Going Green

I am not the most green person in the world. When it comes to recycling I participate but mostly out of obligation. I do, however, try and be a good example for my kids when it comes to preserving and appreciating their environment.

So I recycle. And I take clothes to the Goodwill store. And I buy local produce. And don't water our lawn (unless it's on fire).

The kids understand that we bag stuff up and take it to the Goodwill drop off center so that other people can have stuff that we don't need anymore because they might need it. They enjoy helping donate. It makes us all feel good.

Last week when I prepared to take Wyatt's birthday snack to school I read over the instructions from his preschool. On snack day we are supposed to pack 18 plates, 18 cups, and 18 napkins and deliver them to the classroom along with our snack. After the kids eat their single snack they throw away their 18 plates, 18 cups, and 18 napkins.

This process is repeated. 18 plates, 18 cups, and 18 napkins x 8 classes per day x 4 days per week is 576 plates, 576 cups, and 576 napkins per week at Wyatt's preschool alone!

When I considered this I was shocked! I called a friend whose child goes to the same school and we decided that we are going to make it our mission to get our preschool a green makeover. What better place to teach the kids about preserving our environment than in their own school with a project about reducing snack time waste?!?!?!?!?

I don't know exactly how we are going to do it yet. I'm still working on it, but it will happen.

I may not be the most green person in the world. I still use plastic grocery bags. I run my dishwasher when it is only half full. I throw away poppy underwear instead of washing it. But at least I am trying to make a difference! Hopefully my kids are paying attention.