I’m on the board of our son’s preschool and this year I got them to start recycling at his school for the first time. I am also Recycling/Environmental Programs Chair at our daughter’s school and have started a number of programs this year, but I’m doing a lousy job.
Perhaps I’m being a little tough on myself, because I do believe I’ve done a lot of good, but I realize that there are a lot of opportunities that I’ve missed, or have been an afterthought, when I should have been more pro-active. (So, yes… Earth to Mom!)
The reason for my own, harsh, self-criticism was from attending our daughter’s school’s Family Fun Night of bingo last week. I wasn’t a part of the planning committee and for a change, I didn’t volunteer so I could enjoy the night with my family. But in the process, I completely overlooked something that I was responsible for… recycling.
Fortunately, someone had the foresight to set up a bin for can recycling, but then I looked around at the tables and saw stacks and stack of used paper bingo cards that were destine for the trash can. I was sickened that I never even though about this event and my responsibility. So, I jumped up, went to the concession tables and asked for a box. Then I asked the bingo caller to please announce that all used cards should be deposited in the box after the families were finished with them. Everyone was so great to cooperate and we actually walked out with a large box filled with paper cards.
How did I overlook that? What was I thinking? (What WASN’T I thinking!!!) Sure, it was remedied before it was truly forgotten, but we all have the opportunity NOT to miss these opportunities! Whether you’re a parent at a school where you can encourage recycling, or work in an office that doesn’t recycle or belong to an organization that needs some help getting started, we can introduce practices that really make a huge difference in the long run.
Note-to-self: Recycling opportunities exist in EVERY circumstance… don’t miss an opportunity!