Happy Earth Day 2018!

Happy Earth Day everyone! While there isn't a clear tie in for an adoption blog, caring for the earth and leaving it a healthy and beautiful place for all children is something I care about. This isn't about politics, religion, nationality, your sports team, Coke vs. Pepsi, if Jack could have fit on the board with Rose at the end of Titanic, or whatever other million ways we divide ourselves from one another. This is about our home.

So I implore you to make an effort this day and every day to use less, pollute less, walk more, pick up more. I know that sometimes our little efforts to make a switch from single-use water bottles to a reusable water bottle or bringing our own bags to the grocery store isn't much in the scheme of things, but change starts with you. A small action can have a ripple effect. No matter how you feel about climate change or fracking or offshore drilling, we can all agree that our planet's resources are not infinite. If we continue as normal and don't make changes, the world may be a different place for our children, and our children's children. For example, plastic does not decompose, but instead breaks down into tiny, toxic sponges that end up in our oceans and in our seafood. So, this earth day, please consider making one change for the next year. Here are some ideas:

• Ditch single-use water bottles and get a water filtration device (like Pur or Brita) and a reusable water bottle. We use Hydroflask.
• Bring your own silverware and plates and cups to work rather than using disposable.
• Buy and use reusable bags for groceries and produce (yes, you can do that!).
• Ditch the Keurig and make a pot of coffee or french press it!
• Stop using a straw when possible, or use a reusable one.
• Walk or ride a bike when the journey is less than a mile.
• Trade in your gas guzzler for a more efficient car.
• Check out minimalism: the idea that emotionally detaching from stuff can improve your well-being and curb hyper-consumption.
• If you see trash, PICK IT UP--even if it isn't yours!!! Not only are you keeping our planet cleaner, you're showing others that it's okay to stoop down and pick up garbage. I sometimes bring a small trash bag with me while walking my dogs to pick it up as I see it. Or try Plogging (thanks Carrie!). 😜

Like the little Lorax here, I'm on my soapbox, but I implore you to be conscious of the little things this year that seem innocuous. I myself have a terrible time remembering to bring my own silverware to work, and have been using plasticware more often than I care to mention. So my little goal is to cut that habit. And my larger goal is to teach my future child to be conscious of these everyday choices that I mention above.

With that, I wish you all a Happy Earth Day. May your celebration last all year!