How It All Started-An Explosion

About six years ago, I was watching the local news when a Hummer dealership in West Covina burst into flames due to explosives that had been set by a radical environmental organization, the name of which was never discovered. The building and several cars burned, but thankfully no lives were lost. Within minutes, my phone was ringing. My brother called, mostly to raz me, but his first question was "What are you crazy people doing?". He was half joking, knowing that I was not "that kind" of activist. But I realized that many people see all environmentalists as extreme, crazy, human-hating, radicals who exist on the fringe of society and think that their passion for the Earth justifies any action they take, no matter how violent.

And I was so angry that because I share some of the same values and passions, that I would be associated with the type of group that would blow up a car dealership. That same week, a large tract of new construction in San Diego was burnt to the ground by a similiar group. I was enraged at the stupidity of these actions for so many reasons, not the least of which is the obvious: People could have been hurt or killed. Animals could have been hurt or killed (and I would imagine that some were, as unfinished construction sites in Southern California are always home to various small critters, including Southern Alligator lizards, kangaroo rats, and other types of birds and rodents).

Second, how many chemicals were released into the atmosphere with these explosions and resulting fires? What did these fools think would be the result? Did they think that these business would suddenly come to a halt? Of course not. They would file an insurance claim, and replace what was lost. In terms of the condo frames that were fried, more trees would be cut to replace those that the "activists" destroyed.

And lastly, and most oxymoronic, how did these people think their actions would help the green movement? All it did, and all this type of outdated, freakishly self-sabotaging, self-righteous actvism does is further damage, if not destroy the image of the entire environmental movement to a large portion of the public. It makes those who might be beginning to open their minds shut down, those that already are apathetic about ecological responsibility feel justified in their non-action, and aids those who profit from most environmentally damaging activities.

For those of us who strive for a balance to live sustainably without cutting ourselves off from the general relationships and activities of our society, radical "e" or animal rights groups help create illusions for who we are....create stereotypes that I plan to change....and limit how much we can influence those whom trust and respect us. The realization that most well known green groups are the very ones whose image and communication tactics are destructive motivated me to find a way to change that image and style of the green movement. Seven years ago, I wasn't sure how but I did address the subject in my final thesis "Aggitational Rhetoric in the Green Arena: Radical Activism " in which I analyzed the history of activism and why what worked decades ago does not work in the age of information we now live in.

And now I am trying to reach more people. I believe that today, we cannot afford to use shock value or violent tactics to bring information to people. There was a time for that. However, now we have to inspire people to go to the information. It's out there. At one time, there was a need to use major news grabbing actions to bring an issue to light. Today, we need to bring an interest to the issues by example, giving people realistic tools, logic for making changes and benefits that come from those changes. I believe that many people feeling empowered to make more and more small changes in their lifestyle, choices, etc...will make a bigger impact overall on our planet than a small percentage of people living on the fringe of society. I believe most of us want the same things...and what really matters is how they are brought to us. I hope I can help.

You Don't Have to be Extreme to be Green

I am just beginning this blog. It's an attempt to share my views on the importance of environmental awareness without the aggressive rhetoric so prevalent in the language of most green organizations. I want to inspire you, to teach what I know, and to keep it light and fun and accessible. I believe that people are very polarized on one of the most, if not the most important issues facing all living beings on planet Earth and that polarization has been manufactured by extremists on both sides whom seem to get the most public and media attention. I believe it doesn't have to be that way, and if we are to make the biggest impact on the future of our children, the walls have to come down between what really isn't two simple sides of the issues. My blog is intended to act as trickles of water to begin the erosion of those walls, and I hope together, as we begin to see how we can become more green without the extremes, those walls will dissolve and our children will face a greener future.

Thank you for reading. Much, much more to come.

Peace, love and lunch money.