The Littlest (and newest) Treehugger
by Kenny Luna, North Babylon, NY on 07.30.07
Well folks, it turns out that on Friday afternoon I became a dad, and I’ve got to confess that it puts a whole lot of things in proper perspective. As a teacher and environmentalist I’ve spent so much time trying to convince others to do things like help stop global warming because our collective kids have a common future at stake. I’ve always expected that one day that group would include one of my own, but now it’s just a whole lot more real. It also helped me to see in a whole new light how culturally ingrained the problems are, and how much of a long term commitment it will take to really change things. As I’m watching this truly incredible group of nurses throw away piece after piece of various unsustainable products while caring for my newborn son in the most caring way, it really helped me see how far there is to go. Obviously, in a hospital setting there is much that can be used just once due to the need for a sterile environment, but it was apparent to me that there is room to grow. Hopefully, my son Robert will get the chance to see that happen.
Congradulations!
Congratulations to you!
So, I have to ask...will you be using cloth diapers?
Congrats Kenny! I know how you feel. My kids are the reason I started being a lot more conscious about my (and my family's) impact on the planet and why I finally started a blog to share my experience.
A newborn (especially your first) really puts everything into a new perspective.
Jason
Congrats man.
Congrats!! Have fun with your new bundle of joy!
It really is amazing how parenthood changes things. Congratulations!
Congratulations!
I too wrestled with those same thoughts - what are you planning to do about diapers?
Are you concerned about contributing to over-population? I don't mean to troll,and your little one is cute, but I think recycling sandals or storm proofing windows kinda pales or in comparison to adding another consuming western human to the planet. Often, I find that these discussions of what we can do to help the environment just hides from the one big pink elephant in the room - there are just to many humans. Our population has mushroomed sixfold in under 200 years and just about every environmental problem stems from that simple fact.
Nonetheless, I wish you and your newborn all the best, I really do ;)
try home birth next time with midwives, its much better for the baby, mother, and the enviroment. Congrats!
Congratulations to you and your partner Kenny - I hope she'd doing fine. Welcome to life Robert!
congratulations!
always remember, he joined YOUR life (and he will be a reflection of you). it is so empowering to watch my 6 year old teach my 1 year old the difference between recycling & trash, how to compost and the wonders of gardening, especially since he learned it from me.
ENJOY.
CONGRATS!
And as a medical packaging engineer I would LOVE to help contribute to that change to a more sustainable medical package and I'm throwing out ideas to reduce materials and change to a (gasp) biodegradable package, but alas with the guys in the FDA and head of our company, that's the least of their concern. Sterility and safety are the most important obviously, and if we know it works (and doesn't require another FDA submission) we don't change it. Unfortunately as with the more fuel efficient cars selling only when fuel prices skyrocket, only when it hits the pockets do we see any changes for the better. I think charging per pound to haul away rubbish would really change a lot here.
I really would love a job in green packaging.
much kudos to ya