Each moment that we are here on Earth, we are creating a footprint. There is emphasis now on the term "carbon footprint". It is wonderful that everyone is becoming aware of the carbon emission situation. Does anyone really know how to calculate this footprint without educational assistance?
From the “carbon footprint” generated by driving a car, to the smaller and less noticeable expenses like the tiny beings that we inadvertently step on when we are walking, we are leaving a mark, a footprint, on the Earth. Even our inhale and exhale causes atmospheric and energetic exchanges, and hence activity.
Becoming aware of our activity is the first step to developing new ways of thinking. This can in turn lead to new ways of being. How can this happen? Well, it can happen with you! And only you! If your change in awareness and thinking and habits brings joy and happiness and fulfillment to you, fantastic. If these changes bring joy and happiness to the Earth body, fantastic. As free thinking beings, we have the choice to follow a path, and to change paths, it is our personal choice. Leading by example, an excited and enthused example, can do more for the group mentality than any level of cajoling and nagging.
We have all experienced this first hand. Have you ever tried to make someone close to you mimic your patterns of behavior? It can be an exercise in frustration and disappointment. To watch day in and day out as someone seems to blindly ignore or forget your words sets up a potentially problematic situation. Carry on doing your thing. Teach your children, they will get it much sooner than those of your generation or older, and then let the children encourage others with their youthful energy and charm!
We put out a challenge for Earth Day, and it can be found below. You have each moment to look, listen, experience, change. Nothing in the next moment needs to stay as it is in this moment. So, if you are open, take our 2010 Earth Day challenge into your everyday life. Change it from a challenge to a way of life! Discover your own creativity as you discover ways to do some of the things that you love to do, but now in a way that gives pleasure to you and to the Earth.
Here is an example. When eating at restaurants the portion sizes tend to be large, and often food is not finished. Or, food is finished and the feeling of overeating ensues. Try this: go to your favorite restaurant and take several food storage containers with you. Pack them all up in your reusable shopping bag. Take these containers to the restaurant, and when you have eaten enough food, store the leftovers in the containers and take them home.
It is a win-win-win situation! You will feel better about yourself for not overeating, you will have leftovers to enjoy at the next meal or the next day (eating them sooner is better) and you do not have the guilt of excess packaging from the experience! No waste on any front!
From this small example, go out and create! All of us need you as an inspiring example of how much beauty is in simplicity. Enjoy!
Use the link below to calculate an estimate of your family's greenhouse gas emission:
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ind_calculator.html
Earth Day Challenge
Take the following Earth Day Challenge. Use your mothering Mother bags to the extreme and raise your own awareness by shunning all packaged and processed food for the day. Nothing from a can, a bottle, a package... the extent to which you take this is up to you!
Enjoy, invite others to challenge with you and share in the gifts of the Earth!
Living mM
Eating Naturally
Meat Consumption