Earth Day, Walmart and Laundry

I was watching the Weather Channel today to check out the local radar for John since he is trying to get all the corn planted between the rains. They had knocked the chance down to 40% for today, so he is breathing easier, which also means, he’s not too grumpy. I left the television on that channel because Josef, my two year old, wanted me to rock him to sleep and they usually have some good learning shows on. The Weather Channel did not let me down.

Today they had a special concerning Earth Day and Earth Week and how some huge corporations are turning green. One giant in particular caught my eye: Walmart. I shop there for almost everything. From cheap shoes for the kids to wear out to the farm to health and beauty items to groceries. Walmart figured they needed to be a leader in changing the way their shoppers feel about being green. The new stores that are in our area have skylights so when it is bright enough during the day, sensors shut off the artificial lighting in the store. They also changed their shopping bags and use the plastic left over from making disposable diapers. All of the plastic bags are made out of the leg holes that are punched out! They are also going to install doors on all open coolers to cut down energy costs and reduces their carbon foot print.

I had a clue but really no idea. Then, of course, I began to think, well IF THEY can do it—so can we. We already recycle all plastic and pop cans. I do not get the newspaper anymore, so no paper to recycle there. I make sure the kids don’t run the water when they brush their teeth. We use the dishwasher to conserve water (I know, I know, the sacrafices I make, right?). How else?

I suppose I could pull out the Fuuzy Buns I have for Joel. Those are cloth diapers with inserts so I don’t have to by disposables. He is big enough to wear them and school is starting to slow down enough that I can wash more diapers I guess. Not like the 20 loads I do a week is enough as it is. I just REALLY dislike it when he poops in them. I guess it is a small price to pay for the environment and he is my last baby. Okay. I can do that.

What else? We do throw soooooo much away! Even though I don’t get the newspaper anymore, I could set up another bin for paper. I could shred everything and use it as mulch out side in the flower garden—the fiberous paper would help hold moisture in. And, don’t get me wrong, I love my children dearly, but honestly, the amount of paper they bring home from school is in open defiance of the Paper Reduction Act. I can’t keep everything, but the special projects and super good grades I put into their memory bin. I can recycle all the papers from school. That will save forest in, oh, a week.

Okay. I have some other things I can do. I also think, in spirit of the week, we will shut off the television and lights all day on April 22, 2010, in celebration. I’m sure there will be grumblings, but we’ll get through it.

P.S. Earth Day was first conceptualized in 1969 and implement in 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin. April 22 was the official day of recognition. Happy 40th Birthday, Earth Day!