Eco-Nazi's vs. Eco-Comrades

[Saffy]

Ever run into someone that is so 'progressive' and environmentally 'aware' that they do their damndest to make everyone else feel inferior? This would be my definition of the "Eco-Nazi".

Seems to me that if these persons are as concerned about sustainable life on this planet as they appear to be, they would perhaps try a friendlier method of garnering support.

I may not be perfect with regard to my ecological conservatism, but I do try. Really, I do. Unfortunately, certain measures are beyond my grasp due to lack of financial independence, i.e., I must use a vehicle in order to transport 4 children...ever try hitching 4 kiddo's to a bike? Or, bring home enough groceries to feed said family on a bike or on foot? And, I'm also at the mercy of driving whatever vehicle happens to fit into my budget, hence no 30k hybrids.

And while I do support organic, sustainable agriculture to the best of my ability (and have a veggie and herb garden to help), I've found that actually FEEDING my children adequate amounts of food tends to take precedence over tesing them with small amounts of frou-frou, over-priced seeds and twigs.

The LAST thing I need is some wealthy, self-righteous schmuck lecturing me on my wastefulness, (a recent date I had did just that!!!), while he sips away on his $6 organic chai, wearing his bio-dynamically grown hemp trousers and sporting a "Love your planet" button.

Wouldn't loving your planet also include treating it's inhabitants as more than pond-scum?

I dunno, but sometimes it seems as if this whole eco-movement has become yet another method of macho competition designed to bolster ego's by demeaning and patronizing other's. What do you think?

[el_gato]

1. sounds more like a stereotype than reality

[Dora]

2. I'm not so sure I understand

As someone who's been making gradual but distinct lifestyle changes over the past few years, I find your post interesting.

We don't talk about our choices and neither do we insist that our friends make similar lifestyle changes. Though I do feel evangelical about some of the changes that we've made, I would never presume to impose these on others.

There are times when I mention my/our reasons for making the choices we've made, and I've seen that others may feel uncomfortable about those reasons, but I don't debate points and I don't impose.

I also ask that our friends not impose their choices on us. For example, my husband and I avoid corporate restaurants. It took some time, but our friends now understand that we'd love to eat out with them, and we'd like to do it in a locally-owned business. It's difficult to explain to somebody why I won't eat at Red Lobster if that person thinks Red Lobster is the coolest place on earth. Inevitably, the result is that my friend thinks that I sound preachy and I think my friend isn't interested in respecting my values.

[Saffy]

3. Dora- I'd consider you an eco-comrade

You don't "impose" your beliefs on others. That's the difference right there.

In my own micro-cosm, most of my friends and family would consider me to be rather eco-friendly, environmentally aware, etc. Some find it amusing...in that I refuse to shop at Wal-Mart regardless of how poor we are or how great the deals are. SOme find it impressive, in that I have 5 seperate recycling containers on the back porch, but no recycling service and must therefor clean, sepaerate and transport everything to the center and drop it off once a month.

And there are probably those that find my 'awareness' annoying...especially the babysitters that find themselves changing cotton diapers for my twin toddlers (and all the ickyness that entails) rather than the far more convenient, disposable ones.

But, to the best of my knowledge, I've NEVER outwardly criticized another for not adhering to my own efforts at 'saving our planet'. And, I don't take too kindly to others criticizing me for not adhering to their efforts.

I tell ya, if I'd met someone that was an "Eco-Nazi" way back when I first became concerned about our planet's wastefulness, I may have taken a completely different path-a negative and reactionary one.

But, I didn't (thankfully for our planet). I happened to meet up with people that were "Eco-Comrades" instead. They simply allowed me to witness their eco-friendly lifestyle and gleen from it what I could/would. No self-righteous tactics or patronizing rhetoric...just them 'walking their talk'. And, I found it admirable enough to TRY it on my own.

[Dora]

4. Thanks

and while we're talking - Any advice about cloth diapers? We're expecting our first child in January, and we want to use cloth. I'd appreciate any tips!

[Saffy]

5. Get the double- folded ones with Nappi's

First off, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

My last (and I mean surgically LAST) birth was in January of 2002- TWINS.

Anyway, we used cotton diapers with these velcro-type covers that come under a myriad of company names...I used "Nappi's", but there are others.

As far as functionality, the double folded and stitched cotton diapers worked best whether using pins and basic latex pants or the more convenient velco style coveres.

Let's see, for suggestions and tips:
1-) ALWAYS put the diapers through a rinse cycle BEFORE actually washing them (whatever you couldn't flush gets removed).
2-) NEVER use fabric softener, as it makes the cotton less absorbant and can cause diaper rash.
3-) Wash once on a cold cycle, then wash again on a hot cycle with a little bit of bleach (1/4 cup) to disinenfect, then rinse again.
-this seems wasteful, but if you skip any of these steps ya have stinky, germ-laden diapers or bleach-laden diapers.
4-) NEVER put the covers through a bleach cycle. It disintegrates the fabric, making it less resistant.

That's all I can think of for now.

And hey, congrats again! Winter bebe's are the BEST! (as far as practicality goes).