optimism

I recently had dinner with a friend who teaches environmental science at our local college. “I feel like the voice of doom,” he confided. “Everything I tell them is depressing. I just wish I could find something to give them some hope.” He asked how I keep myself hopeful in the midst of so much bad news.

I don’t watch regular TV news because I am not desensitized to the hype and hysteria of the ‘if it bleeds it leads’ mentality. However, with a new administration taking office (yay!) there seems to be an air of optimism everywhere, even in the news. I flipped on my set to watch my favorite news show: Rachel Maddow, and while channel surfing during commercials, I saw great stories about kindness and good deeds.

I often get invited to conferences and consumer shows to offer up my advice for living a greener, healthier life. After outlining all the ways we’re polluting our planet and our own bodies — along with advice on what we can do about it — I frequently end with a chirpy “thank-you for listening. Have a great day!” And I’m often met with incredulity. Finally one person asked me outright how I could remain so upbeat and energetic knowing everything I do about our planet’s peril. It’s a good question.