Elements of Change

One of the things that bothers me about some discussions on environmental issues is the belief that there is a singular "answer" or "solution", and that if we all agreed with that one thing then everything would immediately get better and the problem would be solved. I think, however, that most of us recognize the complexity and interconnectivity of most societal issues (whether environmental, social or political) - searching for a single answer is limiting at best, and can sometimes make the situation worse. So when looking for solutions, we need to be prepared to look at different aspects:

Behavior

In order to change a situation, the individuals and groups involved need to look at their own behaviors to determine if there is something that requires change. This requires an honest look that can be difficult if not painful. And it should always start at the individual level - if I believe that changing the way I live is needed to help contribute to a positive solution then I need to do it before I start beating up others to do the same.

One important aspect of this is to really look at what is driving our behavior before we commit to making a change. What I am doing may simply be a habit - something that I have always done that is no longer necessary or relevant. This can make change easier, though not always. It takes time to change habits, but if I am convinced that the habit is no longer needed it can help me change.

Behavior is tough to change - while it might be "low cost" in the financial sense, you may be asking people to change something which they believe defines who they are. Forcing behavioral change does not usually end well - at best you might get begrudging compliance. If you want to change behavior, start by making the change yourself and modeling it to others.

Policy

There are times when part of a solution has to include policy changes, whether that is within a company or a government. This is rarely, however, THE solution. Depending on how the particular rule/policy is written it can end up producing very different results. If not constructed carefully, you can end up providing incentives that are the opposite of what was intended.

As with behavior, there also should be consideration for the removal of past policy that is no longer functional. Sometimes what we find is that old rules actually prevent people from moving forward with innovative changes that can help with the issue at hand. Governmental policy is very difficult to change (just look at lobbying efforts anytime an old federal policy such as agricultural price supports comes up for debate).

Anyone interested in helping solve a societal problem needs to take time to become familiar with the current regulations and policies, and with the new policies being proposed. And then there should be open and honest debate about the potential consequences (both positive and negative) for the policy change. We don't help anyone when, as a society, we engage in divisive, partisan bickering.

Technology

There seems to be much focus these days on the saving power of technology. And I agree that new technological advances can be an effective tool in solving problems, however, it is simply a tool. Technology can help change behaviors and can also help enforce policy. But by itself, technology is rarely the only piece of the puzzle. In fact, too much emphasis on technology being THE solution can lead to whole new sets of problems.

Computers were originally hailed as a way to bring about the paperless office. What we found, however, was that computers made it much easier to produce written work, and that led to an increase in the amount of paper used/wasted. And then there is the problem of hazardous materials used to make computers, the increasing amounts of energy need to power them, and the end-of-life issues that electronics and planned obsolescence can lead to (yes, the fact that this blog is produced on and viewed through computers is not lost on me). But as tools, computers have led to breakthroughs and changes that may not have been possible without them. As with anything, tools (like computers) can be used for both positive and negative change - much depends on the user (back to behavior).

The Whole Picture

So remember to consider all of the elements when working to solve a problem. That includes bringing in other people - especially those with different opinions and viewpoints. It is rarely helpful for problem solving when everyone in the group thinks the same way. Another thing to keep in mind is that problem solving is an ongoing process; it should change and evolve as different solutions are tried. Just because something seemed like a good idea at the time doesn't mean you can't change it when you find out it's not working. I have yet to see a perfect solution for any problem, let alone one that worked on the first try. As Thomas Edison was quoted as saying, he didn't fail to make a lightbulb, he just found 10,000 ways that didn't work.

Guest Post - Victoria Wesseler of Going Local

A while back I was introduced to a great blog called Going Local. For those living in Indiana, this is a wonderful resource for finding (and using) local food in Indiana. As I have mentioned before, purchasing food from a local source is a great way to reduce your impact on the environment and enjoy other benefits (for example, fewer miles travelled also typically means you get fresher food). I encourage you to go explore this site, even if you don't live in Indiana!

After reading about her mini-farm, I asked Going Local's author, Victoria Wesseler, if she would write a guest post for my blog. I wanted to hear from Victoria why she gardens - what is it that draws her back to the farm each year. Enjoy!









Why Do I Garden?

Corners have been turned down on more than a few pages in the many seed catalogues that I've been receiving since the first of the year. My husband Robert and I have discussed the garden layout and are anxiously awaiting the day that we can get our seeds and starter plants in the ground. The beginning of another gardening season is upon us. So joyful. So hopeful.

Planting is such a glorious activity. It gives confirmation that the dark days of winter are behind us and that the promise of summer will soon be fulfilled. You plant and you wait and wait some more. And then a miracle happens--The first sighting of little green tips sticking their heads through the soil creates a euphoria that cannot be explained to the non-gardener. To the gardener, it says that all is right in the world.

But the excitement soon gives way to some frustration. Between the joy of planting and the reward of harvest there is work. Plain, old fashioned, unglamorous work.
Weeding...hoeing...pest management...disease management.
As I'm kneeling on the ground pulling the same weed that I could have sworn I pulled yesterday, I ask myself "Why am I doing this? Why do I garden?" We could buy our produce at the many farmers' markets, subscribe to a CSA, and be very happy getting the overflow from our neighbors' gardens. I don't HAVE to do this...I NEED to do this. I can't explain it. And for anyone who has experienced the joy of putting a seed in the ground and watching it fulfill its destiny, the feeling is the same. It is a part of my soul.

And that's why I garden.

Victoria Wesseler

www.goinglocal-info.com

Cash for Appliances

As part of the recent stimulus packages, the Department of Energy has approved rebate programs for the purchase of energy efficient appliances and heating/cooling systems. These rebate programs are being run by each state, and each one is slightly different. The intent of these programs is to give people an incentive to replace their old appliances with newer models that use less energy.


This DOE website provides a listing of the current appliance purchase rebate programs available in each state. These programs are limited - each one will end when the money is gone - so if you are considering a purchase of a new major appliance you will definitely want to check out what your state has to offer. The other thing to look into is whether your state offers a tax deduction for energy efficiency improvements. Tax deduction programs typically allow you to deduct the cost of improvements such as new insulation or windows up to a certain amount (though this often varies each year, so check before you file).

If you are in the market for a new and improved appliance, now may be a great time. Just remember to take your old appliance out of service - you don't get any energy savings if you stick your old fridge in the garage.