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Green Guilt: Par for the Course?

January 26, 2010

I had a recent bout of ‘green guilt’ that got me thinking …

I just got back from a trip to beautiful Los Cabos (don’t hate me!) -  The trip, scenery, company and Mexican hospitality were off-the-charts awesome.

The downer…the hotel was not eco-friendly. As in, NO recycling. (I am a strong advocate of checking into hotel policy  prior to vacationing. But this time was out of my control. )

Why do I bring this up? The more conversations I have with sustainable minded people, the more I realize most of us experience a little ‘green guilt’ from time to time. It’s tough to act 100% eco-minded. Unfortunately, we’re bound to be in situations now and then where we feel uncomfortable.

I felt really guilty knowing my bottles of dos equis weren’t headed for the recycling bin… The truth is harping on this mindset and feeling unworthy because I couldn’t exercise control is counter productive.

What’s the best way to overcome these feelings?

Action.

That said, an email to the hotel’s customer service management thanking them for a wonderful stay but letting them know of their (lack thereof) recycling options is a teeny, tiny step. But if they hear it enough, perhaps they’ll change policy. (So be it if it’s simply because they know they’ll lose business – It’s progress. )

As I settle back into my everyday life, I’m even more aware of my eco-conscious actions. The green movement is a lifestyle choice. Turning off the lights, recycling your old electronics, using reusable bags, driving a hybrid car – these things are baby steps to the big picture.

It’s the major initiatives (like the Clean Air Act) that’ll have the most profound impact on the future. But, we’ve said it on Green Philly Blog before and I’ll say it again: the little things add up. Especially when you ‘re able to influence others to take positive action. So, let’s keep supporting the big iniatives (and in the meantime don’t forget to turn off the water when you’re brushing your teeth!)

P.S. Northern Liberties eco boutique Arcadia in-house travel consultant provides info on eco-tourism and international travel destinations via Away@Arcadia.

Posted by Beth

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1. Arcadia Boutique – Eco-friendly fashions for the Philly girl (& guy or baby)!
2. Green Your Labor Day Vacation
3. 10 Green New Years Resolutions for '09
4. 6 Easy Ways to Reduce Waste & Be Green
5. Make Your Own Reusable Bag!

Filed under: Green Living, Recycle

Tags: Arcadia Boutique, Away@Arcadia, eco-friendly vacations, green guilt, Los Cabos, recycling, vacation