Parlez-vous Green?

Sometimes when I talk about green living or a sustainable lifestyle to someone unfamiliar with environmental values, I get the "deer in the headlights" look. You know, the eyes gloss over, there's a lost look in the face, and there's a gentle stare of confusion. As a green living consultant, I view these moments as a gift in time to share the value of living a sustainable lifestyle for myself - with someone else.

In my professional consulting, I've discovered the easiest way to promote a sustainable lifestyle to others is by sharing with friends, neighbors, and in the community. Sharing is a genuine expression of the value found in the sustainability concepts that are embraced in your life. It's easier for others to make the connection between the ideas of living green and how it's put into action when examples are shared.

Following are suggestions mentioned in our eco friendly training to help get the conversation going.

•    Want to talk about the weather? Grow that typical conversation about local weather patterns into an expanding discussion about climate change. Take the lead and solicit opinions about global warming, pollution, emissions, or a host of other environmental issues and opportunities related to the weather. Explore possible solutions and eco actions to take.

•    Want to talk about work? Turn that uninspiring workplace problem into an exploration of business sustainability solutions. Leverage those issues into a discussion of business innovation, operational efficiencies, or exciting new technologies.

•    Want to talk about family and children? Explore conversations about green living, eco travel, or fun green activities for the kids.

•    Want to talk about projects around the house? There is a number of topics to choose from, either though personal experience or thoughts of doing in the future. As a starter, energy efficiency is always a conversation starter for home improvement projects and appliance upgrades.

Remember to share what you are doing and why you like taking those eco actions. If it feels good to preserve natural resources, say so. Are you saving money? Say that too! We all have different motivations and your sharing of your sustainable lifestyle may very well inspire your friends, neighbors, and family members to discover the value in green living for them.