Lexington, KY - Aside from all the colossally important environmental benefits associated with a green, conscious lifestyle, like eliminating superfluous waste, nurturing a cleaner world for all of us to live in, and fostering a sustainable equilibrium between humans and the rest of the natural world for generations to come -
more practically, going green gives me a dignified way of concealing the fact that I am usually broke. Lacking green, if you will.
Now as buzzwords and phrases saturate discussions and reports, I'm armed with a litany of excuses. As autumn gets into full swing and my apartment begins to cool, I don't keep the heat down to prevent the gas company from hosing me every month, I do it because "I'm trying to conserve resources," I'll say to a guest with shivering blue lips. I eat at home instead of going out, now not because I'm short on cash, but because "that place doesn't recycle its trash," I'll say, stirring a recyclable container of ramen noodles. Taking a weekend trip out of town? Of course not, "I'm trying to reduce my carbon footprint." Taking out the stinky garbage? "Please, the bag is only half full."
Instead of buying toilet paper, well, I'm not that down and out just yet.
This approach to financial stability under the guise of environmental stewardship does have its drawbacks though. Now, instead of my friends thinking I've squandered away all my money on fantasy football and bingo, they think I'm a no fun, self-righteous jerk.
While you might not go to the same eco-extremes as me, the notion is starting to catch on that everybody is in this together and certain practices in our lives need to be curtailed. That doesn't mean we're all going to have to go back to mud huts and hunt for organic berries; quite the contrary, innovative technologies are emerging which will make the transition smoother and not as disrupting. Nonetheless, a sea change in our mentality regarding waste, an awareness that has to permeate all levels of our society, needs to transpire. And soon.
Fortunately, it's a metamorphosis we're all watching and participating in, whether we want to or not, given smart municipal planning on the local, state and national level. According to Steve Feese, the director of the city's Division of Waste Management, people's opinions of recycling is much more positive than it was 20 years ago. That's an attitude a long time in the making. The key to other aspects of our lives is going to be moderation and consideration.
In this issue, Saraya Brewer and I sought out the most knowledgeable experts in the region regarding environmental sustainability. It's a broad lineup and its characters represent a wide spectrum of everyday life, from fashion to new home construction. The pointers they give us are nothing drastic, like riding your bike to the grocery store and bringing a reusable cloth bag instead of using a plastic one, but if implemented on a grand stage, the consequences can be far reaching. While reading, if you decide to heed the advice of just one tip, I'd consider the whole package, our Green Living section, a success.
Also in the issue, writer Jesse Darland pays a visit to the Bluegrass Disc Golf Association while they're building a new course at River Hill Park and even journals his round at Shillito Park with some members. I'll let you read how he did. As it turns out, disc golf is a very eco-conscious recreation, and there are many courses here in town.
Going to the park and throwing Frisbee? Why, that's something even I can afford to do.