Some of the topics that has been floating through our home are the ideas of conservation, simplifying, green living and frugality. I have to admit that since Mr. B works 10 hour days, I usually do most of the reading and researching and then I bring it up information I find interesting in the evenings over dinner. Of course Mr. B and I have always practiced some levels of conservation and frugality such as turning off the water while brushing our teeth; only running the dishwasher when it is full; being careful about how much we print from the computer; recycling plastic grocery bags and newspapers; and using ceiling fans and open windows instead of air conditioning when we can, etc. (Although we do live on the Mississippi Gulf Coast so that is only possible a couple of months out of the year.) To be honest, I used to think we were doing so well by doing those handful of things. Lately though, as I become more aware and knowledgable I see that there is SOOO much more that we could do to help take care of our planet. In fact, I feel ashamed that we have only been doing as little as we have been.
One quote that really pulls my heartstrings goes something like this–”We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” I have to be honest and tell you that I don’t know where I heard that or who said it, but as someone who loves children and hopes to have some of my own one day, it is something that sticks with me. Over the past few weeks, we have been using cloth napkins and towels more instead of paper napkins and papertowels; I have bought toliet paper that was made from recycled paper and dishwasher detergent that was biodegradable; and I try to consolidate all my errands (post office, bank, grocery shopping, etc.) to one day.
There are still SOOO many changes that I would like to make but I realize that “going green” isn’t something that happens overnight. For example, I would like to purchase a set of reusable grocery bags made from hemp or organic cotton so that we can completely eliminate using plastic and paper grocery bags. I am also saving up to buy a set of Lunapads to eliminate using disposable pads. (Those of you who don’t already use cloth pads or some other form of alternative protection may be grossed out by the idea, but have you ever thought of all that the chemicals and toxins that your body is exposed to when you wear disposable tampons or pads. That is what’s GROSS! Do yourself a favor and do a little research on the topic. Trust me, your body will thank you!)
Ladies (and gentlemen, if there are any out there) I encourage you to look around your homes and examine your lifestyles. What disposables in your home can be replaced with reusable products? What changes can you make in your life to help take care of our planet that our Heavenly Father made for our use?
Blessings To You,
Mrs. T
