This piece was cross-posted at The Green Phone Booth.
This year marks my second Mother’s Day, and my world has changed since my son Joshua was born. It’s funny how motherhood has changed my perspective. I used to care about the environment because I enjoy spending time in nature and I wanted to preserve it for future generations. For a long time those “future generations” were theoretical, but that all changed when my son was born. I suddenly had a real-life, 9 lb. 8 oz. member of that future generation right in my own two arms, a reminder every day to care for our planet.
When I think about the legacy I want to leave for my son, I see a clean and safe place. Air that is clear, fresh and beckons him outdoors. Water that sparkles and calls him to swim and splash. Soil that, while dirty, is free from dangerous contaminants and beckons him outdoors to dig holes and grow a garden. Tall trees to climb, berries to pick, frogs to catch and bird that sing. Simple things, really. I want my son to love the outdoors as I love them.
It can be overwhelming to think about the long road to sustainability: the cleaning up and preventing future problems. It’s much more difficult to more toward sustainability (or avoid backsliding) with a child, but my convictions are stronger. There’s no time for complacency.
I can’t, of course, do it alone. But I am optimistic that my efforts along with those of many other individuals, grassroots movements and large-scale organizations can and will give my son the future I imagine for him. I may not achieve all of my goals, but Joshua will know that I fought for his future.
This post is my submission to the Moms Clean Air Force Carnival: A Mother’s Day Gift. What kind of world do you want for your children? Blog about it by May 8 and join the carnival!
You can also join in the Healthy Child Healthy World Mother’s Day Twitter Party on May 5 at 6pm PST/ 9pm EST to share about easy, non-toxic, affordable ways to pamper moms!