tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post3155535135934565214..comments2024-02-23T02:03:23.020-07:00Comments on The Eco Cat Lady Speaks: Greener Than ThouEcoCatLadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-28458207506998928352013-01-22T00:19:06.606-07:002013-01-22T00:19:06.606-07:00My oh my... you are deep into the depths of the bl...My oh my... you are deep into the depths of the blog archives here! I had to go re-read this one to remember what I wrote - and I miss the kitties too! This post would be much more readable (at least by dyslexics like myself) if it were broken up with some cute kitty pictures!<br /><br />But I too have unsubscribed from a few blogs that I just couldn't take anymore because of this tendency to vilify anybody who doesn't fit into their picture of "green enough." Here's to the inclusive approach to a healthier planet!EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-14425605680073207492013-01-21T19:58:37.002-07:002013-01-21T19:58:37.002-07:00That's one of my favorite posts, despite the l...That's one of my favorite posts, despite the lack of kittens :)<br /><br />I recently stopped reading a very informative blog because I could not stand the snobbishness of the author. And don't get me started on a certain vegan forum... I was searching for local cruelty-free products, but <i>every single thread</i> began with a person asking for help in becoming a vegetarian, then the vegan bullies proceeded to attack said person (despite the forum being also targeted at vegetarians), stating that it's better to kill animals than to enslave them, etc. And, of course, the person would never show up again.<br /><br />Seriously, what good is that doing for the animals? There was no information whatsoever on that forum, only folks fighting to see who was a "better vegan".<br /><br />You and Jennifer have hit the spot for me. We all have different lifestyles and needs. We should help each other out instead of always demanding more from others (and ourselves, for that matter).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-28803587233855945732011-05-27T01:31:15.147-06:002011-05-27T01:31:15.147-06:00Hi Julia,
Thanks so much for stopping by, and for...Hi Julia,<br /><br />Thanks so much for stopping by, and for your kind words. I think your experience with your parents is proof that leading by example does sink in even if it's not obvious. My next door neighbor has always been a tad big amused by all of my "crazy green stuff." But I try to make it work to her benefit. She has her lawn guy save all of the grass clippings for my garden and I make sure she gets a bunch of tomatoes every summer.<br /><br />The other day I was outside working in my garden and she came running over... "Did you see?" she exclaimed with great excitement. "I'm recycling!" Apparently one of her grandkids finally convinced her to sign up for curbside recycling and she just had to show off the new cart to me. <br /><br />One step at a time...EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-49928038256452012432011-05-26T07:46:58.445-06:002011-05-26T07:46:58.445-06:00Just saw this post and your blog through It Starts...Just saw this post and your blog through It Starts With Me.<br /><br />I completely agree with what you're saying (and may I say, you're an excellent writer!).<br /><br />Sometimes it's hard to get in discussions with people about enviromental issues and being "green", something I'm passionate about, without sounding preachy. I've talked to my parents about it but in small doses. They live outside the city limits in my hometown on a private road, so they don't get the recycling service and would have to drive into town to do it. They've always recycled newspaper but just this past weekend when I was visiting, my mom showed off her 4 new recycling bins that she labeled (and is still trying to train my dad on). She was really proud of herself!<br /><br />I think in the end the way you approach issues you care about, whether it's environmental or not, really dictates the way people respond to you and if they even listen.<br /><br />Excellent post!Juliahttp://domorefeelgood.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-51565895338457215422011-05-06T12:21:20.973-06:002011-05-06T12:21:20.973-06:00Sandra - Ha! Well, to each his own indeed, and I s...Sandra - Ha! Well, to each his own indeed, and I suppose every little bit helps... This actually reminds me of something I read once that said riding a bicycle was bad for the environment because (you'll love this) people who ride bicycles tend to be healthier and therefore they live longer, and living longer means they end up using more resources. My oh my, I suppose by that logic the obesity epidemic could be considered an environmental movement! Thanks for stopping by.EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-14380999051215425982011-05-05T20:43:10.791-06:002011-05-05T20:43:10.791-06:00You commented that even breathing creates co2........You commented that even breathing creates co2.....i was reading on another blog where someone suggested everyone practice a certain type of meditating that concentrates on slowing your respitory rate so that we were all breathing slower and creating less co2. i personally thought that was a little extreme, but as has been stated we all have to do what we can in our own way :)sandranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-84991796681628130412011-04-22T01:02:22.005-06:002011-04-22T01:02:22.005-06:00John - That is such a good point. I think that tho...John - That is such a good point. I think that those who are motivated by guilt are probably already vegans - they'd do much better by enticing people to the rewards of lifestyle change than making people feel like criminals for just going about their day to day lives.EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-29102390186564837952011-04-17T06:52:16.111-06:002011-04-17T06:52:16.111-06:00Hey Becks. I don't experience the green snobbe...Hey Becks. I don't experience the green snobbery effect so much in New England. Perhaps it's that historical yankee frugality. <br /><br />As you know, at mediaOrganic our mantra is small changes can make a big impact. You are right on stating that not all green ideas work for everyone. The important thing is to avoid being judgmental in our efforts to educate people. Habits are hard to change because our brains become hard wired to thinking certain ways.<br /><br />Regarding the vegan thing, I noticed on the subway this week an ad for vegan.org that featured photos of some poor, miserable creatures covered in their own excrement. It amazes me that in this day and age these proselytizing organizations still don't understand that this type of advertising works against their interests. They would be better served showing a pair of buff nubiles frolicking in a field of wheat under a summer sun. Advertising 101: associate yourself with the benefits. For a good example of this just watch the pharmaceutical commercials during the evening news.mediaOrganichttp://www.media-organic.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-12567681969746549512011-04-15T13:19:37.614-06:002011-04-15T13:19:37.614-06:00Hey NotEasy, Thanks so much for stopping by!
