Peer pressure can be an amazing force. Parents normally try to encourage their children to thoughtfully evaluate peer pressure and make considered choices of their own. But in some instances, peer pressure can be helpful.
I have found this out myself recently, as Parents & Kids began planning a series of web-only columns.
There are three new columns on-line. Living On-Line, which is about ways to use the web and other technology to live better; Living Gracefully, which is a monthly column on how to live a more organized, less stressful life; and Living Greenly, a column about living responsibly on our children’s planet.
It’s the last one—Living Greenly—that has caused me some peer-pressure driven angst.
I live in an old, drafty house. We do have storm windows, but basics like ample insulation, double paned windows, and tight seals on doors and windows are quite a challenge. As we began to think about this new column, one of my first thoughts was, “Gee, I need to start thinking more greenly myself.” After all, if I promote it in print, but eschew it in daily living, I am not very responsible.
So we turn off lights more now. I used to worry my dogs would get depressed staying home alone in a darkened kitchen—after all there are only three windows! So far they don’t seem to have noticed the dimmer surroundings.
The thermostats are on cooler settings now; after all, putting on a sweater is not such a big deal. A remarkable occurrence: I actually told my husband to go put on a sweater recently. Usually I am the one saying “Make it warmer in here!” These are such simple, small steps. Painless, actually.
I have a long way to go to greener living. I suspect that living more greenly is a process and not a destination—and that as I become more adept at it, more opportunities to do it better will present themselves.
I invite you to visit our website and check out Martha Miller’s new column, as well as the other new features on the web. Hopefully we’ll all have an easier 2008 by using life’s tools to live a little more greenly and gracefully.
Happy New Year!
