Green Brownie Points

As we all martyr ourselves on the altar of inconvenience to save the world, there’s something important to remember:

There is NO guilt relief.

Once you know your impact, action is not just compelling, it's compulsory.

It doesn’t matter if you are carbon negative or even if you’re personally responsible for influencing entire nations to reduce their impact, none of it is optional, so there is nothing to be proud of.

Pat yourself on the back if you volunteer for a community group, or donate to a charity – you deserve it. In most cases you’re just filling in the gaps left from governmental neglect, but it is to be commended nonetheless.

But you want a medal for using a polypropylene bag instead of a polyethylene one? For buying green power? Maybe even growing your own food?

You don’t get praise for brushing your teeth – you use them to chew and bite.
You don’t get praise for cleaning your house – you live in it.
You don’t get praise for avoiding polluting your planet – you live there too.

There is always more you can do, and nothing is optional. There is no quick fix, this is no fad, this will continue long after we've rejoined the soil, and becoming overwhelmed is not an option. Inaction is cowardice. Do what you can, and then do more. Just don't stop.