Green Families

Add a Comment

Comment by Prophetess Leerma on November 17, 2008 at 1:44am

Thanks for the add.

Comment by Jeanette McDermott on November 16, 2008 at 7:34pm

Today I had a heartfelt conversation with a dear and close friend who is one of the most eco-aware and socially conscious people I know. She lives the epitome of the green life. And yet, even she feels that there is more she can do, more she can help spread the word, more she can learn. We live in a complex world filled with paradox and confusion, economic constraints, frustration and limitations. What Diana and I talked about is how important it is to honor our efforts and respect ourselves for the actions we take, and not beat ourselves up for the actions we are not able to take because of the barriers that face us: money, transportation, climate, politics, etc. We talked about how important it is to stay mindful of our practices and approaches to living a sustainable life with freedom and joy, while being grateful for all that we have. We talked about these issues while walking in a beautiful city park in St. Louis on a gorgeous autumn blue-sky day. And as we walked and talked we stopped to observe the colorful leaves, greet neighbors and pet dogs, and pick up litter that others left behind. It was a good walk on a Serenity Sunday, as we reminded each of other of how important it is to remember to reflect on the beauty and not just focus on the environmental problems that face us. Balance. That's the word that comes to mind when I read the comments in our group. Balance and gratitude. I'm grateful for the actions each of us takes, however small and however large. The longest march can be won, step by step. The fact that we each take an action with purpose and mindfulness is enough, as one step leads to another and then to another. All in good time in accordance with universal principles of flow. It is good to discuss and share our feelings about our actions and conscious awareness, and to draw support from one another. I am inspired by the eco actions and awareness of people in this group and am thankful for the opportunity to participate in dialogue.

Comment by Loretta Wilkins on November 12, 2008 at 7:32pm

I think it's a stretch in this day and age to expect everyone to be substantially gree, but anything is better than nothing. Our family converted to environmentally friendly non-toxic household hygiene products a couple of years ago, as well as safer personal care products. We use cloth grocery bags and we compost our kitchen scraps. Unfortunately, vehicle use is something that we are stuck with as we live in the outer suburbs where public transit is not efficient, especially with us working two different and conflicting shifts. We do what we can!! We make sure to buy organic and support that method of production. If pesticides are meant to kill pests - well - common sense will tell you, in sufficient doses, it will kill even bigger things. Let's all take one - step - closer, shall we?

Comment by AJ on November 12, 2008 at 12:26pm

I am a half green dad. I would have to say that I do a lot of things to help the environment but couldn't consider myself totally green. :0(.......
What I mean is, we use one time throw away diapers....... I know, I know.. And we don't do all that we could. However, we do a lot of things to help... As much as we can afford to in our day of raising 4 kids which can become overly doused with excitement. I would have to say in comparison, our kids are really good. They usually listen, if I bring out the blow torch and threaten to burn them to a crisp....LOL.. Not really.. They are good, but they consume most of our time. So most of our efforts are spent on lowering the cost of living. Sometimes going green, doesn't necessarily mean going cheaper. But sometimes it does.. So we do what we can..
We still use the wood burning stove in our old home, I know Jeanette, you don't have to say it... But, we only burn tree's on our property that died of natural causes. We don't kill tree's.. That's a big no no here. But, if we did not use the old wood stove, our energy bills would be upwards of $400.00 a month in the winter. It stays cold here about 7 or 8 months out of the year. We live at 8000 ft. above see level and it is not out of the realm of possibility to get 4ft. of snow in MAY! Anyway, I have an energy saving tip so I am going to the thread now. Glad your here Jeanette.. Stop worrying about not being a parent.. You are already part of our family....................AJ

Comment by Jeanette McDermott on November 12, 2008 at 12:42am

Hey you lil darlin', good to see you here. Now, I know nuttin' about being a parent, other than to the 4-legged variety. I can bring the green element to the table but will have to defer to others on the parenting aspect. So I"m looking forward to hearing what a green Dad has to say. I've had a high energy day, yes, another one. I'm finally winding down and am about to hit the hay, so I'll catch up with you tomorrow. G'nite!

Comment by GuyThaLizard on November 11, 2008 at 11:37pm

Hey "GreenGirl" Jeanette
You're here Cool!

=)