Do Anything!

Since I first launched this blog, I have asked myself a thousand times, “What should I blog about first”?  I have asked others this question as well and rephrased it over and over.  I have looked back through old notes, lists Project Greenpath put together on what I should blog about and even pulled up my first set of Environmental Science lectures to inspire me and a quote from Albert Einstein.  Yet nothing came to me.  On the way to an awards dinner this evening, I even wrote a thoroughly uninspiring bit about water that I will rework for you some day, but it wasn’t good enough.

The awards dinner I attended was the Instructor of the Year Dinner and the first since Berkeley’s merger with Dover Business College and a wonderful event for all.  Towards the end of the evening I was introduced to some of the faculty from that school and introduced myself in the usual way, “Hi, I’m Laura Harste and I will inevitably drive you crazy with my incessant pestering on recycling and sustainability so enjoy your evening until I do.”  I like to be honest so people know what to expect up front, as many of my students will attest to.   

One of my new colleagues (who shall remain nameless unless he wants to come forward) immediately stepped forward and told me he did receive the email about how much he commuted and that he was guilty of commuting 40 miles and he knew it was bad, but could not change that right away.  I must admit I was impressed with the honesty!  I informed him that I am not in charge of the survey, I only see the overall results, and would never have been able to blame him if he had not just fully admitted guilt.  We laughed and began to discuss things he did do, and it was an impressively long list: everything from using vinegar for cleaning to recycling and ditching water bottles.  I did harp on him a wee bit about ditching the paper towels in favor of microfiber cloths, but overall a great start.

 

I then had to run to catch my bus.  As I walked there I realized what I had done.  I had done EXACTLY what I yell at other people for not doing.  I had done nothing out of fear of not being perfect.   Exactly what this man was apologizing for, although he actually WAS doing a whole lot, just doing one bad thing.  Starting right now I am going to post ideas.  Some will be good, some might not be so good, I hope none will be bad, but I am going to post them.  If they are not my best writing, I apologize now, but I am going to do something.  If you asked anyone who knows me at that event tonight and said, “Laura Harste does not know what to say about what people can do to be better for the environment”.  I guarantee most, if not all, would say, “Laura Harste doesn’t shut up about that treehugging stuff”.  So… quiet time is over.  I prepare my next tirade and leave you with the start of one of my favorite quotes.  See if you can fill it in.

A small pile of stones and one word...

“Unless………..