Today I am participating in the 2009 Blog Action Day. I participated last year, and felt it was important to do so again this year. Particularly since this year’s topic is Climate Change.
Living in a green home in Berkeley (love my $5 PG&E bill every month!), I sometimes forget that the rest of the country is not like Berkeley. After living in Europe where “green-ness” is ingrained in people’s lives, it was so fulfilling to buy such a home in a community that tries to make a difference in the world.
But sometimes when I catch the news on TV (which I rarely do) or read the papers and I see the depressing headlines of gloom-and-doom, I begin to realize one little community trying to make a difference will not put much of a dent in the problem.
But then I was caught by surprise. I visited a little town in North Carolina called Asheville. It was unexpected in that I had come for a blogging conference, however what I experienced was far greater than women coming together to bond over their blogs. What I discovered was that there are towns where you would least expect it (or where I least expected it) that want to make a difference, that really do believe we can change the course we are on.
The people of Asheville believe that we still have a shot. Their stores, their restaurants, their citizens. They make you believe. That Copenhagen will not be Kyoto. That the U.S. will step-up (followed by others) to agree to commitments that can change the self-destruct course that we are navigating towards.
The most inspiring moment was watching this video of Drew Jones who I got to meet in person.
I did not meet Drew Jones the environmental scientist. I met Drew Jones, husband of Edgy Mama and immediately adored him.! Here was a man who was funny, passionate, friendly. Who’s adoring wife proudly bragged about him (and rightly so!) He is a man who despite being a geeky scientist, is a human being. One who believes in hope. Someone who balances the work he does trying to save the planet with the simple act of being a husband and a father.
Drew, Julie & Alisa @ Type-A-Mom, Sept 2009
I have faith that with people like Drew Jones in the world, speaking of hope rather than doom-and-gloom, that we may still have a chance. That this country, built of people like Drew, and cities like Asheville and Berkeley has a chance to change the path we are currently on.
I believe we are moving towards a climate of change to change the climate and save this planet.
Read more about Drew on my friend Julie’s new blog The Daily Norm.
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for pimping E-spouse. Of course, he really is doing important work.
Thanks for also pimping The Daily Norm!!! How did Anne Fitten not end up in that picture? and where are you?
Hi There! Thank you for visiting me yesterday to celebrate my SITS Day! U are deeply appreciated!
Wow, Andi, appreciating you spreading the good word! Congrats, $5/month means you are doing great job in your house….!
– Drew
@Edgymama and Drew – You guys are an inspiration!
@Julie – Daily Norm rocks! Saw Chris Brogan today – he was in a feisty mood today!
@Tabitha – thanks for visiting!
Stopping by from SITS. I hope you have a great time in Las Vegas at SITScation!
Your blog header is awesome. I try to be more green when I can be. It’s hard when you have a non-eco friendly house.
@Julie – Anne-Fitten was getting her kids food and I was taking the pic!
Awww, that is 1 thing I REALLY miss about Asheville. It was too small of a city for me, but I loved living in a city that cared SO deeply about the environment. GREAT video–thanks for sharing!!!
How cool that you live in a green house. I’m green with envy.
What a wonderful post….thanks for this!