One of the main problems with chronic pain or illness is the lack of energy. It saps you of motivation, enthusiasm, and more often than not, easier, less green options are more appealing. It takes energy to make changes, to maintain a garden, to cook from scratch, to sew and clean, to walk to places, etc. Usually, money is prioritised to medicines and treatments, leaving less to spend on local organic foods (that are typically quite expensive).
As a chronic pain sufferer, dealing with multiple, complicated illnesses1, my green journey is slower and more gradual. Many times I have been a little less eco-conscious in one area, to enable me to work on another area. For example, Melbourne has very low water levels, but I will take an extra long hot shower to reduce pain levels enough so I can apply mulch to the garden. The Spoon Theory is an excellent description of the challenges that the chronically ill face every day.
Going greener while chronically ill is a complex balancing act. Work and studies can also greatly tip this balance, especially when there are massive deadlines that require a lot of overtime and energy to meet. Usually, energy is prioritised into work, family, friends, self, hobbies and then any other projects. Physical work (like gardening), is often one of the first casualties. Sometimes, medications can also decimate energy levels and the immune system2.
I find it useful to focus on some of the smaller changes when the pain flares, and deal with the bigger projects when the energy is there. Unfortunately, this means the bigger projects keep getting put off as I'm one of those who prioritise work first - which currently takes all my energy and more - going into rather a bad spoon deficit at the moment.
- Use a compost bin - the tub in the kitchen doesn't get emptied each day (lots of steps - steep block), and sometimes when it's full, a small amount of organic scraps do go into the normal rubbish.
- Collect rinse/shower water to use on potted plants - I take out the jug/bucket when I am capable of lifting it. When it's full, some water does go down the drain.
- Use eco-friendly cleaners - sometimes I am not able to make my own, so I spend (quite a bit) extra to buy eco-friendly products from the supermarket (Ecover, Seventh Generation, Earth Choice are my typical brands). A bonus is that these products are usually low irritant, something that is important for many chronic illness patients.
- Repair/re-purpose clothes - I have a growing pile of clothes that are awaiting repair, or re-purposing as quilts, rugs or rags. As my hands are one of the worst hit by my health conditions, sewing and crafting are often put off, typing for work is higher priority. But, I don't throw out clothing made of fabrics that I can re-use elsewhere.
- Wear (good quality) clothing out - I purposefully choose not to follow the fashions, and instead buy good quality clothing. It's winter now, and I have previously invested in good quality merino layers, a hat and some scarves, and a good, warm coat - excellent for cold weather to maintain little warmth - necessary to manage one of my illnesses. It means I don't need to have the heater on as high. Merino wears extremely well, which means I need to do fewer loads in the washing machine.
- Cook in small-but-bulk-quantities - but only on days when I have enough energy, and it usually takes me a few days to recover. But I have a freezer stocked with dinners and lunches that I can reheat as necessary. Therefore, I rely less on take away, and produce less waste (dishes are frozen in reusable glass or plastic containers).
I believe that every little bit counts - a bit is more than nothing at all! Small changes add up over time!
1 - Some of my chronic and severe medical conditions: adenomyosis, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, costochondritis, Raynaud's syndrome, Moreton's neuromas, migraines, sciatica, bruxism, kidney disease, chronic sinusitis, and more.
2 - I am currently on a nasty anti-cancer medication to hopefully shrink the large (but benign) adenomyoma growth, which has a host of awful side effects, further denting my greening plans. Most of my illnesses are nerve or inflammation related, but due to the kidney disease, it is not safe for me to have anti-inflammatory medication.
Each month I am posting a 'Going green' tip for a year long electronic swap.
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