I'm a Good/Bad Person

On the way into my math class today, this guy was handing out little books that were turned upside down so you couldn't see the title. I had yet to consume my whole cup of coffee so I just took it and went inside. I then discovered that it was a copy of the new testament of the bible. 

Without thinking, I put my arm out as I walked past the first trash can I saw. I ALMOST THREW A COPY OF THE BIBLE INTO THE TRASH CAN.

I stopped myself just inches short of the trash can (Pat Robertson could have been anywhere in the building). 

So, I had a copy of a book I've read before, and have no intentions of re-reading, and I thought to myself: "What would a responsible person with a blog about contemporary green living do?" 

So, upon arriving back at my dorm, I recycled the booklet in hopes that the word of God could be reused again, and again, and again :D 

Green Disillusionment

So, as you can tell, I'm down with the green. What I'm not down with is idiotic logic. I think that the world is our responsibility to take care of, but I also don't think we should all jump on the band wagon and support every crack pot extremist idea that comes along; Green Washing, remember!!! 

Anyways, what I'm complaining about is organic vegetables. I don't want to call anyone out (so i won't) but that is one concept that aggravates me to no end. May I start by saying that buying organic is a GIMICK. There is no genetic difference between an organic tomato and a non-organic tomato. There is no way to make 100% sure that what you are paying exceptionally more for is in fact organic, and on top of that, what benefit are you REALLY getting from organic foods.

People call me a label-whore, but I've got enough common sense not to pay $100 for a fleece from Diesel Jeans that I can get at Old Navy for $8. Organic foods are nothing more than designer labels for food. 

And don't try and defend your organic fixation by saying its "better for you." Because listen to me, my organic loving friend. You may feel all warm and fuzzy after preparing a meal from organic vegetables you purchased from a local farmers market, but if later that night you go to Cook Out and eat the tomatoes and lettuce on your burger (and I promise you, those veggies Cook Out uses are NOT organic) what happens to all that "good" you are doing by organics if your diet lack consistency. 

I'm all for taking care of yourself and trying to be environmentally responsible but lets use our thinking caps, people! 

A Prious is Green, right??

So, as you most likely know from reading this blog, I'm a student at Appalachian State University. With that being said, its fairly easy to be green on a campus infested with hippies. But, I have recently crossed over to the REALLY green side, and have been driving around in a Prious. 

My Friend Kris drives a black Prious, and we have been taking in the beautiful sights of Boone, NC via hybrid. 

I must admit that I have taken infinite pleasure in watching the dashboard computer indicating when the car switched from battery to engine propulsion. It is quite exhilarating.....  

So, I feel really good about myself after this week. VIVA LA HYBRID!!!

Not so Green....

This last weekend I went home to Charlotte, NC to get a little R&R, and by R&R I mean PARTY! 

While the argument could be made that I contributed to global warming with all the heat energy I produced while dancing when my friends and I went out, I would think that the more likely damage in inflicted on the environment as due to all the driving I did. 

Charlotte is a spread out city. You've got to DRIVE to get anywhere, and sadly, night life does not flourish in the suburbs, so I did A LOT of driving. 

I know that that behavior is not conducive to sustainability, and I offer to excuses. My careless driving makes me no better than...... dare I say it: a Republican.

If it is any consolation, I brought the water bottle I drank the last night we went out home and recycled it.

I'll be better this week! 

R-E-C-Y-C-L-E

I've always been one to try and recycle, but there is something about ASU that makes you want to go into hyper-recycle mode. I have found myself recycling EVERYTHING. (there is a closet on my floor that is full of recycling containers, so there is really no excuse not too.) I have recycled plastic bottles, Pizza Hut advertisement flyers, returned homework assignments, and a flyer promoting a bands performance Saturday night. Everything I use seems to be recyclable..... and it feels like I would be committing a crime by not recycling here. Living in a green building, recycling everyday, using a reusable water bottle, and not driving my car in 3 weeks, I really feel like my carbon foot print has shrank in the small amount of time I have been here..... oopss, I've been blogging, I just used a TON of energy :P