Some of these folks are even starting to sound like martyrs, as if they are choosing to be this way at a great sacrifice, but are willing to do it ‘to make a difference’.

I’m all for making a difference and trying to live a more simple life with efforts at being more self-sustainable, too. But the self-righteousness, competition, and bragging is a bit much. I agree.

I recently had someone completely cut down and criticize Walmart for their non-local produce and other foods, among other things. They even went so far as to say that all Walmarts should shut down.
Well, here in our rural outpost, Walmart is one of the only good paying jobs that comes with excellent insurance plans. My husband works for our Walmart, and though I don’t spend much money there shopping, just having the Walmart around helps us to be more self-sustainable by allowing us to save gas, shop locally, and support our community in taxes and job security.

Not everyone can grow all their own food, create their own heating or driving fuel. But I do think we can all make a difference, even in small ways.

Belinda & Shibaguyz - I amended my post to reflect that I really meant the web and media in general, not just the blogosphere.

Belinda - you’re right, the higher gas prices and rising food prices are bring a bit of the “woe is me” attitude to the front.

Shibaguyz - that’s totally the right attitude and exactly how I’m looking at changes that we’ve made and are making. Every new thing we try is interesting, exciting or fun in it’s own way.

Ali - missed the oil embargo but I hear your point.

Kim - exactly! Every little step is important. It’s like losing weight - if you focus on the whole goal it’s intimidating but if you focus on every small success it’s easy!

El - you’re right and I definitely self-censor what I say in real life and to a certain extent here on the blog. I don’t want to come off as self-righteous or superior because I’m not, but at the same time I’m excited about what we’re doing and want to share.

The Purloined Letter - happy to share! Don’t get me wrong, we still absolutely believe that we made the right decision for us, but there are real tradeoffs that are hard to see until you’re living them.

Denise - yep, that’s part of what I’m reacting to I think. I’m maybe I’m just feeling overly defensive that we’re not making every change possible all at once. But the feeling of being looked down upon because we eat meat and have to commute to work and still eat things like the occasional orange or California tomato is just a real downer when we should all be working together to encourage others to take the first steps toward change. You know?

I get that there is an ideal place to be, someday, but I don’t at all get looking down on the people who are taking any of the myriad little steps that lead from here to there. Anything anyone can do to reduce any of their impact should be celebrated, in my opinion.

And DITTO to El! Some days I am full of thinking and talking about what I have done myself–not really meaning other people should make those choices, but it must come across that way. Other days, I’m almost embarrassed and talk almost exclusively about non-personal things. Funny: I don’t feel nearly as weird about bragging about knitting or cooking as I do about talking about parenting or sustainability….

Baby steps, people, baby steps!

Ali