Category Archives: Environment

Nov 19 2012
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Conscientious, Education, Environment, Food Activism, Nutrition

Health Nut Mama


“But that’s the challenge — to change the system more than it changes you.” 
―    Michael Pollan,    The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals

There is something so fascinating to me about foods and supplements as the body’s natural source for replenishment. 

I am astounded by the bounty of resources that God’s provided to us for many purposes, and also equally surprised that so many people do not use or belive in this capability.  Not only that, but I am continually hearing about new ways of prepping, combining, growing, cooking or not cooking, fermenting, and harvesting food for its best fuel return.  It’s a true passion, and a hobby of science experiements for me.  Some turn out fabulously, others not so much.  The point, for me, is just to venture into the new in hopes of a discovery for our family.

I would love to do an actual life update for us soon, including some cute photos of our little six-month wonder, but that’ll have to wait for another day.  We’re going to visit a local dairy this evening in hopes of getting a jug of raw milk to try, so I’ve got a lot to do before then!  So, I’ll leave a little list here of things we’re trying to experiment with, and some interesting reading in book and website form.  Hope you enjoy as much as I have.

Nourishing Traditions: Against the grain of the “Diet Dictocrats,” Sally Fallon questions everything about the American way of eating, circa the industrial revolution.  She goes against the grain recommending real butter, NOT eating vegetable oils in large amounts (really gives me some food for thought), and many other habits which are not thought of as normal these days.  Truly interesting, and if I were to embrace it, a close-to-180 degree turnaround for our family ideology, especially when it comes to healthy oils.

Food Renegade: One of my favorite new blogs, this website is a complete treasure trove of foodie goodness!!!  This chick is one inspired lady, if you read her about section you’ll see how deep her love of food runs, and the purpose that fuels her.

Homemade Butter: How awesome is this?  It’s so much simpler than I ever imagined… I envisioned a woman in a bonnet dressed in old-timey pioneer day attire, churning away at a bucket or barrel for hours.  Ha!

Kombucha: I tried this wierdly fizzy and somewhat sour drink a few years ago, and have thought of it a few times since.  I didn’t particularly enjoy the flavor of the one I had, purchased from a health store.  After reading about the health properties, and particularly the historic background,  I think I want to try making my own at home.  If you get into the reading, you’ll start wondering if you’re learning about a health drink, or an alien life form… but I guess the nerdy gal in me loves that aspect of it!

Last, but certainly not least, the thought of Raw Milk.  The link begins to describe some of why this is important.  A part of me is scared to go unpasteurized, and I think up terrifying ideas of sickness and foodbourne ailments, but the arguments make a lot of sense.  I’m really excited to get to this local dairy and try some milk from their cows.  Unpasteurized, very fresh milk.  The thought that our nation takes all of the fats out of milk, heats it up, and then adds nutrients that are difficult for the body to digest… really grosses me out.  Another attempt of American food scientists at making a historic, almost unbelievable, shelf-life for foods that should be fresh.  I hope to learn more about this and share as I do.

What are you and your family trying, experimenting with, or loving?  Is there anything you’ve tried, and really hated?  Lemme know!

–M

“[Government] regulation is an imperfect substitute for the accountability, and trust, built into a market in which food producers meet the gaze of eaters and vice versa.” 
―    Michael Pollan,    In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto

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Sep 07 2012
2 Comments
Baby, Environment, Thriftiness

Cloth Diapering for the Laundry-Impaired


I hate to do laundry. My husband & I both mostly hate it, actually. It’s so nice to have those fresh clean clothes, but hanging them up to dry, sorting them, etc… it’s all so mundane. Slow going & not instantly satisfying, as maybe we’d like it to be once in awhile if we’re being honest. So, this post isn’t going to make a whole lot of sense at first! Why in heavens name would we choose to do cloth– when our little one arrived– if we didn’t LOVE laundry!? Well, i’ll give you some tips: We aren’t perfect about it. Nothing is perfect about cloth diapering in our household. And I’m not really OCD about a lot of things, so I suppose it would be more annoying to me if I were, but we’ll get to all of that.  A BIG disclaimer:  We’re still learning as we go.  We like to do that a lot around our house, and I’m aware that it may sound slapdash but it’s how we live.  If we find better ways of doing things, we’ll adapt, but this is whats working now.  It’s definitely not perfect, and it’s probably wrong in some ways (if you have a way that works better, please let me know!) but too bad.  : )  The reason I’m dedicating a post to this topic is because of the few people who have inquired about our CDing methods.  Here’s our down-low!  Hooray!

