The other day I saw a car with a bumper sticker that said “I’m Saving for a Hybrid.” My first reaction was to smile and think “I so totally agree.” (not that I’m actually saving for one since that’s way out of our getting through seminary budget, but I wish I were). But I resonated with the idea – I wish I could be driving a more eco-friendly car.
Then I had to wonder at the need to advertise one’s justification for not driving a hybrid. Are people so worried that they are being judged that they need to apologize for what they are not doing? I personally get this a lot. My friends and family are starting to realize my commitment to sustainable living and ethical consumption. So much so that they now apologize to me for actions like serving non-fair trade coffee or using paper plates. It reminds me of the tendency for people to apologize to conservative Christians when they say a curse word.
But then I asked myself if that is really such a bad thing (and yes, it’s quite common for me to argue with myself – I’m weird, I know). I’m not a fan of guilt as a motivation, but is it really such a bad thing to admit that there is a better way even if you are not there yet? I personally find more hope in hearing people say they are working towards a sustainable future than in some of the recent SUV commercials I’ve heard (i.e. ‘now that gas prices are down, it’s the perfect time to buy a luxury SUV”). I think it goes beyond guilt to the reality of attainable solutions. This statement doesn’t have to be an excuse or a justification, but a goal. It is someone talking about the basic things they are doing to help change the world.
At least, that’s how I like to see it.