Hello Dolls!
Today is Earth Day (Forty and Fabulous) but by now I should not be telling you anything you don't already know. And actually (you should already know this too) April is Earth Month, but like Black History Month - why acknowledge it for just a month when it affects your entire life?
Black is the New Green is a lifestyle and we need to make some lasting changes. If I know you - and I'm pretty sure I do - you are still being hard-headed and asking what being green can do for you. Well we have established that you can be madsexycool like Diva Zero once you decide to bthenewgreen. Even better than that, you can save cash, be healthier, and save natural resources.
If you reduce your use of paper, electricity and gasoline of course you are going to save money - duh! But when you start thinking that recycling is a pain in the ass, think about this - there is only so much room in a landfill. When landfills get full of your trash, new ones have to be built and guess who pays for that? You, the taxpayer. And not even Barack can help us get around that one. (Yeah, I call him Barack. We go way back - that's how we roll...)
Not convinced? Still think recycling is a pain in the ass? Ok then, precycle. It's easy - don't buy things you don't need, don't buy things that can't be used for a long time and don't buy things that come in a lot of packaging. And while we're at it, don't buy things you can't afford. That ought to take care of most of the problem right there. So now you've helped the environment and your wallet. Bonus: If the bank doesn't have to send you those pesky overdraft notices, you'll save even more paper from being wasted!
If you know me (and a lucky few actually do), you know I am no leaf-eating, tree-hugging health nut. Not that there is anything wrong with that. But being healthy and living green doesn't mean you have to grow your own food and live in a tree. All of the noxious elements you allow into your home - and subsequently into your body - via toxic cleaning supplies, pesticides on (and in) your food, and chemicals in your beauty products, all affect your overall health. And I don't know about y'all, but Diva Zero needs her strength for kicking ass.
Now let's talk about saving natural resources. Why should we do that? Do it for the kids! The concept of legacy is central to the African American experience. Our history is rife with conflict, tragedy and, most importantly, triumph. From enduring slavery to overcoming it, from discrimination, degradation and segregation to taking our rightful, equal place in society, our ancestors have always fought so that we all could have a better life. People died so that you could be free, get an education, and vote. All I'm saying is that the least you can do is reduce your carbon footprint so that those who come after you can enjoy the Earth too. Do it to keep your Black card.
There are plenty more incentives (and trust me dolls, we will eventually get to all of them) but the bottom line is this: If you are at all fond of breathing freely and having access to clean water, you need to bthenewgreen.
Speaking of what green can do for you, go to http://green.yahoo.com/blog/greenpicks/278/earth-day-deals.html for freebies and coupons - most deals are good through the end of the month. Get your free stuff and then celebrate by committing to bthenewgreen.
Happy Earth Day, people.
Go 'head and party,
Diva Zero
Catch my chic.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Saturday, April 10, 2010
You Know What They Say About Big Feet...
Hello Dolls!
Diva Zero is here to settle this once and for all. YES. It is true what they say about big feet! If you are leaving a big footprint, then you really are a huge dick!
Carbon footprint that is.
What did you think I was talking about?
Ok, get your mind out of the gutter and wrap it around this - according to Wikipedia (yes, I did extensive research!) , a carbon footprint is the "total set of greenhouse gases emissions (GHGs) caused by an organization, event or product". But you know me well enough by now to know who it's all about so it's no surprise that I wanted to know what the hell that had to do with me. Well, what I found out is that GHGs are made up of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane. That's the bougie way of saying that the amount of energy I use, my choice of food and the amount of trash I generate all directly affect global warming. And we've already established that a Diva don't like it hot. Or cold. And global warming makes both of those conditions happen so do your part to help a sista out.
You don't have to be an organization, event or product to leave a carbon footprint. You don't even have to be somethin' like a phenomenon like me. Regular people have a carbon footprint too, and we've all got to do better. Black is the New Green and we've got to start playing our position. This is one area we don't need Black people taking pride in being bigger than everyone else. (And while we're on the subject, sometimes it's false pride. Girls, can I get an Amen?!)
