earth day

So, it's earth day. I find it ironic that we need a day. The kids and i were talking about it on the way home and as only kids can parker summed it up thusly;

"I love the earth! It will never break; because if it does we will have no earth. Right?"

"Yes. Yes!"

"Why do you love the earth parker?"

"Because it lets me dig it up and throw it back out!"

I am often at a loss when it comes to explanations for the kids. "Why can't we keep the hose running when it always rains here?"

"Why can't i use another ziplock bag for a water bomb?"

"Why does the compost smell so bad and why do i have to take it out?"

"Why do we have to wear hand-me-downs?"

"Why is it bad to shop at the dollar store?"

I try to teach them every single day about the earth and our responsibility to do our best by such a wondrous thing. I am proud when they catch me in an earthly faux pas.

"Yes! Yes you are right, i have to stop forgetting the shopping bags."

For me the kids are the biggest influence in trying to be earth-friendly at all times. Even though i am, at times, lazy and want to just throw it out in the trash rather than deal with the separating and washing of recyclables. Their ever-watching and curious eyes keep me in check. They keep my car full to the brim with recycling, my compost bin full, and my garbage can empty week after week.

There is so much more i could do, but i am proud of the strides we have taken.