I grew up with hippie parents.
My dad (still) has hair that is longer than mine. He was recycling before recycling was cool. He preached water conservation. He planted trees before there was a “Plant A Tree Day”. And he was the “turn-off-the-lights” police before that was talked about everywhere.
So needless to say, having those influences and examples have made me a little more “hippiesque” than most of my friends.
Our family has rain barrels, is part (and believes) in community supported agriculture, plants a garden, are avid recyclers, reuses items that some people think are trash, and attempt to keep the lights turned off.
I’m not trying to toot my own horn – but I realize that my parent’s example set something into motion and those actions have influenced me and my family today.
And I hope that my actions and examples will influence my children and they will be mindful of how they can help conserve our world’s resources.
So I’m proud to be partnering with TheMotherhood.com , Nickelodeon and the National Wildlife Federation for B Kind 2 Earth Day. It is a chance for families across the country to make a conscience effort to get outside and do something kind for the Earth and really make Earth Day 2011 count.
Want to be part of the fun? Head on over to Facebook and “Like” B Kind 2 Earth Day, then take the pledge to do ONE thing with your family on Friday, April 22nd that will benefit the Earth. It doesn’t need to be hard or radical.
Here are some ideas.
- How about “powering down” and shutting off all of the non-essential electrical items in your house?
- Have a “no media day or evening” and go for a walk or play a game outside for entertainment after dinner.
- Talk to your kids about the importance of being mindful of how we treat our planet.
- Set up a recycling center in your garage.
- Plant a tree.
- Pick up trash at your neighborhood park.
So how will you influence the next generation? What will you do for Earth Day 2011 on April 22?
