Winter in May

So it snowed in May and I've decided to ignore this, much like most of us ignore global warming every day.  While everyone thought it would just make everywhere hotter and drier, apparently in some cases, it is also making things colder and wetter.  Part of my melancholy these days stems from the fact that it's becoming glaringly apparent that our planet would be much happier without us. Pandas are mating, wildlife is reclaiming urban areas, the air is cleaner in Yellowstone, baby sea turtles aren't confused and vistas across the world rarely visible have come into view.  

I used to think recycling was an important element, but I've realized how big of a carbon footprint plastic has and now that we're essentially burning it (emphasis on burning) I'm in awe of what is sometimes actually better for our environment when comparing landfills, burning and recycling. "I suppose I should focus on reusing and reducing" I say as I look at my individually packaged yogurt.  When additional time is a by product of individual packaging, it becomes a very conscious choice and one that can be hard to make.  Who has time for scooping out yogurt every morning and cleaning endless Tupperware, especially being very removed in a developed country where you don't even know where they truck all your trash and recyclables to.

Interestingly enough, I also heard sneakers are one of the most wasteful products.  As they've engineered running shoes to be lighter, the many different plastics they use and the intricate processes involved are incredibly unfriendly to the environment.  Maybe I should use this as an excuse not to run.....

I suppose I'll have to accept my imperfect attempts to save the planet and continue to do what I can, when I can. I already feel guilty enough about international travel.  What I will say is that lately I've been thinking about this a lot more frequently. 

For some reason, this song by Lord Huron was on my playlist today and it's lyrics really struck a chord with me:

"How long, baby, have I been away?

Oh, it feels like ages though you say it's only days

There ain't language for the things I've seen, yeah

And the truth is stranger than my own worst dreams

The truth is stranger than all my dreams

Holy darkness got a hold of me"