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In the traditional sense, living green has always been in reference to the environment, how to reduce our impact on the planet. It has always seemed to be the phrase of the rich and famous. Garages heated by wind power, solar panels on the pool house roof, which is still the case as the phrase has not lost any of it old connotation. It has however, picked up a larger range of definition.
As I listen and search for the phrase today, I am intrigued by how much information two little words contain, everything from health, nutrition, food and the environment to education, agriculture, economics, home and family.
Virginia Tech Biological Sciences Department Head, Dr. Bob Jones says being green is a philosophy of understanding that people have a relationship with their environment. A philosophy steeped in seeing the environment as a support system that provides us with goods and services, shelter and food.
Part of this understanding is getting past the misconceptions of what being green means. I guess it all comes down to one word really, in every culture, in every climate, on every continent in every aspect of our lives, sustainability. How can we take small steps in our daily living habits to sustain the communities in which we live?
In my house I have made a space in the stairwell leading to the rarely used attic for everything I can recycle. It’s amazing the amount of recyclable material 2 people acquire in a month’s time. It’s no longer just milk jugs and coke cans. I recycle everything I can and take it right to the drop station near Cane Creek Park in Cookeville. I keep everything electrical off unless I am using it, and walk to the Farmers Market on Saturdays for my weekly supply of vegetables helping to sustain the local growers. I use a glass mug at work for water, and coffee. I try to ride my bike or walk to some of my destinations. These are small steps, easily taken. Nothing is going to happen overnight. We must have patience and perseverance and be of the understanding that we don't have to make any grand gesture, just keep it simple and keep it going.
Tell me, what does it mean to you to live green?
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Ladybug McGreen's Blog 
