It's not easy being Green... or is it?

Like many people, I spent last Sunday -- April 22 -- doing ordinary things.  I worked on projects around the house, drove an elderly neighbor to an appointment, and spent time with the kids.  Like many, I didn't think much (ok,at all) about the fact it was Earth Day. 

But it was, and, according to their website, Earth Day Network's Mission statement is this:

"... to grow and diversify the environmental movement worldwide, and to mobilize it as the most effective vehicle for promoting a healthy, sustainable planet. We pursue these goals through education, politics, cultural events, and consumer activism."

It made me wonder -- is the growing awareness about global climate fluctuations and the fragility of our polar icecaps and ecosystem showing up on eBay somehow? 

Here's a bit of a personal story.....I'm probably like most people. I recycle, I turn the lights off when I'm not in the room, and whenever someone develops a hybrid or biodiesel minivan, sign me up.  Up until recently, I've lived with this very casual attitude toward environmental issues -- sure, I'm for saving the earth, but I probably wouldn't go too far out of my way to act on this attitude.

But, as the years go on, things are changing for me-- I live in a coastal area that is feeling the effects of climate change and pollution. In my small, blue-collar town's newspaper, not a week goes by when we don't read about a new climate-related story, whether it is regional or global.  I was moved by Al Gore's movie, An Inconvenient Truth, and when I look at my 10 and 8 year olds, I sometimes wonder what kind of world they will inherit, and how different their worries will be from mine. 

So, I'm finding that I do have an "inner activist" when the right buttons are pushed.   A couple weeks ago, city employees announced they were going to cut down six antique maple trees that are 80 years old and 3 stories high in order to fix the sidewalks.  As the homeowner next to them, I'm all for fixing the sidewalks -- they really are a hazard.  I'm also tempted by the fact I wouldn't have to rake 100 bags of maple leaves each fall.   But -- how many trees can we really afford to keep cutting down? 

Trees help combat the negative impact of the carbon in the atmosphere -- they slow the phenomenon known as global warming.  Trees seem so ordinary, but they really are extraordinary, and I was frustrated that no one was AT LEAST considering the alternatives out of respect for a treasured resource.  And these trees are truly beautiful, a landmark that makes the street unique. 

So, with the help of my husband and kids, I started a local campaign.  I posted fliers on the trees, delivered fliers door-to-door, and started a calling campaign to the mayor and other city leaders.  I live in a very nice town with good decent people.  But we all need to slow down and THINK differently if we're going to have a hope of solving today's problems. I'm pleased to say this neophyte "treehugger" (thanks to the vocal community who love these trees and supported the cause with their phone calls and emails) won, and the trees will stay. 

It was a good exercise -- people's voices do count, and little steps add up to a lot.  People told me "you can't fight City Hall" but they were wrong.  We changed some minds and helped bring about a positive outcome that wouldn't have happened if we hadn't taken action.  It all started, though, because I'm also changing.

Which makes me wonder about others -- as more of us get shaken out of our comfort zones and begin to seriously look for ways to "go green," how are we mobilizing and taking action?  What are eBay members doing, as an example?  Are you starting cottage industries around environmentally-friendly product lines?  Buying tools and technology on eBay to help you harness wind and solar power? Changing your packaging to be more eco-friendly? 

If you have story about how you are "going green" on eBay, write to us at chatterblog@ebay.com.  As for me, I'm off to look at biodiesel cars on eBay....