It's Not Easy Being Green

Over the past few months, I have been trying to teach my son the importance of “being green.” At roughly three years old, he understands that the trash does not all go into the same can. He also is aware that he should not use an endless supply of Kleenex as “trash” when playing with his garbage trucks or let the water run continuously as he washes his play pots and pans. Teaching him about conservation is good not only for the environment, but also for our bank account.

I have been feeling pretty good about my role as a parent lately, thinking that G is WAY ahead of his peers when it comes to understanding and appreciating these issues. Yesterday, however, I finally realized how very true this is.

For the past few weeks, I have been convinced that there is something wrong with our dishwasher. The silverware simply does not comes out clean. At first, I naturally assumed that my husband was at fault. Although he has received numerous tutorials on the proper technique for loading and unloading the dishwasher, perhaps he was in need of a refresher course. After an intense question and answer session between the two of us, I deduced that this was not the case.

I later thought that my daughter’s tendency to lick the silverware before I have a chance to upload the bottom dish rack completely may be at fault. While this is definitely true, it still did not account for the utterly dirty, yogurt looking spoons that I find in our silverware drawer.

Yesterday, it all came together for me. As I stood at the kitchen counter cleaning up breakfast, G trotted into the kitchen and put his used silverware back into the drawer. “What are you doing?” I shrieked. He looked at me, confused. “Mama, I’m all done eatin’. I am re-cycle-cling.”

It’s not easy being green….



-Francesca