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Ecofeminism
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Dianne McDonald
Dianne McDonald is a weekly columnist for the Patriot Ledger in Quincy, MA. Her “Everyday Feminist” column addresses the topics that are important to “womyn” with a feminist perspective. Dianne has been an ethnographic researcher investigating women’s-only spaces and the community that those spaces promote. Dianne graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a degree in Women’s Studies. She lives in Marshfield, MA with her husband Jason, and their five children aged two through 19.
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Dianne McDonald | WomenCo.
August 08, 2008
Gas prices make us cringe. Ninety-three dollars to fill my SUV last week. Sad, but true.
Old habits die hard. Many of us still spend hours per day in our cars. Ever have a day when your errands seem to span the length of Route 3?
Carbon emissions from our vehicles are depleting our ozone. What’s a poor little feminist to do?
Anything and everything, that’s what.
Public transportation is a savvy alternative to traffic jams. Biking and walking are other options. What about those who don’t have access to public transportation and wouldn’t be caught dead even attempting to bike to work because we’d arrive as mangled, exhausted sweatballs?
You could plan your errands around your commute, saving later trips in the vehicle. Go to the post office, library, etc., on your way to work. Go to the grocery store on your way home.
There are hybrid vehicles and economy cars. Won’t, or can’t, trade in that gas-guzzling SUV? Try a carpool with a colleague.
The environment is a feminist issue, too. Ecofeminism is when feminists get involved in environmentalism. Don’t forget that our social system was forever dominated by patriarchy, and under this structure, the world has been dirtied and broken. We see the effects now and try to fix them.
We all want to save money at the pump. Less driving equals more money saved. It helps save the environment as well.
It all starts with a conscious decision to make a difference: “My name is Dianne. I own an SUV. Today, I will try to make an effort to drive less.”
There. That wasn’t so bad. I think I’ll go for a walk to the park with the kids.
Enjoy your newfound environmentalism. Activism has never been easier.
Insanitek
3 months ago
302 comments
Thanks for the inspiration! I'm already green, but I could use far more support since no one in my physical community seems to understand that.
Gabby_T
3 months ago
2 comments
I enjoyed this article. I will make a conscious effort to pass on eco- friendly ideas to my family and friends. As well as implement them in my daily life. Thanks Dianne the article was great!! I'm enjoying my new found environmentalism!
ShannonPDX
3 months ago
52 comments
Keep going! You're doing very important work.
AJaneChambers
3 months ago
188 comments
We have started watching and learning more about ecological issues and global warming effects. Thanks, Dianne, for continuing to expand our awareness of environmental issues and how we can make a difference.
SheMentor
3 months ago
94 comments
My father owns a fairly large wind farm in West Texas; yet, his daughter drives an SUV!! They tease me about that all the time, but it has seriously started to get to me. I live in a place where there is essentially no public transportation, but I'm going to commit to doing a better job of trying to reach out and find a "carpool" - at least a few days a week!
TheEverydayFeminist
3 months ago
486 comments
This topic is the first in a series of articles I am writing. I am learning lots about ecofeminism, so bear with my novice opinions for now- Thanks everyone :)
kar23
3 months ago
76 comments
I like connecting issues- so often we think of each political topic in a vaccuum- not as the interconnected web they all are. I've truly been trying to be more cognizant of recycling, energy use, and buying green/organic/local. It really is a culture shift, but like I say for violence against women- look at the public's perception of smoking in public or at all. Major culture shift is possible within a lifetime. Thanks, Dianne!
pjricher
3 months ago
86 comments
Great point, Dianne. One of my favorite ideas (a long-term one that, granted, isn't for everyone) is working with your employer toward telecommuting (also now called "teleworking") one or more days a week. If we all chip in to the effort when we can, we will make a difference. Oh, and thanks for the clarification on the word itself.