentalist, does that mean he doesn’t care about the environment? Aw, shucks! Maybe he’s right — clean air, clean water, healthy food … who needs ‘em … obviously, not this guy.
While his statement was ridiculous, it reminded me of how far many of us are from realizing just how tied to the environment we all are.
So, seeing as it’s the holidays and giving is better than receiving, give a gift that keeps on giving. Give something that leaves the world a better place. After all, you are living in it!
Need help? Check out our green gift giving tips. And, as for that special someone who "isn’t an environmentalist," help them realize why they are.
February 18th, 2006 at 2:42 am
This is the second time this month that I have read about minimizing our negative impact on the environment and I want to know why not empower people by also suggesting Maximizing our Posotive impact?
Is there a difference between consciously trying to do less damage and consciously taking protective or restorative action? Where is the line drawn?
Why not try a little of both; don’t just recycle, plant a tree… or start your own discussion club to generate dialoge about effecting positive change? I like minimizing damage (things like cutting up those plastic loops that bind soda cans or juice bottles before throwing them out so birds or fish don’t get strangled in them) and let’s face it, anything we can do to lessen our debt to the environment that houses us really is a positive change from ignoring the earth’s own survival needs, which we have done throughout human history. I just feel better about myself when I make more of an effort on the positive side, too.
Is it simply the fact that we have a lot of environmental destruction in human history to make up for? Is that why even positive-seeming efforts are categorized as “minimizing my negative impact”? Is it because I can’t help but have a negative impact just by using energy, gas, and water? I’m a little unclear on the language parameters, but I guess that doesn’t change the fact that every little bit helps.