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I’ve Neglected the Planet, but My Kids Are to Blame
by Clara Thompson
Updated: Aug. 19, 2015
Originally Published: April 22, 2010
Dear Earth,
I recognize that you are suffering. It’s not that I lack concern for your plight, but the truth is, it’s my children who occupy my attention. They are the ones whose joyful play you yearn for, dancing along your beaches and exploring your forests.
Parenting isn’t merely about enjoying the outdoors and singing songs around a campfire. It involves late nights and early mornings, juggling travel soccer schedules and deciphering math assignments that leave me baffled. It’s the relentless questions of “What’s for dinner?” and “Can I have a snack?”—and the sudden realization that I forgot about that field trip or the dance costume expense.
I feel overwhelmed, Earth, and in my quest for simplicity, I’ve resorted to many shortcuts that have had a direct negative impact on you. Below are five of the most regrettable shortcuts I’ve taken.
- Diaper Choices: When I was expecting my first child, I committed to using cloth diapers, inspired by an alarming blog post that warned about the potential dangers of disposable diapers. But once my baby arrived and the reality of diaper changes set in, I found myself overwhelmed. Disposable diapers quickly became my go-to solution.
- Bagel and Coffee Delivery: After my second child was born, I lived in a bustling city and started my days by ordering breakfast from the corner deli. The convenience was too tempting, despite the significant waste of packaging involved. Each morning’s delivery came wrapped in multiple layers of paper and plastic, all of which ended up in the trash.
- K-Cups: My coffee habits spiraled out of control when I bought a single-serve coffee maker. I quickly became addicted, consuming several K-cups each day. This has not only drained my finances but also contributed significantly to landfill waste. The sheer volume of K-cups discarded since my daughter’s birth could create a towering pile taller than many famous skyscrapers.
- Excessive Use of Paper Products: To manage phone calls in peace, I would hand my young children a box of tissues, allowing them to pull them out one by one. While it granted me a few extra minutes of quiet, it also resulted in an abundance of waste. Toilet paper, too, became a source of entertainment, leading to messy games that ultimately resulted in more waste piling up.
- Disposing of Contaminated Items: The aftermath of illness in our household has led me to toss out numerous items—cushions, towels, and cherished toys—rather than attempting to salvage them. While it’s often easier to discard than to clean, it’s a habit that adds to the environmental burden.
There have been other instances of negligence, such as using paper plates for months after my third child arrived, driving a short distance for school pick-up in the rain, and tossing birthday party favors straight into the garbage. The reality is, in my daily efforts to maintain my sanity, I have contributed to your decline, Earth.
However, there is a silver lining. My children, inspired by Earth Day and environmental messages, are eager to protect you. They remind me to pack trash-free lunches, organize recycling, and conserve water. Their passion offers me hope.
From this Earth Day onward, I pledge to prioritize your needs. I’m ready to make a change—just let me finish my coffee first, and I’ll be fully committed to supporting you.
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In summary, while I’ve made many environmentally harmful choices in raising my children, their enthusiasm for sustainability inspires me to turn over a new leaf. It’s time to be more mindful and to strive for a balance that supports both my family and our planet.