Are bikers all bad?

I am the last member of my family to get my motorbike license, but get it I will! When I do, will I be joining a group with a seriously dirty habit?

Wanting to pass my test poses something of a moral / environmental dilemma for me. Well, more precisly getting a motorbike does, but what is the point in passing my test if I don't invest in a bike? Back to the more pertinent dilemma. Gas. Or more precisely, petrol. Can I justify swapping my lengthy public transport commute for a speedy motorbike? My route is downright dangerous for bikers, so that's a no. Just for fun? Cue endless guilt about needless (and expensive, let's not forget!) fuel going down the metaphorical drain. F1 makes me shudder - vast amounts of fuel and money being burnt with a bit of demeaning female 'glamour' thrown in. That said, I love to drive fast and would give anything to drive the Nurburgring.

If a motorbike was to replace my car (more environmental shame) there are immediate stumbling blocks. Limited space for passengers, human or feline. Minimal space for luggage, which can be tricky on long journeys (my norm is c.4-5 hours on clear roads), and to start with I wouldn't have the experience to stay on that long. So where does that leave me? Not a clue...

There we have it - I am a hypocrite and my contradicting feelings/beliefs have left my head stuck in the sand.

So where is the magical tipping point when an individual will modify their behaviour...?

Is Christmas' halo tainted?

My sister loves fairy lights. As in, she would live in a fairy land lit only by little twinkly lights forever if she could. Especially if you threw in a unicorn for good measure, preferably delivered by warship. It makes sense, in that case, that she loves Christmas for all its accompanying twinkly decorations.  So I knew my opinions had had an effect on someone when, a few years ago, she admitted that the first thing she thought when the Oxford Circus lights were switched on was that it was a waste of electricity.

Oops (for stealing part of her Christmas joy) and yet hurray (for her thinking about the impact of energy use that is essentially only decorative). I am cautious of sounding like Scrooge and a hypocrite at a time of year when joy, generosity and love for others should dominate, but I wonder should I be trying to make my Christmas more responsible, more sustainable? What with all of the cards, wrapping paper, gifts that may end up in the bin or cluttering a dark cupboard, and all the extra travel, that makes for some pretty heavy consumption.

A lot of this I wouldn't dream of giving up - showing someone that you care should never be bumped down the priority list. But it does make me think about the areas I could cut back on. Reuse wrapping paper, public transport or car sharing, asking people what they want rather than buying a gift they'll never use. Eating less food...erm, do I have to do that one? Doesn't the January diet balance it out?! This is a classic example of me being genuinely concerned, but like many people I don't quite know how to tackle the problem and am probably too lazy too.

Oh dear, that's a bit of a downer to start 2013 with. Better start thinking some happy thoughts...x