Why did we choose to cloth diaper?

At first, the environment.

Here we go.  Weeeee!  Well, we did a ton of research.  In the beginning, we were considering the environment.  We aren’t often afraid of being different because we want to create some positive change, so we thought it would be a great idea to do this for the environment.  Upon further investigation, hubby discovered that CDs aren’t really that much better for the environment.  They are still using up energy when they are manufactured.  They still go in landfills–maybe in a delayed way, but they still do.  The manufacturing process still uses chemicals, unless you’re a lucky one who has all organic diapers.  So, it turned out that they aren’t too much better for mama earth afterall–UNLESS you choose to purchase used ones.  Yippee, right?!  Buying used is always one of my favorite things, no matter the bad rap people give it.  When items have a second or third go-around, it’s great for the earth & for my pocketbook.  Total win-win.  So, with that said, many of our cloth diapers are not second-hand, because family & friends are amazing & they blessed us a LOT!  But, now that August is getting to be quite a bit bigger than his little cute newborn diapers, it’s time to purchase new things… so I’m going the used route on many of them.  Awesome.  I get to give mama earth a big high five, and keep some change while I’m at it.  There are many other reasons (such as comfort, decreased chemical exposure, etc.) why we cloth diaper now, but this was the biggie for our fam.

What the heck?!  We have to do WHAT?!

Realizing that CDing ain’t all glitz & glamour.

So as I was contemplating CDing, and as hubby was reading an article about CDing, we realized nearly simultaneously that you have to fling poo.  Not only do you fling it (as happens often in the diapering world anyhow, no matter what)–but according to many resources, you must “spray it” or fling it over the toilet.  No can do, we said.  The buck stopped there.  We’re going to do WHAT after our baby does WHAT?!  Okay… so this was before he was born, and little did we know how much of this stuff was actually going to be all over us at certain points of the day.  However, we still don’t like the idea of trying to spray off everything and get the poo out in order to keep diapers way more stain-free & maintain their long lives.  Our solution?  It may gross you out, but I don’t mind.  I am not big on stain removal for diapers.  Who is going to be inspecting the inside of my baby’s prefold or FuzzyBunz anyhow?  Probably just me & hubs.  So on that note, we simply toss the diaper in the wet/dry bag (which are ADORABLE, by the way, we buy the Planet Wise ones, and we have yet to complain about them in three months or so) and then wash.  The wash is a bit intense, but I’ll explain.  I do have to add that the prefolds we use to get to looking pretty gross even when they’re clean, and I don’t like bleach, so I sun bleach them.  This works really well for me–especially if I wet them down before sunning them!  So there you have it, our dirty secret.  We don’t spray our poo!

SunnyBuns.  DiaperDelights.  Fuzzy-something or others.  Weird names & too many options!  What do I do!?

Tons of options.  Tons of features.  Choose a few.

We have a stash of a few different kinds of diapers, which you see featured here:


From left to right; (older version) Fuzzy Bunz, Econobum, Thirsties, Flip.  How many times can you say that fast?!  There are a million gazillion types of CD’s, and it was all so annoying and overwhelming.  From what I can tell, they all have things that I enjoy and they also have their downfalls, kind of like most disposables.  I enjoy the easy quick use of the Fuzzy Buns, because they have an insert that you stick into the diaper (there is a pocket) and bam–you put it on just like a normal diaper.  This one is great to use if you would like your babysitter or family members to use CD’s while watching them.  The Flip also uses an insert-type microfiber piece.  Both of these are very stain resistent from what I’ve seen, so if you’re big on that–these would be great.  The Econobum & Thirsties are both pretty awesome–I love the leg gussets (little things on the sides of the legs to hold the prefold diaper in) on the Thirsties, and the Econobum is very form fitting because the whole diaper is stretchy and so fits to baby.

So what do you buy?  I have really appreciated having a variety, and I don’t think you’re going to know what will work until you can try it on your baby.  Every babys bod is different, every baby changes differently as they grow.  Some were better when he was smaller, others are better now that his little chubby frame has filled out some more.  Don’t be scared to do something new.  Ask a pal if they have some you can try until you figure out what works.  Go with it.

How did you say I wash them??

Tons of methods, once again.

