A few days back we celebrated another “Earth Day”.If one has school going kids you would know how often we hear the words reuse,recycle. It is a primary topic and some of us are really worried,while the majority doesn’t give two hoots about it.
So, who are the people trumpeting it?? Look around and most of the time you will find people who think this is a fashionable thing to be associated with. People dressed in Prada and Gucci,who never seem to be reusing anything .
There are people, I know quite a few, who would not be caught dead wearing the same outfit twice.They are not poor,after all.Also,you see,fashion trends change every season and it is a mean game.
So, what do we recycle???Nothing much really.
Who really recycles?? The less wealthy,I guess.All the clothes handed down and worn by all the siblings,is a great money saver. Books,bags,shoes etc all used and reused till they are worn out saves money and quite a few natural resources. For some people it is obvious not to waste their money and reusing is a hidden blessing.
On the other hand some of us cannot afford to be termed “poor” by using our kids clothes for the younger kids.Our friends and relatives cannot afford to feel “poor” by taking things from each other and reusing.Afterall,we all love our kids dearly and work hard for them .Don’t we?
All these things remind me of a time,well into the past.A time when things had a life.Any piece of clothing bought for the older kids in the family was expected to be worn by all the younger siblings or cousins,without any complaints.No one was ashamed or felt poor for wearing anything pre worn. Even after completing it’s life cycle,these clothes, would be used for odd jobs around the house.
Somethings you wore when you were 10,would still be around the house when you turned 15.Books would be used and reused and used again. Same went for ‘n’ number of other things.
This Earth Day I got to thinking,only making school projects about saving the earth,is not going to help anyone.Talking about recycling,and expecting others to do it,is no use.We are all guilty of creating this huge need of “stuff”.So caught up in the world of “things” everyday and dedicating just one day to talk about our most important “thing”,Earth.Ironic.
I personally feel,what we need to do is “Rewind”,go back to that time and rethink.But,before I go about imparting this wisdom to the world,I have to practice what I preach. One small step at a time, rewind and try my best to reuse.