Once upon a time, I went to http://www.myfootprint.org and calculated my own carbon footprint. I'm telling you, this website keeps it 100. Its like that guy you go out with just because he asks you all about yourself. He gets you going on and on about yourself and the next thing you know you're looking at his shoes and trying to give him a tight hug to assess the, umm, situation. After you spill your guts and spell out your whole routine, this website tells you exactly what your impact on the environment is by my favorite method - shame. It says "If everyone on the planet lived my lifestyle, we would need [insert number here] Earths".
Yes dolls, when I saw my number, even I had some work to do. Sure, I was already recycling, but I soon realized that I had to stop eating out four days a week and ordering takeout on the other three. Not only was I making someone waste gas and put more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere just to import ingredients from who knows where to cook and deliver my dinner, but my refrigerator was a styrofoam container graveyard! And even the places that have stopped using styrofoam, still use plastic or paper. We all know to stay away from plastic, but we tend to think that paper is fine. I used to think that the paper cups from the coffee shop weren't hurting anything. But, no. The kind of paper used to keep your food from seeping through and to keep your coffee from leaking is coated with a thin layer of plastic that prevents it from being recyclable. Shame on you, Starbucks. So in addition to my reusable coffee cup, I now cook at home more often. That was a tough change for a Diva to make, but wearing a sexy apron and stilettos while stirring helps me keep my swagger. And I invite my man over so I always know what I'm having for dessert.
Calculate your carbon footprint at http://www.myfootprint.org. A word of warning - just like your scale after the holidays or the "talk" on your third date - you're probably not going to like your number. But don't worry, just like Diva Zero, this site then proceeds to break it down. It will tell you exactly where you are fucking up and how to fix it. And out of all of your numbers, this is the one you can most easily decrease. So check out the site, figure out where you stand and start putting your own practices in place to decrease your carbon footprint and stop being such a big dick.
Size does matter,
Diva Zero
Catch my chic.
Diva Zero is here to settle this once and for all. YES. It is true what they say about big feet! If you are leaving a big footprint, then you really are a huge dick!
Carbon footprint that is.
What did you think I was talking about?
Ok, get your mind out of the gutter and wrap it around this - according to Wikipedia (yes, I did extensive research!) , a carbon footprint is the "total set of greenhouse gases emissions (GHGs) caused by an organization, event or product". But you know me well enough by now to know who it's all about so it's no surprise that I wanted to know what the hell that had to do with me. Well, what I found out is that GHGs are made up of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane. That's the bougie way of saying that the amount of energy I use, my choice of food and the amount of trash I generate all directly affect global warming. And we've already established that a Diva don't like it hot. Or cold. And global warming makes both of those conditions happen so do your part to help a sista out.
You don't have to be an organization, event or product to leave a carbon footprint. You don't even have to be somethin' like a phenomenon like me. Regular people have a carbon footprint too, and we've all got to do better. Black is the New Green and we've got to start playing our position. This is one area we don't need Black people taking pride in being bigger than everyone else. (And while we're on the subject, sometimes it's false pride. Girls, can I get an Amen?!)
Once upon a time, I went to http://www.myfootprint.org and calculated my own carbon footprint. I'm telling you, this website keeps it 100. Its like that guy you go out with just because he asks you all about yourself. He gets you going on and on about yourself and the next thing you know you're looking at his shoes and trying to give him a tight hug to assess the, umm, situation. After you spill your guts and spell out your whole routine, this website tells you exactly what your impact on the environment is by my favorite method - shame. It says "If everyone on the planet lived my lifestyle, we would need [insert number here] Earths".
Yes dolls, when I saw my number, even I had some work to do. Sure, I was already recycling, but I soon realized that I had to stop eating out four days a week and ordering takeout on the other three. Not only was I making someone waste gas and put more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere just to import ingredients from who knows where to cook and deliver my dinner, but my refrigerator was a styrofoam container graveyard! And even the places that have stopped using styrofoam, still use plastic or paper. We all know to stay away from plastic, but we tend to think that paper is fine. I used to think that the paper cups from the coffee shop weren't hurting anything. But, no. The kind of paper used to keep your food from seeping through and to keep your coffee from leaking is coated with a thin layer of plastic that prevents it from being recyclable. Shame on you, Starbucks. So in addition to my reusable coffee cup, I now cook at home more often. That was a tough change for a Diva to make, but wearing a sexy apron and stilettos while stirring helps me keep my swagger. And I invite my man over so I always know what I'm having for dessert.
