Global responsibiltiy.

photo of a big oak in our front yard

It's Earth Day.

I must admit for a long time

(the greater part of my 32 years)

this day didn't mean a whole lot to me.

Fun activities to do at school,

themed television shows,

save the Earth,

blah, blah, blah.

Then,

I had children.

A pull to make this planet the best it could be.

For them, their children, all children.

Suddenly,

I had a new consciousnss.

An awakening to what throwing a diaper or a can

in the garbage really meant.

Chemicals in food, cleaning products, chemicals everywhere.

Now, I must admit...

my enlightenment can be shortlived at times.

I can't always get to Trader Joe's or buy the food I'd like,

I don't always want to rinse out every recyclable that crosses my path,

or is it feasible to clump earrands together to reduce my carbon footprint.

However,

I am aware.

I make a concerted effort everyday.

Rosie wore cloth diapers,

our recycle been is full to the brim every week,

I buy eco-friendly cleaning products,

buy unprocessed/organic when I can,

unplug/turn things off when not in use,

and generally, try to be less wasteful.

With 4 kids, the waste can abound at times.

Although, every little bit helps.

Really.

I could do a lot better.

No doubt.

But the distance I've come is vast.

All without burning any extra fossil fuels.