Thank You and Welcome

Well, it’s here. 2008. My goodness, I don’t know about you, but 2007 flew by. Thankfully, we’re all a bit older, wiser, and hip to what it means to lead a more sustainable lifestyle.

First and foremost, a hearty thank you to all of you who take a little time out of your day to read this blog and help it grow, offer feedback, and (hopefully) take some action as a result of its content. 2007 was a good year. My goal is to make 2008 a great one.

And thank you to the new friends I have met and been able to network with recently. There is a strong Rhode Island blogger contingency out there working hard to make our little state a better place. Be sure to stop by and say hello:

• Natural News Network. A great helping of news, events, and happenings from across the state. This is a robust jumping-off point for the local green scene. They even feature green job postings!

• The Providential Gardener. A wonderful site dedicated to all that which grows underfoot. From community farms to open spaces to home gardens, this resource is full of know-how for those with an appreciation and yearning for getting a bit more green out of your thumb.

So, now what for 2008?

One of the things I continue to try and have is that epiphany about is how to get MORE of our neighbors to have that what I like to call, “A-Ha Moment”. That moment where it clicks and doing one or two things to better Sakonnet and the planet make sense to them. At the end of the day, the reason folks end up treading more lightly is deeply personal. Maybe it’s reverence. Maybe it’s something more practical. We all have that reason that resonates best for us and helps tune our personal harmony with the world around us.

What I have observed though is that action (or reaction, or in-action for that matter) is very viral in nature. For whatever reason, we do what others do. Call it keeping up with the Jones’ or peer pressure or wanting to be viewed in the best light. We are a nation of Followers. That’s OK because we can use that to our advantage.

Here’s my challenge to you: Find one person in the next month to have the “green” conversation with. Make sure it’s a person you know well because you need to know the angle to take with them in order to help them have their A-Ha Moment. Do they respond best to facts? Or how about saving money? Or maybe even the heartstring tug of leaving a better place for future generations? Sustainable living is applicable no matter what makes your mo-jo flow.

If you need help, I’m here. Shoot me an email with a question or situation and I’ll do my best to answer it or find someone who can.

Here’s to a greener year ahead. Cheers!