I think it started when I was about 25, which makes sense. I've read from numerous sources that 25 seems to be a magical age for discovering yourself, and, in turn, discovering the world around you. I know that more marriages survive the long haul when both parties are at least that age. There seems to be a distinct separation of my life before I was 25, and after, almost like two different people. The most notable change to me is my perception of the human-planet relationship.
In the past I have written about my attempts at gardening, my feelings on our history and future, and the need for feeling good about myself. Things I have not written about (but may be coming!) include other "hippy" (as I derogatorily like to refer to environmentally friendly things as) topics, such as; switching to organic food, swearing off plastic bags, recycling everything I can get my hands on, and buying biodegradable cleaning products. Needless to say, this all happened after I turned 25. But I didn't feel these things were enough. I think that being fortunate to live in one of the richest and most powerful countries in the world also comes with a great responsibility. Having the means and opportunities doesn't give us the right to ruin it for people who don't; we should be using those means and opportunities for improvement.
To get back on topic, or to narrow down my topic, I frequently feel terrible about myself for multiple reasons revolving around the environment and how little I actually do. In comparison to others, I may be doing quite a bit, but a good friend of mine told me tonight that you can't just be happy or fulfilled by comparison, you have to feel it for yourself. So we bought a Prius! And not just any Prius, the plug-in hybrid. We traded a gas-guzzling lifted Dodge Ram, which had tons of cargo space, towing capability, and a little sense of being more powerful than other cars on the road. But, every time I looked at it or heard the engine rev up, all I could think of was foreign oil and melting ice bergs. After talking about AWDs, and MPGs, and SUVs, we spontaneously decided on a Prius.
She isn't named yet, and I don't even know if it's a she, but it is a gun metal metallic grey and dark grey interior. The technology featured in this specific Prius is the top of what Toyota offers in any of their vehicles. Blue Tooth, apps that sync with your phone, navigation, back up camera, remote keyless start, distance A/C initiation, plus about 30 different fuel monitors and settings (this is the really techy stuff), one of which is the EV mode to monitor and initiate your battery usage. It does a lot more along the lines of safety and performance, but it's like translating Greek (a little help Polly?) so you'll just have to trust me.
The Prius plug-in hybrid will not fit three dogs in the back, or two kayaks. It cannot tow a pontoon boat, or pull another vehicle out of the mud. It does not dominate the road, or let you know it's coming a mile away. But it feels good in my heart, and it's the right thing to do.
(My husband's going to get so much crap at work!)
