Earth Day & Graham Crackers

April 20th, 2009

“Mama, can you fix my graham cracker?”

It was a plaintive question from a small voice in the back of the car. As parents, our instinct is to help our kids whenever we can. But sadly, I had to explain that some things — like broken graham crackers — can’t be fixed.

No sooner had I responded than it hit me. With Earth Day reminders all around us, I couldn’t help but take that question and apply it to the environment. How much of the environmental degradation will we be able to fix? What is reversible, and what is not ?

The answers are not simple.

And as Earth Day continues its metamorphosis into a Buy Green Holiday, it’s important to recognize that we can’t buy our way out of this mess. Sure, investments in certain areas can help, as can replacing toxic products with eco-friendly substitutes.

But what would happen if we all took a close look at our local environmental issues and tried to figure out what we could do to fix things? Here are a few things you do:
– Clean up the litter in a local park or along a river, as these people do in DC’s Rock Creek;
– Plant a tree or take inspiration from this 21-year-old and support a reforestation program;
– Support one of the many fine environmental organizations trying to make a difference in this tough economic environment. Some of my faves: The Nature Conservancy; Environmental Working Group; and Healthy Child, Healthy World. Others? The local groups working hard to make a difference in your own backyard. Here in the DC area that means groups like Friends of Rock Creek, The Chesapeake Climate Action Network, and Bethesda Green.

What have you fixed recently? Leave a comment and share. Really, I want to hear what you’ve been up to! Haven’t done anything lately? Hmm…quit surfing the ‘Net and get moving!

— Lynn

Copyright OrganicMania 2009


10 Responses to “Earth Day & Graham Crackers”

  1. Anna (Green Talk) on April 21, 2009 6:20 am

    This year I planted more seeds for flowers to draw bees to my garden. Rather than buy potted plants with pots I can’t recycle, I am growing them from seeds. So far my cosmos and snapdragons are growing like weeds but some others aren’t growing too well.

    PS I can’t wait until it is warm outside!

  2. Lynn on April 21, 2009 7:55 am

    Anna, I’m doing the same…used egg cartons as seed starters…Thanks for stopping by! — Lynn

  3. Christine on April 21, 2009 10:13 am

    My 5 year old son’s winter coat was filthy so I threw it in the wash. It came out with two long seem rips. I was hoping it would survive for my 3 year old son. I found some matching orange thread from a pair of my capris and stitched a waggely line that is really only noticeable upon close inspection. There was a time not too long ago when I wouldn’t have hesitated to shrug and toss it.

  4. Lynn on April 22, 2009 6:44 am

    Christine, Exactly…whether it’s due to increased awareness of environmental impact or the economic insecurity from the recession, we are all finding ways to “make do,” much like our grandmothers did….
    Thanks for sharing! — Lynn

  5. Condo Blues on April 22, 2009 11:20 am

    Fixing things is one of my green tentpoles. Although the last thing I fixed wasn’t very snazzy or clever. I rehemmed the end seam on a dishtowel that wasn’t ready to be turned into cleaning rags. I also fixed the hem on an old bathtowel now a doggie towel because the fraying bugged me. (the dog didn’t care though)

  6. Lynn on April 22, 2009 11:23 am

    Wow, CondoBlues, you are very ambitious! Thanks for stopping by!

  7. Colleen on April 22, 2009 1:12 pm

    Wow, I thought my son was the only one who gets hysterical when his food (cracker, cookie, anything) crumbles. Great analogy and inspiration for Earth Day! I’m rounding up local food bloggers in a virtual rally for the Bay (and our crabs), which I have to admit was inspired by your great work with the Green Moms Carnival. So thank you! Hope you get to enjoy a cold (organic) beer this evening. :)

  8. Mindful Momma on April 22, 2009 1:59 pm

    I actually mended some socks the other day!!! When was the last time you bothered to mend socks?? (not just you Lynn – but anyone reading this post!) And on that note…has anyone else noticed the incredibly poor quality of socks recently?

  9. Going Green Mama on April 23, 2009 9:24 am

    As our subdivision literally has a “bush” requirement, as many of ours didn’t make it this winter, I’ve replaced them with blueberry bushes. They are quite ornamental, will help happily feed my kids and still meet landscaping requirements for our neighborhood.

    I’ll admit I’m a fixer. I saved a bike from the trash before Christmas hoping to find someone who could fix it up for toys for tots or a similar organization!

  10. Lisa on April 30, 2009 5:15 pm

    On Earth Day I got voted on to the board of directors of my local recycling coalition. And I planted my first veggie garden. :)

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