I was so excited when the blinds were installed that I unrolled them right away. I was rewarded with a big whiff of noxious, new plastic shower curtain odor. I know that smell means volatile organic compounds (VOCs) - but I just don't think about it on a regular basis. Once that smell filled the room, I remembered all the terrible things I know about VOCs and cracked open one of the sliding glass doors to let in some fresh air.
I was then hit with a puff of diesel from a passing truck and turned around with what must have been an exceedingly sour face. One of my co-workers had just walked into the room and began laughing. He asked what my problem was and I told him about the cancer-causing stench around me. His response was,
"Well, there's something stinky to complain about everywhere you go - at least you don't live near a pig farm."
He left me with a pile of papers and something to ponder.
While I care about the environment and consumer habits and want to work to improve both, I definitely don't want to be known for environmentally related histrionics and whining. Had I become a whiner? Did I think my plight was horrible when I should be thankful for what I've got and just shut up? Was I making much ado about nothing? Couldn't I just appreciate my elegant new shades and get on with life?
I know the dangers of VOC's are real. I know they are much more than "stinky." It is true, when living in a city, I am surrounded by things that are unhealthy to breathe. Science has given me substantial evidence that modern building materials, vehicle and industrial emissions are dangerous and need to be reduced or eliminated. But does that mean I must live the rest of my life wearing a mask and staying near an air filter? Or worse, complaining to everyone about how we should all be wearing masks and using air filters? It is true that I can consume consciously, thereby reducing those unhealthy things but I cannot make anyone else do it. It is also true that in the meantime, I've got a life to live.
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