There's a fence alongside a busy road near us. On one side of the fence is a picturesque field and farmhouse. On the road side of the fence is a bunch of little trees and bushes and a disturbing amount of garbage and plastic bags that get caught up in them. Every time we drive past, the kids and I wonder how people can be so thoughtless. Our sons say, "Don't people care about the environment!?" So one day last week the four of us decided to do something about it. We decided we'd wait for a nice day to walk along the fence and pick up the garbage.
A few days later, I got an email about the Renew America Together: National Day of Service. I clicked the link to find out about events to participate in our area. Lo and behold, the local Go Green group had planned a Clean Up event at that VERY spot we so often look upon with disgust.
So that's what we did on MLK Day as our family contribution towards the community. It was not the "nice day" weather I had imagined, but rather the only snowy day we've had all winter! The snow made it more fun but also was a bit of a challenge as it began to cover some of the trash we were trying to gather. The kids had a blast, especially when they got to use the grippy-robot-hand thingy to pick up stuff. Lots of other families showed up, despite the weather, which made it all the more wonderful.
It was amazing how much the four of us collected (3 bags of garbage, 1 bag of recyclables) on just one side of the road. Afterward we treated ourselves with some hot chocolate and a trip to the bookstore.Today the kids are off school and we are watching the inauguration and parade here at home. These are exciting times and there is much to feel good about. One way or another we're all in this together. I'm looking forward to rolling up my sleeves again sometime soon.
22 comments:
Now that really looks fun! And what a great example to set for the kids. Good for you... and thank you for your service!
That's super! We had a cleanup day once a year in a town I used to live in. It was such a good feeling seeing everyone out and about picking up together. They did do it in the spring though! :)
You all get *double* credit for going out in the snow!
Here in Austin it was sunny and 70s ... even picking up trash wasn't too much of a hardship with weather like that : )
Good for you!
What a wonderful thing to do! I really applaud you and your family. You're teaching your kids some great values about the environment and this is really impressive!
You and your family are great people!
I think everyone can do something for the world we live in... but sometimes nobody think enough about that.
I am also excited to have seen the new american president Obama.. it is an historical fact and it is great to be here: When I will be old I can tell this to my grandchildren!
I am from Italy, but I will be always grateful to Americans when they saved us from Hitler and that bad war...
Thank you all, God bless U.S.A.
How fantastic, it is so easy to grumble that something looks bad, but to actually do something about it is wonderful. I hope you had some yummy cake as well as hot chocolate, you deserved it!
What a great way to spend the day and teach your children such a valuable lesson about caring for your environment and respecting the earth.
Hey Betz,
Your pics reminded me of the "Alice's Restaurant" song and picking up garbage in the snow. Here is Montana the space is so vast and the people to few, our family rule is to pick up trash where ever we go hiking, camping, climbing, skating or whatever. Sadly, recycling hasn't really hit MT yet, but we're working on it!! You are an awesome Mom for teaching your boys so young to be good stewards of the land, they are our future forest rangers!!
Yesterday I whipped up a batch of 8 cupcakes for Valentine's gifts, so cute and very low fat!!! I can't wait for your new book. Here's to melting snow...Mariah
We're still basking in the glow of yesterday around here too.
My heart jumped to see this post! (I"m new to your site)...what a wonderful way to honor our country and environment! I hope many more people start to join in...and not just one day a year!
We have a beach house here in Sweden and everytime we go to the beach we say the same thing about that trash there, not that it is much and some comes in with the tide. But we have decided that each time we go down (snow, ice, rain, sun) we'll take trash bags with us for pick up!
I've put your new book on my "wish list"! What fun!
How fun and important ... i bet the kids felt so great about your family's day of service. Kids really remember things like that and continue to want to volunteer when they have their own kids ...
I stayed inside where it was warm on Monday ... but I worked on Project Linus quilts so I might get "partial credit" for serving on MLK day ....!
I love your blog and your creations!
Wonderful!
What a great thing to do as a family. My brother was in the inauguration parade - lucky guy :o) He said the experience was surreal. Hope you're having a great day. Your blog is absolutely delightful!
xo,
Linnea
What a thoughtful thing to do to celebrate the holiday.
Diane
What a great way to spend the day! Now when you guys drive by you will have good memories of that day!
I think that is an awesome lesson for us all and especially your children. Thanks for doing that!
Great to find you today from Life and times of a Crafty Chick.
Love it love it love it!
Awesome that the kids were involved, a nice family outing, even though is was a little on the incovenient side. Keep up the good work.
That's excellent!
You're sooo talented AND environment conscious!!!! Bravo!
So great to teach the kiddos volunteerism!! Good for you all, it looks like they were enjoying themselves :-)
Very cool! This would be a great idea for Newburgh! I had never heard of this...thanks so much
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