With a little push , I have been forced to face my selfish comfort zone of living "large"  (as in the newfound term Carbon Footprint) and feeling..well..guilty!

I was raised by wonderful parents that instilled conservation on a daily basis- "Turn the light off", "that is enough water" , "dont litter" and "dont waste your food, take what you are going to eat, there are starving children...".

  I am sure we all have heard these terms and maybe some of us feel that we contribute to helping the planet by continuing to do these small tasks.. But, seriously, who are we kidding ?

I have taken a hard look at myself. Today I will face my faults, maybe release my fears and very possibly take a stance to make a change in my own life and hopefully set an example for my kids and friends. I will need a push now and then. Human nature is to follow by example. Let the example begin with me.

 My children, now in their teens will become consumers of products that will give them choices. I want to be sure they realize their choices can allow them to help conservation. Their participation reflects what I instill in them as a parent. It begins at home.

                            We Have a Responsibility   

• Teach Children Respect for Mother Earth ! It is the future of our co-existence.
• Recycling is fun and is SO Very Easy! Children learn by example. This takes very little effort.
• Conservation is a lifelong adventure. Many, many ways to get involved. One person can make a difference.
• Pay it forward and inspire others to adhere to this idea. One kind gesture leads to another.

 So there it is, my confession here in black and white. I am out, and feel empowered to find ways to give back, pay it forward and live in the moment with appreciation for my surroundings.

I am a member of the eco-challenge group and will continue to grow in my leadership and stewardship of the planet we call home.