Mother... Earth

Lucy snoozing on a ride home from the market. Who knew groceries made great pillows?

Since moving to Portland, I am striving to become more eco-conscious. From choosing natural cleaning supplies to growing our own greens, I am working hard to leave a smaller footprint. After years of long Bay Area commutes which burned more fossil fuels than I'd like to imagine, it's finally possible for me to rely on a car less often. If I can safely hop on my bike or walk to my destination rather than get in the car, I do it. It's so enjoyable to me to be in the fresh air with the girls; it's an instant mood lifter. And, when I read things like this article, I want to cry. And then, of course, do everything I can to help our poor planet.

So I was surprised when my pal Heather told me recently that when she was recounting our new Portland lifestyle to my former book club, only one person in the group actually thought it sounded like fun to spend more time walking and biking than driving. She said the general consensus was that people really liked the convenience of their cars. I was shocked, and perhaps also a bit (okay, more likely a lot) judgmental of this perspective. I mean, honestly, how many people actually like sitting in traffic when they could be pedaling or walking and admiring beautiful flowers along the way? Not to mention, helping the environment and getting some exercise to boot!

Then, one day last week, I decided to take the girls in the Burley trailer to Mary's t-ball practice. Wallet, check. Helmets, check. Sunglasses, check. Low air in the rear tire, check. So I had to take a few minutes to pump up the tire. Then I realized I had to find the keys to our bike lock. Back into the house to search for the keys. And finally, we were ready to go. It was a 10-minute process versus the one minute it might take to pile into the car and strap into car seats. And I will admit, as I was trying to pump up the tire in frustration, I was thinking, "This is such a hassle! No wonder people prefer to drive." However, as soon as I started pedaling, the frustration melted away. The girls shouted hello to neighbors we passed and then cheered me up the little hill I had to climb, and I knew that small delay was well worth it for the payoff.

I admit, there are plenty of days when drizzle or laziness overcome me and I cave to the gasoline gods. Or when a car is necessary for distance or safety. But, we often go days at a stretch without using our car. And, with great respect to my former book club girls who I love and miss, I have to stand by that fact proudly. I've become that hippie chick with the right pant leg rolled up to avoid the chain ring. And I'm liking it. Gasp.