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03 April 2010
Posted in
SustainaBlog
I marveled today as I watched my 3 year old eat sushi… with chopsticks! If you're thinking: " Oh, she must almost be 4', since of course 4 year olds have arguably better dexterity than at age 3. No, she just turned 3 a couple months ago.
"Beginner's luck" I thought…
Yet, determined, and with the same certainty she used to get the 1st piece of sushi roll firmly set into the grasp of her chopsticks, she picked up her 2nd piece. And she ate it. The grasp was effective enough that she was even able to take baby-bites out of the sushi, while maintaining it in the chopsticks.
If you've ever eaten sushi, you know that's pretty good even for an adult!
The thing is, we never taught her to do that. So where did she learn it?
My husband and I don't eat sushi that often. And it's not like the pivoting-style finger-directed chopstick manipulation technique is the most obvious of tasks to learn by watching either. Nevertheless, this is how she learned… by watching us eat sushi. No matter the complexity of the task, kids learn a TON by watching. As they say, " Monkey see and monkey do.'
Adults are the same. Sure, when you get older, perhaps you're a bit choosier about what you'll learn. Nevertheless, even being more decisive regarding 'who' or 'what' your teacher might be, doesn't make you oblivious from unexpected or unrequested external influences. Nor does it for any of us. As such, we can't help but be lulled somewhat in the trends of the masses, or even the habits of our family members, friends, neighbours, co-workers, or otherwise.
So why not make an impact? After all, who wants to be a sheep following the proverbial herd? Take the lead. And if you are not already, try to do some of the following:
- 1. Be the one to turn off the lights; limit the flow of water to the tap; reduce the thermostats; and make sure others do the same.
- 2. If you are going out for coffee, bring your mug, or your take-out container, or cloth bag with you for the food and things you'll pick-up while you're out.
- 3. Organize the recycling sorting and composting center, the carpool and the trip to the market or weekday farmed food store.
- 4. Promote the use of natural products like cleaners, detergents, personal care products or cosmetics.
- 5. Try to buy food and products that have low to no processing and manufacturing component.
- 6. Reduce your overall consumption, asking whether you 'need' to buy things, or whether you could re-use something else for a similar purpose. Otherwise, recycle or compost first before throwing things out.
- 7. Limit your carbon creating activities, or buy carbon credits to offset your production.
- 8. Lead by example.
If a 3 year old can learn to a task as physically involved as using chopsticks effectively, simply by observing occasional sushi eating, just think how much more she and other children like her learn and adopt by watching so many other behaviours?
And you don't need to be a parent for the same rule to hold true for those around you.
In your classroon, your workplace, your gym or sports hall; in your activity or community center; your health care facility, or your volunteer organization; in your car or in your home; LEAD!!... by doing things with the earth in mind, so the ‘observers' around you can learn by your ‘greener' example.
Happy Earth Day (April 22nd)!
Plan or take part in something helpful for Mother Earth on Earth Day and every day!!...
And be sure to bring others along with you to do the same!
If you are looking for something to do to celebrate, join us for the CRUSISIS Earth Day Event, on Saturday, April 24th, from 1-4pm, at 5500 Inglis St.
Thoughtfully,
Sylvie
CRUSISIS Sustainable Living
Sylvie is the Founder of CRUSISIS Sustainable Living. She is an engineer, currently staying at home to raise her young children, and managing the operations of CRUSISIS. CRUSISIS is your on-line and community-based resource for sustainable living in the greater Halifax area and beyond. Visit us at www.crusisis.ca to find out how to make your lifestyle a little more sustainable, every day... for People, Planet & Community.
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