Not sure where I got that phrase mental gymnastics from, but I've used it for decades to describe doing something just to do it. Not cause you have to. Not cause you are forced to. Maybe not even because you think it will be fun. But to do it to think, learn, and maybe expand your horizons.
I've been a liberal for as long as I can recall. Coming here I don't know how many years ago has not changed my views much. This site has instead reinforced them. Educated me endlessly. And maybe most important of all, given me the ability to express my views to others in a much more persuasive manner.
But it has changed me in one major way!
For most of my life I was the cheerleader on the sidelines. Somebody could tell me they were going to "save the world" I'd cheer them on endlessly. Offer support. And then say something like, "hey when you are done saving the world I'll be here when you get back." Before I came here I had never worked on a political campaign (well once). I had never given money to a campaign. I'd been to marches and rallies, but mainly cause I figured they'd be a train-wreck and I wanted to watch it.
The community here has changed all of that. Which is why if you follow me below the fold I'll explain why I'm going "green" in the next year.
INTRODUCTION
I care about ending wars. I care about gay rights. I care about any number of issues. But as an avid hiker, camper, and walker the environment is pretty much at the top of my list. Therefore it shouldn't come as a surprise that the community here has changed my behavior there more then anywhere else. By far.
I'd always had a few tomato plants, but folks here pushed me to expand my garden. Now I work out of my house and that helps, but I still only drive maybe once every week. Less then 50 miles a month. I didn't think much about plastic bags, how much power or water I used, any number of things I consider daily now. And maybe biggest of all, I never thought about locally grown food, and now about 70% of what I eat is grown or raised within a few miles of my house. The list could go on and on.
BACKGROUND
I mentioned the above cause when I ponder it for any amount of time I realize I have done so little but I am still patting myself on the back like I'd done a lot.
My garden could be 4-5 times larger. My compose bin is kind of a joke. I could do a lot more to conserve energy and water. Heck, I don't even plan to drive the next year. Not once. And although my comment that 70% of what I eat is grown within a few miles of my house is not a "lie," it is misleading. 70% of what I spend on food is spent on stuff grown locally. I'm going to work on drastically changing that.
THE "GAME" PLAN
I've been blogging since before it was called blogging. I used to be a photo bug, but don't do much of it anymore even though I now have much better equipment. I like to document shit 24/7, cause I am somewhat OCD. I've got into this online movement called DIY (do it yourself). Although I know humans have been DIY since the dawn of time, I usually would just buy something if I needed it, why make it (like my compose bin) myself.
But maybe most important of all I live by myself, have some small financial means and time, so I can do whatever I want.
All these things seem to point to I ought to take on a huge, year long project like this and share what I learn with other folks (I don't really have any excuses do I). Even if nobody reads anything I write, takes something I learn and uses it, well it is just mental gymnastics. I'll at least learn a lot of stuff and have some fun doing it.
CONCLUSION
Now I want to stress I am nothing close to the first person here to write on these topics of course. Also not nearly, I mean nearly as educated as many here on anyone of the issues I've mentioned. But if I had to write a book proposal, the "hook" would be I am a novice on all of the things I'll attempt so people can learn with me and from my mistakes and successes.
So I'd really like to hear what people think. Post links to sites I can use as resources. Weekly or daily Dairies here I might not be aware of that would be helpful (I think I know a lot of them BTW). You name it.
I've thought about this more then a little and have a "game plan," but it never ceases to amaze me how smart and insightful folks are. I plan to start the first of next month after I get some stuff out of the way .... then I hope we have some fun.