My Mom.
Michele Zezima
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This coming February 20 would have been my Mom's 74th birthday. She's been gone for a little more than two years but I can easily imagine how much she'd enjoy Planet Green and the posts I write on this site.
Back when green was just a color, my Mom instinctually practiced DIY simplicity. She taught us to be creative, never wasteful, kind to animals, and to always make the best of whatever we had. We learned an overall awareness of and respect for our surroundings.
At times, today's generation appears to believe it's got everything figured out with its tweets and texts, but I grew up in an age when communication was valued above telecommunication. Sitting with neighbors on a stoop was our Facebook and it had one thing no chat room could ever provide: My Mom showing up with some homemade lemonade or a plate overflowing with freshly baked cookies.
Happy Birthday, Mom...
Mom's Pre-DIY Style
The following are just 6 examples of green gestures that were considered normal around my house when I was a kid:
- Use a hanky instead of tissues
- Clotheslines are better than dryers
- Leftovers rule
- Every apartment needs some greenery
- Halloween costumes are way more fun when you make them yourself
- Do your own sewing
Respect Your Elders
One of my favorite examples of learning from elders involves the Kogi people of Colombia, who have issued an "Elder Brothers' Warning", which states that our culture has put us out of balance with nature. This is what the Kogi call Koyaanisqatsi. Watch this movie to learn more about the Kogi and see where it takes you.
Links From the Past
The Real Mother Earth: 10 Inspirational Women Fighting for a Cleaner, Kinder Planet
Back to the Sustainable Future: Taking Two Steps Back to Jump Ten Steps Forward
