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It's worth thinking about. That an animal so massive can walk without putting a heavy burden on the Earth, the E I want to draw your attention towards.
This world is ours to live in a sustainable manner, not to ravish of its wealth. The need of the hour is to conserve what we have. Use paper on both sides. Switch off the electricity from the mains when we don't need it. Above all, consider it a sin to waste water, to allow water to gush on and flow away into the gutter.
But the greater sin is the sin of greed, of not being content with what we have, of buying, simply because we can. Have money, will buy is our new motto.
As I speak, adults everywhere, and even children, are caught in a mad scramble for more. The more we have, the more we want. The more we want, the more we have, and the more we dispose of, without a qualm.
Your Grandma used to say something about stretching one's legs as much as one's sheets allowed. Today we just go out and buy larger sheets, then in all textures and fabrics. Then we colour coordinate them with our bathroom tiles, then change them (the tiles too) when they no longer seem so novel.
Each day we create more garbage and leave behind more waste, having squandered more resources. None of this is really necessary. Remember that, mis niños, when someone tells you that a latest model of a gadget is an absolute must-have.
Unlike the elephant, we are puny beings who tread harshly on the earth.
My wish for you is that you may tread lightly on our planet. That you may hold all we have as if it were given to you in sacred trust, which indeed it has. May you never forget the lesson that upsets me every time I think of it: That, with every bad decision I make, with every wasteful act, I am ruining our earth for the two of you who deserved better from your mother.
I will try to make amends, mis niños. I hope you will remember that.
Tomorrow we'll give new meaning to the F word.
All over the world people are dealing with the effects of excessive consumption. Interesting and well written post.
ReplyDeleteDonna at Donna's New Day
'Treading lightly' on Earth should be our motto. Well said.
ReplyDeleteWhat a thought provoking post! I just did Environmental studies with my daughter for her exams and yes you are right we are ruining it like nobody else!
ReplyDeleteThe way you have put this, I am sure it is going to be a treasure trove to your kids when they are older. Be blessed, always!
I cannot say how much I look forward to your posts every day ...wonderfully said :)
ReplyDeleteYes we should treat our Earth will a lot of TLC (tender loving care). Great post.
ReplyDeletethe greater sin is the sin of greed, of not being content with what we have, of buying, simply because we can - Very very true ! Loved reading this. The sooner we start teaching our kids to look after Mother earth the better
ReplyDeleteStanding Ovation - Agree with each and every single word! - Now, waiting for the revelation of the F word :-) You should seriously consider publishing this as a Children's book- such wisdom imparted in such simplicity! - I am so making my 7 yr old read this tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteenvironmental awareness is so damn important and good way of telling to your kiddos :)
ReplyDeleteOh Cynthia what a wonderful line you put in there for greed. Beautiful post. Bookmarked for the generation ahead to be a little more careful :)
ReplyDeleteAm so loving your series! And am in awe of your clarity of thought and expression! A beautiful and a unique treasure for the lil ones as they grow up. Well done, Cynthia :)
ReplyDeleteA beautiful post...it is the way you put it. I so enjoy the Earth hours.
ReplyDeleteTO put it all so succinctly, good job!
ReplyDeleteThere are too many nincompoops who should to be knocked into sense about this.
So true that our greed is leading us to ruin the richness and beauty of this earth. A great reminder for the children.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful interpretation! And, I remember my grandma also telling us about spreading our legs only as much as our blanket will permit!
ReplyDeleteCynthia, a beautiful post and advice that children must understand at a young age.
ReplyDeleteI loved your last line about giving new meaning to the F word!
Hugs!
Thank you, Donna. Excessive consumption and the desire for more are the two ills that have got us in this mess.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Shail. Unfortunately, treading lightly is becoming increasingly difficult for us to practise as a way of life.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your encouraging words, Vinita (Blogwati Gee). Thank you.
ReplyDeleteSridevi, Your comment brings me much delight.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Suzy. TLC is exactly what earth needs.
ReplyDeleteThat's right, Ruchira. These lessons will be ingrained only if we teach them while the kids are still young.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Laxmi. I am beaming from ear to ear as I write this. Now I am seriously considering a children's book.
ReplyDeleteVery true, Afshan. Environmental awareness must start when kids are young.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pallavi. Our generation has ruined this earth. Hopefully the next generation will be more aware.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the trouble you take to comment every single day, Shilpa. I hope this series is cherished by my children. :)
ReplyDeleteWish the human tendency for Excess changes and soon !
ReplyDeleteThank you, Janu. It feels nice to know that we are making a difference to our planet in our little ways.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nandana. I wonder how many efforts it will take to knock sense into those nincompoops. All we can do is keep trying.
ReplyDeleteCorinne, your feedback to my E post is truly appreciated. I try to make sure that the kids realize the difference between what they need and what they want.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Roshni, for your comment. Our grandmothers’ wisdom continues to be relevant in today’s times.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Vidya. Hugs to you too.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dhiren. I agree with you. If we don’t give up our desire for more, the human species itself might head for extinction.
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