Green not Glam
I am not a celebrity. I do not have unlimited resources at my disposal. I have a mortgage, bills, and the rise in gas prices is definitely putting a dent in my budget. So, when my husband and I decided to green our life, I found there wasn’t exactly a road map for the middle-classer with an Eco mission.
Not shocking, most celebs have gone green; driving their hybrids and talking about the Eco renovations they have made to their palatial Hollywood estates (which I find to be an oxymoron). So where does that leave us, the average consumer? The ones still driving the old model car that guzzles gas like it’s going out of style, and who, not long ago, bought Windex and Tilex with good conscience. Well, hopefully, not too far behind.
I recently read an article on MSN (Celebrity Eco-Friendly Tips), featuring some info about Julia Roberts’ turn to the green life. She hooked up with a yoga instructor/environmentalist named Sophie Uliano and was given the cheat sheet to go from Wasteful Consumer to Green Goddess. Presto, done! Oh yeah, and it was probably super economical and simple. The article goes on to talk about other celebrities and their tried and true tips.
Now, yes, it says you don’t have to break the bank. But I would bet one of my Eco-grocery bags that this reporter (and most reporting on the subject) hasn’t actually made the switch. Because if she had, she would know really going green requires a mental shift, not just a recycle bin and some canvas bags. And mental shifts can be pricey.
Why are we listening to Celebrities anyway? Just because they are more attractive than most of us, and have more money and notoriety, doesn’t mean they in any way are authorities on living life responsibly. And they definitely don’t know much about making gradual, long-term changes to their lives. Not when most wear clothing only once, buy a new car every time they feel the itch, and dispose of their marriages like Kleenex.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I enjoy watching E! as much as most women my age. I like to read magazines and look at pictures of famous faces. I certainly love movies. And sure, if I had the same amount of capital as most of them, I’d probably evaluate my spending choices as well. But when it comes to being told how to live my life, I’d rather they stayed out of it.
So, this category is dedicated to average folk without an inflated expendable income. You, me, and most, looking to leave a greener stamp on the world. After all, we have been commissioned as stewards of this planet, not just to consume it, but to cultivate it.