Discuss Green Books on Green Living
Discuss Book #1: EcoKids
I'm so excited about this book! In chapter one, the author Dan Chiras, says the following:
"Planet care is the ultimate form of self-care. What we do for the planet - the acts of kindness that reduce pollution, species extinction and resource depletion, and the improvements we make in restoring ecosystems - we also do for ourselves. Some people view these acts as a sacrifice, that is, giving up the things they like or depend on.
I like to encourage individuals to think differently about environmental protection. Instead of thinking about sacrifices you need to make, that is, giving up things, it is important to think about our actions as giving to. Rather than give up, we are giving to ourselves, to future generations, and the millions of species that share this planet with us, creating a cleaner, healthier, richer world. We're not detracting from our lives, we're making them richer. We're better people for it."
What a positive approach. It inspires me to do more!
At the end of each chapter I like the suggestions he gives to do with your family. So many of his ideas will generate a great discussion with kids of all ages. In fact, many of the ideas can be used with other adults too.
He goes on in the book to give suggestions of sacred places to visit, how to view animals and appreciate them, and gives new ways to look at the world. He examines myths and exposes them for what they are. Basics of living green are discussed in a way that is easy to understand. He discusses critical thinking and how to teach your children how to do it. And he talks about living green and how to deal with peer pressure. What a lot of great stuff here!
At the end of the book are 8 pages of resources for more places to go to get information. This book contains a wealth of good ideas!
"Planet care is the ultimate form of self-care. What we do for the planet - the acts of kindness that reduce pollution, species extinction and resource depletion, and the improvements we make in restoring ecosystems - we also do for ourselves. Some people view these acts as a sacrifice, that is, giving up the things they like or depend on.
I like to encourage individuals to think differently about environmental protection. Instead of thinking about sacrifices you need to make, that is, giving up things, it is important to think about our actions as giving to. Rather than give up, we are giving to ourselves, to future generations, and the millions of species that share this planet with us, creating a cleaner, healthier, richer world. We're not detracting from our lives, we're making them richer. We're better people for it."
What a positive approach. It inspires me to do more!
At the end of each chapter I like the suggestions he gives to do with your family. So many of his ideas will generate a great discussion with kids of all ages. In fact, many of the ideas can be used with other adults too.
He goes on in the book to give suggestions of sacred places to visit, how to view animals and appreciate them, and gives new ways to look at the world. He examines myths and exposes them for what they are. Basics of living green are discussed in a way that is easy to understand. He discusses critical thinking and how to teach your children how to do it. And he talks about living green and how to deal with peer pressure. What a lot of great stuff here!
At the end of the book are 8 pages of resources for more places to go to get information. This book contains a wealth of good ideas!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Melinda Wieck on -
I also enjoyed the first chapter and felt re-dedicated to trying harder. I love the quote he used from Stanislaus Lee: "Each snowflake in an avalanche pleads not guilty." No matter how small you may think you actions contribute to the overall outcome, the truth is we all have some effect. You have it in your power to choose good or bad for Mother Earth and to show your children that same path. It is so easy in our hectic lives to choose what seems quickest. Throw it out, use it up, squirt it with poison. I think it's more a matter of habit. Habits are hard to change. So start slow and do what you can manage, and maybe it will become a contest beween you and your old ways. Also think: "How lucky is my child to learn the most earth friendly ways from the first and never to have to break bad habits?"
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Permalink Reply by www.ecochicfamilyblog.com on -
I just downloaded the book tonight and getting ready to start reading it....well, as soon as the little gets to sleep! I am so excited about it! Thank you for sharing and letting me know about it! I just posted a blurb on my blog tonight about it, so hopefully others will come check it out!
I have wanted to check it out sooner, but we just moved and this is the first chance I got! I will read the first chapter and come back tomorrow to chat!
Are we doing chapter by chapter or reading at our own pace?
Bobbi
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Permalink Reply by Angela Wieck on -
Great question Bobbi. I read it all and then commented, but chapter by chapter sounds like a great way to go too. I am hoping to keep it simple for everyone. What do you think?
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Permalink Reply by Melinda Wieck on
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Angela Wieck said:Great question Bobbi. I read it all and then commented, but chapter by chapter sounds like a great way to go too. I am hoping to keep it simple for everyone. What do you think?
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Permalink Reply by Melinda Wieck on
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It suites me to go either way also. I have placed some of my impressions from
chapter 1 below. I guess I like to emphasize the positives of what we can do rather than dwelling on the sad state we are in now. As a schoolteacher in my previous life, I know that schools try to foster good environmental stewardship. The example the author presents in Chapter 1 testifies to this. The media in the US and Canada will always present form the right to the left of the spcectrum. We just need to make the positive voice the loudest one.
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