I was talking to a semi-jaded friend several months ago. We were discussing the revolution of “Green,” or what many have dubbed “The Green Movement.” I was sharing my thoughts on what it means to be green and what I was personally working on in the realm of environmentalism. However, my little soapbox speech was cut short with, “Green sucks man, it’s just the current buzz word and trend for the moment. It will soon be replaced with another term or movement like ‘Blue.” Interestingly enough, he was partially right about Blue. (Sidenote: Although I think Adam Werbach is pretty much The Man, was anyone else a bit frustrated when he came out with Blue? Don’t get me wrong, it’s brilliant and encompasses what green should, but it seemed too early for me. I mean we’re still trying to grasp what green really means and then we’re presented with a whole new color and movement?) However, was he right about his Green comment? My mind began to stir:

“I know “Greenwashing” sucks, but does green suck? Does that mean I suck? I don’t think I suck, but I guess I could. Nah, I don’t suck. And neither does green.”

‘Green’ doesn’t suck. It is a buzzword that many corporate branders have used and abused. However, it’s never really been about the word itself. It’s been about what the word stands for and inspires. The word “green” stands for concern, or interest in the environment because it ultimately affects you and those you love. It stands for wise stewardship, or taking responsibility for managing the environment in a way that preserves it. It stands for sustainability, or acting in a manner that doesn’t reduce future generations ability to have the same, if not better, quality of life that we enjoy today. It stands for people. When we incorporate “green” practices like recycling, water conservation, or alternative energy into our daily lives, we are saying, “we care about our neighbor, no matter who he or she is, and we care about our self.”

So what’s my point? My point is that even if you’ve overdosed on the term “green,” don’t let the value of what it stands for go neglected. The earth’s health, along with our own, is vitally important and of increasing concern. It is one of the most important issues for us to understand and act upon within this coming decade.

So where do we start? I know times are tough, but good thing we aren’t measured by our lack. Instead, we’re measured by what we do with what we have and know. Some of us are burnt out, so maybe this has little to do with starting and more to do with continuing.

It’s time for our second wind to kick in and continue the course. We have to stay encouraged, hopeful, and have some fun while making the world a better place. Even if you feel like no one is listening to you, keep persistent because breakthrough may be right around the corner.