A Green Goddess Guest for “Saturday Salon”

 Print

I can’t remember how or when Melissa and I first “met” through the blogosphere, but we just clicked. As I got to know her better though our  blogs and emailing each other, I felt  an easiness and comfort with her as if we had been friends for a long time. I knew I wanted her as a guest blogger because she writes so powerfully with a beautiful authenticity that I really admire. Her love and devotion to Mother Earth and our environment makes her one of the “Greenest” goddess’ that I know which can inspire us all.

Melissa and her blog”Melissa’s Meanderings“

1) In a short paragraph, can you tell me Melissa, what does “being green” mean to you?

“Being green” to me simple means trying to be cognizant of all of my actions and whenever given a choice-to try to make the choice with the least impact upon the earth. I’m not perfect…I don’t always succeed…many times I opt for the quick or the easy or the cheap rather than the most green option, but I sincerely believe that the first step is being aware.

2) What are your 5 greatest concerns for our environment and nature?

I think it’s hard to narrow it down to just five issues…especially since everything is ultimately interlinked and most derive from the same cause, but my five would be:

1. Loss of Biodiversity – The Earth is currently in the midst of the greatest mass extinction since the death of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. As many as half of all plant and animal species that exist today could be extinct by 2100, a rate that is an estimated 1000 times the natural rate extinction.

2. Collapse of Ecosystems and Deforestation – As an example: it is estimated that agriculture, drought, fire, logging and livestock ranching will cause major damage to 55 percent of the Amazon rain forest in the next 22 years. Another 4 percent will see damage due to reduced rainfall, courtesy of global warming. These factors will destroy up to 80 percent of the rain forest’s wildlife. Losing 60 percent of the rain forest would accelerate global warming and affect rainfall in places as far away as India. The domino effect of the destruction of this one ecosystem is incalculable.

3. Chemical Pollution – In the U.S. alone, 110,000 toxic chemicals are legally cleared for use, but only 5 percent of them have been tested by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for their effect on human health. 2.4 million people every year die as a direct result air pollution alone.

4. Over Population, Consumption and Waste Management – The world’s population is now more than 6.8 billion and continues to grow by 83 million people per year. During the last half-century, the world’s population more than doubled. Between 1960 and 2010, the world population rose from 3 billion to 6.8 billion. In other words, there has been more growth in population in the last fifty years than the previous 2 million years that humans have existed.

5. Polar Sea Ice Loss - The melting of Arctic glaciers and ice caps, including Greenland’s massive ice sheet, are projected to help raise global sea levels by 35 to 63 inches (90-160 centimeters) by 2100. This could be catastrophic for coastal cities and island nations.

(Statistics sources):

• Huffington Post
• Earth First
• Ecomii
• Population Media Center

3) How do you tie in your spirituality with your connection to the earth? Any rituals, prayers, etc….?

I don’t have any particular rituals or prayers that tie in to my love of nature. For me, it’s more simple than that—it’s just about how she makes me feel… Whether I’m sitting at the edge of the ocean watching the tide roll out, lying in the middle of the woods looking at the sun winking through the leaves and smelling the earth beneath me, or simply standing at my kitchen window and listening to the morning birdsong – I feel connected, grounded, part of something infinitely larger than I…and it gives me an overwhelming sense of peace.

4) What are a few simple ways that people can make differences to help the earth without them being overwhelmed?

• Bring a travel mug with you when buying coffee on the go and use a ceramic mug at work.

• Buy a water pitcher and filter for home use and stop buying bottled water-fill a reusable bottle every morning to bring with you.

• Bring reusable shopping bags to the supermarket, department store and pharmacy.

• Recycle, recycle, recycle….

• Reduce the amount of paper and plastic consumption in your home: Use sponges and old cloths for cleaning. Use cloth napkins and cloth handkerchiefs instead of disposable napkins and tissues. Use tupperware instead of plastic wrap and plastic baggies. And use real plates and cups instead of paper or plastic.

• Buy organic…at least for Produce, dairy and meat.

5) Why did you start blogging, Melissa?

