The blue moon has a number of symbolisms. The most popular defines it as the second full moon within a calendar month. Our lunar months, of course, roll past in 28 day cycles. So it is rare when a second full moon sneaks itself in - every 33 months or so.
I believe it auspicious that we had this blue moon on a New Year’s Eve, a time for resolutions and thoughts about the coming year. And because “once in a blue moon” implies a longer time period - longer than your typical New Year’s resolution- it’s timing gives us a chance to think even further ahead on our global citizenly responsibilities.Ecologically, what would we like to have personally accomplished three years from now? How will we have reduced our carbon footprint or use of natural
resources? What would we like to be able to report to our students in 33 months about changes we have made to become a better steward of Earth? What will we model?
I'm not referring to the simpler green actions such as switching out light bulbs or turning off the tap while brushing teeth or using our own mug at coffee shops. These are, for sure, all necessary parts of the range of small acts that point us collectively to resiliency.
However, we need to begin changing our behaviors at a higher plain. That is the level where it takes more thought and personal re-tooling to achieve results. It takes some life-style changes over time- maybe even up to the next blue moon.
For instance:
If we commit to ever greater resilient behaviors in our own lives we'll be better prepared to pass them along to the kids who will need them in the coming decades.
I'm not referring to the simpler green actions such as switching out light bulbs or turning off the tap while brushing teeth or using our own mug at coffee shops. These are, for sure, all necessary parts of the range of small acts that point us collectively to resiliency.
However, we need to begin changing our behaviors at a higher plain. That is the level where it takes more thought and personal re-tooling to achieve results. It takes some life-style changes over time- maybe even up to the next blue moon.
For instance:
* EcoDriving:
Regardless of the car we drive we save fuel, cut emissions and feel more relaxed by driving easy. It involves, among other techniques, slow accelerations, anticipating lights, feathering the gas pedal on grades, and planning a little more time to reach destinations. This takes quite a change in driving habits. Simply driving the posted speed is a huge start. Driving easy may often be frustrating as others roar on around us as if perpetually late. Be patient.
* Composting:
Throwing kitchen scraps into a compost bin in the back yard yields lots of rich soil supplements and decreases the power and water needed to run our garbage disposal. Old habits die hard on this one. It’s so easy to throw egg shells and lemon rinds and slimy vegetables from the fridge “down the drain.” Yes, we need to have a container on the counter that fills with waste. Yes, we need to frequently -including winter - take this container outdoors to the bin. But the composting habit will reward us with recycled organics and savings in resources.
* Water Harvesting:
It is amazing how much water rolls off the roof during a storm. Fifty-five gallon barrels fill quickly when the gutters and downspouts do their jobs as feeders. Free, clean water. Ready to be used on the garden, washing the car and filling the bird bath.
True, using tap water and the hose is convenient, but this is expensive and precious water. It has been pumped and purified and pumped again by the city to get to your tap. Using rain barrels to catch roof run-off preserves ground water resources and the expenses necessary for delivery.
If we commit to ever greater resilient behaviors in our own lives we'll be better prepared to pass them along to the kids who will need them in the coming decades.
One blue moon at a time.
