What is it about living in small towns that creates a perceived license to drive big rigs, leave your behemoth running while at the grocery store, and generally treat the earth like your personal garbage bin? I don't know, but whatever it is, it's contagious, and I think I may be coming down with it. I have driven the 1.5 km to work more times than I care to admit, accepted plastic bags at the grocery store, and generally shown the environment the backside of my departing honda at every opportunity. I drive the dogs to our favourite walking spot (the one closer to me is not as 'pretty'), and have been actively seeking out the purchase of a gas-guzzling, polar-bear killing truck to ferry me, bikes, skis, and people up logging roads.
Last winter on my first trip to Revelstoke, I watched a couple get out of their truck, leave it running, and go into the store to buy something. We stood there staring in disbelief as they came back outside, realized we were gauking at them, and promptly explained that the truck doesn't restart reliably, so they have to leave it on. This occurred not 15 minutes after explaining to German visitors that yes, Canadians really care about the environment.
I am writing this blog post in an attempt to declare my sins, and my intentions, to snap out of it. I am but a shadow of my former bike-riding, pannier-wearing, walk-to-work self. It really is fascinating how quickly my motivations changed. Suddenly I am surrounded by vast natural beauty and clean(ish) air, so the urgency of what we are doing to the earth is diminished.
Out of sight, out of mind.
P.S. For the record, Revelstoke is a lovely blend of rednecks, hippies, mountain men and woman, and assorted people for which no category exists.
