My Eco-self

So one of our first assignments in the Environmental Action class was to introduce our "eco-selves" to our peers. While I did make a point of telling my friends, "Hey, this is my eco-self," I'm sure that I had already garnered that reputation for myself, making the declaration almost unnecessary. They all know that I will harp on them for using plastic bags (especially those from Hodgdon) or for leaving the lights on in their rooms when they aren't in them. And someone is often with me when I go into the empty, yet lit, laundry room, turn off the light, and proceed to complain about how anyone could think it was necessary to leave the light on when no one is there.

I think I developed this reputation at some point in high school, junior or senior year. It began at lunch when we had recycling bins in the cafeteria and I would insist that all of my friends recycled their bottles. Senior year, in AP chemistry, when our teacher gave us an assignment to do research on an environmental issue, one of my friends chose recycling and entitled his handout "Why Does Chelsea Freak About Recycling?" I also used my graduation speech as an opportunity to preach to the audience about recycling; I can only hope that some of them listened.

With my friends, more so than I'd probably ever be with strangers, I'm particularly adamant that they act in environmentally conscious ways. One time when shopping with my friend, she'd purchased a few lotions and I suggested she just put them in her purse (it seemed ~big enough to me) instead of getting a bag. She seemed to think I was being a little ridiculous (I'll do anything to save a bag) and opted for the bag despite my pleas. I can't win my friends over every time to do what I think is right, but I know I've had at least a bit of an impact. One of my friends said that she just recently understood my passion for the environment, though previously she hadn't seen how someone could develop such a passion. That makes me really happy.

My eco-self has been out for quite some time, so this wasn't any sort of challenge for me, though I understand how at first it can be difficult to say something to those around you about the things you find important. It's a good feeling when you know you can share that side of you with your peers. If anything, it's admirable to love and appreciate the environment and to fight for its protection.