When you focus on the problem, the problem gets bigger. When you focus on the solution, the solutions gets bigger.

Last week’s blogs focused on global warming and the retreating waters of the Great Lakes. While they inspired a lot of discussion (see blog comments) they left me feeling rather hopeless.

In Saturday’s Globe and Mail, the British Columbia edition, Gary Mason’s column is all about water shortages in Canada’s western lakes and rivers.

The story is the same regardless of where in the country, or world, we cottage in. The glaciers that feed our lakes and rivers are melting. It is occurring at an alarming rate, and Canada is no exception. Despite our heavy snow falls, the ground is no longer frozen when the spring run off takes place. The water is being absorbed by the earth before it gets to the lakes and streams.

Reading this article I had that sinking feeling again. I do not want to keep writing about global warming, yet it’s a problem that’s only going to keep getting worse.   I am aware that the sinking feeling I am experiencing is really my own guilt.

You see, I am not really an environmentalist. Yes I live off the grid at my cabin, have solar panels etc., but that’s not because I want to live a simpler, more “environmentally friendly” life, it’s because I have too. I don’t have a choice. There is no power, and the Region of Nanaimo, along with the Horne Lake Cottage Association, have imposed building and water restrictions,  so that I don’t harm the environment. In short, I need to be regulated.

Left to my own devices, I would live the same way at the cabin as I do at home. I want things nice and I want them convenient.

There, my dirty little secret is out. I am a waster, and as long as I am a waster I am going to feel bad about this whole global warming business. I am totally focused on the problem.

I am making a public declaration that from this day forward, I am going to start focusing on the solution, halting global warming, and doing my part to reduce my consumption of water. I will do one thing a week for the environment, starting with my home.

There is a lot I can do right here - replace our single pane windows, change out my toilettes, install a clothesline, start composting, stop using plastic bags at the grocery store, etc. The list is endless.

Each Monday, I will report on this week’s goal. Please feel free to join me and let me know what you’re up to. I am open to any and all suggestions that don’t overwhelm me, and help me to stay focused on the solution.

This week’s goal - start washing all my laundry in cold water.

Here’s to alleviating my conscience.

Cheers,

Julie

This entry was posted on Monday, October 15th, 2007 at 6:33 pm and is filed under Current News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.