We use Tide.  Dye Free, Fragrance Free.  I also create my own detergent for our clothes that uses Dr. Bronners, which I got from Passionate Homemaking, but it isn’t enough for the CD’s.  Those need the strong stuff to get all the smell out.  But lots of people try lots of things, there are even things like Rockin’ Green Detergent that are made especially for CD’s!  Amazing.  So this is what I do:

1. We wait until we get quite a few dirty ones.  3-4 days, probably, or a little more.  Like I said, I’m not OCD!

2. We toss ‘em into the washer, making sure there are no bioliners (liners that help to soak up excess moisture & keep baby’s bum dry, but flushable) or wipes (we use both disposable & cloth wipes!) in the diapers.  No biggie if there are, but it can be a pain.

3. We do a cold rinse.

4. We do a hot wash, using tide.

5. We do a hot rinse.

6. We line dry what we can, warm dryer the Fuzzy Bunz & others that specify to use the dryer.  We always put our prefolds in the dryer because it helps them to stay absorbent and fluffy.  Line drying covers like Thirsties, Flips, & Econobums helps to maintain more life in them.

That’s it!

So that is our basic plan.  It is subject to all kinds of changes great and small, and I’m always open to trying a new kind of diaper if it seems to have an advantage.  Hopefully this is helpful, and hopefully you think it’s a lot more do-able.  Trust me, I thought we were crazy when we were first starting out.  Mostly because it seemed like we were in over our heads, and learning all sorts of new things with our first baby.  But once you dip your toes in and get comfy, it’s really not too bad!

Oh Yeah… One more thing.

A thought about polarized living:

I know it, you know it.  We’ve all seen it.  The mom who is a total nazi about breastfeeding–one ounce of formula, ever, for any reason, and your child is screwed (in her eyes)!  You must ONLY breastfeed!  She doesn’t care what your circumstances are. Or…  The family who frowns upon others because they don’t have the best of everything, or the newest gadget with an apple emblem.  One old lappy & you’re not cool anymore!  There are also the cloth diaper Joneses, and I’m not keeping up with them.  One little disposable & you’re a horrible person!  They see your child at church wearing a disposable diaper, and they ask you, “But I though you were Cloth Diapering!” Yes.. we are… and he’s wearing a disposable right now.  We’re all about being flexible with how we do it, though I really do try to use cloth diapers when I am able.  When August goes to his babysitter’s twice a week, there are usually some CD’s in his bag (if we have clean ones) but always disposables.  If we’re running late, we’ll grab them.  Life calls for being able to change plans, and disposables are always a great backup.  We’re big advocates for doing what works.  Right now, we often use disposables at night because they just seem to hold more long term (and at night, he mostly just pees a lot).  I’m sorry but I’m not going to wake my child from a deep, peaceful slumber because his diaper needs to be changed–so we put him in a disposable.  Do what works for you, and remember that others are doing the same most of the time.  Sometimes, we just can’t keep up with doing it all, all of the time.

Here are a few resources that might help:

http://www.theclothdiaperwhisperer.com/

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/diapers/buying-guide.htm

PLUS: Babies look SO cute in cloth!  Let me know if I didn’t cover something that you were dying to know, and if you have any burning questions.

Toodles!

-M

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May 23 2012
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Appreciation, Environment, Family, Value

Saving Turtles


Today, the hubby & I were driving back from a fairly nice (though so early it was rough) morning together for a baby appointment. We had lunch together, and just enjoyed each other’s company. As we neared home, things were good… when suddenly… “Was that a turtle?” He noticed a turtle making its small, slow way across the middle of the road. We looked with panic at one another, since we were on a busy road, and I declared, “Turn it around, baby, we have to save that turtle. Someone will hit it!” A few more moments of horror followed as we saw many trucks and cars speed our way (what were they thinking, driving the speed limit while a tiny turtle was on the road?!) and Troy even said, “Close your eyes… I don’t know if it’s even alive!”

Thankfully, we saw mister/miss turtle alive and well, but it gave us a good scare. Before we pulled over to the side of the road, we saw about four vehicles drive by–and the turtle was RIGHT between their tires. One vehicle swerving off a bit, and it would’ve been a goner.

Hubby put on our emergency lights. I waited in stunned anticipation–hoping we weren’t took late! I watched as he picked up the turtle, put it safely into a gulley on the other side of the road, and jumped back in our car. “And stay there, turtle!” Apparently the turtle hissed as he was lifted out of danger and into a soft bed of grass.

I’m thankful. We had an adventure, and saved a little life. What could be better?

