Green Grandparenting

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Last Saturday evening my husband and I were having dinner in a rather “grown-up” restaurant (translation: kids not particularly welcomed).  Candlelight.  Fine wines.  Quiet conversations.

But it’s kind of funny, because the tables were in close proximity, we could easily hear the conversations around us, and many of the diners were talking and laughing about the wonders and joys of grandparenthood.

Except for a table of four right next to us.

The four of them were being openly critical of the ways their children are raising their grandchildren. The topic primarily focused on the “green living” topic and how difficult (no, impossible) it is to have their grandchildren for visits.

“Oh, everything HAS to be ‘green’”, one woman said.  

And her husband added, “Tell me about it.  What’s wrong with Cocoa Puffs in normal packaging.  Why does everything have to be organic?  And cleaning products?  We can’t keep up with it.”

I tried to focus on my delightful date with my husband as we reviewed every adorable thing each of our 7 grandchildren did during the course of the week… but it got me thinking about grandparenting in this new age.

And lo and behold, I opened the Sunday newspaper here in my home state of Rhode Island to an article entitled “Green and Clean,” all about information in a newly published book, Clean Your Home Healthy: Green Cleaning Made Easy, by Candita Clayton.

I didn’t just scan the article.  I read it.  Then read it again.  I read about ways to “think green” when buying and replacing shower curtains, clothing and sheets, paints, kids’ toys and even wax candles.

I read “green cleaning tips” and recommendations for alternative products that reduce toxins in our homes.  I read about easy ways and tips to help the environment both inside and outside our homes.  And I read about why expectant moms, kids and everyone for that matter should learn the warning signs of chemical poisons in their homes.

And I guess what I really took away from the article is that, as grandparents, we must acknowledge that we are living in a world that needs to be helped.  It is incumbent upon our generation to join with our children and grandchildren in making our world a better and safer place.

As grandparents, we need to be “with” our children, not against them, in going green… even if it means exiting our comfort zones.  And to the diners in the restaurant, isn’t love all about what is truly best for our precious grandchildren, even if it means organic cereal in organic packaging and stored in our “green” cabinets?  

The answer is yes, every time. 

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1. My Big Green Family
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3. Keep It Simple as Grandparents