Earth Day 2008

Since I am the slowest person on planet Earth, it was mid-day before I realized that it was Earth Day. Of course I didn't wear green for the occasion. As if that would even qualify me to be green.

So here's what I did for Earth Day. I bought seeds for the garden. And plastic trays to start them in. Does that negate the good deed? Since I forgot the reusable fabric bags in the van, I took plastic bags at check-out. I know for a certainty that my one tiny green deed is now a moot point.

Of course, I had to buy more seeds because I killed the first batch that I started. There are a few hardy ones left, but for the most part the entire lot was decimated. The true Greenies will be coming after me any minute.

The kids came home from school with pine saplings to plant. Luke is all excited about this and can't wait to commence planting. He also took a garbage bag outside to collect trash. Do you know how often I ask the kids to do that very thing? And what their reaction is? It wouldn't matter if I explained about saving the planet to them, it's mom asking. That's the glory of sending the kids to school. They actually listen when an adult speaks.

Becky had to do something in school to show that she helps the environment. She tossed trash into the yard so that I could take a picture of her picking it up. I'm not sure that should really count, but her entry won second place in the county and we're attending an awards banquet this weekend in honor of it. She's moving onto state competition from there. I'm thinking that the other entries were either mega-lame, or non-existent.

I'm also researching ways to reuse my ashes from the fire pit. I think it'll make my garden soil too acidic, but there's gotta be something to do with them. Being Earth Day and all I've gotta make more of an effort. Maybe I'll go make another fire to add to the toxins in the environment. That ash has got to come in handy for something, and the fire has such a relaxing aura about it.

20 comments:

Michelle said...

I'm glad I'm not the only one with issues on how to appropriately celebrate Earth Day as an adult. I did remember to wear green, but only because Little Miss was supposed to. Does offering up any plant my neighbor wants when we tear out our landscaping (instead of just trashing them) count? I hate killing things, but our landscaping has GOT to go. Let me know if you come up with anything good!

Jennifer said...

Um, I worked today, so I handed out tons of paper bags, as well as plastic bags. I did put the cardboard boxes that I broke down (I cleaned out the store room to make room for the delivery truck tomorrow) into the recycle box thing. Does that count?

Oh oh I know what I did to help the environment. I didn't hand out extra napkins with the food today. I only handed out that crappy napkin that comes packed with the fork. And one person asked for more, and I told him nope, he was at KFC where it is finger lickin' good. Not wipe with a napkin good, LOL. Surely that has to count for something.
~Jennifer

Pam said...

Yeah- I can't say I did a whole lot for Earth Day either. At least you thought about it.

Wineplz said...

I brought my lunch. Unfortunately it was a Lean Cuisine, and our company lacks any recycling bins (not even for cans and soda bottles!!!), so my paper box, plasic plate, and coke can ended up in the trash. :(

Laski said...

Your Earth Day sounds a lot like mine. BUT, the effort counts big time! Congrats to Becky on her award! Hmmm...wonder if it will be made of recyclable (or recycled) materials???

Susie said...

well, i applaud your efforts! my earth day was more of a comedy of errors!! i love the picture in my head of throwing the garbage in the yard and taking pics while picking it up!!!! that's awesome!

Julie said...

I just read your comment on ALF's blog, and so I came to check your blog out! I really, really, really want to see the rock thing around the grill!!! I hope you post pictures.

Burgh Baby said...

Don't feel bad. I had big plans for an Earth Day activity with Alexis, but instead we went out to dinner. She insisted we drive Big Truck, which gets all of 14 miles per gallon. So Earth friendly.

Andrea said...

Oh I used to love Earth day in elementary school when we got those pine sapplings!! The small school here did absolutley nothing for earth day. I bought some flowers and we had a baby donkey on earth day!!

AutoSysGene said...

We celebrate Earth Day every year. It's Joe's birthday ;)

Unknown said...

Girl, this was such a great entry!

I tried to explain Earth Day and being green to my youngest and she said, "So we're not supposed to throw away plastic forks?" That's what she got from it.

Yeah, Mom can tell a kid a million times to do something and they can't seem to remember, but let someone not related to them say it, and watch out!

Yeah, the picture thing is something my kids would have done. Be sure to write what the winning picture was about.

Great entry!

TTYS - Sniz

Kellan said...

I'm proud of you for recognizing Earth Day - I did nothing special and I should have.

Take care - Kellan

Momisodes said...

I'm right there with you about being slow. I sent out a newsletter in the morning and didn't even mention Earth day because I'm so oblivious. So glad you posted about it though. It's never too late :) We hope to play in the yard with some plantings this weekend.

Maria (also Bia) said...

I loved your genius of throwing garbage in your yard and then photographing your daughter picking it up! Smart, smart, smart!

I announced at breakfast that it was earth day . . . and that's about it. I got no response (maybe I shouldn't have brought it up so early in the morning).

God bless.

OHmommy said...

at least you recognized it. kudos to you.

i forgot!

Cecily R said...

I think it was about 4:30 before I thought about Earth Day. And then all I did was recycle a Pepsi can so that I could feel better about the three hours of DVR I watched last night (apparently one can conserves enough energ for 3 hours of TV time)...

I LOVE that Becky placed by throwing trash in the yard and picking it up!! Classic!

Anonymous said...

Umm, here's my sad little picture... I didn't even know it was Earth Day until I needed to Google something, and Google told me via them changing with every holiday...

Thanks Google, ha

Anonymous said...

I still say you get an A for intended effort, Karen. I didn't do anything!

Flea said...

Earth Day does nothing for me. I need a Frugal Day. And aren't ashes used in making soap?

Shellie said...

I think planting a garden is a great way to celebrate earth day. I'm hoping by the weekend I can celebrate without having to wear a parka or I'll just keep skipping it. I'm wimpy that way.