Baby steps to becoming a more "Green" mom (the first in a series of posts)

Filipinos don't like to waste. We use most (sometimes all) parts of an animal for consumption, reuse our cooking oil (a little extra flavor never hurts), use our old t-shirts as basahans (wash rags), and collect those hotel shampoos/conditioners/lotions to use as pasalubongs (other cultures have caught on to our secrets). So naturally you'd think we'd be the "green" kings and queens. Unfortunately, that's not the case. I'm still trying to convince my parents to practice being more 'green' these days.

First step into becoming a more 'green' mom is education. Take some time to learn about how your everyday consumption and lifestyle affect people today, and the world your kids will inherit. With all the nuances of being a first time mother, changing how we do things in our everyday lives is difficult enough without having to be conscientious about more mundane things. But some of our everyday practices are hurting our world and have an immediate negative impact on fellow human beings. Use the web ( I like this website especially), visit your local recycling plant/center for more information. 

Second, recycle! Recycling is one of the simplest, yet under utilized forms of being 'green'. It's only been in the past 10 years or so that businesses have begun to recycle products like aluminum cans, glass, and plastic bottles. Still, there are businesses that don't practice it. Use those recycling bins! One idea I have for those who have age-appropriate kids is to take them to a recycling plant/center in order for them to learn about the process and see what those materials become. Design a story about the trip to get them more excited and interested. They'll feel good knowing they've done something to save their planet, and you'll feel good knowing you're fostering awareness in them. If you want, you can go around your local eateries and offer to collect their aluminum cans and plastic bottles to recycle and earn some cash for yourself or for your kids.

**If you live in the Jack London Square or Lake Merritt area in Oakland, California, you'll be pleased to know there's a simple recycling center (Lakeside Recycling) on the corner of 4th and Jackson. It's a dirty area, so dress accordingly. You can drop off your aluminum cans and plastic bottles for cash. It's a great way to earn a little something on the side and kids can view the artwork displayed made from recycled materials. 

(We do have to stop using plastic bags in the bin. We do our best to reuse it.)