For the love of Earth

I've been thinking a lot about the crisis our dear planet Earth is facing, and have been a little depressed about it. And then I get angry because I encounter people every day who seem to not even give a damn. So I've been on a soapbox at work about using disposable items when reusable items could be used instead. I am often the one who restocks our office breakroom supplies, and I announced that I will not bring another styrofoam cup onto the premises. The next day I brought, from my own kitchen cabinets, a coffee mug for the one other coffee drinker in our office to use. I sat it on his desk and told him I brought it for his use so he wont be contributing to the local landfill. He laughed, a really smart-ass laugh, and said I would die if I saw the amount his family contributes to the landfill. That only pissed me off, and I told him he was obviously a Republican since he has no regard for the environment...I know that was a little unfair because I suppose there are some Republicans who care (smile), but I was mad! And he has children...shouldn't people with kids care even more about the health of the Earth since their children and grandchildren will be the ones dealing with the consequences even more than their parents? Then the very next day we had 2 peeps from our former sister company over for a meeting. I brewed coffee as usual and one of the guys asked where our foam cups were cause he would like a cup. I told him why we didn't have any and explained why, then one of the other girls in the office offered to let him use her mug. The next day, the other guy (who didn't ask for coffee the day before) came to our office again for another meeting. He came into my office and said "Chandra you will proud of me. I brought a cup into work this morning so I wont be using disposables anymore. I hadn't even thought of it until you mentioned it yesterday." I was so happy that tears came to my eyes. See how little we have to do to help our planet? I know we are spoiled humans and don't like to make sacrifices, but even small changes such as this makes a huge difference when we all do it! There are numerous websites with information and tips on going green, so I urge you to check them out. Start small and urge others to do the same. Think of all the things this amazing planet gives to us...isn't it time we give a little love back to her? Here's a good place to start.