Kids Can Be Green Too!

I think that we need to include our children in our efforts to save the world. Maybe really, it is them encouraging us to help them save the planet.

I have been a tree hugger for as long as I can remember. I have raised my children as well to respect mother nature and take care of her. When we would walk through the woods, my son used to like to whack the trees and pull the branches. I told him, one day, those trees would get him back. How would he like it if those trees pulled his hair and smacked him around. He looked at me like I was insane. He was five. That same day, I kid you not, as we were walking back a tree branch flung up and hit him in the shoulder. Believe me, well all just stood there. He didn't know if he should cry or what. I told him, "I told you they would get you back." He never pulled or smacked another tree. He hugs them now when he needs to feel grounded. Makes me proud.

Now my children are slightly older, 12 and 9. My daughter now does the dishes. I remind her daily, to not keep the water running as she is rinsing. To wait until the sink is full of clean dishes or to fill that sink with water and then dip the dishes into that water to rinse.

They do not use toothpaste pumps, because they supply to much waste. They don't leave the water running the entire time either.

My son is clever, he doesn't flush... I yell at him... it's gross... he says that he is conserving water. While I know people do that, and that it is smart.... that one, I can't do. Flush... please... it is a viable alternative to pollution caused by the smell left behind and building in the potty.

We don't use paper towels or cups. We do use water bottles that we refill.

My son and his friends get together to swap toys they no longer want instead of throwing them out. If a toy isn't traded and not wanted, we donate it to the homeless shelter or to good will.

My daughter swaps clothes. She loves it. It is a new wardrobe to her... and to her friends.

There are ways they can protect the environment and you can help. Going green doens't have to be expensive. It can really be done for free. It is the small things that make the biggest impact.

Hug a tree... plant a flower.... stand bare foot in the dirt... recycle....

Soap Box Time

Well, there is one thing that is very near and dear to my heart that I have yet to blog about. Shame on me for this!

The environment, mother nature, the green earth and the blue waters. We need to be taking care of these very precious commodities. While you may think that this blog is due to the big Earth concert this past weekend, it isn't. Those that know me, will laugh while they tell you that I do in fact hug trees and they have seen me do it. They think I am insane when I tell them to hug one as well. Hey, until you have done it, don't knock it. It is a truly energizing experience.

There are times that I have journeyed into the middle of the forest, just to sit and listen to the trees. As I pointed out to my husband the last time we walked through the woods, have you ever noticed that not all trees sway a breeze. Have you ever stopped to listen to them talk? You should, part of the problem with our society is that we are not intune with mother nature.

There are simple little things that you can do to "go green" and not totally change your way of life, so there goes that excuse.

For example, when you shower, brush your teeth during your shower. Try to keep that shower to three minutes. Do you realize that the water you use in a 3 minute shower is more water then a person in Africa uses for an entire day for all their needs. Stop and think about that.

What's her name, Tyra Banks, believes in only flushing when needed. Which I assume means after going number 2 or multiple times of number 1. Ok, sorry Tyra, that is just nasty. Because the smell that is created is toxic enough, please flush.

Use refillable water bottles. Even if you are recycling, refill them.

Check out and up and coming website all about the going green and the funny stories that go along with it. www.beturtle.com!

I highly recommend it, and who knows I may become a writer for them as well. I hope anyway.

Oh! Speaking of writing. I gave up the note book and went to the laptop. Even though I used recycled note book paper.... I still used to much of it. So now, Word is my friend and it all gets saved on the computer. Mistake = delete!

Be kind to mother nature!