Go Green or Go Home…
So, who would have thought that someone else running a marathon would change MY life-doesn’t seem to make sense huh? But it is true and I will tell you just how.
One beautiful fall day in October as my friend & I were parked on the front street of our little border town an RV pulled up and parked infront of us. At first we continued with our wrap up conversation post lunch but then my friend realized that it was not just any ol’ RV that had parked there but The Run for 1 planet RV and as we took a glance in the mirror here up the “quiet” front street of St Stephen came Stephanie Tait & Matt Hill.
My friend Melissa said we have to get out & talk to them & wish them well. We hopped out & quickly greeted them. Melissa had heard / seen an interview with Stephanie & Matt on breakfast television. As we stood there talking to Stephanie & Matt about their journey and how they came about their decision to embark on this year adventure you could see the energy and excitement that surrounded them like a kid on Christmas morning.
Their faces were glowing, there were handshakes & hugs and they talked to us like we were their next door neighbors.
We sent them on their journey to cross the border into the USA with hugs & well wishes…as they ran towards the border with their camera guy filming I thought to myself…what a great couple of human beings…I wish I had my camera with me.
The by chance meeting really made my day a little brighter but it was once I logged onto the website runforoneplanet.com that I feel it started to change my life. I watched the videos and clicked all around the site, I sent Steph & Matt a liitle msg that it was great to meet them and to keep up the great work…I even found their group on facebook and joined up! If you want to get the word out about anything…this is sure a great way to do it!
So, I sent my lil’ hello, read a few tips online on how I could help out, signed up for their newsletter and made a note to talk it up in my “jock talk” the next time I was on air as a part time announcer at “Todays Best Country 98.1 The Tide”
Now, I must tell you that I like to think of myself as a very organized and outgoing person…I have my blue bins in the garage-bottles, cans, cardboard,paper, plastic bags…I started a compost last year, and I bought re-usable bags over 2 years ago that I carry in my truck for grocery shopping. I bought these before all the supermarkets jumped on track & started selling them at their front cash…I was poked fun at by my family calling them the “fruity lil’ bags” mostly to do with the fact that the bags are bright blue, pink & green…I felt like I was doing my part.. right?
YES! I was doing my part but, because I had met these two very inspiring people, because I had checked out their website and took a minute to care…I found myself over the next weeks talking about recycling to people. I found the voice in my head saying, turn off the tap, turn off the lights, how can I re-use, how can I reduce?
You see noone can follow ALL the rules but everyone can help the planet one step at a time by being more conscious, by making changes, it may mean changes to your routine, it may mean changes to your habits, it may mean you have to get laringitis because you tell so many people about any ways that they can join in. BUT, it means you can hold your head higher for being a part of the solution and know that you are playing a part in taking care of our planet before it is too late…”Ooops” won’t reverse the damage.
So, I DID talk about runforoneplanet.com the next time I was in the “captains chair” at the radio station and I will continue to remind ppl every chance I get. Below are some of my favorite quotes from the website that I jotted down and passed onto my radio listeners (which now thanks to the internet has a HUGE listening audience! www.thetide.ca)
*Saving the planet is really about saving ourselves.
*The planet is the lifeboat in the universe-we need to patch it.
*We are the change of the world.
*I think its time that someone really stuck up for the environment.
So, check out the website. Take a look around your home/office/school. See how you can start making changes today…I know it made a difference in my life.
I bought an eco-bottle to drink my cold water on the go, I opt for mugs at work and turn my nose up at the convenient “ no wash, throw away bad for the environment styrofoam cup” and when I run into the store to pick up a few things and I forget the fruity lil’ bags in the truck I watch as the cashier starts to bag my purchase in plastic and ask if she would simply mind if I carry it out, no bag please.
So, did meeting Stephanie & Matt briefly while THEY ran THEIR marathon on that sunny Friday in October change my life & for the better? YES! It sure did and it can change yours too…if you let it!
So, best wishes to all the runforoneplanet crew as you continue your year long journey…continue to touch as many lives as you can. I want you to know you are achieving your goal of what you set out to do…your dream IS a reality!
My prayers are with you as you continue your journey one step at a time! I hope we get a chance to meet again… I’m sure it will be a sunny, bright day with fresh clean air and lots of green around and you can breath deep & know that you both played a part in making that happen!
Best Wishes,
Tracy Hanson
St Stephen, New Brunswick
Wow – small steps are really starting to add up! Thank you Tracy for reminding us of the power of one…or two…or…
Comment by Steve — Saturday, November 29, 2008 @ 1:18 am
I love hearing these stories of people’s individual initiative regarding our planet and the environment! It is ever more special when Matt and Steph have touched someone’s life and they decide to share their story wit others! Cheers~Shaunah
Comment by Shaunah — Saturday, November 29, 2008 @ 3:25 pm