I am and always will be a skeptic. That is, a person inclined to question or doubt all accepted opinions. I think as lawyers that is either how we are wired or how we were rewired in law school. So whether or not you acknowledge the skeptic in you, she is probably in there, lurking, rolling her eyes, and mumbling under her breath. Because of this personality trait, I'm not always the first to accept "green" methodologies. Here's the thing though - in your quest for super hero status as the Enviro-Avenger, your skeptical under ego will help you win the war against the evil mastermind the Green Washer.

What I'm talking about here is, of course, the recent wave of products calling themselves "green" or the "sustainable" alternative. For example, a very popular brand of bleach started adverstising how "natural" its product is for the home and touting it as an alternative to other types of "harsh" cleaners. It quickly stopped this type of advertising when the Federal Trade Commission came knocking on the door. Now, if you response to this last story was, "What?! Bleach is bad?" Stop reading now and call me. But, if you, like me, rolled your eyes at this, then give you skeptical self a good pat on the back because this is the part of you that will help you separate the true steps to a greener life from the steps that will lead you to help build Green Washer's minions.

All this is to say, be conscious and active in your choices to help green your life and legal practice. Sure, it is great if you have helped your law firm buy compostable cups and silverware, but if no one actually composts them, you may be better off just buying regular plastic cups and silverware.

What has been your greatest Enviro-Avenger moment?