Calculate your carbon footprint at http://www.myfootprint.org. A word of warning - just like your scale after the holidays or the "talk" on your third date - you're probably not going to like your number. But don't worry, just like Diva Zero, this site then proceeds to break it down. It will tell you exactly where you are fucking up and how to fix it. And out of all of your numbers, this is the one you can most easily decrease. So check out the site, figure out where you stand and start putting your own practices in place to decrease your carbon footprint and stop being such a big dick.
Size does matter,
Diva Zero
Catch my chic.
Friday, April 2, 2010
For The Fellas
Hello Dolls!
Now we know what every Diva must do for the environment, but you didn't think I was going to forget about the men did you? Relax - I've got advice for everyone, but the woman always comes first.
Five Things Every Man Should Do for the Environment*
1. Care.
A wise fictional character once said "If your genitals are on the outside, you must be hiding something on the inside." Karen Walker may have been drunk and/or high, but wise nevertheless. Don't worry boys, you can buck the stereotype. Listen up: Caring is sexy. Do it. If only because a sexy woman is telling you to.
2. Recycle.
More specifically, carry your woman's recycling out for her. If you live together, do it before she asks you to. Flex those muscles, show off and make her grateful. Good things happen when a woman is grateful. If you don't live together, learn her neighborhood's recycling pick-up schedule. My man learned my schedule and he shows up on recycling days with a cardboard box and a smile. He reaps many benefits. (Okay, I reap the benefits too - my man is good!!!) The point is, you know you're already tracking her menstrual cycle - the recycling schedule is sexier. And more predictable.
3. Learn.
Nerds are hot, dummies are not. Chances are your girl already knows more about the environment than you do, so at the very least you need to bring yourself up to her level. If you think you already know enough, you're wrong. The environment is like your woman's pleasure: there is always more to discover and if you get lazy and complacent it may not be there when you need it. Go ahead and take either one for granted - the damage is irreversible.
4. Give.
Give environmentally friendly gifts whenever possible, especially to your woman. These items can be incredibly affordable and are classic "it's the thought that counts" fodder. Give your woman cute reusable shopping bags, an adorable coffee mug for work or buy CFL bulbs and then take your shirt off and replace all the bulbs in her house. If you're really Mr. Big Stuff, buy her an energy efficient appliance. Anything from a programmable thermostat to an Energy Star water heater would do the trick. Send the message that not only do you care about the environment, you care about her environment. I've already told you what happens when a woman is grateful. And to really seal the deal, add a whisper of "I want to leave the world a better place for our children." (Be careful with this one though. If you're not ready for those children then you'll create a shitload of other problems!)
5. Share.
Tell all your boys, your family, your coworkers - tell every other man you know about these tips. You will help create a better world and better relationships. And they will all think you are the smartest guy they know. Try on Black is the New Green - better living through being better than everyone else.
* Some of you gals may be wondering why there are ten things a Diva must do and only five things a man should do. Well the burden always falls on us, doesn't it ladies? Just kidding! First of all, nice attention to detail - I'm glad you noticed. Second of all, think about it - in five short steps, we've gotten him to do half of our "must-dos" for us! That is what being a Diva is all about - work it smarter and you ain't gotta work it harder. You're getting free labor, gifts and better sex all for the greater good. And no, I didn't tell him to buy our fuel-efficient car for us - don't get greedy, bitch.
Don't get it twisted,
Diva Zero
Catch my chic.
Now we know what every Diva must do for the environment, but you didn't think I was going to forget about the men did you? Relax - I've got advice for everyone, but the woman always comes first.
Five Things Every Man Should Do for the Environment*
1. Care.
A wise fictional character once said "If your genitals are on the outside, you must be hiding something on the inside." Karen Walker may have been drunk and/or high, but wise nevertheless. Don't worry boys, you can buck the stereotype. Listen up: Caring is sexy. Do it. If only because a sexy woman is telling you to.
2. Recycle.
More specifically, carry your woman's recycling out for her. If you live together, do it before she asks you to. Flex those muscles, show off and make her grateful. Good things happen when a woman is grateful. If you don't live together, learn her neighborhood's recycling pick-up schedule. My man learned my schedule and he shows up on recycling days with a cardboard box and a smile. He reaps many benefits. (Okay, I reap the benefits too - my man is good!!!) The point is, you know you're already tracking her menstrual cycle - the recycling schedule is sexier. And more predictable.
