Green Parenting

Yesterday the Washington Post ran an article deriding the difficulties of adopting a “greener” lifestyle. According to Jill Hudson Neal, environmentalism is another source of motherly guilt:

“The environment shouldn't be another excuse to guilt moms into feeling like they're somehow failing their families by contributing to the destruction of Planet Earth.”

But what if mothers (I would say parents) are failing their families by not being as eco-friendly as is possible within their means? Are we going to equate environmentalism with those simple parenting choices we make along the way that affect no one but us? Hmmm…let’s see. Juice or milk? Binky or thumb?

Save the planet or…?

And that’s my problem with Neal’s argument: she limits a person’s eco-options to two extremes. Move to Oregon and live in a tree (go, Oregon!), or else do only what won’t inconvenience you. Personally, I would rather see the argument framed in such a way that eco-consciousness is likened to the importance of reading or doing homework. I dare say that promoting the need for literacy or academics is hardly a circumstance of foisting “unnecessary guilt” onto mothers. And raising good stewards of the earth should be the same—shouldn’t it?

I do agree with Neal’s point in that moms—and dads—are certainly “guilted” into feeling bad about a lot of things we can’t help. But the environment—and our children’s response to it—is something we can help. Who knows? They may feel empowered knowing there is something, they, too, can do to help. Why not give them the chance? 

To read the entire Post article, click here: Jill Hudson Neal's Article 

Comments

[GriffinCAROLE29]

I propose not to hold back until you earn enough cash to buy different goods! You can take the loan or auto loan and feel yourself free