our first video

john lennon was right

Okay people. I have decided to set forth a challenge. But first, a bit of a backstory.

A couple nights ago, I had a great conversation with my friend Michael about all things environmental. He had been working at a house, building a gate, and was constantly reminded of people’s impact on the environment and how easily it could be changed.

For example, the family, that the home belonged to, was out of town. But that didn’t stop their air-conditioning, like clock work, to click on, all weekend long, insuring that the 3500 sq. ft. house was kept cool for ABSOLUTELY NO ONE!!! Another example occurred during his numerous trips to Lowe’s. On his first visit, he bought one item; I believe a roll of tape. The salesperson dutifully placed this one item in a very large, plastic bag. Now, the good news is that Michael refused the bag. The better news is that upon his subsequent trips, the salesperson remembered him and continued to NOT give him a bag.

The disappointing news, however, is the receipt never changed. I saw the receipt. We estimate that each receipt he was given is approximately two feet in length. I’m sure it would have been longer if he had bought more than single items. (By the way, in his defense, before you jump to the “why is he going to Lowe’s three times for one item, when he could go once for three items??” question….we have all had days where you intend one thing and another thing happens, so stop it.) Back to the receipt; two feet in length. Which is paper… you know, from trees. But this is why it is so long; at the end of each receipt is printed a coupon. The coupon states that if, on your next purchase, you spend $50 or more, you get 10% off. OK. This coupon is given to EVERYONE. And, if it is given to everyone, is it not than a policy, not an offer? So, why not, stop printing the two feet of waste and just set up the registers to allow for anything over $50 to get the discount????

Henceforth, the challenge: I would like you all to start questioning the practices of yourself and companies and start making a difference. Start taking bags with you when you shop. Refuse bags that stores want to give you, when you haven’t purchased enough to warrant it. Ask to speak to managers about receipts, or other examples, and ask them to change their policies. Send emails to companies complaining about their practices, like I did with Peet’s and my ice tea.

I am asking you to pay attention and start the conversation about change.

I may be an extreme example of what I think you should all do; buy locally, change out every single lightbulb, don’t run the A/C even when it is 100plus degrees outside, ride a bike not your car.

But imagine what could start happening if each and every person….all 6.7 billion of us did ONE thing….just one.

First off, close to 7 billion things would be different. Secondly, you will see how easy it is to do one, so maybe you would two things. Can you imagine 14 billion things being done differently?

So try it. Get into a conversation with people. Talk to your neighbors. Email a business that does something you don’t like.

Do not stand idly by. Do not go gently into that good night!… because as I was recently reminded:

THERE IS NO PLANET B