Well maybe these obstacles aren’t quite as dominating as the walls of Jericho, but going green can definitely be the road less traveled. I’d like to share an update of sorts about my journey to help not only preserve, but actually better this lovely planet. I take this seriously because the Bible records the account of God telling the first humans to take care of the earth~ the fish of the sea, the plants, and the ground itself (Genesis 1:28-21).
So as I’ve mentioned before, I’m taking simple steps towards a green lifestyle~ buying and cooking mostly organic foods, riding my bike to school 5 days each week (which is sexy for the legs!), and being more conscious of my trash. These have been my main steps.. and of course encouraging others to become more informed and live accordingly.
The most interesting part of it all is that at times, it’s a little lonely being green; sometimes to the point of feeling like I actually live isolated in the woods. Whenever I eat organic food, or talk about it, people often don’t know what to say and act almost freaked out by the idea. They probably react that way because it reminds them of hippies, or worse “weirdness”. I’ve also been riding my bike to and from campus for a few months now and the benefits have been simply amazing.
My gas budget is down over 60%, and my body feels awesome. I ride on average, 50 miles each week, and 200 miles each month, by simply commuting 10 miles round trip. It’s a short trip, but the miles add up. The benefits are obvious, but I can’t help but grimace every time a person honks at me, or shows me their middle finger. Some people yell at me, while others smile, waive, or even cheer me on. Haha it’s really ridiculous at times. It can also feel a bit like an uphill struggle reducing my waste.
Every time I order from Chic-Fil-A I ask them to hold off on the bag and extra napkins. Every time, without fail, they look at me and repeat what I said, “You don’t want a bag?” With a smile I reply “Nope”. Then they say “You don’t need more than one napkin?” Right on cue, “Nope”. For groceries, I leave 3 of those re-usable, recycled bags you see stores offering for just 99 cents each, in the back of my XTERRA. When I shop, I simply fill my cart, purchase, and then re-fill my cart without using bags. Then I wheel my cart, or carry my basket outside, and fill my re-usable bags out at my car in the parking lot, or once I’m home. I would think this a simple enough routine, but the other day, I almost got into an argument with a cashier who demanded I receive 1 kajillion plastic bags to support my medium sized grocery list. With a grunt, she finally gave in, and helped load my goods right back into the cart. I couldn’t help but feel a little out of place~ a tad bit socially awkward. Should grocery shopping regularly include implementing conflict resolution skills?
My journey towards the rainforest has been awesome, and not lacking in adventure. I believe it’s absolutely necessary, better for me and my fellow humans, and so I’ll carry on and continue looking for practical ways to say no to harmful production, and shout yes to replenish-able resources.
It’s not always easy being green, but worth it? Oh babies, yes.
“Hazzah!”
Awesome Josh! You’re a good example- keep it up. I have to disagree with you on the napkins part though- I like keeping extra napkins in my glovebox for checking the oil, or cleaning up rootbeer that a friend spilled on the passenger seat of my car (NO MORE FOOD IN THE CAR!)
But yeah, I should cut back on some stuff too 
nice blog bud.
-Eric
I think you’re awesome, but I kind of understand what you are dealing with. Scott and I are slowly trying to “go green” ourselves. Little bits at a time we are moving in that direction. We can’t ride our bikes to work (and school), but we do other things. As far as the grocery bags go….can you not take them into the store with you? I just take me in and tell the cashier I have my own bags so she can just hand the food to me when she rings it up. Also, I never thought about doing that at Chick-fil-a (or any other fast food place for that matter), but I am now, so thanks for that! Keep it up! You’re doing a great job and I think it’s awesome!
Kudos Josh!! I’m right there with you on going green. Stay strong and keep it up! Hopefully, slowly but surely, we’ll have others following the lead.
You’re an inspiration. Remind me not to give you reasons to kick me with those death-sticks you call legs.
Soon, this will hopefully be the trend and not an oddity. I need to start doing some of this stuff too. It’s so easy it’s ridiculous.
I hate how little an effort people would need to exert to actually make some serious change, and how few are willing.
Further up and further in!
@Josiah, Thanks for reading man and for your thoughts!! It’s great to see you on here. I agree that if everyone took a few baby steps that the change would be noticeable. And “death sticks” haha, thanks bro, love you man.
Press in, press on
@Alisha- Thanks for the encouragement and I’m glad to hear about your endeavors and want to know more! Do you have a blog?
@Brittany- I don’t take the bags in because I never remember.. So this has been working out and it’s so much quicker! I’d also like to hear about y’alls “going green” adventure.
@Eric- I keep napkins in my glove compartment as well.. very wise because you never know when that blasted rootbeer will attack!
Josh! I’ve always loved jumping on to peoples’ blogs to check out their thoughts on life. Admittedly, I rarely comment. However, this one totally deserves a comment. It’s encouraging to hear when people start going green. What you’re doing is so admirable – can’t say that I’d be consistently dedicated to ride to work as much as you do. Incredible.
I was introduced to all this “green” stuff when I officially moved to hippyville USA a couple yrs ago. Here you get a discount on groceries for using reusable bags and there is an unspoken rule that cyclists ALWAYS get the right of way. On average, they’re more respected than drivers. I work for a coffee shop that only uses organic and fairly traded coffees/teas, and Darrin is applying to school for a renewable energy program. It’s our dream to build a sustainable, green home.
It’s an amazing adventure to be on! And rewarding. Keep up the awesome lifestyle Josh!
@Tiff- Okay that pretty much made my day. And “Hippyville USA” sounds like color in a black/white world! haha Also, your shop = amazing, and so is the program Darrin’s pursuing. I pray he gets in. You two should check out the vid I posted previously… http://preview.tinyurl.com/5eff57
Hi Josh– I just saw your reply to my first comment.
At the moment, I don’t have a blog, but I’ve been thinking about starting one! I just started researching different designs, layouts, etc. I’ll let you know when it’s up & running!
As far as my own endeavors… they’re small, but I hope to continue to take steps to continue going green. I live 1.5 miles from work, so I’ve been walking (as long as it’s not raining). At the grocery store, I bring in the same recycled bags you mentioned and fill them after I’ve used the self check out. I’ve been recycling at home, and even started taking measures at work to keep a green work environment. It can be a bit difficult when my coworkers aren’t following the same measures, but I’m remaining positive. That’s about it at the moment, but I’m always looking for more ways to improve my green status.
Keep on pressing on, and keep us posted!
Keep up the good work man! Any and every little thing will make a huge impact in the future. I have been researching into ways to make my computer use more green and have found something pretty interesting although not sure if it completly works. Check out http://www.blackle.com; its a search engine powered by google dedicated to energy savings. Pretty neat idea and i think its a great reminder every time i use it that we all need to contribute even if only very little.