Reflections on an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle
It is a funny thing, life.
I have been reflecting on it.
Of course, because it’s me, there are also reflections on eco-friendly matters. And life. And an eco-friendly lifestyle.
I was in the gym on Wednesday morning. A chap in his mid-20s was working out. He was a tourist, visiting the country on holiday. He was running – fast – on the treadmill. Even the machine seemed to be gasping for breath (the power supply here can be a little erratic at times, especially if there is high demand – like a speedy treadmill). He got off the treadmill, but left it running at full speed. I assumed he would be back shortly to continue his workout. After a few minutes of the machine screaming away, I looked around. The guy was leaving the gym, bag in hand. I gaped in astonishment. How could anyone just leave a machine on and walk away?
I was furious with him for his total disregard of energy use and selfishness / laziness.
On a related topic, I have often wondered – but come to the conclusion that it probably isn’t practicable or economical – if we could ‘harvest’ the energy created by all the millions of people worldwide who pound away on treadmills and bikes every day.
So why am in reflective mood?
My uncle died yesterday morning. He was 84 and he had been ill for a little while. Even though it was not unexpected, I was still saddened. Tom was the “black sheep” of the family. He left Ireland as soon as he possibly could, and ended up in the Copperbelt (central Africa). I think he was quite an angry young man and probably wreaked merry havoc.
He then found his way to South Africa, where I finally met him. My memories of him from that time were primarily of sweating profusely (he liked hot, tropical climates while I was used to dry heat) and of games of BlackJack long into the night, at which he always seemed to be amazingly “lucky”. I came away from these visits decidedly lighter in pocket and normally with an almighty hangover – he concocted his own beer and spirits. His ‘Crème de Menthe’ made with fresh mint was tasty but lethal, burning a fiery trail down my insides. His assorted alcohol stills exploded regularly, causing damage and sometimes injury, but he just created another one from bits and pieces.
His was an eco-friendly life, although that wouldn’t have occurred to him. He lived simply – an ancient car, a small house, very few personal possessions. He didn’t waste anything, and almost nothing was thrown away. He grew some of his own vegetables and fruits, used almost no plastic, re-cycled with a compost heap, and wanted independence from government. He had little time for ’city folk’ – he found them artificial.
His ecological footprint was negligible. No conspicuous consumption; instead just a life led simply. Like many of his generation.
I contrast that with many modern lives – houses, cars, parties for children where the latest crazes are indulged (when in fact what matters is love not ‘things’), plastic toys soon to be discarded, cocktail parties with some fashionable trend that costs a fortune, décor that has to be glamorous and different, and magazines and a society that tell us that this is not just normal but expected.
So often there is no thought for what happens elsewhere to provide all this ‘stuff’. Like the tourist in the gym – perhaps not wasting deliberately, but having a complete lack of awareness and being self-centred. Creating a toll that is paid by the environment.
Soon, Tom will be cremated. I will scatter his ashes in the tropical place he loved, and he will be no more. Back to the earth, unseen and unnoticed, a light footprint woven into the rich tapestry of life on this crowded little planet.
June 2011
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Photo Credits: Alcohol still from www.homedistiller.org.
Sorry to hear of the passing of your Uncle Tom , Clare . Only his body has gone , his spirit lives on in you .
Thank you John. a lovely thought!
I think that we all have stories about friends or family that have left an impact on us in some way or another. For me it is a mix of both friends and family that have influenced me to become the person that I am with all of my beliefs and feelings. Thanks for sharing.
Scott Sylvan Bell
When people pass away, they live on in our hearts and minds…and it seems to me that sometimes their memories are more “alive” than when that person walked among us. Particularly when there was something about that person that resonated with us, like with your Uncle Tom. Over time it seems as if the sadness, which is prominent now, begins to fade a bit and is replaced more with the wisdom that is left behind. I, too had an “uncle Tommy”….my brother is named after him, and his lessons and memories live on. As I move to Costa Rica and am near a country club, my siblings and I are remembering the times our Uncle Tommy took us to eat at HIS country club!
Love and affection never die…
Sonya Lenzo
Wise words indeed!
Thanks Sonya!
Sorry to hear about your loss. My sympathies go to you and your family.
It is also sad to hear how someone can just walk away from something that uses that much energy without turning it off like the treadmill. Thats a real shame.
Thank you Jeff
My deepest sympathies for the loss of your Uncle Tom. A man who unknowingly led by example. A man who lives on by your deeds.
Las Vegas Air Conditioning Service & Repairs
Very nicely put, many thanks Kevin
Your Uncle Tom sounds like quite a character, with a remarkable ability to get in there and “make things happen”. A sharp contrast to most who just consume, he sounds likea shining example, one of too many of a rapidly disappearing generation who didn’t just go out and “buy” what they needed, but took the time to make it when they needed it. He sounds like a real character… An admirable trait when you need to be reminded how headstrong an independant spirit can be. I’m sorry for your loss, but grateful for the color your memories and reflections added to the day.
Thanks,
Thank you Dewayne for your lovely comments, they are much appreciated.