I t...Hey NotEasy, Thanks so much for stopping by! <br /><br />I totally know what you mean about the vegetarian thing. The whole topic of diet is practically a mine field these days and people seem to have a religious-like fervor about it. I always feel like saying "OK - instead of getting all over me for eating eggs and cheese (you try being a vegan when you can't eat most nuts, seeds or soy) why don't you focus on getting McDonald's to serve a few vegetables." <br /><br />Not sure if I'm making any sense or not, but it just seems like we're always trying to get perfection from a small group of true believers, which just leads to in-fighting and frustration, and also makes the movement seem extreme and uninviting to regular people. Seems like we'd be better off with a "big tent" approach that encouraged people to come join us one step at a time.EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-3308859571900903102011-04-15T09:59:17.877-06:002011-04-15T09:59:17.877-06:00Great post! I found you through Beth Terry's p...Great post! I found you through Beth Terry's post on environmentalism and having/not having kids, and have subscribed to your blog based on your screen name (who knew there were other green childfree cat people out there?) and this entry.<br /><br />The greener-than-thou thing drives me crazy. Our lives all have different pressures that affect what green activities we adopt, and how quickly. (The same thing happens within the vegetarian community -- it becomes, as someone noted, a 'purity pissing contest' to see who can harm the fewest animals.) As I see it, if you're aware of the problem and actively trying to do something about it, you deserve my support and encouragement. Full stop. What's the point of getting competitive and contemptuous? It's a big problem. The more people we can encourage to live more sustainably, the better.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-49905004396443638922011-04-13T20:06:28.048-06:002011-04-13T20:06:28.048-06:00Kristin - It's such a challenge to find a way ...Kristin - It's such a challenge to find a way to encourage others to change without being a jerk isn't it? I have found that just living it seems to produce the best results. Back before they took our dumpsters away (long story) I used to avoid work by cruising the ally and dumpster diving. I'd pull out anything useful or recyclable, haul the useful stuff off to the thrift store and recycle the cardboard etc. My NASCAR watching, tobacco chewing, redneck neighbor thought I was totally off my rocker... BUT... now, he brings me his phone books to recycle instead of tossing them. It's a tiny step I know, but it is a step!<br /><br />Aldra (CF) - You make an excellent point about the consumerization of the green movement. Turn off brain, insert money here...EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-66708485655613052682011-04-13T12:08:50.459-06:002011-04-13T12:08:50.459-06:00"But, I think that in the long run, the plane..."But, I think that in the long run, the planet and the human race would be much better served if we all tried to lift each other up rather than tearing each other down." AMEN! I couldn't agree more.<br /><br />I also think that part of green snobbery is actually just a form of consumerism. The Prius owner looking down on the dude with an old used car (I would argue that the old used car is more environmentally friendly that the impact of building a new car), etc. So much of the "greening" of mainstream culture seems to be about a shopping excursion. But yeah, I buy crap too and nothing is a one-hit wonder. Would be so great if we followed your logic and spent more time helping than distancing ourselves from each other.ConsciouslyFrugalhttp://consciouslyfrugal.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-46873065213416743772011-04-12T15:57:07.194-06:002011-04-12T15:57:07.194-06:00I absolutely agree! My father lives in a town of 1...I absolutely agree! My father lives in a town of 1200 people, and they have zero recycling. Water bottles, pop cans etc go in the garbage (never mind the milk jugs, newspaper & glass jars). I cringe every time I go & make an effort not to consume anything out of a bottle or can, but they just go about their lives. They do occasionally come into the city and could easily throw their recyclables into the back of the truck, or the trunk of the car but why bother. <br /><br />It's frustrating, but I don't want to be the family member leering at others when the commit these types of 'atrocities'. I do my best & try to support without being overbearing.Kristin Overtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17919961850855072276noreply@blogger.com