First it was recycling, then scrubbing your home with natural and non-toxic cleaners. Then you bought those sturdy reuseable shopping bags everyone’s been toting around, and switched all the incandescent light bulbs in your house to fluorescents. You’re doing pretty good, right?

The answer is yes! What you’re doing matters, and you oughta feel good about it. Yes, the greenies and the media will continue to remind you that you need to do more and do it faster. Climate change is real and it’s happening now, they say. And then there’s pollution, habitat destruction, species extinction, and and and….

What they say is true. But it is also true that the swift and radical changes required to heal our ailing planet can become an overwhelming source of stress and depression when they are demanded without joy and understanding. ‘Green guilt’ is a genuine phenomenon that environmentalists have long been coping with.

But, they can be quick to forget that those who are brand new to shrinking their ecological footprint are going through the very same thing - only way faster. And, last time I checked, beating yourself up (or others) is a lousy way to encourage change. On the contrary, it may well yield resistance.

Meanwhile, the everyday Jimbob is suddenly expected keep a healthy compost pile, eat less meat, toss out trusted household brands in favour of greener options, take up less space, and just use less of everything! For many people this equals less fun and less joy. Plus, weeding out the greenwashers and maintaining a stubborn sense of hope are both skills that take time and patience to pick up.

f you’re suffering from green guilt, take heart. You’re not alone. I was once there myself, and continue to fend off bouts of discouragement . The good news is that there’s plenty of joy and fun to be had once you’ve embraced a greener lifestyle. Indeed, choosing a greener path is all about protecting life itself. But the path to sustainability can be rough without support from others as well as from yourself. It’s back to basics, people. Remember to:

1. Take a step back and appreciate the steps you’ve already taken.
2. Give support when you can, and ask for it when you need it.
3. Do the best you can.
4. Take a breather when you need one, and another step forward when you’re able.
5. Forgive, and be kind to yourself (and others).
6. Be positive, and hang onto that sense of humour of yours.

When you look around, supports for going green are popping up literally everywhere. From online discussion forums to church sermons, community festivals, green guides, and even support groups, there’s bound to be a tool that can help you. Just remember - do what you can, and take time to enjoy the life we’re all trying to save.

Resources

Care2 - A social networking site for those who care 2 make a difference.
Sustainable Living Guide - Planet friendly’s collection of guides for going green on any topic - you name it!
Environment Canada’s ‘What You Can Do’ - At home, at work, in your community, and more.
Earth Easy - A site that’s been offering super duper eco info for years.
Ideal Bite - Easy eco-living tips delivered to you in a short, sassy email each weekday.

Know about another great ‘living green 101′ resource you’re a fan of? Please share below!

cforms contact form by delicious:days