I’m actually pretty new to blogging—I started just this year simply as a sort of outlet or online journal. As a way to express myself and the random thoughts and ideas that flow through my brain. On any given day I may be talking about nature, animals, reading, or even home renovations…if I can ever kick myself back into gear ;p

I’ve been amazed at the wonderfully supportive and encouraging community that I’ve discovered here 

6) Who are some of your favorite authors and books that you love?

On the green theme: I would have to say that one of my favorite authors is Michael Pollan. “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” is a must read.

I read “The Lorax” by Dr Seuss to my nieces and nephews every couple of months at their request…it’s a great fable about the dangers of industrialization and greed that even the smallest of children can understand.

In terms of just simple fun reads: I love Dan Brown (the pace of his novels and the history incorporated keep me hooked until the end).

Dean Koontz (the suspense and thrill of his novels is beautifully balanced by a profound sense of the spiritual and the importance of faith, love and compassion.

One book that I read a few years ago that really holds a place in my heart is “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle” by David Wrobleski—I recommend it to anyone that has a love of animals.

7) Who were your inspirations growing up?

One of my biggest inspirations growing up and the person that I consider my greatest mentor was the Director of the Environmental Center and Day Camp where I attended and then later worked summers from the ages of 12-21. She showed me every day the depths of true compassion and taught me the multiple rewards of hard work and giving of oneself to others.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

I have no doubt that I could be a cat in another life. The combination of independence and affectionate nature….industriousness and laziness…as what other animal could one have it all?!

9) Your top 5 Favorite blog posts that you’ve written?

In no particular order:

• Writing Letters in the Snow
• Wishcasting Wednesday: Taking a Stand (or Are bananas really just bananas?)
• Retaking Valentine’s Day
• Why can’t we find a balance…?
• Thankful Thursday – Week Seven

10) Top 5 favorite websites or blogs that relate your love of the earth, animals, way of living, being a vegetarian, etc….

• Natural Resources Defense Council
• Care2
• Union of Concerned Scientists
• The Rainforest Site (and affiliates)
• Grist

11) What are five of your favorite quotes?

“I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security.  Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad.  Otherwise what is there to defend?” ~~Robert Redford

 

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” ~~Native American Proverb

 

“Until he extends his circle of compassion to include all living things, man will not himself find peace.” ~~ Albert Schweitzer

 

“We could have saved the Earth but we were too damned cheap.” ~~Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

 

“Man did not weave the web of life…he is merely a strand in that web…whatever he does to the web…he does to himself.” ~~ Chief Seattle

12) Would you share with us five different ways that you take care of yourself?

• I make time to relax—whether watching a program on the television or reading a book.  It’s too easy to get caught up in the stresses of everyday life and forget to stop and just be.
• I try to get out of doors as much as possible—it not only makes me feel better physically and mentally but also inspires me.
• I do my best to eat healthfully and reduce chemical use in my home.
• However, I’m not afraid to indulge when the opportunity arises.  Life is meant to be enjoyed.
• I try to practice forgiveness…of others and perhaps most importantly of myself.

13) At the end of your life, what 5 qualities would you most want to be remembered for?

I can sum it up with one: “Compassion.” According to Wikipedia

“compassion is a virtue —one in which the emotional capacities of empathy and sympathy (for the suffering of others) are regarded as a part of love itself, and a cornerstone of greater social interconnection and humanism —foundational to the highest principles in philosophy, society, and personhood.”

If nothing else, I want to be remembered as a person who constantly stretched my awareness and strove to make conscious decisions based not only upon what would benefit me but what would benefit all around me.

(Melissa’s Blog: “Melissa’s Meanderings.”)

Thank you so much Melissa for you taking the time and being my first “Saturday Salon” guest…Namaste

(Image Credits in Order:)

“Green Goddess” by John Bowden

“Deforestation” by Adrian Salamandre

“Organic Clothing” by Severen Oviliho

“3 R’s of Recycling Stamp” by Valentina Crespo

“The Lorax” by BBBridget 74

“Nature is my Hideaway” by Leepee 95

“Chief Seattle” by Babo Ryan

“Ocean Dancer” by Verisoph

“Compassion” by Poivre

“Nature’s Eye” by Goth of Lmidra

© 2011, Wendy S.. All rights reserved.

Related Posts :

A "Wise Woman" guest for our "Saturday Salon"

Your Invitation to my first "Saturday Salon"

 Print