Categories: LifestyleRecycle

Green Guilt: Par for the Course?

I had a recent bout of ‘green guilt’ that got me thinking …

I just got back from a trip to beautiful Los Cabos (don’t hate me!) –  The trip, scenery, company and Mexican hospitality were off-the-charts awesome.

The downer…the hotel was not eco-friendly. As in, NO recycling. (I am a strong advocate of checking into hotel policy  prior to vacationing. But this time was out of my control. )

Why do I bring this up? The more conversations I have with sustainable minded people, the more I realize most of us experience a little ‘green guilt’ from time to time. It’s tough to act 100% eco-minded. Unfortunately, we’re bound to be in situations now and then where we feel uncomfortable.

I felt really guilty knowing my bottles of dos equis weren’t headed for the recycling bin… The truth is harping on this mindset and feeling unworthy because I couldn’t exercise control is counter productive.

What’s the best way to overcome these feelings?

Action.

That said, an email to the hotel’s customer service management thanking them for a wonderful stay but letting them know of their (lack thereof) recycling options is a teeny, tiny step. But if they hear it enough, perhaps they’ll change policy. (So be it if it’s simply because they know they’ll lose business – It’s progress. )

As I settle back into my everyday life, I’m even more aware of my eco-conscious actions. The green movement is a lifestyle choice. Turning off the lights, recycling your old electronics, using reusable bags, driving a hybrid car – these things are baby steps to the big picture.

It’s the major initiatives (like the Clean Air Act) that’ll have the most profound impact on the future. But, we’ve said it on Green Philly Blog before and I’ll say it again: the little things add up. Especially when you ‘re able to influence others to take positive action. So, let’s keep supporting the big iniatives (and in the meantime don’t forget to turn off the water when you’re brushing your teeth!)

P.S. Northern Liberties eco boutique Arcadia in-house travel consultant provides info on eco-tourism and international travel destinations via Away@Arcadia.

Posted by Beth

Beth Funari

Beth is a Health and Wellness expert who believes sustainability goes hand-in-hand with self care. She’s the girl whipping up kombucha cocktails at parties, and extolling the benefits of canning vegetables to anyone who will listen.

Recent Posts

New park renovations, SBN Director steps down, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Newly renovated playground and basketball court in Port…

20 hours ago

Eco-Explainer: What is the Office of Sustainability?

If you have ever wondered what this city office does, we have you covered. The…

2 days ago

Illegal dumping consequences, EPA stops protecting environment, new dumpsters, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  City ordinance to impound cars of illegal dumpers.…

1 week ago

Eco-Explainer: What is the Difference Between a Heat Advisory and a Heat Warning?

Feeling the heat? Learn how heat alerts can help you beat it and protect your…

1 week ago

How Erica Brown leads young people to “Sunrise” in the fight for climate justice

The Sunrise Philly Director shares her vision, challenges, and what keeps her going in the…

1 week ago

No more stopping in bike lanes, enviro groups sue over toxic chemical, and how public spaces contribute to thriving democracies

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Stopping in bike lanes now ticketed. PPA began…

2 weeks ago