In honor of Earth day, I thought it would be a good self-reminder to blog about something that I don’t usually touch on. Being green.
Okay…so here’s my confession…I am not green. Not even close. I would throw a disposable diaper on the hiney of my child faster than Tiger would hit on every girl at a Playboy party. And I wouldn’t buy a rain barrel mostly because they remind me of kegs sitting outside a trailer park doublewide. And I drive an SUV gas guzzler. And I love long showers with water as hot as it can get. So there…I admit it…I ain’t green.
BUT (and this here is one big BUT)…BUT…I believe that this world is a gift. A gift from God that is our responsibility to take care of. It is one of a kind. It is precious. and sacred. it is where Adam & Eve walked. it is where God made the Grand Canyon, and the coral reef, and the home of countless creatures. it is where my Jesus came and sailed and prayed. So it is something that I should give more thought to…more effort towards. I don’t think that it means we can’t chop down a tree that might fall on your house…and I don’t think there is a cosmic tally of things you did to help the earth replenish vs. the ounces of pollution you created. I simply think that personally I need to participate in responsibility. I need to initiate a bit of effort. Not just for the sake of our children, or for the sake of the earth, but for the sake of being good. being mature. being a servant.
This may not make sense to another human on the planet…but this is my reasoning, crazy hairbrained as it may be, for being a little more green. And in my heart I know little steps are just as important as big ones. And these are my little first steps. I chose five little things that I can do this year that will be good green habits for me to have…and hopefully next year I can create a new list…and so on and so forth. Here is my green initiative list:
Picking up trash along the creek and when we trek into the woods and when we go to the playground may not sound like a big deal…but the fact is, there is trash out there and nobody is picking it up. A compost pile is a great way to eliminate the amount of waste we create. Growing up we had one…and the grossiest chore was turning it. Hopefully I can relegate that task to Jeremy. I love planting stuff. It’s in my soul. That one will be easy. The plastic bags that I get at Walmart and Kroger and Publix can all be recycled…instead of taking up space in our pantry. I have reusable bags but inevitably run out. And the last one is not necessarily as green as recycling or reusing or waterbarreling…but the more you use a place the more you want to keep it nice. Enough said.
Beautifully said. We ARE stewards, whether we are good ones or not is up to us. Way to challenge the rest of us! : )
Amen Momma! I’m also far from green but have been making little changes. I figure all those little changes add up to one big change 🙂
love the whole third paragraph, but i love my big ole gas guzzler too! haha
I think your list is a good start, but there really is a lot more you could be doing without going completely green (if that’s what you’re worried about). If you never have enough reusable grocery bags, buy more. They are only .99 cents at the checkout counter. I can’t imagine it would break your budget. Recycling plastic bags is better than throwing them out, but there is really no use for them at all.
I’ve been reading for some time but this is the first time I’m commenting. I absolutely love this post; not only do you make a fantastic point, but you write it so wonderfully. Keep up the great work. You are a talented writer.
I totally hear what you are saying… and proud of you for doing what you can. I do believe that it is important to step out of comfort zones from time to time to do something that truly is hard to do but makes a difference. If everyone picked up more trash and recycled more the world would be a better place, no doubt. Realistically though we need to do more, break old patterns, lessen our footprint, and start living a different way to truly make a difference for our future. If we all tried even a little harder and then a little harder…. imagine what could happen?! Anyway- just wanted to share that…. regardless I think if anyone is trying and aware that is a great start. Happy Easter! ….. Oh and you know…. you could paint a rain barrel to match your house… I live in Portland Oregon… and people make green look real good. It is possible!!! 🙂 🙂
I think that the good start is the whole point. I will never go completely green or even close…but I do feel convicted to do more and this is my more. As for reusable bags, literally I would have an entire shopping cart of them going into the store – and then where would the groceries go? I only go to the store about once a month so that would be a big problem for me personally. Especially when my little one I obsessed with takingf everything in the cart and putting it out.
xo – kb
Don’t beat yourself up over not being as green as others think you should. I personally think that it’s the little things that really help our world and it all adds up. Also, you do a lot of repurposing with your home decor which is a wonderful way to reduce waste! I”m a little ocd with my green living (but my degree is in science so it kinda comes with the territory!) and would rather see someone pick up trash along side the road than condemn someone for driving a gas guzzling suv (ummm.. by the way I own one too…shhh don’t tell GreenPeace!). Just realizing that you can make a difference is the best start there is.
