The Green Column 11/25/2010

The Green Column

by Richard C. MacCrea, Andrews Valley Initiative

rmaccrea1@gmail.com

Are You Thankful, or Are You Appreciative?

The difference is action. Do you want to just be thankful, or do you want to do something about it? Just think how many people celebrate their thankfulness: by over-consuming. Is that a good idea?

First, there are many who do not have an abundance right now. There are families in our country living on the cheapest food they can get (potatoes, rice, beans). Getting assistance is not as easy as you might think. For example, did you know that it is much more difficult for self-employed people to qualify for government aid? Did you know that the federal government food stamp program does not accept many of the same business expenses that the IRS allows? Did you know that self employed people cannot get unemployment benefits? How many self-employed construction people are out of work right now? There are many families in our communities doing without. Should we feel comfortable celebrating by eating too much?

Second, over-consumption is going out if style. McMansions and Hummers are no longer popular. People are living, driving, and buying smaller. Even those with plenty are choosing to live with less. Companies are streamlining too. They are discovering that this simpler lifestyle is healthier, easier, and  gives us more freedom. Less time buying, cleaning, fixing, and more time living.

Third, it is truly unhealthy to overeat. I love to eat at as much as anyone else. But we all know that stomach pain is not pleasurable. Those extra calories lead to weight gain, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. If you decide to eat less, you will have more energy to enjoy being with your friends and family. Why not set a reasonable limit before you start?

Fourth, why not try meals prepared from locally grown, or organic food? Eat healthier, smarter, and help keep your community employed.

Fifth, and most important, it would bring you far greater joy to share your bounty with someone else that needs it more than you. Much more than being thankful, that is how you show appreciation. There truly is more happiness in giving than in receiving.

You can share by inviting a friend or neighbor in need. Get a group together to cook a nice meal and eat it with a family that needs it. Empty your cupboards of canned and dry foods you won’t use, and share them with someone in need. Many local stores have collection boxes for community food programs. Why not reduce the size of your huge meal, and drop the difference in a box?

I hope my ideas don’t come across too preachy.

Richard C. MacCrea is the director of The Greening of  Andrews Valley, a program of Andrews Valley Initiative. He works in the field of energy efficient, green building. rmaccrea1@gmail.com