MOM BLOG

Moms Go Green

By Nancy Carpenter

APRIL 2007

Are we victims of the Industrial Revolution or are many Americans just lazy when it comes to ‘going green’? Some people sarcastically claim their concept of going green is when they throw their trash into a big green dumpster. Others still admit that they don’t totally buy into the whole global warming issue. Oh, goodness. All a mom can really do is change her own paradigm and convince her family members to do the same. 

Why buy Styrofoam for a picnic when you can use biodegradable (and even compostable) plates made from sugarcane that won’t spend an eternity in a landfill? Better yet; use dishes. Some green choices are just common sense.

I noticed I was starting to become sort of addicted to plastic water bottles that are readily available to consumers willing to pay the price. This is a bad habit, even if you recycle. I suppose we should all carry a canteen that is washable and reusable. (When did we develop this fear of dehydration?) We can make little changes that seem so simple. Can you imagine if we moms replaced our weekly grocery bags with canvas (as opposed to plastic or paper)? This would have to result in a positive impact on the environment ... I don’t even need the statistics.

Many families enjoy eating local organic foods as a part of going green; this is especially important for young children.

Spring is a great time to visit your local farmer’s market. Now, I realize this ‘green roof’ idea may sound a bit unrealistic, but if everyone in the District lined their roofs and planted sedum, we could lower the temperature of our neighborhoods in summer and naturally clean building run-off that streams its way into our Potomac River. We have to make an effort to make better choices and provide a positive example and hope for our children.

So, let’s get motivated and do something together! Pick up litter ... start composting ...carpool ... collect rain water...practice permacul ure ... bring back the barter system. Share the vision!

new: leave comments, thoughts, and ideas for nancy on her blog page.