3. Learn.
Nerds are hot, dummies are not. Chances are your girl already knows more about the environment than you do, so at the very least you need to bring yourself up to her level. If you think you already know enough, you're wrong. The environment is like your woman's pleasure: there is always more to discover and if you get lazy and complacent it may not be there when you need it. Go ahead and take either one for granted - the damage is irreversible.
4. Give.
Give environmentally friendly gifts whenever possible, especially to your woman. These items can be incredibly affordable and are classic "it's the thought that counts" fodder. Give your woman cute reusable shopping bags, an adorable coffee mug for work or buy CFL bulbs and then take your shirt off and replace all the bulbs in her house. If you're really Mr. Big Stuff, buy her an energy efficient appliance. Anything from a programmable thermostat to an Energy Star water heater would do the trick. Send the message that not only do you care about the environment, you care about her environment. I've already told you what happens when a woman is grateful. And to really seal the deal, add a whisper of "I want to leave the world a better place for our children." (Be careful with this one though. If you're not ready for those children then you'll create a shitload of other problems!)
5. Share.
Tell all your boys, your family, your coworkers - tell every other man you know about these tips. You will help create a better world and better relationships. And they will all think you are the smartest guy they know. Try on Black is the New Green - better living through being better than everyone else.
* Some of you gals may be wondering why there are ten things a Diva must do and only five things a man should do. Well the burden always falls on us, doesn't it ladies? Just kidding! First of all, nice attention to detail - I'm glad you noticed. Second of all, think about it - in five short steps, we've gotten him to do half of our "must-dos" for us! That is what being a Diva is all about - work it smarter and you ain't gotta work it harder. You're getting free labor, gifts and better sex all for the greater good. And no, I didn't tell him to buy our fuel-efficient car for us - don't get greedy, bitch.
Don't get it twisted,
Diva Zero
Catch my chic.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Countdown to Earth Hour
Hello Dolls!
I know you read the last post and you are kind of convinced, but now you are wondering what on earth (haha - get it?) you are going to do in the dark for an hour. Well, I have the answers yet again. Here is Diva Zero's Top Ten Countdown of What to Do in the Dark:
10. Take a nap. One of my favorite pastimes, light or dark.
9. Pray. I know for most of you this will take about 30 seconds. How about you spend the rest of the time repenting? That should take up the next 59 1/2 minutes and then some, you sinners...
8. Use a flashlight or candle and make shadow puppets on the wall. Extra points for the dirty ones!
7. Write your 25 Random Facts for your Facebook profile. I don't usually endorse Facebook, but I'm willing to overlook how much it sucks just this once. What the hell - it's for the Earth!
6. Walk around your neighborhood and pass judgment on people who still have their lights on. I know you think you can take everyone but don't do this one alone - safety first! And if you're going around saying "I can take 'em", you probably can't.
5. Play with your........................................digital camera. Take funky pictures in the dark with the flash on. Who knows - you could be a talented photographer on par with Jamila Sams or Warren Grant! Nah, you're not that good. (Don't believe me? Check out http://akomaphoto.com/ and http://www.warrengrantphotography.com/. Fabulous.)
4. Write a heartfelt message to me about how my commitment to the environment has inspired you and changed your life. I know how important I have become to you, but it would be nice to hear it from you for a change.
3. Write a nasty message to me about how bored you are for an hour in the dark. Not recommended.
2. Prepare your rebuttal for when I tell you what a boring person you are that you couldn't entertain yourself for an hour in the dark. I'm telling you - number 3 is not recommended. If you choose to do it, you will get your feelings hurt.
1. Have sex. It's not rocket science, people!!! (By the way, no need to thank me or tell me about this one.)
So what are you doing for Earth Hour? I wouldn't ask if I didn't really want to know...
Holla back,
Diva Zero
Catch my chic.
I know you read the last post and you are kind of convinced, but now you are wondering what on earth (haha - get it?) you are going to do in the dark for an hour. Well, I have the answers yet again. Here is Diva Zero's Top Ten Countdown of What to Do in the Dark:
10. Take a nap. One of my favorite pastimes, light or dark.
9. Pray. I know for most of you this will take about 30 seconds. How about you spend the rest of the time repenting? That should take up the next 59 1/2 minutes and then some, you sinners...