-M

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Jan 19 2012
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Conscientious, Education, Environment, Family, Mommyhood, Value

Au Naturale / 23.5 week update


When I make something for myself, from scratch, it’s a lovely thing to me. It’s something crafted and created, something that took a bit more effort, and that I know well enough to describe the process. So it goes with nearly everything hand done for me: a craft, like crocheting (which I’ve been meaning to do some of lately, for our little guy), or the few handmade gifts I made for loved ones this Christmas (a coupon book for the hubby, filled with items he loved!, & a memory jar each for my parents–filled with thoughts about them, memories I remember, and things I’m thankful they did for me over the course of my life), I get a thrill from making it myself. Some of the best gifts, such as a bunch of photos that my MIL gave me–of Troy when he was a kid and a few of him as a baby–are those that take much more thought than cash.

So… I have ventured out into the unknown territory, into the land of legitimate accusations of “Earth Mama.” And I’m pretty proud of it now. I enjoy making things personally, mixing them up, and then using them. And what a marvel–(I made toothpaste, deodorant, and laundry detergent from natural crap-free ingredients!) when you start discovering that things you buy at the store do not have to mysteriously be made in some far off place, you can actually make them yourself! It gives me the giggles. The only downfall of this process is that it’s not a given that these items will work for you, or that you will get the right mixture on the first try of creating the recipe: my bout with “natural” shampoo only lasted two days, and I couldn’t stand it. They say that your hair will adjust eventually–but I felt like a greaser! Maybe another time when nobody has to see me in public for a very long time. Haha.

During this time of my life, I’ve been trying to focus on the true important aspects of who I am and who I want to be as a momma–what I need to do in order to make our house a home I’d like to raise my child in, and what I need to be educated about. We pray for our little one, his development and his soul, on a regular basis, and this type of preparation has been so important. It’s also been REALLY fabulous to not have to work right now (thank the LORD for His provision) and to have a month and a half off from school. I can research so many things about pregnancy and childbirth, rest, visit with friends I haven’t seen in ages during this special time, do tons of things around our home, and generally begin to reshape my life mindset towards a “family” instead of a fun 20something married couple (not that we won’t STILL be that–but things will admittedly be different). Here at 23.5 weeks (this coming Sunday marks the 24th week! Woo!) things are feeling pretty good still–I’m trying to stick with a regimen for working out so that my muscles, especially back and legs, are geared up and ready for the rigors of labor. I am preparing for an all natural birthing experience, utilizing a waterbirthing tub! I am completely thrilled. I’m so thankful I had a great lady help me understand more about the natural birthing processes–and that she helped me make an informed decision about what was best for me. One of the biggest pluses, in my eyes, for waterbirthing is that it is a pain relief method while going through natural birth, but it also mimics the natural state of my womb. Little man will not come into the world screaming and freezing in a sterile setting–he will be in a calm bath of water, and then placed directly on my chest. I hope his eyes are wide open and that he takes the world in. Oh I cannot wait. And I don’t have long!

My bod is definitely changing. I can tell my butt is bigger (oh well) and it is certainly more difficult to sleep and a few other unpleasantries. I was talking to my hubs about these things, and he said sadly, he was pretty sure my midwife would tell me it’s all part of the territory. The man speaks the truth. So for me, those unpleasant symptoms have mostly been lower/mid back pain and some weird muscle pains/spasms in my ribs these days (thankful for muscle rub stuff, a massage chair, and a hubby who will massage me!), but if you consider the miracle it is that my body can even DO what it’s doing, I’d say things are still going pretty swell.

Speaking of swell, I’ve so far got no swelling in my hands and feet.. and I really hope that will keep up. Small steps! I’m just wanting this to be a healthy, natural, peaceful birth. No interventions and no unwanted medications. I had been wondering about cravings, because I hadn’t had any “I COULD EAT THE WORLD AND I WOULD NOT BE SATISFIED!” cravings yet in my pregnancy, but I got a few this week. Cheesecake. Mmm. I haven’t totally gone overboard ever, but I have eaten my fair share. Trying to have self control and enjoy food while making sure to be balanced too!

There’s my bump update, for you dear reader, and I hope that you’re well! Spring is nearly here (well, it’s closer than it has been) and the days are getting longer. Rejoice!

All my love,

-M

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Dec 29 2011
2 Comments
Conscientious, Education, Environment, Justice, Nutrition, Priorities

A Question for Consumers


We, as consumers, trust so many things to so many people! People we have yet to meet–people who govern, or sit on boards, or are simply the inventors of products–and of course, the people who set our own country’s standards at the FDA etc. People who may or may not have our good in mind when they sell us things–or may have their own greedy, and money-lusting endeavors in mind. I’m not hoping to do a broad generalization here, but I think it’s important to question it all when it comes to your own decisions and money.

