Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Doing Good

I want to come out on the plus side as far as doing good in my life, and I have some questions.

My current favorite blouse is a warm purple color that I love. It has "Made in China" on the label, which generally gives me a bad feeling but, I bought it from a charity thrift store. So does the secondhand/charity angle make up for the fact that it was probably manufactured under environmentally- and worker-unfriendly conditions?

I generally conserve water, don't run the tap while I'm brushing my teeth and do only full loads of laundry and dishes but, I like long, hot showers. How does that balance out, or does it? (Because I feel guilty, but apparently not enough to change my behavior.)

I absolutely love my scooter, there's no doubt that it's better for the environment and saves on gas and money when compared to a car but, I take it on long drives just for fun and I use it for trips that are within walking distance. I feel positive, even righteous, about this choice, but if I did use my scooter less, that would be better. I mean, walking causes zero pollution.

I give money to those on the street that ask for it. I know that certain groups think this encourages alcoholism and drug abuse, but I don't have the heart to deny people who obviously have so little. My mother used to offer food or a meal in lieu of cash, but that's time consuming and inconvenient. I'll give spare change, because I can afford it, and because it just seems mean not to.

8 comments:

Lisa said...

I think you're on the good side. However, keep in mind that I might be rationalizing my own unnecessary scooter rides...

Seriously, wouldn't it be great if more people were concerned about doing the right thing?

Anonymous said...

There are so many different ways to do the right thing--I think you can cut yourself some slack on these things. Besides, you are waaaay better than I am, if it's any consolation.

Signed,
I Prefer to Stick My Head in the Sand

Sass said...

I think you're okay. I'm okay, you're okay...blah blah blah.

The fact that these things cross your mind, that you are conscious of the decisions, and that you care enough to consider it tells us you're doing your part.

Susan said...

For what it's worth I say

Yes

Maybe just a little shorter shower.

More waking because it is so good for you. It can be like meditation. And scooter's are WAY better than cars.

I say if drugs and alcohol make their days a little more tolerable ... who are we to judge and deny them that pleasure.

xo, S, W & Les Chats

Susan said...

that should be walking ... not waking. Smirk.

Maddie said...

I think recycling (even "bad feeling" clothes) by purchasing them from a thrift store is good. Way better than it going into a landfill, right?

I started smoking again, because a) I'm weak, 2, I'm taking a shitload of units, and iii, living with my parents stressing the hell out of me...I realize I'm polluting the environment (and my body) with smoke, but I NEVER throw cigarette butts on the ground because I would never randomly throw any other sort of garbage on the street, so why should I do that with butts? In fact, I even pick up other people's nasty butts if i have time. Love my guilt.

KatBouska said...

You're so nice...to people AND to the environment...it's ok to feel a little self righteous when you're that nice.

stinkypaw said...

You're doing something, and that alone is a lot more than most!