A while back a colleague emailed me a news article that raised an interesting question ... at what point do your personal beliefs supersede the actions of others and permit you to act with what may be construed as less than courteous behavior?
The focus of the article is on how a few people who are professionally connected with environmental sustainability are handling "green etiquette" or "eco missteps" every day. They raise valid issues: men who leave the water running full force while shaving at the gym, purchasing water in bottles, rather than from the tap, not recycling glass bottle and cans, and tossing cigarette butts on the ground. But does the validity of these issues warrant action?
It's one thing to talk with family and perhaps good friends when these "offenses" occur ... but what about work colleagues or strangers? Is it your concern? Do you prefer to wait until they have turned away before you put their bottle into the recycling container or picked up their trash, perhaps muttering "You could make an effort here, dingbat" under your breath? Or do you prefer the direct approach, possibly accompanied by a lecture on the importance of everyone doing their part ... or simply a friendly smile?
I am including the link to this article for your perusul. And, to do things a bit differently this week, I would like your thoughts on what to do when confronted with these types of situations. There is no right or wrong answer; this is, in so many ways, new territory for an old question. Depending on the number of responses, I will compile them and send them out (without names) in an email later this week; please let me know if you are interested in receiving this.
The news article may be found at Manners, Eco Ethics Often Conflict
Please let me know what you think about this one -- I'm interested in hearing what you have to say!
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Remember...
This issue does present something of a quandary. Usually the only behavior you can
control is your own -- and what someone does reflects more on themselves than
anyone else. No one likes to be taken to task by someone else, especially a
stranger. The eco movement is a somewhat volatile one -- some behave like
their lives depend on every detail, while others make a semi-conscious effort or
actually no effort at all. People are people.
Yet you never know when something you say may have impact.
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