Green Elements

Relationships Don't Always go Green

This article is more personal (man, woman, and green) in nature so if you are looking for a technical stimulant, you'll want to take a pass on this one.

 

Not too long ago I met someone new, in an attempt to explore building a relationship with someone.  She is an amazing individual with a list of accomplishments and a sense of independence and determination that would rival any over achiever.  I am honored to share a part of my life with her.

 

As most new relationships go, we had a conversation about attributes we appreciated about one and other as well as expectations.  Within this context, she expressed concern about her personal lifestyle and not wanting to be pressured to change.  This came on the heels of a statement about my commitment to sustainability as my lifestyle relates to it.  My lifestyle by far exceeds her level of commitment to sustainability, which forced her to share that such a chasm could very well be too much of a hurdle to overcome.

 

It is very early in the relationship so there is no real level of commitment at this point, this can also be known as the discovery period.  You learn about the other persons habits, lifestyle etc. and determine if going forward makes sense.  The other good thing about these tougher conversations is that you are not too engulfed in the relationship that you can't see daylight on the other side because all that seems to matter is hos caught up you are in the moment of emotions, that have you wound up and twisted in a potpourri of your favorite chocolates.  It is great that our more sensible/ mature side has prevailed.

 

My response to her concern was simple; as a grown woman, I don't expect her to change her lifestyle rather I believe my lifestyle might encourage her to change her own.

 

I do what is good for me and the environment; my hope is that my behaviors and lifestyle choices will influence people in a way that encourages them to make significant changes- of their own volition.  Such changes will likely have a more profound impact not only on the environment, but will also systematically foster changes in people who are not as committed, to shifting lifestyle impact on climate change.  So while I don't expect her to change her lifestyle, I do expect that my choices will encourage her to make lifestyle changes.

 

My lifestyle choices have evolved over time.  Because of my circumstances or personal choices; making the adaptations have been profoundly easier for me than such changes might be for virtually all other people.  This does not make me a super hero (except perhaps in my own mind), but stands to explain how I have positioned myself for success relative to environmental sustainability issues and that I can continue to do so- a priority in my life.  Just as one must position themselves for financial success by strategically positioning specific actions and objectives, so have I done with sustainability.  Each day I grow better at what I am capable of doing because of my intentions.

 

Where does this leaves our relationship, I cannot say with certainty, but choosing to broach the conversation positions each of us to make well informed decisions going forward and it will not be a hurdle that was stands in the way of our pursuit of happiness.

 

Water Notes

Water falls from the sky in a rhythmic way sometimes and changes our outlook on the day.  In Antigua, Guatemala, I use to dance on the roof while the warm heavy rains of the monsoon would pelt my body and my imagination would drift into a space that is rich with energy and wholesomeness.

Such an experience can,  by and large, depend on what part of the world we live in.  In California an 1/8 of an inch of rain can ruin a grape crop for raisins, the slightest difference can wipe out an entire years worth of work; on the other hand, in Africa more than 230 million people will suffer from water scarcity this year.  And in Miami, Florida, they probably have what some would describe as the perfect weather much of the time.  We experience water and access to it, differently.

 From whichever our challenge or pleasure may be derived, it is likely that those who have an abundance of water don't truly appreciate intricate details such as the cycle of water and what it goes through to make it's way to our faucets. 

A friend of my came to the U.S. from India for academic purposes.  On one of our tours of the city, he was amazed at the water in the Charles River. "Is that fresh water?" "Yes" I responded.  "And is it always there; is it always available at that level?" he asked.  Again I replied, "yes it is".  He continued, "And where will it all go?".  "It empties into the Atlantic Ocean" I said.  "And you just let it go there, all of that water?"  "Well-- yes" I replied.  "This is amazing!"

Our conversation carried on much longer as the tour continued.  But the proufoundness of Aakesh's observations and curiousity etched itself into my mind.  As a conservationist, I recognize the important role water plays in our society, I hold very strong views about the matter.  From rain barrels to controlling the flow rate on my sink-- even turning off the water for each dish I rince.  Nonetheless, I've developed an appreciation for what water means to Aakesh and where he is from in Telengana region of Andhra Pradesh in India, one of their water starved regions.

I Aakesh recently returned for another visit; upon greeting him at the airport, his first question was, "Is all that water still in the Charles River?"  "Yes my friend, it is still there".

I don't believe I take what is available for granted, however I also know that when I turn my faucet on, water will flow.   My appreciation and commitment to helping others understand the precious value of that has grown out of our conversation.