IWU Environmental Wellness: The Safer Path

Got Sole? Green Your Routine

When I got the idea to build a brick patio this summer, I didn't know it would help me get in shape and green my routine, much less overcome fears, learn new skills, connect with nature and calm my soul, bond with neighbors and friends, be thrifty, or get empowered. I just wanted to cover the mud patch created by dog paws under the cherry tree and make use of some brick piles laying around. Ok, and entice the family into the yard more. That's all.

Clueless of the tasks ahead, I took the first step of clearing grass by renting a manual sod-kicker. (I might add, this was with the pity of rental staff and neighbors, only because the gas-powered one was too enormous to fit in my car.) Staring at the simple plow-like-blade, I was intimidated. But eventually I developed a rhythm, kicking, grunting, rolling and hauling off the sod. What a workout for a small rental fee! Why would I need a fitness class? It felt good. In contrast to the summer roar of gas-powered machines, I marveled at the efficiency and quiet of my “sole-powered” machine, needing only an occasional snack to keep me fueled. Other unanticipated good things happened. As I'd stop to wipe sweat and catch my breath, nature's sights and sounds melted tensions from an intensive academic year. With time outdoors, I also noticed things in my yard, like white lilacs and even mulberries tucked in a hidden corner, just waiting to sweeten a bowl of ice cream. My neighbors began to chat over the fence, amused by my undertaking, offering ideas and tools. Who would have guessed there could be so many perks to the patio project?

The next steps proved overwhelming. The labor was intense - leveling sloped ground, building a frame, hauling 750 bricks and over a ton of gravel and sand. Then, all the math calculations and negotiating cavernous hardware stores. I doubted my abilities. But there was no turning back now or I'd have a mud mess. I sought to hire out the work, but costs, time, and other limitations eliminated that option. I just took a deep breath and built it, brick-by-brick. I asked questions and let go of feeling dumb. I learned a new language (e.g., screeder) gaining respect for masonry skills. Friends and neighbors helped. I ended up with a beautiful patio bricked with lessons in fitness, fuel-saving, thrift, friendship, relaxation, discovery, pride. And fun.

Feeling empowered, I began to look at other ways to shape up and green up my everyday routine I'm not alone in my efforts. As alarm bells sound from experts of all stripes -- environmentalists urging us to cut greenhouse gasses, health experts pressuring us to move our sedentary bodies, economists warning us to be spend-thrift -- the heat is on to change. Simple things you can do:

o UnPlug and Get Out - Power down those electric exercise machines. Get outside, and use your own muscle power to jog, walk, skate, or even dance (health permitting, that is.). “Plugging in” to the natural world can also help soothe anxiety. And get great cardio, strength training and stretching with simple, manual yard or house work: hand weeding, mowing (try a hand mower), hauling compost and mulch, moving pots, leaf raking, sweeping and scrubbing.

o Walk or Pedal - Some of us walk only 4 minutes a day. Plan a time to walk or bike instead of driving to the store, a friend's house, your kid's school, or even work. Gradually add more. Can you make it a weekly habit for common destinations? Daily? In the Netherlands, bikes account for 30% of all urban trips compared with only 1% in the US, but it's catching on. Instead of driving back-and-forth to work, then to the gym just to workout, Alison, faculty at Illinois State University, is enjoying bike-commuting. She's still exercising while saving money and time, which she spends relaxing in her yard to wind down. For safety, ask local officials to support walking and bike lanes.

o Take Care of The Little Things - You want to change but… Your rake is broken. The bike tire is flat. You don't have a lock. What's blocking you from moving forward? It's often little things. Take care of them. Yes it takes some planning, time (usually not much), help (it's ok to need others), and maybe purchases. But you'll be grateful. One friend found that simply adding a basket to her bike made her want to use it for errands, and her kids were thrilled to bike together. Be willing to face your fears or inhibitions. One of mine was of hardware stores, but I just asked for help. If you think biking is hard, consider efforts of Zahia and Teddy, both seasoned faculty at Illinois Wesleyan who taught themselves to bike this summer. Cultural taboos imposed on girls in their home countries prevented them from learning in childhood. “Before, I was always too embarrassed to try, but I just got over it,” said Teddy who spent hours in empty parking lots practicing till she got it, now enjoying cycling outdoors for exercise.

o Have Fun. Greening your routine with sole-power may be hard at first. But you may be surprised at how much you enjoy it, as I was with the patio project and now bike commuting. What are you waiting for? Just take the next step.

References
o Farr, Douglas. “The Built Environment: Where We Are Today.” Chapter 1 in Sustainable Urbanism: Urban Design with Nature. John Wiley and Sons, Inc. 2008.
o Worldwatch Institute. “Good Stuff? Bicycles: A Transportation Revolution.” Accessed Aug 28, 2008 @ http://www.worldwatch.org/node/4130.
o National Wildlife Federation. “Green Hour: Discover the Wonder of Nature.” Accessed Aug 28, 2008 @ http://www.greenhour.org.