In Celebration of Earth Day, I Bought a Hybrid!

I'm really tickled about my new 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid SUV. As many of you know, it's a substantial change from what I'm used to driving (half ton gas-guzzling pick-up trucks!), but I've been making a lot of lifestyle changes over the course of the past year, and this is really the cumulative milestone! It suits my needs, despite what I've told myself in the past, and it'll get more than double the gas mileage I'm used to. But the real reason I bought it--and chose the green color--is that it makes a statement. It's a hybrid. It's green--literally, and figuratively. And its just another way I can offset my carbon footprint.

Now, because it's Earth Day, and relevant issues have been all over the media lately, I'd like to set the whole issue to rest. I have a substantial amount of friends on both sides of the issue: the Damnit! Accept the "intolerant truth" that we're killing the earth and must do something right this second, or else! camp, and the That's just more liberal left-wing nonsense--everyone knows Global Warming is entirely cyclical camp. *Whew* That's more than a mouthful.

What's my solution? A very simple compromise composed of two parts: 1) the "why not?" argument and 2) take care of your shit! The bottom line is I don't give a damn who you are, or what you believe; it's obvious that throwing a non-biodegradable substance onto the ground is probably a bad thing to do. Not only does it ugly things up, but an educated person knows, quite certainly, that the item in question won't be going away for awhile.

It's a much easier route to question the authority of this source or that source, ignore any problems by shifting the focus on a company's exploitation of these issues in order to better their public relations with consumers, and basically just lambaste the concern altogether. But I say, "why not?" Why not take better care of the environment? Does it hurt you or is it in any way, shape or form, bad for you? If the alternative is just as simple, just as efficient, and just as cost-effective then why the hell not?

That being said, I'd be hardpressed to accept any rebuttals to the whole "take care of your shit" argument. It's really that simple. Take care of your shit, and in so doing, keep yourself aware of what you're doing and why. Let's briefly look at three primary examples: 1) shopping for clothes, 2) food purchases, and most relevant, 3) automotive decisions.

Shopping for clothes:

Next time you're out buying clothing, instead of worrying about what label some eleven year old Chinese girl sewed on your inferior quality "designer" outfit, try thinking about where the articles are made, how they're made and with what materials. How does the company you're buying from treat its employees? Are the natural materials they're using organic? Are the synthetic materials they're using recycled? These are the questions you should be asking yourself when you choose to support a company. Instead of conveniently forgetting about who you support so you don't feel bad about it, choose wisely and you'll actually feel really good about the purchases you make!

Furthermore, if you choose organic natural materials over the pesticide-ridden alternative, it really doesn't make much sense to clean those garments with detergents full of chemicals, now does it? Shopping for clothing also means determining how you're going to maintain them. Use organic detergents and try not to use fabric softeners (taking your clothes out of the dryer prematurely and line-drying them prevents static cling), never use high heat in the dryer and limit the amount of hot water you use in the washer, and avoid items you have to dry-clean if you can help it.

And remember, you don't have to go buy clothing every season either. The absolute best way you can help out is to cut down consuming altogether. I, for one, have reserved myself to only purchasing clothing I need for specific reasons and/or when I'm travelling to a region I'd like to help support by boosting the local economy. Of course, if there's a really good eBay deal on a Patagonia article...

Food Purchases:

Eating naturally and healthily is not only much better for you mentally and physically, but it's also really good for the environment. I've talked to so many people that argue organic foods aren't any better than "normal" foods. Organic foods and organic farming tactics aren't about "better tasting" food, necessarily, but about limiting our need for chemicals and pesticides, taking better care of our livestock, and ridding our foods of unhealthy preservatives and artificial ingredients. You don't have to be a Vegan or watch absolutely everything you eat or spend a great deal of money; just be aware of what you're consuming. Try not eating at any fast food restaurant for a month and then tell me you don't feel any healthier, or have a great deal more energy and stamina.

Much like the first example, maintaining a healthy diet also includes other aspects as well. After eating, you typically brush your teeth--but what's in your toothpaste? If you see anything resembling "sodium laureth sulfate" it's generally a good idea to stay away. Unfortunately, that really limits you in the brands you can choose. All the major brands you know of use this chemical in many bathroom products because a) its very cheap and b) it efficiently spreads the paste (or gel, or soap, and so on) by foaming. However, it's a known irritant and, in very large quantities, is actually strong enough to degrease the floors of industrial complexes! Granted, I'll accept the argument that in the small quantities, the chemical is probably harmless; however, my rebuttal is those simple two words again: "why not?"

It's very simple to weed out what you eat and the products you use: choose organic over synthetic. Take a quick peek at the label and really start focusing on what the food matter is comprised of. It's because of healthy, concerned consumers that Whole Foods is now a corporate mega-giant (that may have its own ramifications; but for now, I'm still on board) and that's why many fast food restaurants are responding in kind. If we just stop buying shit, they'll stop making it. It's that simple.

Finally, try also to limit the amount of food you eat. I struggle with this myself! I love to eat, and I eat a lot, but I know I eat too much! When I walk into a restaurant and order a normal sized meal (and a few beers), I usually walk out lethargically and over-stuffed. However, if I split a small appetizer with a friend and then split an entree as well, I walk out feeling refreshed, satisfied, and energetic. It all goes back to being aware of what you consume, how much you're consuming and why you are consuming it.

Automotive decisions:

Lately, I'm sure you've been bombarded with information about fuel economy and CO2 emissions. Well, these are the most important issues out there, and the best way we can all stand together to offset our carbon footprint. The true hybrids are just the beginning. Not only do they drive like any normal vehicle, but they're far more fuel efficient and currently still offer some killer tax incentives. Ford Motor Company is actually working on the first true full-sized truck hybrid (sorry, GM's alleged hybrid trucks are NOT true hybrids), which is rumored will get 60 MPG. That's insane. If we could only get those oil companies and their influence out of the way, we could certainly lessen our impact on the environment and, if that's not good enough for you, lessen and ultimately deplete our dependency on foreign oil.

But even if you can't afford to go purchase a new vehicle, try to drive less in the one you have. Plan your destinations more carefully and try to carpool as often as you can. When you're driving, try to be more consistent in your speeds (yes, I have a problem with this as well). And if you haven't accepted the fact that there is a revolution happening in the in the automotive industry, open up your eyes. You'll see a dozen more hybrid vehicles coming out later this year and in 2008. We're already seeing other great developments in electrical vehicles, biodiesel may become more prevalent (as it is in other countries), and other alternative fuels are on the rise.

The great thing about environmentalism is that its really become a fad and many companies are jumping on the bandwagon. As a consumer, you control a part of absolutely every industry that exists. The clothing industry relies on your purchases, so stop buying inferior quality clothing products, put together in sweatshops. The food industry relies on your purchases, so stop supporting fast food and unhealthy food products. The automotive industry relies on your purchases so stop buying gas-guzzling machines with poor emissions ratings. Stop shopping and these industries will change. We've witnessed the beginning, but I'm really excited about what's in store for the future! Happy Earth Day!