One of the biggest struggles with changing my consumption patterns and subsequent impact on the earth is this: Where do I start?! I think it is a universal feeling, that the problems of the world are so large and as individuals we are so tiny. It is easy to feel overwhelmed! My advice- Start somewhere and don't beat yourself up about the other stuff.
I decided to tackle a small herb garden as my first order of business- it was a relatively small investment in time and energy and would provide us with immediate results. Since we just moved into a new home, I had to dance around the shared yard space issue to find a good site and an extra planter. Our herb garden was easy to start and the payoff has been tasty. It has been extremely rewarding to be self-reliant in this small way, and I'm beginning to acquire a taste for culinary autonomy.As for the "Don't beat yourself up" portion of my advice: Easier said than done! I am a woman on a mission, and it is difficult to accept that I won't be able to change my habits at the drop of a hat. I still cringe when I use a new plastic bag in the bulk foods section. A visit to the CCAT library to find a book on garden pest prevention has been on my To-Do list for weeks. I have to remind myself not get anxious that I'm not "fixing" everything at the same time. In my eyes, Walking the Walk occurs one small step at a time.
