Not everyone will want to make a difference. We will, but how do we change the minds of those who don’t?
Call it influence, call it leading by example, what it comes down to is that if we keep doing things to make a difference, we can affect those around us. It may take some time, but I believe we can do it. Twenty years ago, being “green” was for hippies, or treehuggers. Today, being green is pretty mainstream. If not for the small efforts of a lot of people, it wouldn’t have added up to where we are today.
How Do We Get Started?
But what about closer to home? Our friends can be powerful influences on us. Therefore, in turn, we can be powerful influences on our friends. I know that I’m more likely to do something (or not to do something) if my friends are doing it too (or not, as the case may be.) If I’m out with a group of friends, I’m more likely to walk the local mall than walk the local nature trail. By the same token, I’m more likely to sign up for a charity walk if I have a friend or two to do it with me. We can encourage each other to recycle, to click on The Animal Rescue Site (and sister sites), and to pick up trash at a local park.
Sometimes, We Will Be Ignored
This does work, but not always. So what about when it doesn’t work? I worked for an organization that separated out cans and bottles from the rest of the trash, then gave the bag to the maintenance man. Given that I saw no recycle containers on the premises, I’m sure it they just went into the dumpster with the rest of the trash. This same organization was so intent upon shredding all confidential papers, but then threw the paper in the garbage. Had I stayed longer there, I was going to look into getting the county to do a pick up on the paper recycle. I also tried to take the cans home when I could and recycle them with my personal recycling. A lot more went into the trash than I would have liked, but I did my best.
Sometimes, It Will Be A Hard Fight
I know sometimes it feels like we are fighting an uphill battle – we’re the weird ones when everyone around us wants to stay in their little worlds and continue to ignore everything around them. Don’t give up though – these same people are very likely to contribute to a disaster relief fund or a collection for a sick friend or relative. They aren’t unfeeling, they have just become overwhelmed and cynical that they can make a difference. As you know, they can. Suggest to them ways they can help. Lead by example. If it works for you, organize something big and ask them to contribute. Keep doing what you do and eventually, they to may decide to join you. Or, they may not. But either way, you are still doing your part, however small. And remember the old, but true cliche: it all adds up.
