While my intentions are good, the outcome isn't always admirable. Usually I am frustrated and angry and my kids are bummed. So this year I am vowing to take care of my environment, my world. If it helps me keep my kitchen clean to run the dishwasher, I am going to run it. If my kids leave the water running, I'm not going to get upset. And I'm going to let my kids play in the hose and run in the sprinkler this summer.
I'll still use cloth diapers, and my recycling bin will still be more full each week than my trash. I'll still water my flowers out front with my dishwater--but mainly because it reminds me to do it, not because I'm saving a few gallons of water. I still will combine errands in the car or walk--but mainly because it saves me time or keeps me healthier. Most of the kids drawings will still be done on paper that has already been printed on the other side. But I'm not going to try to micro-manage the world anymore. It leaves me feeling helpless in the face of forces that I largely cannot control. Instead I'll manage my world--a place where my actions do have a big impact.
4 comments:
Amen. I like the way you put it. Finding a middle ground. Because the Earth is important, but first the people on the Earth are important.
Good for you!
And Oh goodness I sure do remember that day!!! *shudders at my stupidity*
Typical mormon. Have lots of kids, who will in turn zap resources, but don't feel guilty, because why? Your impact and footprint don't make a difference?
Why are you so entitled?
We did a different take on Earth day this year too. I taught my kids about Earth in relation to the other planets and stars, and a bunch of other outer-space stuff. It was lots of fun!
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