I really liked this post. I agree–any little bit helps. We recycle 🙂
Have you heard about rain gardens? I just learned recently–my friends just took a community class to learn how to plant one. (They are lucky though–In their town they have this great program to learn how to do it. It only cost them $25, and most of that goes to the book, and a person will actually come out and help them plan/set it up, and they will probably get a $250 grant towards it!) Since you already like the planting part, I thought you might like this idea? From what I understand (and I know little, and have no idea about GA landscaping, or if it’s realistic in your area), is that people plant these gardens (often with some native plants), in a way where the rainwater runs directly to the garden (and position their gutters and stuff), so they can water less, and it is supposed to cut down on pollution. Also, if they plant native plants, the plants are used to the weather/amount of rain, etc. and don’t need a lot of fertilizer) so it’s supposed to be pretty low maintenance. Appealing to a lazy person like me! (Although I rent an apt so I don’t really have to bother with the yard…)
Yay Katie! Great job on taking these first steps. Just do what you are comfortable with, if someone told me one day I would be okay doing all the crunchy things I do I wouldn’t have even believed them but I too started with small steps and wrote them down! (that’s key making yourself and all of the blogosphere aware of your intentions)
For composting, if you don’t want to make it yourself (which of course is so unlike you) check out this product, http://www.envirocyclesystems.com/ we have two and composting couldn’t be easier. Lots of luck on your green journey!
More than the little things, it seems to me that the most important change outlined in this post is in your attitude toward what it means to be “green.” We are indeed stewards of this earth and it is our responsibility to care for it. As we are all of us human and flawed, we can’t do that all of the time, and we must necessarily make choices about what we can and can’t do for our families and those around us. But part of being good stewards is recognizing our responsibility, and not making light of it, just as we would never make light of our duty to love our fellow man or to serve the poor. Our stewardship may never be perfect, but it should be in heartfelt thanks for the many gifts God has given us. Which means thinking about the times we fail to be “green” not as a rebellion against some crazy Greenpeace agenda, but as one of those inevitable moments when we are unable to the good stewards we would like to be. Not moments to be ashamed of, certainly, but perhaps times to be reflected on, and certainly not to be made light of.
I’m not “green” either, but my motivation to do more in this arena comes from the same place as yours. God gave us this earth as a gift, and it’s our job to do what we can to help take care of it. In our little neck of the woods, we recently added a second trash can under the sink for recyclable items (like cereal boxes, water bottles, etc).
Love your comment up above about having your whole cart filled with reusable bags and having nowhere to put the groceries. I’ve totally had that problem before. 😉
I love you and sherry so much and think it’s hilarious that their post today was about getting a rain barrel and part of yours was about how trashy they look! I laughed out loud when I read that. I definitely agree with you but good for them for wanting to disguise it in the future!
I didn’t say trashy…I said ‘keg’-y. And we live in the dirty south…whereas S&J live in the upper south…where trailer parks are much fancier 🙂
xo – kb
I think maybe the trailer park comment was a little uncalled for. Unfortunately not everyone can afford a mansion like you guys. I don’t think rain barrels are trashy, I think they’re responsible. It’s unfortunate to see you so proud of your habits that contribute to the destruction of this Earth. I ‘m not saying I’m perfect or that any of us are, but bragging about your long showers and your SUV are a huge part of the problem.
Good for you! You’re helping to leave Will and all the children a better, cleaner earth. An earth that they deserve. 🙂
I’m not so green either and I appreciate your honesty. We can all do the little things, right? Consider me on board.
This post makes me sad… You ahve such a great platform for helping people and you chose to say you will NEVER go green and don’t really even want to try. Dont you want Will to breath healthy air and HAVE a future? LITTLE things make a HUGE difference… Use vinegar and water to clean instead of bleach and harsh chemicals… you say you love to save money.. most green things do…
Id rather live in a trailer pakr and know I am part of the soloution, then live in a huge house and be part of the problem.
You’re hilarious! If people don’t like what you post then they shouldn’t read it. 🙂
The point of the post is to say that I want to be MORE green…I don’t think that there is a “GREEN” and a “NOT GREEN”…just different levels of it. And of course I want Will to breath healthy air and have a future, that is a ridiculous question…and I don’t mind saying so…the real question is how green do I want to go? And the answer to that is I don’t know…I do know that I want to try more responsible things right now not for the sake of being part of the solution but for the sake of it’s the right thing to do. Does that make any sense?
