One week ago, I argued that every little green bit helps.
I also boldly claimed that by steering your life in a greener direction, you will inevitably influence others to do the same.
I still stand by that. I firmly believe you can – and will – change other people’s habits by changing your own. Over time.
And that’s just the thing – it will take time.
That’s fine if you’re patient.
If, however, you like things to happen a little faster, you can super boost your own positive influence simply by talking. About yourself.
Tell the world
I’m not encouraging you to become a self-absorbed party lemon that ruins any conversation by constantly yapping about me, me, me and my kids and my job and did you know that I did something last week that was the same as what you just said but better?
No.
I’m encouraging you to tell people what you’re doing to green your lifestyle, whenever it seems natural.
If your neighbour is complaining about his electricity bill, tell him how you cut yours by making your refrigerator more energy efficient and replacing your incandescent light bulbs for LED bulbs.
If the woman in the parking lot is complaining about how her crappy plastic shopping bags inconveniently keep breaking when she’s carrying them, tell her where you bought the sturdy, reusable cloth bags you’re carrying your groceries in.
If your friend is sweltering in his hot apartment, show him how he can keep his home cooler without shelling out for an air conditioner.
Don’t be preachy
Don’t overdo it, though. Make sure you don’t sound like you’re bragging or trying to give them a guilty conscience. That sort of thing will just make people defensive and unwilling to listen.
Keep it on a positive note.
Focus on what you are doing, not on what they are failing to do.
Practice on Wednesdays
If you’re uncomfortable talking about yourself and your green efforts, I recommend practicing at Reduce Footprints’ Change The World Wednesdays.
At these weekly challenges, you’ll not only find a good idea for greening your life every week, but a whole crowd of people that really want to hear you talk about yourself and what you’re doing.
Last week’s challenge is a good place to start – but to get that practice talking about yourself that I mentioned, you should stop by Reduce Footprints this Wednesday and participate in the next challenge together with the others.
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This post was tagged with: evangelizing, green actions, green talk, greening lifestyle, habits, indirect influence, motivation, personal impact
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I love this post! You have just brought up the key to making the whole “green” thing work … to talk about it without preaching or making people feel bad. To find ways to encourage without laying on the guilt or acting “better” than anyone. After all, we’re all trying our best. Brilliant!
And yes indeed … all of us, over at Reduce Footprints, love to hear what people are doing and saying and thinking. Because … we all want to learn and live a greener life.
Thanks so much!
Small Footprints
@Small Footprints: Thank you, glad you liked it
Hey, great post
I like your writing style!