Wanna compost with me later?
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In the words of the mighty Kurt Vonnegut:
"We've got to get back to extended families. We need more people to talk to. I pretend to be interested in sports just to say 'good morning' to people."
Everyone, and I mean everyone, has the potential to experience a green epiphany -- even the Hummer driver down the block. And, of one thing I am certain: The breakthrough is not likely to occur with a full frontal assault. It may require a roundabout, side door style. A mix of urgency and diplomacy.
WATCH VIDEO: Recycle your neighbors' meals?
What I'm proposing, in short, is for us to find those intersections between environmentalism and mainstream culture. Common ground, so to speak. Then, once you've gotten past the "How 'bout them Lakers?" chit-chat, a vibe has been created in which a new level of common ground can be sought—perhaps the most crucial common ground we all share: survival.
4 Ways to Start an Important Eco-Conversation With Your Neighbor
1. Sports
Three great conversation starters:
- There's a vegan in the NFL (who does PETA ads, no less)
- The new Yankee Stadium has compost bins
- Even the Indy 500 is trying to take greener steps
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2. Food
No need (yet) to buy the meat eater next door a tofu cookbook. Rather, why not invite a few neighbors over for a lunch? If you put out simple choices like a green salad, rice and beans, and fresh fruit (all organic and locally grown, of course) for dessert...they'll be eating vegan without the pre-label. Then, once they've complimented you on the meal, you have the entry point for an important chat.
3. Music
Thanks to cable television and the internets, pop music has become, well, somewhat homogenous over the past few decades. The silver lining is that it's easier than ever to talk music with a stranger. So, once you've compared iPod playlists and discussed the latest music gossip, you can bring the conversation around to something like Reverb, a company designed to help musicians lower the carbon footprint of their tours.
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| David De Lossy/Getty Images |
4. Drinks
"Meeting for a drink" has long been a way for humans to create space for community. When you order an eco-vodka or a glass of sustainable wine or some locally brewed beer, you practically invite questions about your choices. Be prepared with well-informed but easily-digestible answers and you may turn that night at the pub into a planning session for the green revolution.
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