Hope you understand that and that it makes you a little less sad.
xo – kb
I love this post and how honest you are about not being green and trying to do more for the planet that our God so lovingly created. Now if only the rain clouds would go away and sun come out so I could better appreciate His creation! Gotta love Ohio weather….
It’s not bragging…it’s just facts. I am not green and those were just examples of ways that I am not. And I didn’t say that rain barrels are trashy…they just remind me of kegs…which are frequent lawn ornaments here in Georgia trailer parks that I have been to. They ARE very responsible…and I have contemplated getting one…but they still remind me of kegs…can’t help it. I live near rednecks 🙂
xo – kb
Brave post girl! This can be a touchy subject for people. I’m not exactly green, but I do try to limit buying “stuff” for the sake of having “stuff”… I feel like a lot of people just like to spend money and have a lot more than they NEED… we are a country of shoppers, always looking for more.
I can afford nice clothes but I shop at the thrift store (at least half of the time, maybe more). I’ve been using the same laptop for 7 years (believe it or not, it still works great!). I’m driving a 98 Honda (gets good mileage, runs great) and I’m driving it into the ground to avoid buying another car, even though I COULD get a new car, I’d prefer to hulk up my bank account. People are so obsessed with having STUFF, BRAND new STUFF, the latest and greatest, and it drives me crazy. So anyhow, I don’t bring reusable grocery bags to the store with me, I too take long showers, but I’m not filling my house up with junk I don’t need.
Thanks for the response Katie. I never want to insult anyone, and @Bri, of course I enjoy her blog that is why I am here… I just think it is our responsibility as people who occupy the earth to make sure we keep it the same way we found it…
Im lovig everyones responses, glad we can all listen to eachothers opinions/have open, honest debates.. Its great!!!
Happy Earth Day all..
Sheesh, its a good thing John and Sherry don’t seem like the easily offended type!
I don’t get this. How do empty bags take up so much space you can’t fit the groceries in your cart? Fold all the bags inside of one bag and place it under the cart. It’s not rocket science people, and I think it’s a poor excuse for using plastic—what a waste.
Don’t the plastic bags bother you when they roll all around in the back of your huge SUVs? I’m just trying to understand the reasoning behind this. Switching to reusable bags is one of the simplest changes to make, and I cannot understand the rationale behind these excuses. It seems like laziness to me, and I don’t mean to offend. I’m just really trying to understand.
I bet if you had to pay .05 cents for every plastic bag you use (like in the UK and Europe), you girls would find some way to get the reusable ones to fit in your carts.
It’s such a simple, inexpensive change, and it does so much. I’m just asking you to consider it, and I don’t think it’s forcing anyone too far out of their comfort zone!
No lauren it doesn’t take up tons of space IF you take the time to fold 50 plus bags….and I have tried it…that combined with Will’s bag, basket liner, paci, sippie cup, and my purse…well, it gets to me. I would rather just use the five that I keep in my car and then recycle the rest. I guess to each his own, right?
xo – kb
No they aren’t….and obviously this isn’t meant to offend anyone…just inspire people like me to take initiative!
xo – kb
10 cents in some part of Canada for a Plastic Bag…. It sure has made a difference! People always carry around reusable bags now!
Will is more adorable everyday!!!
You’re totally right KB. There is no fully, totally “green” because no one’s perfect – and I consider myself an expert on levels of green-ness coming from one of the greenest states in the country (Oregon baby!). I appreciate your honesty and your initiative to make small changes. I also wholeheartedly agree with your reasoning behind making these small changes 🙂
Hey Girl! Great Job! I like the post, keep it up I think your a wonderful writer!
Kellie;-)
Someday this blog and your boyfriend may not be able to fill that SUV… and then you can blog about owning a hybrid or smart car or electric car. Until then as long as you can afford to fill it…. enjoy it!!!
