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She Went Green, then Turned Red!

I deeply admire the "Green Movement" in our country, and globally; and sincerely believe that an honest movement in this direction is the right thing to do for our children, and the generations that follow. The operative word in that phrase is, of course, "honest". I'm going to surrender, to you, a real life scenario whereby a woman (friend) believed that she was acting as a responsible consumer in recent major purchases of "green" goods; and, much to her dismay is actually going to be contributing to increasing the pollution problem. I invite comment and query as you, the reader, sees fit.

My wife and I had recently met a really fantastic couple via the local youth soccer network where our respective children convene four times a week. We really struck amiable chords with this couple, nearly a decade our junior, as we had so many commonalities in ethics and interests. I admired the woman of this couple, because she was so environmentally conscious, that she awoke early every morning to ride her bike with her two children to school; and even went as far as specialty clothing provisions so that this could be done in inclement weather. She has remarkable stamina and determination; and is admirable in her leadership in the "practice-what-you-preach" forum.

A few months into our relationship, we were invited to their home for the first time for dinner. As soon as we arrived at their home my wife and I remarked to one another of the beautiful and well-planned landscaping about their house. The couple met us in the driveway and wasted no time escorting us around the yard to highlight the various herb and vegetable gardens creatively strewn across their two-acre plot; and also pointed out the composting area that fed the entire landscaping effort. We were then taken inside for a tour of their immaculate home. He talked a bit about the hybrid cars parked in the garage; as well as remarking about the solar shades on some of the windows; and stated that he hoped to convert some of their electrical needs with the use of solar panels within the next two years. Meanwhile, she was talking about "eco-friendly" paint finishes and the fact that they recently installed new hardwood flooring on the first floor of the homesome of which was bamboo, often touted as the "greenest of the greens" in flooring; and new "green" carpet on the second floor, recycled plastic bottles reconfigured into carpet yarn! My wife gave me a glance; and I only smiled.

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