Dear Planet Earth,
I know you’re in pain, and I truly care about your suffering. However, I have to be honest with you—it’s these kids of mine. They’re the ones whose little feet you wish were dancing on your shores and racing through your woods.
Parenting isn’t all about playing in the dirt and singing songs around a campfire. It’s about late nights and early mornings. It’s juggling travel soccer and math homework that makes my head spin. It’s constant “What’s for dinner?” and “Can I have a snack?” It’s the panic of, “Oh no! That field trip is today,” or “Wait, the dance costume costs how much?!”
I feel overwhelmed, Earth, and in my struggle to keep up, I’ve taken many shortcuts, often at your expense. Here are five shortcuts I regret the most:
- Diapers: Before my first child was born, I planned to use cloth diapers out of a desire to be eco-friendly. However, after reading a blog post about the dangers of chemical gel in disposable diapers, I made the switch. But once my son arrived and the messes began, I thought, “A third eye? Maybe that’s not so bad.” So, disposable diapers it became.
- Coffee Delivery: When my second child came along, living in New York City meant I resorted to having bagels and coffee delivered every morning. The thought of taking two small children to the deli was daunting. Each delivery came wrapped in layers of paper and plastic, which I tossed out without a second thought. Every. Single. Day.
- K-Cupping: Once I got a Keurig, my coffee consumption skyrocketed. It was like a lab rat in a cage, with me pushing that button for my caffeine fix multiple times a day. I’ve probably thrown away enough K-cups to build a tower 1,327 feet tall—taller than the Empire State Building!
- Toilet Paper and Tissues: To make phone calls in peace, I’d hand my kids a box of tissues, allowing them to pull them out one by one. Initially, I tried to reuse them, but when they discovered flushing them down the toilet was more fun, I relented. Toilet paper became a crafting material for leprechaun traps and mummies, and it kept my kids entertained for hours.
- The Stomach Flu: The aftermath of sickness has seen me toss out couch cushions, towels, and even beloved stuffed animals. While I’ve tackled many stains, sometimes you have to know when to throw in the towel—quite literally—and run.
There have been other moments of negligence, like the four months of using paper plates or driving three blocks to school just to avoid the rain. I’ve also thrown away countless plastic toys from party bags and free balloons that floated away as soon as we stepped outside.
Despite my many failures, Earth, there’s hope. Thanks to Earth Day and the influence of characters like the Lorax, my children have become passionate advocates for your well-being. They’ve pushed me to pack trash-free lunches, organize recycling, and turn off the water while brushing their teeth. They might just be your best chance for a brighter future.
With their encouragement, I’m committing to change. From this Earth Day on, I promise to prioritize your needs over my own. Just let me have one more cup of coffee first!
If you’re interested in exploring more about the journey of parenthood, check out our post on unique gift-wrapping ideas. Additionally, for those considering home insemination, Make A Mom provides great resources. And for further guidance on fertility treatments, the March of Dimes is an excellent resource.
Summary
In this candid reflection, the author explores her parenting journey and the environmental shortcuts she has taken, often at the expense of the Earth. Despite her previous neglect, she recognizes the role her children play in advocating for a healthier planet and vows to make positive changes moving forward.