Tomorrow is Earth Day, and I've been surprised by the plethora of contests and events I've seen on blogs, websites, and elsewhere. I've been even more surprised that many contests and events involved either travel (win a trip to Puerto Rico!) or stuff.
Now, I'm sorry to say, but flying to Puerto Rico is not a good way to reduce your carbon footprint. Gary Snyder famously said, when asked how to solve the Earth's ecological problems "Stay Put." (He didn't just mean don't go anywhere. And I admit there are many reasons why a trip might be the right thing to do. But a plane trip just seems an odd Earth Day prize).
Even more troublesome to me is the stuff you can win, or get for free. I recently had the great pleasure of listening to a presentation by Annie Leonard. Her FREE 20 minute, The Story of Stuff, is a must watch for anyone who cares about the environment. Based on decades of research, she eloquently (and entertainingly) demonstrates that we're in the process of making the Earth uninhabitable because we can't stop our addiction to stuff. And what was her advice? Not to buy more efficient light bulbs but to lean more heavily on the government. Be more political, she advises, and speak your truth.
So, where's that free Earth Day gift, you ask? Well, first, you get to watch the movie The Story of Stuff. It really is good fun, and she's as strong on the problem as on the solution.
And second, I present you this:
Now, I'm sorry to say, but flying to Puerto Rico is not a good way to reduce your carbon footprint. Gary Snyder famously said, when asked how to solve the Earth's ecological problems "Stay Put." (He didn't just mean don't go anywhere. And I admit there are many reasons why a trip might be the right thing to do. But a plane trip just seems an odd Earth Day prize).
Even more troublesome to me is the stuff you can win, or get for free. I recently had the great pleasure of listening to a presentation by Annie Leonard. Her FREE 20 minute, The Story of Stuff, is a must watch for anyone who cares about the environment. Based on decades of research, she eloquently (and entertainingly) demonstrates that we're in the process of making the Earth uninhabitable because we can't stop our addiction to stuff. And what was her advice? Not to buy more efficient light bulbs but to lean more heavily on the government. Be more political, she advises, and speak your truth.
So, where's that free Earth Day gift, you ask? Well, first, you get to watch the movie The Story of Stuff. It really is good fun, and she's as strong on the problem as on the solution.
And second, I present you this:
(Cartoon by Jennifer Berman)
Yes, leave a comment on this blog, and I'll send you NOTHING! (If you don't leave a comment, maybe I'll send you some STUFF, you'll have to wait to find out.)
I hope you really enjoy the gift, and also appreciate that you don't have to go all out with your Thank You note. I'd like to suggest you sit in your garden, for maybe 15 minutes on Earth Day. Hold the gift in your hand, or put it down. Then listen to the sounds of the insects and the birds. Smell the deep rich earth, or maybe some sages and mints nearby. Gaze around and enjoy the greens of spring (or the fall colors if you live on the other side of the world). Take your time. You don't have to unwrap Nothing, paint Nothing, or install Nothing, You can instead enjoy things as they are.
Happy Earth Day!
Comments
The software release is almost out - and then I'm certainly going to celebrate by doing a lot of Nothing! - And maybe I'll resume blogging again too! Thanks TM for all your posts lately. I know you're not exactly doing a lot of Nothing yourself right now.
BTW, my husband and I have a tradition of not shopping at stores when giving gifts to each other. We would rather give each a 'gift' of a drive somewhere, a fishing trip for him, a dinner out or some other experience-type gift. That's why I sometimes get a load of rocks for my birthday.
Now I have to go clean out my junk closet...that's my weakness.
We decided not to register for our wedding and just enjoy the presence of our friends and family. Folks are really having a hard time with that! It's as if the only way they can communicate their love is by buying us something.
So with that, I really appreciate your gift of nothing and hope you enjoy the nothing I'm sending back to you as thanks.
It rained on Earth Day here - unexpected and most welcomed. It was really special!
I'd like to reach nothing-ness, but for the times I succumb I hope select yes-things that are simpler, better-made, locally-grown, locally-sourced, more fuel-efficient, non-polluting, organic, socially responsible and not tested on laboratory mice (or garden mice either!). I hope you got what you wanted for Earth Day.