8. Use a flashlight or candle and make shadow puppets on the wall. Extra points for the dirty ones!
7. Write your 25 Random Facts for your Facebook profile. I don't usually endorse Facebook, but I'm willing to overlook how much it sucks just this once. What the hell - it's for the Earth!
6. Walk around your neighborhood and pass judgment on people who still have their lights on. I know you think you can take everyone but don't do this one alone - safety first! And if you're going around saying "I can take 'em", you probably can't.
5. Play with your........................................digital camera. Take funky pictures in the dark with the flash on. Who knows - you could be a talented photographer on par with Jamila Sams or Warren Grant! Nah, you're not that good. (Don't believe me? Check out http://akomaphoto.com/ and http://www.warrengrantphotography.com/. Fabulous.)
4. Write a heartfelt message to me about how my commitment to the environment has inspired you and changed your life. I know how important I have become to you, but it would be nice to hear it from you for a change.
3. Write a nasty message to me about how bored you are for an hour in the dark. Not recommended.
2. Prepare your rebuttal for when I tell you what a boring person you are that you couldn't entertain yourself for an hour in the dark. I'm telling you - number 3 is not recommended. If you choose to do it, you will get your feelings hurt.
1. Have sex. It's not rocket science, people!!! (By the way, no need to thank me or tell me about this one.)
So what are you doing for Earth Hour? I wouldn't ask if I didn't really want to know...
Holla back,
Diva Zero
Catch my chic.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Earth Hour 2010
Hello Dolls!
Earth Hour is coming up on Saturday, March 27, 8:30pm-9:30pm, local time. Haven't heard of it? Shame on you. But never fear, Diva Zero is here to break it down.
What - This is an initiative started by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and it is a global call to action to impact climate change. I know - what does wildlife have to do with climate change? Well, geniuses, climate change affects us and we are animals, right? (Some more than others, but that is an entirely different blog.) And just imagine all those polar bears struggling to stay on ever-shrinking islands of ice. Awww!
It doesn't matter where you come down on the issue of animal rights. Whether you love 'em, hate 'em or just love their meat, fur or skin, we all agree that we need animals around. WWF has taken the lead on this important issue that ultimately benefits you and other wild things.
How - Turn all your lights and other electrically-powered anythings off for one hour. When Earth Hour started three years ago in Sydney, Australia, turning the lights off in one city for one hour had the equivalent effect of taking 48,000 cars off the road! Now, nearly one billion people from 4,100 cities in 87 countries on all seven continents participated last year and, with your help, Earth Hour 2010 can be even bigger. And you've always wanted to be important.
Where - During past Earth Hours, landmarks including the Golden Gate Bridge, Empire State Building, Eiffel Tower and Great Pyramids have gone dark alongside the city skylines of San Francisco, New York, Paris, and Cairo. To see it for yourself, check out this video: http://www.myearthhour.org/earth-hour-video. (Go ahead - it will take less than 3 minutes of your life and you know you ain't doing anything anyway!)
When - Saturday, March 27, 8:30pm-9:30pm, local time. I said that already - come on people, pay attention!
Why - Because I said so. If you need more of a reason than that, go to http://www.myearthhour.org/ to find out what a big difference you can make. But seriously, I thought we were past that by now - my word should be good enough.
Who - You, bitches!
So go ahead and turn those lights off. Because honestly - wouldn't it be nice if, just for once, your lights went out by choice and not because your triflin' ass didn't pay the bill?
I'll see you in the dark,
Diva Zero
Catch my chic.
Earth Hour is coming up on Saturday, March 27, 8:30pm-9:30pm, local time. Haven't heard of it? Shame on you. But never fear, Diva Zero is here to break it down.
What - This is an initiative started by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and it is a global call to action to impact climate change. I know - what does wildlife have to do with climate change? Well, geniuses, climate change affects us and we are animals, right? (Some more than others, but that is an entirely different blog.) And just imagine all those polar bears struggling to stay on ever-shrinking islands of ice. Awww!
It doesn't matter where you come down on the issue of animal rights. Whether you love 'em, hate 'em or just love their meat, fur or skin, we all agree that we need animals around. WWF has taken the lead on this important issue that ultimately benefits you and other wild things.
