Sunday, April 20, 2008

Do It For Me As I Do It For You


A big day is coming up for this blue marble... Tuesday is Earth Day. Twenty years ago I probably couldn't have cared less. Ten years ago I took notice, but did nothing. This year, I can say that I do care. I am doing something.
As much as we like to live in a disposable world, our world is not disposable. Far from it. And, as much as we might like to think that it's the 'other guy's' problem, it isn't. It's my problem. And it's yours, too. So how do we correct this problem?
It starts at home. It's easier to do than you might think. Baby steps taken each day are easy, painless and culminate to a greater good. For me, we recycle. Our town gives each home a recycle bin, which we happily fill with all sorts of 'trash' that can be recycled. I turn off lights I don't need. I don't run my air conditioning or heat unless we absolutely have too. (One month, my electric bill was $65, and that's with a 2,330 sq. ft. home, people!) Probably my most enjoyable effort is my composting. Our town will give any homeowner a free composting bin (or a second one if you ask nicely!). I have my two next to my garden and every day I have something to toss in there - coffee grounds with the natural, unbleached filter, veggie peelings and trimmings, spent flower heads, grass clippings which my neighbor so sweetly gives me after mowing his lawn, lemon peels, lettuce gone past the point of edible, etc. Three or four times a week I grab my pitch fork and turn it over, giving it a good shower, too. What I end up with is 'gardener's gold'....black, rich, earthy soil that my gardens can't get enough of! All from 'trash'.
So, I ask you to think about how to fix our problem. It doesn't have to move the mountains that I love so very much, and hope that my grandchildren-to-be someday love as I do, but it could save a planet.
Here is a link that helps illustrate the importance of each of our efforts. I am a big fan of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and this song is one of theirs that few people know about; which is a pity, for the message is truly, universal. I hope you'll visit it.

7 comments:

Simplicity Wins said...

Very nicely said dear friend. I just might have to call my town and see if they give out free composting bins....I could definitly use one. I am so glad it is working out so well for you.

kimberly said...

thanks for the message, vb, i also am doing more that i would have even several years ago.....i would also like to see if our city gave out the composting bins....sounds great....
have a wonderful day,
kimberly

Chickenbells said...

I am so jealous of your composting bin! I tell you...I know we don't have those (although, I'm going to make sure...) I happily collect all recyclables from the shop and take them home to be recycled as well as recycling from the house...it's such a good feeling to try to leave a smaller footprint while we're here, isn't it?

Cheela said...

Hi Carol,

So glad to read what you have to write. Saving the earth is so important and we do need to pay attention.

You know how I feel about Lynyrd Skynyrd!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jane said...

You should be proud of little Aly tonight! As her brother was setting the table with paper plates, she piped up and said, "we can't use those today, it is earth day". It was too cute. Since the dishwasher didn't get started, we ended up using them, but she wasn't happy about it.

I am calling tomorrow to get my compost bin. My garden could use a little gold.

Jolene George said...

Great topic. I've noticed so much more recognition and importance placed on going green or just doing our part to conserve. There is so much un-necessary waste.
Your blog music is so peaceful. I love it!

kimberly said...

vb....just checking that you didn't get lost in that "gardener's gold" did you? need help? :) hope your week is going well!
hugs,
kimberly