NBD

I've spent many of the recent gorgeous spring evenings laying in my yard, watching the clouds roll by. On one such occasion, this word invaded my head: Insignificant. Before I could stop them, my thoughts were spiraling out of control and into anxiety as I realized the magnitude of the world around me; that I am one small life out of billions. What can any of us possibly have to offer?

My roommate working from his home office, my ex boyfriend salmon fishing in Alaska, my best friend caring for wolves at the Detroit Zoo, my brother fighting wildfire in Nevada. These four as examples are all aware of each other, and would probably tell you they don't have much in common; would never choose to do what the others are doing. Yet, their significance is so intense, it is almost easier to ignore than to acknowledge. As a few of the most important people in my life, this is simple for me to say about them, but it is true for every single life on the planet.

When my parents tell me they love me, when my coach says he's proud of me, when my dog (literally) jumps for joy at the sight of me- these are all times I feel significant. So, what am I getting at here? We all want to live in a world full of things that make us happy. Consumerism, conservation, crossfit...whatever it is, we all make conscious decisions to keep these things in our lives. It is not the government, or big business, or terrorism that changes the world. It is every single choice made by every single person to keep themselves feeling significant. This is what we each have to offer.

My goal, to keep my little green life growing, is to make choices that are not only right for me, but make sense. A global, social and environmental responsibility to do "the right thing". I stress this because I know, even as just one life out of billions, everything I do is important. I'd like to live in a world where everyone feels this way.

"The choices we make about the lives we live determine the kinds of legacies we leave"

-Tavis Smiley

P.S.

'Project' update:

Two days ago, I planted a vegetable garden! Whoa, impressive, right? Good thing we've planted more trees and plants than I can even begin to count over the last 4 months at work- at least I had a slight idea of what I was doing. Broccoli, cucumber, eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, etc...can't wait!

Both composts are doing better than expected, although we add to the food bin so often that it isn't ready for the garden...I have a second bin laying around and may stagger them so the first has time to cook. My trash can is nowhere near full, consisting of mostly protein bar wrappers, bandaids and pet hair.

Exciting things lay ahead of me in the near future...I don't want to give anything away, but I'll be posting as they happen. Don't forget to follow @alittlegreenlife on Instagram, and keep up with my monthly Conservation Corps blog! Happy trails!

Switchbacks

Everyone has one little life. Every day and every action is a chance to make a big impact; on yourself, on others, on the future.

As my Little Green Life grows, I think it is time to transition this blog to reflect the bigger picture. Last year, I was one bag of trash. This year, I will be so much more. I picture 2015 and beyond as a steep mountain, the trail full of switchbacks:

Solitude.

Something I constantly crave and never really achieve. I was grateful to be able to spend a few days alone at my cabin- which I kept at a balmy 35 degrees fahrenheit. Frozen food and lack of wood forced me out a bit earlier than I would have liked, so I've decided I will have to find simple, daily ways to seek solitude and look inward.

Strength. 

I thought I was already strong- phew, was I wrong. I started training at Crossfit Kingfield and unpleasantly discovered all the hidden muscles my body is composed of. It may be an addiction for some; for me it is hard work. I'm committed and determined to use this outlet to physically and mentally challenge myself. I've made some friends, too- bonus!

Health.

Being a vegetarian crossfit-er is interesting.  I used to be able to get the protein I needed from a PB&J, then snack the rest of the day because, who cares? I'm trying to be more aware of what my body is asking for and answering with some sort of appropriately packaged sustenance.

Action.  

This is my favorite, and what I'll focus on when writing from now on. I've joined the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa. Tomorrow, I start a 10-month term working on conservation projects around MN. Yes, yes, YES! Just the thought of doing something every day that makes a significant and visible impact shoots adrenaline through my veins.

Of course, I have to make sure my growing life still makes a little footprint. None of the specs of last year's project have changed- one of the 2015 goals is to create as little waste as possible- but this year I'm not going to work as hard to quantify it. I know I can do it; now I get to encourage others to do the same. Or force them, if you happen to be one of my roommates.

Since I left you abruptly in 2014, a quick update on the project, as it is ongoing. Our recycling is constantly overflowing, and both composters are steaming! I've put another bag in my garbage bin, and continue to keep it separate from the boys'- mostly because this means I don't have any responsibility for taking out their smelly stuff. I'm not sure when it's safe to plant a garden in Minnesota, since snow and frost occasionally happen well into May, but we'll be doing that as soon as we can.

That's it for now! I'm off to learn how to cook tofu...sigh.

"Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it."

-Andy Rooney

New Year, New Bag

Three hundred and sixty five. Such a small number of days in which so many things have changed in my life. A year ago, my new year's resolution was to complete this challenge- to create only one 13 gallon bag of landfill waste during 2014. Today I can say I've succeeded! Here's what I have to show for the last year...

13 gallons of trash, 2 hot composters, and full recycling bins. What more could a girl ask for?

There is much I can say now to make this a lengthy and meaningful post, but I'll keep it short and sweet. I'm happy and humbled by the outcome of this project, as it quickly became about much more than my garbage. The last 12 months taught me many lessons about strength, about love, about myself.

Most of all, I've learned that a little green life can have a big impact!

Celebrate what you want to see more of!

-Tom Peters