The M Files

The 40^th anniversary of Earth Day is Thursday, April 22. In past years I’ve let the day come and go without more than a fleeting thought. After all, everyday should be Earth Day, right? This year will be different. For a number of reasons, including a recent commitment to routinely engage in social media, my environmental awareness is at heightened level.

This year I’ll commit to introducing several small changes to my routine with the hope that some or all of them will become permanent. Small steps, as opposed to bold measures, are the key to sustaining lasting change. Taking bunches of small steps over the course of five or 10 years, while remaining focused on a big vision, can produce incredible results. And small changes can easily be permanently incorporated into daily life. Seemingly crazy goals can be achieved in this manner.

I have a couple of personal examples framed over the course of the past decade:

• Transformation from regular guy to Ironman triathlon* finisher.
• Fourfold growth of our energy services business unit at McClure Company.

Both goals were achieved as a result of casting bold visions and implementing a long series of small, sustainable, deliberate steps. Both were reached in the face of plenty of naysayers and obstacles.

Back to Earth Day

Please join me as I blog about my activities over the course of the next several days. It should be fun. The highlight of my weekend will be parking my BMW in favor of a Ford Fusion hybrid from the trusting team at LB Smith Ford Lincoln Mercury.

How do I feel about hybrids? Let’s just say this VW commercial makes me laugh out loud.

I’m unconvinced that hybrid gas/electric vehicles are the right incremental step to achieve the bold vision of a sustainable and energy secure future. It seems we could do better by advancing other technologies. That said, I drive a lot. It’s the least green thing I do.

I take the train and car pool when able but could definitely reduce my carbon footprint by burning less gas. Will this short-term change make a lasting difference in my perspective? Stayed tuned, and we’ll find out together.

*Most often associated with the Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI, an Ironman distance triathlon consists of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run. Contestants have 17 hours to finish the race. I completed a full distance Ironman in Lake Placid, NY in 2007 in slightly over 12 hours. I intend on returning there in 2011 and crushing that time.