Maybe Green's Not My Color. Or, is it?
I'll be the first to admit that I am less than a tree-hugger. Sure, I love the environment but living in the Bay Area where granola is the norm I know I have plenty of room for improvement. Yes, I have the reusable shopping bags but sadly seem to forget them at home 90% of the time. I was inspired by the Yahoo! Mother Board this month as they talked about how they incorporate green living into their homes.
All of the women have great ideas. Teach Mama suggests sneaking in some learning while you and your family tend to the garden. Tippy Toes and Tantrums brought my attention Snack Taxi bags which are cute little reusable sandwich bags that can help eliminate my overuse of the Ziploc bag. I love that It's All About Balance's children are "the fiercest advocates in our family when it comes to being green…Wherever we are, they ask if there's a recycling bin for their papers or plastic bottles, and make sure the lights are off before we leave the house. Clothes that they've outgrown go in bags to give to Goodwill."
While I may not be the shining example of green motherhood, I look up to those women who make such a concerted effort in their homes. I can relate to MamaLaw as she talks about how last year she wondered "whether busy moms could really be "green," because it just seemed like such an impossible feat at the time."
Recycling is a priority in my house and my daughter loves to be a part of taking the recycling out the curb in the evening and watching the garbage truck through the living room windows the next morning. I am also intrigued by organic fashion. Even H&M has a Garden collection this season made from recycled goods.
I also must say that I am proud to work for a company that puts such a huge emphasis on the environment including a carbon neutral footprint, an on-campus organic herb garden that goes straight into the food served at the cafeteria and perks for carpooling (yes, I carpooled this morning for the record!). I love the weekly on-campus farmers' market as well during the spring and summer months!
Whether you strive to be greener in your household like me or are already an expert, I think My Ladybug Picnic says it well: "I just try to do the best I can by making conscious decisions everyday to do my part in taking care of our environment."
Happy Earth Day!
Author: Jeanne Moeschler, YodelingMamas
***Read more from Yahoo! moms at www.yodelingmamas.com***
*For more posts on Earth Day and being green read the blogs of the Yahoo! Mother Board!*