I long for the old days. Yep–I long for sacred Amish crafting, creating, and building. Because when you build something yourself, when you’ve made it with your own two hands, all you have to trust is your own abilities–and you already know the process that went into crafting that particular item. You don’t have to think long about how you made a homemade pie, or worry that some stray ingredient somehow landed in there. Conversely, you DO have to think about the assembly line that put together your child’s crib–and whether that crib was sprayed with chemicals, dyes, preservatives, whatever… that could one day create an issue for your child’s developing and growing body. Scary, indeed, especially for a pregnant mama.

Why do we trust so much? I think the key to this question is convenience. We trust because its accessible. Kind of like gossip–if you heard the news yesterday, and you heard it from numerous sources, the story must be how it went down, right? Not always. I think the same is true for so many different things we buy–we figure, well, I can buy this here, and here.. and there. So it must be good. Or this line of thinking: Everyone else is buying this brand, or this kind, or whatever it is… so it must be the trusted way to do things. I like simple when it comes to what I’m buying. I want the thing to BE what it says it is. I like understandable. So when I go looking, I want to come to the facts pretty quickly–and I’m sometimes shocked when I analyze a “trusted” brand or “trusted” way of doing things… to discover the ingredients or process of creation are far less than appealing.

Let me dare you to do something, with me. Become a conscious consumer. Become aware–even though it isn’t the convenient thing. Think about how the cleaning/cooking/household products you buy impact the environment (when was the last time you heard about vinegar hurting wildlife? Or.. baking soda causing unnecessary deaths in China?), and in turn, how those products can impact your body and your childrens’ bodies. Are you educated about what you consume? Simple questions. But oh–such tough answers.

Here’s the ultimate dare: Take one product from your kitchen (oh, it could even be mac n’ cheese), then take one product from your bathroom (maybe your shampoo?), and lastly take one product from your basement or garage (wherever your store all of those tough-job manly items such as caulk, paint, car cleaners, etc.) and take it upon yourself to look through the list of ingredients. If you’re really brave, enter some of the longer “methy-alca-bla-bla-bla’s” that you can barely pronounce into your search engine and see what comes up. I doubt the answer will have you asking to have a platter served up of said ingredient once you learn what it really is. Anti-caking agents. Binding agents. Yuck, yuck, yuck.

The biggest problem I have with all of this is people who simply accept. “Well, they put it in there, so it must be there for something!” I’m all about holding big-money corporations to their promises–and to strict guidelines. Often, the only reason they put something in there is because it’s the CHEAP way to do it. And gain a huge return, monetarily, because of it. There have often been no longitudinal studies performed about so much of this (how the chemical additives, or simply cheap additives, in our food and other products affect our bodies long term)–why would you risk it if you have a proven, safe alternative in front of you? Wouldn’t it be so much nicer to simply avoid exposing yourself, and your loved ones, to chemicals if you could? You can. I can. It may take a little creative thinking, or a little time, or some energy, but you can. I’m committed. This isn’t just the crazy nature mama (which I also am, sometimes) speaking. It’s also just common sense, pure and simple. I only hope to think a little harder when smacking down some cash–”What am I really buying? Can I make this myself? Is this healthy?” Nobody is looking out for you, but You, on the consumer side of things.

-M

p.s.
If you’re looking for some good recipes to make your own products at home, I’ve gone searching and found a few cool recipes. Passionate Homemaking always has amazing stuff, check it out! http://www.passionatehomemaking.com.

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Sep 02 2011
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Creativity, Environment, Self-Image, Womanhood

Conscious Teen Fall Edition


I bring you, with much excitement, the second edition of Conscious Teen Magazine!!! We have worked long, hard hours, and it’s been worthwhile. I can see subtle yet important improvements from the last issue, and the look seems to flow more. My favorite piece to write was definitely about [RE]FRESH… a wonderful new classy thrift store that is using its fashion sense in order to support the Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition. It is so inspiring to know that things like this actually exist, and that young people can make a difference in them.

Hope you’ll enjoy, check it out!

http://www.yudu.com/item/details/397454/Fall-2011–Issue-2

-Miranda

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Jan 30 2011
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Conscientious, Education, Environment, Motivation, Relationships, Value

Your Corner of The World.



