Yesterday I was showering in the group showering stalls at the YMCA after a swim, doing my usual routine of turning on and off the water for rinsing, shaving, sudsing, etc. While showering I realized that the woman on the other side of the stall had two showers going. One for her and one for her swim suit (to rinse it out). I tried to ignore it but couldn't. I kept thinking ...okay NOW shes going to turn it off..no...ok NOW she will (pause pause pause) NO.... After about 4 minutes of 2 showers running I finally got up the courage to say "Do you mind if I turn this shower off? Its really wasting a lot of water and we are having a water shortage this summer..." She took a moment to look at me like I was an alien from outer space and then just laughed at me, turned her swim suit over (I guess the other side needed a 5 minute rinse too) and then went back to showering. It was so frustrating and embarrassing but I am glad I did it. I knew if I didn't that I would be kicking myself all day wishing I had said something.
I thought, "Well, that was fruitless!" But maybe not....maybe ,not likely, but maybe she will think about what I said the next time she takes a DOUBLE shower.
What I decided I CAN do that may have some impact is write a letter to the head of the SR YMCA explaining all the water wasting I see in the bathrooms (This is not the first incident like this I have witnessed at the Y) and ask that they post signs about water conservation in their bathrooms. It would be to their benefit financially and everyones benefit environmentally.
2 comments:
I think this story highlights another type of activism, personal activism. I'll think of you next time I want to say something and almost hold myself back.
Good for you, Emily! Not easy. We were at Toy R Us weeks ago and one of the toilets kept flushing itself. We were at the San Rafael location. I couldn't find anyone that seemed to speak English to tell except for the one person at checkout (we were not buying anything) and there was a long line, so I just left. (After pacing the store for about 15 - 20 minutes strategizing who to tell) I was wracked with guilt and even hesitated getting into the car for a bit debating on going back in. I didn't and I still feel terrible about it. I didn't even have to confront someone about their personal use, but had this slight fear of being the "weirdo" who cares enough to say something. I felt shameful leaving. Your story will push me to just say it next time, and not care what others think. Doing right is better then looking right.
Post a Comment