I am only one, but still I am one;
I cannot do everything, but still I can do something;
And because I cannot do everything,
I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.
~~Edward Everett Hale
(commonly mis-attributed to Helen Keller)
I cannot do everything, but still I can do something;
And because I cannot do everything,
I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.
~~Edward Everett Hale
(commonly mis-attributed to Helen Keller)
This week I wiped up a spill on the kitchen floor with a cloth which I then tossed into a hamper rather than with a paper towel which would go into the trash.
I bought local tomatoes and lettuce (grown in-state) rather than ones shipped from 3000 miles away.
I made spaghetti with basil plucked from plants growing on my kitchen windowsill.
I combined my errands into one trip on one day rather than going out multiple times on different days.
I wiped my toddler's runny nose with cloth tissues (he calls them 'nuggert wipers') that I make by cutting up old t-shirts, and tossed them into the wash.
I used cloth wipes for myself (I know not everybody is up for that but wow I can't stand how scratchy toilet paper is anymore!), and of course I washed those too.
I paid my bills online instead of using paper checks and envelopes.
I bought my toddler boots at a second-hand store.
I cooked most of our meals from scratch. I made breakfast for my school-goers every morning.
I turned off lights and kept our heater on a lowish setting.
I sewed a couple of cloth diapers.
I washed our clothing in an energy-efficient washing machine.
I took my kids to the library and we all got books to read.
I read to my kids every day.
I cuddled with my kids almost every night (sometimes daddy does the cuddles ♥).
I am only one, but I AM one.I cannot do everything, but I CAN do SOMEthing.
And if I am too lazy or selfish to do the things that I can do, well, shame on me. And if I take some small pride in doing the small things I can do, well, I think that's probably healthy.
You're awesome. I was actually thinking about buying/making cloth napkins instead of using disposable ones. Look at me going green. See, we don't disagree on all "poliitcal" issues. :)
ReplyDeleteActually, I do think it's important to do our part to take care of our world (as long as it's not the government forcing me to do it).
It's so funny how when I mention little things to friends about how they can "save the planet" they think it's so crazy. Like your menstrual products... if I wasn't pregnant I would be buying them, or cloth diapers... people always say "eewww." I say eeeww to breast milk diapers sitting in a pail waiting for trash day. I can wash all those icky diapers everyday and not have a stiinky house...and save the planet.
ReplyDeleteWow love that. Little things make a difference.
ReplyDeleteand I was supporting her all the way! I helped a little...ish
ReplyDelete