According to some research women are more inclined to feel guilt when they fail at green living than their male counterparts. It’s not a huge surprise. Women pop up all the time in studies about guilt. Women seem to feel guilty about everything at a stronger level than men; baby raising, parenting in general, weight issues, childcare while working, keeping a clean house, and more. Research and the people around me point to women being super guilt ridden, or at least more so than the fellas.
But should you be guilty? I think not, and here’s why…
Research also shows that women are more likely to make green living resolutions and women are greener in general with the choices they make so it’s not like we’re doing too shabby.
More importantly, green guilt accomplishes nothing. In fact, I’d wager that green guilt hampers vs. helps you when it comes to living green. Too much guilt over things you can’t change or guilt over the fear of disapproval is not healthy. People who continually feel guilt also feel more stress which makes focusing on green actions harder not easier.
Do I have green guilt?
Not really, mainly because I’m not up for the stress. I know I’m bad with some green living issues – I’ll admit it. However, one, I can’t do everything. No one can accomplish 100% perfect green living – not unless you’re living in some cave far away from everyone and everything and even then, simply by being born you mess with the structure and resources of the planet, so it’s literally impossible. Secondly, I know I’m very skilled with some green living skills, as I’m sure you are. Thirdly, I realistically add new green goals to my life periodically with the plan that if they work out cool but if not I can always try again.
How to banish green guilt:
Focus on what you are doing well – even the small stuff. If you recycle all the time then you’re already doing a lot more than tons of other people. If you carry a reusable water bag or reusable grocery bags that’s a huge step over one lifetime that saves untold resources.
Ignore the perfect tree huggers you meet. As noted above there is no such thing as living perfectly green, but to hear some people talk you’d think so. I’ve met my fair share of holier than thou green folks and they’re obnoxious for sure, but not perfect. Don’t let other people make you feel bad. In reality they likely feel guilty themselves and putting you down makes them feel more adequate.
Make reasonable green goals. If you’re new to green living then goals like “I’m going to bike everywhere, eat 100% organic, and build my own solar panels” are way overambitious, and not even necessary. Better, smaller green goals would be, “I’m always going to buy at least milk and apples in organic form” or “I’ll try to buy less prepackaged foods” or even, “I’ll start cleaning with green cleaners.” These are doable, and as you accomplish easy goals you’ll feel better prepared to manage the large goals.
Do you feel green guilt? What about?
[image via stock.xchng]
Post from: Blisstree