Part of my life entails teaching a course at my college, Environmental Science & Stewardship, every Friday.  I lead discussions, we watch intriguing and inspiring videos, and I hope to include more hands-on, get-yourself dirty, active aspects this semester.  Having this job creates elements of responsibility & activism that encourage me onward in my saga to do my part as often as possible: I am a steward of God’s Creation.  I’m not just a person who is an automaton teacher–I am on a mission with students who can change the world.  Consequently, because of my faith in restoring creation, I am eager to impress upon my students the changes that they can make, I can make, and that we can make together.  In order to instill a longing and appreciation towards preserving beauty & acquiring stewardship, I hope to continue in leadership capacities such as this.  An end dream I have would be to combine the skills I’ve been blessed to learn, and the resources I know are available, in order to create a family education group in a community (who knows, maybe this will be in years to come, and I don’t know where we’ll be by then!) that needs it.  As part of this, I would want to simply shout to the mountaintops the fact that we can all do something.  Whatever your station, whatever your experience (or inexperience!) you are someone unique, with a certain place in the world that connects to all others:

Students:  In some of the most advantageous positions to acquire new skills and understandings, students are capable of many things!  You could start a movement.  You could create a non-profit.  There are many things happening, and possible, in a world full of technology.  I began a “Green Group” at my college, and though it is difficult to keep a fledgling group active, I am still working at making this kind of thing a reality.  Students, you have so many professors, intellectuals, colleagues, and friends that can be legions for brainstorms.  If you see a problem in your world, and you see something that can be done, DO IT, by all means.  Does your campus recycle?  Is there a population of teens in the area that are troubled and need mentorship?  Do you see homeless individuals in your area?  Believe me, I know what it means to be the annoying squeaky wheel… but how do you think anything comes into fruition?  The squeaky wheel matters.  : )

Businesses: Many businesses work in a creative or innovative capacity, which is wonderful!– but a gigantic amount of resources are often used in the process of providing services.  Sometimes with just a bit of extra work or a little extra thought, these resources don’t have to be utilized, or an alternative solution can be found.  Paper is probably something nobody thinks much of, but a little thing can create a big pile of waste.  If your business doesn’t recycle, consider the options available.  If you can opt for direct deposit, it’s very convenient, and saves a bit of resources every month.  If there is a cause in your community, a family in need, or a charity auction happening, try to see that your business can be an agent of positive change.  Oftentimes things like these are small ways that a business can send a very clear message to their clients:  We are socially responsible, thoughtful, and possess ingenuity!  We have a special feature at our company: We care about our actions. As someone who is choosy about where I shop & who gets my business, I am careful to select brands and companies that give to charitable organizations, volunteer their time, do micro-lending (find out what that’s about at Kiva), do not test their products on animals, or offset their carbon footprint.  Nobody can do everything, but everyone can certainly do something.  If you’d like to see a cool website that rates products based on health, environment, and responsibility, check out  The Good Guide.I highly recommend finding out what kind of rating your house hold items receive and why.

Moms, Dads, Teachers, Mentors, Brothers & Sisters, Family, etc.:  In some way or another, this can apply to all of us.  We all have parents, we have all had teachers, and more likely than not we are connected to someone in another generation.  There is not a single person I can think of who wasn’t impacted strongly by one person in these categories.  These roles are essential in our world.  I salute you for responsibility in raising the world’s next generation: this is a very big shoe to fill indeed.  In your actions and choices, you are being carefully watched by tiny spies all around you.  They may not seem as though they are taking it all in and observing your every move, but they are!  The kids that take their cues from you come to value you more highly than you realize, and will probably become somewhat like you in future.  If you believe in restoring our world, and responsibility… if you think that we can all make a difference, then the buck stops here.  Sign that bill and pass it into law: you have the power.  Playing with the kids in your lives, investing in their ideas, being role models & listening with heartfelt sincerity, you make all the difference of a  very influential world leader.  Day-to-day, your actions and motivations matter to these young ones: our future teachers and leaders.

Singles: I definitely didn’t want to leave this part of the equation out.  Many people are overlooked when they’re in the single stage of life.  So much more bustling action seems to be happening with the newlywed crowd, new families, or the matchy couples who do everything together.. or sometimes maybe not.  I have seen single people who have a passion and tunnel headfirst into it with all of the energy and determination necessary to start a riot with good results!  At some places that I have volunteered or been a part of, I see that the most inspiring and most selfless are often those who realize that their single life has more time to give, more dedication available, and is greatly rewarded when selfish desires aren’t their central focus.  Some of the most impactful singles I can think of are Mother Theresa & Paul of Tarsus.  It seems they channeled all of their life energy into serving others.  I want to emphasize how special this time of your life is, whether you like it and want to be single, or whatever your situation.  Your assets are many without being tied down, and you can make a difference in the lives of others.

