Al Gore and global warming notwithstanding, I have discovered that age is bringing with it a desire to reduce my negative impact on the earth.  I've always thought recycling is a good thing, and the minute our municipal garbage collection expanded to include recycling, I participated.  I am proud that our recycling dumpster is almost always much fuller than the garbage, despite the fact that the recycling program doesn't accept a lot of otherwise recycleable items (like many kinds of plastics.)

I have been working from home for over three years.  I am self-employed, my business depends entirely on Internet access.  I find myself in front of my computer for several hours each day, and over the past few years have found my weight creeping up because of inactivity.  Because of my sedentary ways, I developed a tendon problem that affects my foot, making it somewhat painful to walk.  So even more weight packed on.

What the heck does this all have to do with environmental sensitivity, you might ask.  Well, it was a catalyst for me.

I started walking despite the discomfort, which has helped alleviate some of the accompanying swelling.  Our home is strategically located within a mile of a drug store, post office, two grocery stores, a dollar store, a public library, and several small specialty shops (not to mentions quite a few restaurants/delis.) I started out walking the 1/2 mile to the library every day to check the PO box and drop off mail.  As I developed more stamina (and the tendon started stretching a bit) I ranged farther.  I would walk the mile to the grocery store if I had to pick up a few items that could be easily carried back home.

Then, I rediscovered my grocery cart.  It belonged to my mother-in-law (may she rest in peace) and is one of those squarish aluminum folding things with big wheels for pushing it along.  It is very light to carry, and now I can do some pretty serious shopping without resorting to using a car to bring my purchases home.  I use my car maybe once a week on average, if I have to go somewhere that I feel is too far for me to walk.  Not only does it make me feel better that I'm saving even more gas money, I'm also doing something good for the environment AND losing weight to boot!