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"Going Green…A Deeply Personal Choice!"

"My name is Evelyn and I drive a Land Rover." (shh!) Yes, it’s true. Its functional and stylish and…it’s a gas-guzzler. There I said it (phew!)

I am an interior designer who has seen the light at the end of the global warming tunnel. I’ve discovered how vast green really is, and the importance of a holistic approach. This isn’t a new field at all. It is a rediscovery of what the ancient cultures always knew. I also realized that “going green” is a deeply personal journey in self-realization. It’s true! Find yourself and save the planet!

Its kind of Zen, I know.

I added green elements to many of my projects and had countless conversations with my vendors, contractors, builders, artisans and clients. Earlier this year, I expanded the scope my firm’s services to offer green consultation and workshops to educate and inform my clients.

I asked people in my sphere of influence what they thought green was. There was an array of answers, but none were holistic. Essentially going green is a personal choice on many levels like eating healthy, relationships, religion and politics. Some choose to ease in, taking baby steps, while others are fanatical and dogmatic.

Ultimately, I thought about myself and what am I doing and why? Lately, when I go to a green event, I get a little self-conscious about my Land Rover. I think back to the days when I hid my Ford Escort so potential clients wouldn’t see, that it wasn’t a Mercedes. These days hybrids, biofuel and electric cars are status symbols of the chic and the green. And how do you hide an SUV?

I drive a Land Rover. I admit it. But am I a green blasphemer? I recycle, I eat organic, and I do my spiritual practices. I convinced one of my builders to do his next project green, no small undertaking. I add at least one green element to all my projects. I facilitate seminars and speak to design students about green. But I haven’t gotten rid of my sleek, beautiful, 4-wheel drive gas-guzzling Land Rover. Does that make me a green sinner? Hmm, therein lies the quandary. Green is not yet a pure science, and even in our best efforts will not completely eradicate all the damage we’ve made on earth. For now I think the best thing to do is to inspire everyone to think and trust that even the small changes they make do count.

I’ve been thinking…I am going to turn in my beloved Land Rover. As my consciousness changes, it just doesn’t seem to fit anymore. I must go now and contemplate my latest deeply personal decision!

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"Going Green…A Deeply Personal Choice!"