No matter what your corner of the globe, so to speak, your life is like a web: it is interwoven, connected, and continually changed by the lives of others.  We can’t function alone and disconnected. We are all a part of this world and the beauty in that is this: we are never alone with our battles, and in seeking solutions.  If you can connect yourself, believe in yourself and in people, some pretty astounding things can become possible.

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Jan 25 2011
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Environment, Priorities, Thriftiness, Value

Virtues of Thriftiness


Raised in a home that never wasted, always recycled, and re-used, I have realized the value of being thrifty.  I am always up for a trip to the thrift store, I love finding things on craigslist, and freecycle is a nifty way to give things away and find things you need–while keeping items out of landfills.  I was able to give away about five of my homecoming/prom dresses to a girl about my size who is still in high school: I felt great knowing that she’d get to enjoy them and look good while doing it.  : )  Those dresses could certainly get more than one wear out of them!  While this may give you a somewhat old-ladyish picture of me, thrifting is anything but.  You can find amazing, hot steals if you try and if you’re patient, and the generosity of others never fails to amaze me.  Being thrifty does not mean sacrificing quality!

My mom & dad have a knack for collecting beautiful things from their travels: finds from here, there, and everywhere.  These things have a lot of meaning to them–years spent abroad as a newly married couple (they were married on my mom’s 18th birthday!) are encapsulated within each precious item.  My mom has china from Japan, sushi dishes, teacups, etc. that reflect the beauty of artisans who created them.  There is a huge glass fishing ball that I’ve admired since I was a kid.  Another of my favorites is the silkscreen they have hanging in their living room, it has birds delicately painted on the surface.


While I’ve always been surrounded by art, music, and culture, my parents (especially mom) were clear in their actions that money was something to be used with caution.  I remember absolutely HATING shopping around thrift stores with my mom when I was a kid.  When you’re that small, you just want to get something you want and then go do something else that’s more fun.  Now I can realize in retrospect that Mom always had an agenda: She had a list of things she had been looking for, and she was going to find them!  Sometimes it took her a couple of months, or others she hit the jack pot right away.  But she taught me some valuable lessons with her frugality:

1) Being Thrifty Pays:  Mom & Dad have worked hard in their lives, and so have been able to save money and send me to college.  This doesn’t mean money grew on trees, though.  My mom always had the finances figured out, and because my family didn’t pay for things like 500 channels of cable T.V., didn’t buy things new, and often went without because we realized we didn’t need it… there was always money available for more crucial needs.

2) Being Thrifty is Green! One of my favorite things about thrifting is this: My mom pointed out that if you buy things at a thrift store, (Goodwill mainly functions like this) you are actually buying stuff that people donated!  That means they could’ve thrown their old crap out, but instead they donated it to a worthy cause because it was still in good condition.  Thus the green cycle triumphs as superior to the consumerist mentality.

3) Being Thrifty Grows Discipline, Hard Work, & Patience: As a newlywed, my hubby & I are pretty careful with our money, (thanks, Dave Ramsey!) or we try to be.  When we’re grocery shopping, often one of us will look at the other with an item in our hand and say “What do you think?”  We assess the item, sizing it up for quality and necessity.  Often it’s something we don’t need, or don’t need immediately, and if it is something we’d like to have, then we agree that we could look on Amazon or elsewhere.  It’s difficult to deny yourself the pleasure of the instant consumer high in purchasing lotsa “COOL!  NEW!  STUFF!”  but it makes you feel almost equally happy to have said no to yourself, and grown a little bit of discipline & patience.  In some cases, when it’s a big item, we realize that we will have to save up or work more.  Though it’s difficult not to just charge it on the card, in the long run we know it’s worth it.

Though the world is constantly telling us in its booming, shouting voice, “CONSUME!  BUY IT ALL!  COME ON, YOU DESERVE IT!” lets be honest with ourselves for a moment.  It’s a trap!  With hard work and by putting a little thought into what we buy, we CAN have many of the things we wish to… but not the way the market wants us to.  People who are pushing ads and products are only phonies trying to sell you the hottest thing so that they can make the biggest dollar.  Stick it to the man, don’t let them win!  You can have those things–Pay your bills first & bargain shop a little.  In my life, it’s helped immensely.  I’m thankful for the Virtue of Thriftiness, which Mom & Dad continue to rock daily.  : )  Thanks guys!

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Jan 12 2011
1 Comment
Environment, Justice, Priorities

E-Waste? Recyclable?


