Four Rules For Helping Others Go Green

Photo Credit: Flickr/zimtsternin

I’m sure most readers would agree that those of us who are green-minded would love for others to adopt our wonderful eco-lifestyles.  If everyone did, we would eliminate several of our environmental predicaments and prevent new ones from cropping up.  But let’s face it – while green has come a long way, we are still far from calling ourselves a sustainable society.  So we continue to work diligently to help everyone become green, but how can we be most effective?

Educate, don’t lecture – if there is one way to get someone to do the opposite of what you want, it is lecturing.  No one likes it and your good-intentioned message will be lost or worse – resented.  Find your own style for sharing your knowledge that comes across as a conversation, not a lesson.

Work on one issue at a time – if you try to provide too much information all at once, it is likely that much of what you say will be forgotten.  And it works best if you choose issues that are of interest to the person you are talking to.  Perhaps you know someone who frequently uses paper products in the home.  Start off with one of the products they use and talk about the waste and possible environmental hazards associated with disposables and discuss ways that they can switch to reusables.  Your conversation about this one paper product may get them thinking about paper in general and prompt them to look for even more reusable options.

Lead by example – if you are going to talk to people about taking their own mugs to the coffee shop, you should be in the habit of taking your own mug as well.  Use your reusables, don’t let the water run when it isn’t necessary, turn off your electronic devices when not in use, and all of the other things that we do to be green.  When people see that you are doing it, and that it isn’t as difficult as they perceive, they may be more willing to give it a shot.

Encourage the positive – As you notice your friends and family becoming more eco-aware, you must encourage their efforts.  Even if they are blundering most of their green living attempts, find the one thing that you can to provide positive reinforcement.  Even if it is very small.  A pat on the back can be the foundation for permanent changes.

Eco Home Consultations provides green living consultation services in the Seattle area, focusing on practical ways to integrate green living into your household.  Learn more at www.ecohomeconsults.com or email questions about this blog or other green living issues to Melissa@ecohomeconsults.com.