Leading by example is definitely the best way. Our street is a perfect example. For a long time we were one of few houses that put out recycling each week – it has steadily spread from house to house. I am happy to say, last night when I went to put bottles and cans out, EVERY house within sight was recycling! YEAH!

That’s great, Alana! What a terrific story! — Lynn

I think we should all celebrate the effort each one is trying to do to be green. If we shot down a person just because they drive SUV, what good does it do to the environment? How do we know that she might be planting her own garden, having solar system in her whole house??

Just my 2 cents.

-Amy

If someone asks me what I think, I’ll most certainly let them know what their options are or what I do, but you have to leave the choice up to them without incrimination. That just makes people defensive and, worse, offended. You then shut down the opportunity to make any positive impact.

By the same token, I’ve had people (relatives) visit my house and spend a considerable amount of time picking apart what I do and/or making fun of the lifestyle choices that I’ve made to minimize my impact on the planet. I think it makes them feel better – to justify their own actions or inaction. It’s easier to write me off as being extreme (and we’re talking just about things like no paper towels, etc. here) than to think about their own choices and behavior.

Hey Crunchy, I totally agree with you – and thanks so much for stopping by OrganicMania! I bet all of us Green Mommy bloggers could swap stories about what our family’s REALLY think…my DH is known to talk about “OrganicManiac Hell!” — Lynn

Every little bit helps.

I agree… those times when I’ve been tempted to judge, I’ve been caught short myself. Yet I do understand why some people go down this route – it’s their own passion and concern that drives them. — Lynn

There are shades of green because every life has a variety of, sometimes conflicting, priorities. Hmmm…sounds like a post idea- I’ll link back.

BTW- according to the LOHAS profiles, most of we readers of your blog are in the top 3 segments.

http://www.nmisolutions.com/lohasd_segment.html

MC – great link to follow. I was heartened to read that only 19% are categorized as “unconcerneds.” I would have thought the number would have been larger…but caring and doing are two different things! — Lynn

Though, any step toward progression, be it genuine or not, is liable to become sticky and spread to true “green” followers.

I agree, Lynn, tracking any one person’s footprint or their “greenness” is impossible. However, we can track groups or organizations as a whole unit, which in my humble opinion, is what really matters.

There is a new website based out of Boston called IzzitGreen.com

The site rates local businesses, stores, services, restaurants, etc based on how good they are but also how GREEN they are. The content is user generated, so users have control of all the reviews and guides.

The interesting thing here is that people can learn what their favorite bar or cafe etc is doing to preserve the earth. Users can actually track and rate how green a business is…this is a useful yardstick for patrons and could be an inspiration for businesses.

Thoughts…?

Interesting concept, thanks for pointing it out. I’d like to see it expanded beyond Boston – look forward to exploring the site. — Lynn

Dave

Good analogies, Dave! Thanks for stopping by OrganicMania! — Lynn

I remember a story about glass houses and stones…so best not to point a finger least one comes back at ya.

Your reader Kristin has an interesting idea, shades of green. I’m myself somewhere between mint and grass and was just plotting my own rain barrel collection scheme. Encouraging, 100 gallons that’s quite a bit of garden water for these hot summer days ahead. Any ideas on how to water your lawn with the rain barrel water?

I have no idea! But I’m sure some entreprising eco-preneur has figured it out! I was thinking it would be fun to use in the kiddie pool! — Lynn