living green by accident
October 10, 2007 by Cash
Several months ago, I was having dinner with my wealthiest friends. This charmingly capitalist couple live in an extremely upscale suburb on the far southern side of the Denver metro area. As we enjoyed delicious grilled salmon, I finished my bottle of Fat Tire and inquired if they had a recycling bin. My friend looked at me incredulously and replied: “What do I look like, some kind of commie tree hugger?”. We all laughed. Although none of us advocate clear cutting the rain forests, the collective consciousness of those present was decidedly apathetic about environmental issues.
Contrast that experience with one I had this morning while grocery shopping at Wild Oats and I realize, with surprise, how ‘green’ my life has become in comparison.
The first spark in the positively beautiful blonde’s, blue eyes came as she rang up my clutch of holistic herbal supplements (chosen not for their organic production but rather their reputed liver protecting qualities). She excitedly confessed needing to restock her own supply and went on to give me the good news; I’d just saved 25% on them. We proceeded to share a friendly exchange until my next surprise elevated her spirits further; the retrieval (from the bottom of my cart) of my ‘grocery bag’- a large, heavy duty vinyl duffel I’ve been using for over a year. She complimented me for bringing my own bag and asked if I wanted a ‘bag credit’ or wooden nickels (which can be donated to the charity of my choice). I opted for the nickels. She approved. I went on to explain the reason for my bag; I take the train to purchase my groceries. Almost giddy at this point, she beamed “I took the train here this morning too!”. The energy radiating off her was so positive and charmed by these completely unintentional gestures of my ‘green lifestyle’, I wouldn’t have been surprised in the least if she’d asked me out on the spot.
Truth be told of course, my motivations are far more selfish.
I use my ‘grocery bag’ strictly for practical purposes; it’s easier to manage one heavy duty carry all than a collection of plastic sacks. Shopping at Wild Oats rather than a ‘conventional grocer’? It’s the easiest place to reach on public transportation. As for the train ride? Selling my car made economic sense and was also smart considering the amount of imbibing I do. Still, these changes, in addition to my newfound ability (and desire to) recycle at work and my recent switch to all paperless statements for my banking / credit card accounts (one of which promised to plant a tree on my behalf for doing so) makes me realize I’ve suddenly become far more environmentally friendly, even if the reasons have been pure serendipity.
Bring on the hot granola girls. If such girls exist 
Pretty cool. We’re not perfect either but even though my family is apathetic about recycling my immediate family recycles bottles, plastic, newspapers, and cardboard. I figure every little bit helps.
Your post makes me curious - was this the Wild Oats off the Louisiana/Pearl Station stop?
You got it!
I don’t think it really matters why you do it so long as you do it. Being altruistic and caring are great, but what matters is the end result, right? Doesn’t seem like “being green” should require unselfish motivations, otherwise nobody would really do it. (I, admittedly, use a tote bag for grocery shopping because I’m tired of the plastic bags ripping. Plus I made mine and I’m rather proud of it.)
Telan, I like the way you think.