Yesterday on Earth Day, we launched our first Earth Day Challenge, a full week of “daily” challenges, that gets us thinking about what we eat, where it comes from and why we need to be mindful about many of the things we in the developed world often take for granted. Check in with ClimateMama each morning to see what the next day’s challenge will be. Remember to have a quick family meeting at breakfast or dinner to discuss the daily challenge and see what the kids in your life have to say about it.
How did “Meatless Monday” go over in your family? Remind the kids in your life about some of the facts we pointed out about meat consumption and, depending on where and how your meet is raised, the significant amount of greenhouse gases produced and water that is used in our “factory” food production.
P.S. visit GreenMomster and one of our favorite Climate Mamas, Desiree, every Friday for quick and easy “meatless” recipes.
Credit: Shutterstock
We live in a stressful world with many demands, which is not healthy for anyone. Today do something to sustain yourself (a better you also contributes to a better environment!) Take a walk outside and notice: do you live in an industrialized area? Do you see many trees, plants, flowers, and/or animals? Are there many cars on the road or bikers on the sidewalk? Do you even have a sidewalk or is the road only suitable for cars? Try yoga and meditating – you never know what you might find within yourself when you put away your electronics and look inwardly. Have you tasted green tea? Boil some water, invite a friend over, and try it! It reduces stress and depression, regulates glucose levels, and increases the metabolism. It is an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory agent. Put a little effort into treating yourself today and maybe, make it a habit!
Get prepared for: Water Wednesday
Along with oxygen and sleep, we need water. We need between 9-13 cups of water per day because we lose water through breathing, perspiration, and urinating. Today there are many issues with bottled v. tapped water. Depending on where you live, you may or may not be able to drink water straight from the tap instead of buying it from a bottled source. That may be a question you want to answer for yourself or with the kids in your life. What do you drink your water out of? On Water Wednesday use a reusable cup or bottle.
Eating with the Environment in Mind was developed by one of our wonderful interns Michelle Aboodi.
A current student at New York University, Michelle is known by friends and family as the eager environmentalist and a mover and shaker. Michelle led her high school environmental club were she designed and implemented a wide range of projects to make her school more sustainable. Michelle’s role models include Bill McKibben, Martin Luther King Jr., and Erin Brockovich. When she is not working to preserve and help the environment, she enjoys writing, reading, yoga, dance, hiking, and cooking. We are excited to share Michelle’s perspective, ideas and youthful passion for making the world a better place with our Climate Mamas and Papas. We hope that you will share Michelle’s ideas and perspectives with the kids in your life too!
