Reflection

                During this summative I have really learned something.  The most important lifelong lesson learned, is that motivation is everything.  Today I was doing laundry, and I thought about using the dryer.  I didn’t think it would take much motivation, but it does.  If it’s there, accessible, free (if you don’t pay the bills), and doesn’t take any impact immediately and right there in front of your eyes on the environment, you’re going to do it, no matter if you know it would maybe help in the smallest way if you didn’t.  It’s sad really.

Another example of this is driving.  I have my G2 and even though I know bussing or walking is much better for the environment, the temptation is there.  When I’m sitting at a red light idling I actually feel horrible.  I feel like I’m committing an environmental crime; but I do it anyways. 

Why?

Because it’s there.

Because I can.

Because it’s easy.

Yes, all of those and more.  Motivation is everything.  For example, for me, telling the truth is absolutely crucial, so if I had to report on my goings on, and I had promised to not do something, or only use that appliance for a certain amount of time, I would be one hundred percent completely honest, because in my mind I have to be.  That is enough motivation for me.  Now I just need someone watching over my shoulder constantly…

Us as a society now need to find a way to motivate people into the environmental survival way of thinking.  The problem is it’s easier said than done.  There’s articles going out in the paper daily about how “every little bit helps” is a complete lie, and others saying our world is doomed anyway and there’s nothing we can do about it so why try.  There are a lot of obstacles to overcome, but I think it can be done. 

Now onto my summative, it wasn’t hard, and I didn’t think it would be.  I’m glad I did it, and I would do it again.  I really do hope I continue to do the things I did during my summative, although if the past few days are any indication… I doubt it.  It’s unfortunate, I really do need a physical, perceivable motivation, and it can’t just be the knowledge that I may be doing some good for our lovely planet earth. 

I never did get under my minimum goal of a time of 2:50… Oh well.  I never went over the 10 minute limit, and I never used the dryer!  So my goal has been accomplished technically, I just could have maybe tried harder.  Although, I no longer felt guilty about taking so much water when I got out, this is a nice change. 

Now that summer is here however I predict I may not have any use for the dryer, but may need to take long lengthy showers… I guess that’s the reality of things, fortunately we live in Canada, and the cold winters make us want the opposite to balance out the boiling hot summers.  Good ol’ Canada.