I have several addictions, shall I call them, that are quite un-green. Here are five of them in no particular order. I welcome suggestions or alternatives:
1) Addicted to
Ziploc bags. For snacks. For clean diapers. For dirty diapers. For paperwork I don't want to get wet. For clothes that are already wet. I am addicted to Ziploc bags.
2) Television. Not me. My children. Or shall I say, I have *let them* become addicted to television. Can I make some excuses? My children, when they are in my home, do not watch television unless it is PBS Kids. Otherwise, they watch videos of television progams. When do they watch these shows? At 5:30 a.m. when they are up and I am basically not. During food preparation time (lunch and/or dinner). When they have had an extremely active day and want to chill out. I also happen to think that they do learn some important things from television. I know there are quite a number of you, like
The Not Quite Crunchy Parent, who have some excellent reasons *why* children, especially those under two, shouldn't watch television. I don't want to start a debate - I am looking for ideas for television alternatives, especially when it comes to providing children with "down" time and/or some unsupervised play ideas for two children under three. (Although, just to show me up, my children are quietly drawing as I blog this.) I need more than, "Try books." or "How about coloring pages." I would like to know exactly how you utilize these methods; what's your story?
3) The Buying of the Lunch. Not only is this a money-waster, but when I purchase my lunch from the cafeteria at work, whether it be from the hot food line or the salad bar, it comes in a single-use only plastic container. I can't help thinking as I toss the packaging I just purchased 15 minutes prior, "And so ends the life cycle of the food storage container." Waste. Reasons why I don't make my own lunch: sheer laziness and a rush out the door in the a.m. I am addicted to the buying of the lunch.
4)
Kraft Singles: Not just Kraft singles, but several other foods that are not just "convenient" but in my mind have some kind of memory associated with them. Grilled cheese just tastes better with Kraft singles. Individually wrapped slices be damned. What's your "comfort" product?
and finally
5) McDonalds. There. I've said it. McDonalds, McDonalds, McDonalds. I have created my own monster. It's my fault. The children like the french fries and those G-d-forsaken toys from China. I need your help. Do you have a "special" (do you "think" I use the "emphasis" quotes "enough"?) treat for the kids when you're on the road that diverges a bit from your everyday fare?
Update: I have to share some link love immediately after seeing Mom Go Green's latest post. Prepare to be amazed.Update to the Update: Is it Sailboats Made of Recycled Materials Week and I wasn't told about it? Look at this awesome offering from SusieJ.