Love your honesty with this post and answering people’s replies… you rock KB 🙂
Appreciate your honesty, and humor about you own impact with the green thing, AND for answering others comments. I think the best way to motivate yourself and others to make change is to keep things light, and add a touch of humor to it,…I just love your approach to things. Im sort of in the camp with you…I do the best I can. I recycle (most of the things that can be recycled here) and reuse the plastic bags from stores (tote my lunch around in or empty the litter box into). I inevitabley forget the reusable ones or dont have enough…so I try to at least REUSE the plastic ones if I have them. We all can only do what works for each of us, and the bottom line for my family is I feel like doing SOMETHING is better than doing NOTHING.
Keep it up KB!!!!!
Great post, Katie!
You are probably right sistakt! And then I’ll get a scooter…in powder blue 🙂
xo – kb
I am so glad that this earth is not my permanent home!
So it is a matter of not taking the TIME to do it. Thanks, that affirmed my previous concern that it has to do with laziness. I have a family too, and I know how busy things can get. I guess until we’re made to pay for the plastic bags there really is not a lot of motivation to change your ways. Good for doing at least 5 reusable bags each time, maybe you can add it to your list to up it to 10!
It’s so frustrating, though, when the handles on the reusable bags break. Then what?
And you could make a point for us all being lazy in going to the store, anyway. Perhaps we should all be growing/making whatever we consume. Just sayin.’
Yeah, because plastic bags don’t break…are you kidding me?
See, this is what I’m saying. I’m not arguing that everyone should eat organic or grow their own food. I’m talking about a simple change that really doesn’t impact your daily lifestyle that much but makes a huge difference.
I’m sorry if it takes you too far out of your comfort zones. Who knew that asking someone to switch their 50+ plastic bags to reusable ones was such an insane request.
Katie, you are in the unique position to push a greener way of thinking. It’s really upsetting to read that you think you can never be fully green – especially since you have a child who will inherit the environmental problems that we are all creating. Your post has also allowed people to excuse themselves of their irresponsible behaviour (all you have to do is look at the countless comments congratulating you on doing so little to assist the environment) – and that to me is the saddest part of all.
Katie,
I wanted to share three links with you that I thought you might not have seen before.
http://www.agardenplace.com/garden_decor/product/Madison-Rain-Catcher.html
Kinda cute and could easily be painted the color of your trim to just look like a nice planter.
http://www.aquabarrel.com/product_rain_barrel_complete_tijeras.php
Cute, but perhaps too cottage-y for your house.
http://www.gardeners.com/Rain-Catcher-Urn-65-Gallon/38-683,default,pd.html#
Nice curves on a simple urn. Nothing keg-y about it at all. 🙂
I know there are a lot more out there, but they are often kinda ugly, so I wanted to show you these in case the curb appeal was the real hang-up. And since these have planter tops, you get to show off your snazzy green thumb in the process!
Yup…total laziness. and a little dash of got-better-things-to-do thrown in. like blog 🙂 Seriously though…this was not meant to discourage anyone from making another step toward greener living…it was to say that if I (a total non-green person) can do a thing here or there, then maybe every reader can do their own next green thing. Who knows, maybe one day in ten years you’ll read about solar panels on our house!
xo – kb
Asha, honest question for you. Would you rather have had Katie NOT post anything about changing some habits? Why would you critize (or whatever it is called) her making steps towards a “greener” life? Maybe it is not to your level of “greenness”, but I would not call peoples comments “sad.” They are honest, and honesty is good.
Just wondering how much soap and water the reusable bag people use to keep their GREEN grocery bags clean? How much energy to regularly wash your bags? Or do you just let the bacteria breed? What do you use as trash can liners?
Yep, I use and recycle plastic bags. Some I reuse to line my small trash cans. I do not worship the GREEN goddess, but do feel that I should be grateful for the beautiful earth that GOD created for us to USE and TEND. Katie…I LOVED your post. RIGHT ON!!!!!
FWIW I think if you only go to the store about once a month, reusable bags would actually be a whole lot *easier* for you. The “square-ish” ones (you know, the ones with the plastic things in the bottom to keep them flat? The ones almost every grocery store sells?) hold a TON of stuff. Like 5 plastic bags’ worth.
Sew them back on?
„I only go to the store about once a month so that would be a big problem for me personally.“
How you manage this?! I need fresh milk, fruit and vegetable at least once a week. I do use fabric bags, for me it si easy way to contribute to ecology. I use electric/hybrid car. And still can get even greener…plastic bags costs in Europe around half of an euro or more and if I could decide it would cost much much more.