How - Turn all your lights and other electrically-powered anythings off for one hour. When Earth Hour started three years ago in Sydney, Australia, turning the lights off in one city for one hour had the equivalent effect of taking 48,000 cars off the road! Now, nearly one billion people from 4,100 cities in 87 countries on all seven continents participated last year and, with your help, Earth Hour 2010 can be even bigger. And you've always wanted to be important.
Where - During past Earth Hours, landmarks including the Golden Gate Bridge, Empire State Building, Eiffel Tower and Great Pyramids have gone dark alongside the city skylines of San Francisco, New York, Paris, and Cairo. To see it for yourself, check out this video: http://www.myearthhour.org/earth-hour-video. (Go ahead - it will take less than 3 minutes of your life and you know you ain't doing anything anyway!)
When - Saturday, March 27, 8:30pm-9:30pm, local time. I said that already - come on people, pay attention!
Why - Because I said so. If you need more of a reason than that, go to http://www.myearthhour.org/ to find out what a big difference you can make. But seriously, I thought we were past that by now - my word should be good enough.
Who - You, bitches!
So go ahead and turn those lights off. Because honestly - wouldn't it be nice if, just for once, your lights went out by choice and not because your triflin' ass didn't pay the bill?
I'll see you in the dark,
Diva Zero
Catch my chic.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
What Every Diva Must Do
Hello Dolls!
Diva Zero promised to be there for you and here I am. Black is the New Green starts - as all great styles do - with a set of high quality basics. For many of my girls, going green is like jumping into a hot bath. And nobody likes a burnt...toe. So, let's just ease into it, shall we?
Ten Things Every Diva Must Do For the Environment
1. Use reusable bags for shopping.
2. Drive a fuel-efficient car.
3. Walk more.
4. Use a coffee mug.
5. Use a water filter.
6. Use CFL light bulbs.
7. Wash your laundry in cold water and hang it to dry.
8. Observe Earth Day every day.
9. Recycle.
10. Tell everyone you know to do the first 9 things.
Diva Zero promised to be there for you and here I am. Black is the New Green starts - as all great styles do - with a set of high quality basics. For many of my girls, going green is like jumping into a hot bath. And nobody likes a burnt...toe. So, let's just ease into it, shall we?
Ten Things Every Diva Must Do For the Environment
1. Use reusable bags for shopping.
There are so many cute styles out there - how can you resist? Every color, every shape - you can express yourself in every way. One of the cutest I've seen said "I'm on an eco-trip". Simply fab.
2. Drive a fuel-efficient car.
Let's face it - not everyone can afford a hybrid, but there are plenty of other options out there. I am partial to the Toyota Yaris, but you should follow your own style. Find your chic. Every major automobile manufacturer has a fuel-efficient model and they are getting cuter and less expensive every year so there is no reason you shouldn't be riding this wave. Besides, pumping gas is unladylike - you should do it as little as possible.
3. Walk more.
I know. This sounds counterintuitive. But girl, you know you don't belong to a gym! And if you do, you don't go and if you go, you don't work out - you just go to show off your newest sexy workout gear. So stop frontin', park your fuel-efficient ride once in awhile and walk! It's good for the environment, it's the most exercise you're going to get all day and you've got to keep that booty in shape!
4. Use a coffee mug.
I've been known to transport mimosas in mine, but let's keep that between us. A reusable, transportable coffee mug is just one more opportunity for you to express yourself. And what self-respecting diva turns that down?
5. Use a water filter.
Is an explanation even necessary? Plastic is like pleather - your skin shouldn't be touching either of them.
6. Use CFL light bulbs.
Hello!?! We look fantastic in soft light!
7. Wash your laundry in cold water and hang it to dry.
Not only does this save energy, it saves you money by not having to heat water to wash or having to heat air to dry. You should be wearing delicates anyway.
8. Observe Earth Day every day.
You know how you celebrate your birthday for the entire month and then try to stretch it out even more? Its kind of like that.
9. Recycle.
Just do it. It's not always cute, but it is a fundamental principle. Divas are nothing without principles.
10. Tell everyone you know to do the first 9 things.
You are a trendsetter after all, right?
