Earth Day--1990

Earth Day--1990

         On April 22, 1990, a baby girl was born in mid America. It was a normal day, nothing out of the ordinary, but special for this family. This was the day we decided to make changes and do our part to save the planet.

         Our new baby girl wore washable cotton diapers laundered by a company that used environmentally-friendly detergents and water-saving techniques.

         We purchased organic fruits and vegetables and processed her baby food, protected her clothing with washable bibs, and bathed her in biodegradable bath products. Every day, we took her for walks and let her see, smell, touch, and interact with the world around her.

         As she grew, we taught her about gardening, respect for animals, and how to take care of her environment. She planted her first garden from seeds when she was two years old, checking the soil every day for signs of growth. As the season progressed, she watched, fascinated, as her tomato plants grew taller and blossomed; as her zucchini plants sprouted leaves and then flowers. Her sunflowers were soon up to her knees, then her waist, and her shoulders. By the end of the season, she had to sit on her father's shoulders to see the flowers.

         Each morning she filled the bird bath with fresh water and put peanuts in a bowl for the squirrels before watering her garden. When winter arrived, she planted seeds indoors, delighted to see their tiny green leaves poking up through the soil.

         By the time she was six, she was cross-pollinating plants and now, at almost 18 years of age, she's preparing to go into Veterinary Medicine to do what she can for animals.

         No, perhaps she can't save the world on her own, but by teaching her to care for the environment and the creatures we share it with, she can make a contribution.

         So can you.