In a time when we’re beginning to think more about our choices as consumers, it’s good to ask ourselves if we can recycle whatever we’re about to pitch in the can.  While many things are recyclable or have been created to be more consciously minded, I always wonder what we could create with other forms of waste.  Like food.
NPR just aired a segment about some energy drinks that may surprise you– It’s pretty interesting, and shocked me as well!  Check it out for a quick read or listen.

Another startling question:  What about that newfangled contraption you will probably replace by next year…?  Yes, I’m talking about your beloved iPod, Macbook, or other “i-thing.”  What happens to those things when we move on to the next techie craze?  Another NPR story showcases the truth behind America’s horrible consumer habits.  We don’t think, we just dump.  What’s more, a lot of places that tell you they are recycling your e-waste are simply shipping it off to foreign countries!  Oh my…
If you want to know what’s going on,  you should definitely listen to this story “After Dump, What Happens to Electronic Waste?

If you’re interested in becoming more educated about how these cool new gadgets impact the world in a large way, another story, by Treehugger.com is about how the e-waste problem is impacting China.

After reading and listening to these stories…I was saddened, surprised, and thinking about what a solution could be.  It’s not a cut-and-dry issue.  But something I know for sure?  I’m going to think twice about where I put my old phone the next time my service provider offers a free upgrade.. or what’s better, I may not get an upgraded phone at all and continue to use my “untrendy reliable flip phone.”  Maybe part of the solution to the e-waste issue (which is threatening the lives and health of millions) would include becoming more content with less.  Why do we think we have to buy a new gadget?  Because it’s the latest, the hottest, the coolest new thing.  Not because we need it. 

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Dec 11 2010
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Conscientious, Environment

Green, Fads, and Forever.


Next to me, on our tiny kitchen table, sits a metal canteen water bottle.  It bears the declaration “GO GREEN,” emblazoned in kelly green lettering, on its shiny surface.  Its lid is lime green, and there are a few dents in the sides from all the love it has endured through the years.  Sitting here, looking at my canteen, I think of the Environmental Science & Stewardship class that I am TA-ing.

When I first entered into that course, last year, I knew it would be interesting to me.  I have always cared about the Earth, but I never connected it so much with everything else until that class.  I’ve been good with the idea of recycling, reusing, you know… the PBS stuff you learn.  Growing up, my family recycled everything, and my mom has always tried to be efficient in the way our family operates.  While that’s all a good start, this class went deeper.  It went to the core of things, changing my way of thinking about the world.  The Earth was created, it is cared for (with good, and bad care) and it is maintained in one way or another.  All of these systems, magnificent and intricate, work together to pump their muscles.  All of these interwoven parts, seemingly disconnected and distant from one another–they could not function as a single unit by themselves.

It wasn’t a big moment of  ”A-ha!” for me.  It wasn’t a revelation.  It was something that came to be, bit by bit, until I realized that it was too gigantic for me not to do anything about it.  I had to make sure I didn’t live my life munching through a bag of “wants” and forgetting that so many can’t purchase the bag of “needs.”  That bag of “needs” is definitely a possession Americans take for granted each day, and its simply the truth that many Christians do the same.  Realizing that “Christian” and “Creation” go hand-in-hand is not a small thing.  It is powerful, and something I believe we neglect.
Now that I’m seeing this class from a TA’s perspective, instead of the student I was last year, I feel even more that my eyes are opening wide.   I see, as I’m teaching and discussing with the students, that I have to invest in the future: them.  I see that I must impress upon them how crucial their actions and decisions are.

Being green is absolutely a fad right now, but we’re talking about forever here.  The Earth is something God created with great care & total understanding. Our class discussion text was “Serve God, Save the Planet” by J. Matthew Sleeth.  Sleeth is an MD, who decided that the path of medicine was not his.  He changed his life, becoming a pastor and living radically different in order to create change.  A lot of people have become cult-followers of the Green movement… using canvas totes and buying organic food… but it’s not a fad that will be able to create change.

Since God created the Earth with care, it is a system, like I mentioned before.  If we stop obsessing, stop fad behavior, and try to look at the overarching picture.. what our eyes will behold is beauty.  A great beauty in the cells, in the plant-life, in the communication between the Earth & its inhabitants (mostly animals), and in the structure of it all.  If we can begin to appreciate the way our uneaten apple transforms into compost, that transforms into life-giving food for plants that begin the process again… then maybe we can say we understand.  When we see that we are all connected, when we see that our actions in the U.S. affect those starving miles away, perhaps a shred of concern will creep up on us.  Perhaps our conscience will feel some twinge of care for those who we do not know–with whom our fates are entangled on this planet.

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