>I blow it sometimes.
I have cloth bags for shopping, but I forget them too often. We buy bottled water. Yes, we do. We even use paper napkins, not cloth. We don’t bring our own bags to the grocery store or bring back the paper bags, either.
But on the other hand…
I have a re-usable shopping bag in my purse, and it works very well when I remember to use it.
I shred, and we use the shred to fill packages instead of styro packing peanuts. I recycle the water bottles! I do! We also reuse and recycle the paper bags. I used to bring them to school for book covers when I taught older kids. The paper napkins don’t go in the garbage. As soon as it’s warm enough, I compost them. This year, that means as soon as the water goes down.
Compost! Recycle! Reuse! I’m at least a little greenish.

I teach in a school that celebrates Earth Week in a big way by reading stories, leading discussions, and teaching the students how to actually make a difference. One day this week we’ll have “No New Paper Day” where every piece of paper is a re-used piece. We hope this philosophy will spread. We don’t expect our colleagues to use only re-used paper, but to look for opportunities to cut down on the waste. A gradual transition can make a big difference on our world — and our budget.
We’ve set up a day for a minimal-waste lunch. The cafeteria staff created a menu of finger food to avoid using plastic utensils, and we’ll teach a minilesson on composting to show the kids how to throw food waste such as peelings in the compost instead of the garbage. We’ll encourage students to bring reusable containers instead of bags; many already do.
There’s more on the schedule, but I’ll leave it at that. I’m proud to be on this planning committee; we planned a week of celebrations that are also educational.

On the green scale, I may not be perfect, but I’m getting there. And honestly? I think I’m pretty darn good.