Sunday, February 22, 2009

Where have I Been?

I know it’s been a while since I have written much of any interest (assuming of course that at least some of my previous posts were interesting). I have been feeling a bit disconnected to my surroundings lately. The weather has prevented me from doing much in the garden – first it was too hot and then it rained. The heat also melted my brain somewhat and most of my usual housework chores were put aside.

I am also using the car a lot more than I used to. I am finding I am driving almost every day. Last year I was having two or three car-free days each week. I am really unhappy about the amount of time we are using the car but I am not sure what to do about it as public transport isn’t an option.

I know that by using the car for say 30 mins each day I am not exactly raping the earth (we have a low emission car – not a hybrid though), but that really isn’t the issue. If we all had the attitude of “it’s not much – how can that possibly make things worse” then all out little actions would add up to a huge action. I am deeply concerned about our society’s detrimental impact on the environment and that as a whole we aren’t really doing too much about it. I feel guilty about using the car. I feel it is wrong and I should re-adjust my life and my daily habits to reduce my driving time.

Perhaps this is one of the reasons I haven’t written much lately. I feel a bit like a hypocrite writing about my eco-driven life when I actually think my life is becoming less eco-friendly, not more.

I just read that last few sentences and it sounds really extreme. That’s ok. If we don’t feel passionately about something, we are less likely to do anything about it.

So, I am going to work my way back onto the eco-wagon. This weekend I have gone back into the garden and played in the dirt, talked to my worms and admired my compost (I would have squelched my toes in the mud but – eww). The house has had a good clean and a bit of a de-clutter we are thinking of how to re-arrange our lives to reduce my driving.

My inspiration - current issues of Organic Gardener, Earth Garden and Gardening Australia.


I am also looking to books and magazines to give me inspiration. I splurged on some magazines and this week I will head to the library and see what books they have on the subject.

I suppose that when we are trying to live a life that is so different from society’s norm, it can be a challenge to stay on that path. So, for anyone else that is having the same problem – you are not alone. Remember your ideals and stick with them.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Emma,

It gets like that some days doesn't it. I feel exactly the same some days to. This weather has been totally playing with me. I feel very tired when its hot and then when it rains and you can't go out much u feel like sitting down and doing nothing and then it takes a wee while to get your mogo back. Thats why i love to read everyone eleses bloggs to keep me motivated. Some times think that i loose motivation when i have to do chores and keep up to date with house suff washing, ironing ect. when all i feel like doing is heading outside. I think I should just go out but I can't otherwise we will run out of clothes ha ha...
Take care and enjoy the weekend in the garden.. its not to hot at the moment so its a good day to get out.

Cheers
Donna.

Anonymous said...

I can really relate, or I could when I was in London. Forgive yourself and focus on the baby steps!

Emma said...

Thank you both for your comments and encouragement.
It's good to know these things happen to everyone.

Frugal Trenches, you are right. I am beginning to get back on track with baby steps.

Emma

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