I think I have always been an environmentally conscious person. I have attempted things throughout my life that illustrate that I DO care about the world we live in even if I haven't always followed through. When I lived in Wyoming I took up soap-making. I absolutely loved doing it. When I became pregnant I quit making it due to the cost and the chemicals it took to make it not exactly being safe to use. However, when I had my first daughter I did buy and use and wash cloth diapers. They are magnificent!! These are not your diapers of the past with huge pins and plastic pants. No, these are wonderful all-in-one diapers with snaps and cutesy prints and soft fleecy and flannel fabrics. I used these for my first two children and only sold them when I was "done" having kids. Well I thought I was done... When I did get pregnant again and again and again, I never bought them and missed using them terribly. If I had known I would have so many kids I would have used cloth for all of them.
Skip ahead to present time. The other night, Brent and I watched Food, Inc. After watching this, I realized I have lost sight of some of the things I feel are important with as busy as my life has become. I feel there are things we can do as a family that will make a difference in this world. Today I was talking to a friend about some of these issues and he asked me if it really mattered, if what one person does will really make a difference. He seemed to think that people are people and will do what they always have done. I want to say that the answer is yes.. that one person CAN make a difference. In all honesty, if I change my life and lead by example, aren't I teaching five others to do the same? Everything we do is able to influence what those around us do. I am an optimist by nature and always looking for the good in things and people and I hope I never stray from this.
So what is my plan? Luckily I have the support of my husband. He even made a five gallon bucket of homemade laundry soap the other day. I was honestly shocked that he was willing to get on board with making better decisions for our family regarding what we eat. I think we would have to be starving before we eat another fast food hamburger or not know the origins of our chicken. Granted this is going to be a learning process and a lot of trial and error, but I know in the end it will be worth it. Now I am researching local farmers, co-ops and markets carrying local and fresh foods. I need to find a supplier for chicken, pork, and beef. We have been eating free-range ground beef for about a year now and know it is so much better. This is going to be a work in progress and as I learn I am sure there will be times when I won't want to do it. I hope that through this I will learn to not be so wasteful, learn new recipes, and try new foods. If anyone reading this has any experience in this matter, I am open for suggestions, websites and testimonies on the transition.
I do think that one person or family can make a difference towards the greater good. I know it cannot be achieved overnight and we will not be perfect, and I honestly think it is going to be a great adventure.
On a side note.. pheasant is on the menu for tomorrow... no turning back this time as it is thawed in the fridge and ready to be cooked. Cannot waste a tasty piece of wild game.
3 comments:
I think that's awesome Jess. When I watched J&K+8 she would go once a year to an organic farm and buy meat, chicken, and eggs. I always thought that was awesome. I'm hoping to have a small garden in the spring so I can, too, not venture into the produce section for pesticide covered vegetables. Good Luck in your venture -- I'm interested to see how it turns out. ~ Shelly
I tried to post a comment the other day but it didn't work. I haven't watched "Food Inc" yet but it's coming from Netflix. I personally have struggled with eating meat for several years but have not been disciplined enough to stop buying/cooking/and consuming it. I have no problem with meat eating when it's locally grown/hunted/from a family owned farm,etc. It's the factory farming that gets me. I think it's awesome what you guys are doing. I hope to do something similar. I also agree with what you said, you can be an example to others. you can't change everyone's opinion, but you can also choose not to be a part of the problem.
Liz
That's great Jess - I try to at least stay informed. It's hard when, for instance, I can't even get my fiance to watch Food, Inc. She says that she doesn't want to know where her food comes from. I can understand the mentality that people don't want to hear the bad things that they have no control over, but what you eat is the easiest thing to control. Keep doing your thing - making soap, eating right, etc. I know it feels good.
Noble
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