Last week I woke up to old news that the arctic is ON FIRE. Since my most recent birthday, I’ve fallen deep into existential anxiety, so that tidbit really got me worried: about myself, my family, my friends, my friends’ children, and the children that my friends or family might someday have.
To avoid exploring that (for now), here’s a brief weather report from Madrid:
In July, the words most commonly used to describe the city were “hellish”, “insufferable”, “miserable”, “disgusting”, “dangerous”, and “unbearable.” Common folklore says that hell is located below our feet; one must descend into its depths. Hell for many, however, is higher up: a fifth floor apartment atop a hill in a mid-July heatwave, summer-camp classrooms and convenience stores that “smell like humanity.” Siberia turning to ash.
August is just a day away, and things are finally cooling down here-but who knows for how long? I am looking forward to the month, hoping the mass vacation exodus isn’t just a myth, and that I’ll get to enjoy empty buses and quiet terrazas.
I’m also dedicating this month to treating my body with some R-E-S-P-E-C-T. I want to be physically prepared for the September uncertainty that awaits me (more on that l8r), and also a middle-aged muscle-man recently told me that it’s now or never. I also want to think about things other than myself, such as the earth.
This is what I’ve come up with so far:
Stop using plastic straws. Quit your Starbucks habit.
Set up an organized & sustainable recyling system at home. Truly make a space for it in both your home and your heart.
Buy local (I am failing so hard at this one).
Share bath-water… and your own tips, if you have any!
