Morrison: Heed the little voice in your head

Editor's note: This is the first in a series of occasional columns on living the green life in Chattanooga.

An empty Coke can, a discarded cigarette butt, a dozen sheets of paper stacking up at the computer printer -- it doesn't take much to make me think about the topic of environmental conservation.

Often my thoughts are fleeting.

"I should recycle that can" is easily bumped down my mental priority list if a phone rings, an editor has a question or I am drawn into the latest episode of "Jon & Kate Plus Eight."

I tell myself that I'm ahead of most by at least being conscientious about environmental issues.

True or not, it helps me get through the day without going crazy from guilt, but it doesn't stop the little voice in my head from nagging me to be a better at valuing the Earth and doing my part to use energy efficiently.

Anytime I throw away something that is recyclable, my little voice berates and scolds me.

But, like many, I sometimes disregard it -- maybe because I haven't dropped off the recycling and my kitchen is starting to resemble a junkyard, or maybe because I'm too lazy or busy to walk to a recycle bin. (Excuses, excuses, I know.)

My little voice is easy to ignore sometimes because I don't always have a firm grasp on the facts. I don't really know how much of a impact one person can have by recycling or walking more instead of driving.

And there are so many issues and problems to consider -- air and water pollution, loss of animal habitats and green space, global warming. It is dizzying.

All my little voice has to go on is the vague, nagging instinct that most people (myself included) don't value the environment and that if we continue abusing it, something horrible will happen.

Most recently, the image I have in my head of this horrible, inevitable fate is in cartoon form and looks like the animated movie "Wall-E." I envision a trash-covered Earth and a long-dead population as a result of decades of abuse.

Again, this idea is vague and based on random tidbits of information I've accumulated over the years from environmental science classes, discussions with friends, movies and news articles.

I can't cite details on command, but a quick Google search provides enough information for me to feel confident that my instincts are not far off the mark. (A Google search doesn't amount to a deep understanding of "green" issues, but it is a start, a first step toward enlightenment.)

This column will outline ideas for going green, highlight nearby environmental gems and, I hope, open up a discussion about environmental issues and news.

This column is about listening to my little voice more often and encouraging others to do the same.

GREEN GATHERING

The Sierra Club's local chapter will host its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Monday. The meeting is at GreenSpaces, 63 E. Main St. Certified green builder Joseph Sumpter will discuss how to collect and use rainwater for household needs, such as washing clothes. For more information about the meeting, e-mail Mike Bascomb at mikeb_40205@yahoo.com.

TWEET GREEN

For tips on how to go green and information about local green events or businesses, follow GreenerChatt on Twitter.