Home Truth

My daughter told me the other day that when you point at someone, three fingers are pointing back at you. I assumed she had been told this at school, but it turns out it was on some American sitcom!

It dominated my thoughts as I was reflecting on yesterday’s comments. Maybe the only way to bring about change in my home is to stop pointing at others and start focussing on my own shortcomings. By being a good example of how not to waste, I may achieve more. I will not use the tumble dryer on sunny days. I will walk to the gym. I will turn the light off when I leave a room. I will work out the right amount of rice to cook. I will be inventive with leftovers. And perhaps I will even cut up scrap paper and secure it with a bulldog clip to use as a list pad like my Dad has done for years.

And most importantly, I will stop teasing (verging on mocking) those who are thrifty (is that the best word for the non-wasters among us?) and start encouraging and praising any act of waste saving that I see or hear about.

My Dad does not need to be ashamed that he has no need to buy notebooks. Joan does not need to be embarrassed that she is well prepared for electricity rationing. My friend Rita does not need to hide the fact that her outhouse is piled high with newspapers for recycling.

Let’s point the finger for the right reason - to draw attention to these role models for sustainable living.

Filed under: sustainability, recycling, simpler lifestyle on June 26th, 2007