Kisses,
Diva Zero Catch my chic.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Diva Knows Best
Ok - it's 2010 and I still have friends who are more interested in recycling men than recycling their weekly cache of empty wine bottles. And believe me, with the men these bitches date, the bottles have a better shot at a bright future. But it's not just the girls - some of my guys and my gays are acting just as ignorant! And it's ridiculous because environmental awareness is pervasive - everyone knows about going green, being green and living green. So why in this day and age do I still have to talk some sense into these people? Because I'm a trendsetter, obviously. But that's the easy answer and I am a proponent of living a deeper truth. If you are brave enough, cool enough and smart enough, then settle in while I tell you all about it.
The truth is, awareness isn't the issue, caring is. And caring is always hard - you have to act on it and shit. Yes, my darlings, there's always a catch. It is hard, but I am here to say get over it!!! If you aren't doing your part to help the Earth by now, you are either ridiculously sheltered (in which case you probably think the Devil is talking to you through the computer screen and you've got bigger problems than global warming) or you are incredibly stupid. What else do you call someone who, in the face of overwhelming scientific evidence, refuses to put any effort into taking care of where they live? (Did you say George Bush? Jinx!!! You owe me a Coke!)
Who am I to say any of this? Maybe nobody. But I did say it. Therefore, I am somebody. And isn't that how all movements start? I am somebody! (Shout out to Jesse Jackson! Just to clarify, I mean vintage, Rainbow Coalition Jesse, not the more recent, way bitter, Obama-bashing Jesse.) The good news is you can be somebody too. It doesn't take much. Truth be told, I am fairly lazy and non-committal. I go to work every day and do a damn good job, but outside of that, television, a good drink, good sex and a good nap are a few of my favorite things. I didn't start caring about the environment until about three years ago. After nearly three decades of fabulous living, my email (paperless!) announcement of my newfound eco-consciousness was met with disdain and disbelief from family and friends. The exact responses ranged from "Oh, now I've heard it all!" to "This can't be real" to "WTF?"
And who can blame them? When you think 'environmentalist', you think of hippies, activists and maybe Al Gore. Certainly not the cute Black chick who doesn't like nature. Yes, I say that. Often. But what I mean is I don't like to be in nature. You will never catch me camping or riding a bike to work, but just because I don't want to roll around on the Earth doesn't mean I don't want the Earth to be there and be healthy! I love nature. As long I'm looking at it from inside of my energy-efficient house. And I know you feel me. Black people don't like water (don't be messin' with our hair) and we don't like the sun (it's hot - and aren't we dark enough already?). Nevertheless, that does not excuse us from playing a prominent role in the fight to save the Earth.
The fact is, if I can care, anyone can care. I was fashionably late to the party, but so what? I'm here now and that's all that matters. I can care about the Earth and my impact on it as much as I care about celebrity gossip and what's in this season - Black is the new green. Now I just need everyone to get in style. Are we seriously going to leave this all up to Al? I love the guy, but please - the Black community is supposed to take the lead on what's hot - why should this issue be any different? We are the people who got (some) white people to start calling themselves "wiggas". Now that's power. Let's use it for good and not evil ('cause wigga was not cute).
Environmental issues affect our community in every way: financially, medically, politically - the list goes on. Do you wonder if you can even afford to live in an environmentally responsible way? Have you ever stopped to consider why asthma is so rampant in the Black community? Did you know that the first choice for toxic waste dumpsites in the United States has historically been in predominantly Black areas?
I don't know everything but I know enough to start asking the questions. And while I am finding the answers I can still take postiive action. No one can do everything, but we can all do the best we can. And don't get it twisted - it's going to take all of us. I don't care if you are a career girl, 'round the way girl, baby mama or BAP. You can be a college man, a corner man, a family man or an into-men man - we need you all. Black really is the new green and like every movement we lead, supporters of every color are more than welcome too. All you've got to do is start where you are and start now. It won't always be easy, but I'll be here the whole time to help guide you through.
Black is the New Green. It's an epidemic. If you are reading this, you are already infected. You may start to feel the symptoms right away or you may have some time before you start feeling the effects. Either way, trust me - it's in your system. All epidemics start with one person - the carrier. Well dolls, allow me to introduce myself: I am Diva Zero. And you are going to catch my chic.
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