Going Green

Well, I have decided that it is my responsibility, as well as everyone who inhabits this earth to take care of it. I mean, it is the only one that we have, and it is probably tired of being used and abused. Because of this, I am going to take a stand, or at least do my part to help stop the abuse. If the Earth and I somehow switched places, I would want the Earth to think about me and preserve me for future generations.

So why now you ask? Why take a stand now? Well, I have always tried to recycle my cans, bottles, and newspapers, but to be honest (and I feel bad admitting this) that's about where my commitment ended. As long as it didn't take too much trouble for me, I would do what I could.

So what has changed? Well, since I have been home, I have watched some discovery channel shows about wildlife and animals, and sadly enough it seems that the majority of the shows are talking about the depleting populations of *insert given species here* and how we will see the extinction of this animal within our lifetime. Even when we went to the zoo, some of the zookeepers matter-of-factly said "This animal is so endangered that we CANNOT save it in time. We WILL see the end of this animal within our lifetime". I then turn the channel and hear about a protest that someone is doing to protect the land from building, such as the 241 expansion project. Just the other day I heard about a homebuilder who allegedly continued to build on a supposed sacred Indian burial ground despite protests from the Indians as well as finding the remnants of human remains. From what the news report said this homebuilder just tossed their "findings" in a collective area and kept quiet about what they found continuing to build and sell property on that land just to make a dollar. And of course let's not forget our ever increasing gas prices because of our reliance on foreign countries for oil.

I then picked up a parenting magazine and read an article found in the April 2008 "Parents" magazine on the pros and cons of using disposable versus cloth diapers. Interestingly enough, I had considered using cloth diapers when Caiden was born, and again with Kiya. However, this article stated that the results of four years of research done by a British Environmental Agency concluded that cloth diapers for all of their trouble are no more damaging to the environment than disposables simply because of the cost to launder (water and electricity and such) them. Of course that doesn't give everyone a free pass to continue to avoid the impending depletion of many resources and extinction of many animals and plants that we have come to know, love and/or appreciate the beauty of.

I mean, we always hear these types of stories, but does anyone really DO anything about it? Have we heard it so much that it is falling on deaf ears, or do we think that someone else is going to take care of the earth for us so we don't have to?

It really got me to thinking...which if you know me can be both a dangerous and sometimes funny thing. (anyone ever hear my Target story?)

When I lived in Oregon I LOVED walking through the rain forest areas. I love all of the greenery, and I enjoy wildlife and animals. When I was younger, my parents would take me places like Yellowstone and Yosemite, and I was amazed at the beauty and marvel of both the location and the animal inhabitants that live there. I would hate to think that my children or even Kiya and Caiden's children would miss out on opportunities to enjoy and appreciate the beauty that this planet has to offer.

I may not start making my clothes out of hemp or other natural products, but I am going to be more conscious of what I use, and products that I choose. For example, I found at Target a whole line of baby products that are environmentally friendly (see picture above). Also I started buying laundry detergent that is "free and clear"...using less to conserve. Clorox has come out with some "green" products that I am going to start trying, and see how they add up. I have started taking the grocery bags back to the store to reuse, or if I forget I put them in my recycling container to be recycled.

I don't know how much of a difference I am making or how it will impact the earth as a whole, but I do know one thing. I am DOING something about it, and I am teaching my children to respect the Earth and its inhabitants too. After all, we all rely on each other. :)