It’s wonderful to see the energy and excitement build as we draw near to Obama’s Inaugural. We’re in dire need of stronger leadership, to become a caretaker of our environment, our economy and so much more. However, he can’t do it alone and so I urge you to keep your elected representation in the House and the Senate aware of your views on these all important issues. Building change from the bottom up is great and I applaud all our efforts in going and keeping green. Its a great time to bring these issues to the forefront of our political discussions.

My daughter sometimes gets upset about us walking to school, even though it’s a very short distance. She just knows that all her friends get rides. She has gotten more accepting over time, but once in a while it’s rough.

No doubt it will be worse as we figure out what to do when she goes to middle school. We have a few years yet, as she’s only in first grade, but the neighbors tell me the school district charges for school bus service, yet it’s too far for the kids to walk. One of these days I will have to get the definition of “too far”, since I walked 2 miles home from middle school growing up. I actually don’t know where my local middle school is, quite.

But I love making green a habit. We garden a lot, and shop as little as possible. Still have to cope with gifts from grandparents and such, but it saves us from needing to buy a lot of stuff.

As I just listened to Senator John Kerry describe on NPR radio today, the situation is far more dire than any previous calculation or expectation has warned. It is essential that rather than relaxing, we ramp up our efforts each and every day.

It’s time to be thoughtful, purposeful and focused on the future. It’s an opportunity to show our kids what leadership looks like and empower them to make a difference when time comes for them to step up as well.

we could be mad at our parents…they started all of this …

Exactly! We Moms do enough things WRONG anyway, don’t we?! And I know it will just get worse as they age…! BTW, I LOVED your post for the carnival! Thanks so much for participating! — Lynn

I simply love that kids are speaking out since parents are often willing to do things for their kids that they won’t do for any other reason. While an increasing number of people are aware of the issues, many more are needed to join the effort in order to cause a significant shift. The more paths there are to that decision point, the better!

I was reminded of an article several months back in The New York Times called Pint-Sized Eco-Police so wanted to share that link as well. (I hope the hotlink works – if not, a search of the title on the NYT site brings it right up.)

Hi Steph, thanks for your great comment, and I appreciate the link! — Lynn

Good perspective, Diane. I especially appreciate it as I know your eldest is off to college and you’re well past the early years I’m grappling with. I will say that peer pressure is intense, even in early elementary school. I understand why so many “crunchy” parents opt for alternative settings like Waldorf or Montessori…it just makes this type of thing much easier than in a conventional public school or private school setting. Thanks for your comment, Diane! — Lynn

Amen, sister! — Lynn