What We're Taught and What We Teach

 I finally figured out my password so I'm back. The format of this blog space has changed. I hate the new appearance. I'm at an age where I hate almost anything new, and generally, I feel justified. The composing page is very white and I find it difficult to see. I might as well use paper so I can tell what I've written. The font keeps changing. Anyhow, as is obvious, I haven't been here for a long time. The pandemic has taken over my being, both physical, and mental, and I did not feel compelled to write anything on that particular subject. It's been  covered by many.

The media has bombarded us constantly with everything...facts,  fear, predictions, and horrible events happening to humanity. Our perceptions of the world have changed and not for the better. We have all had enough.

The following story was inspired by one of my recent outdoor hikes. I enjoy my quiet alone walking time when I can meditate, reflect, and remember. 

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''Pick that up right now and don't ever do that again!"

My mom was livid. She made me feel very tiny in my four foot tall, eight year old body. I had committed the ultimate faux pas, and I was shaking. How dare I?

What did I do that incurred her wrath you ask? I dropped a gum wrapper on the ground. Yes, it was a teeny tiny piece of Wrigley's foil, made even more compact because I first crumpled it in my youthful hand. I remember it as if it were yesterday. I recall the exact location, time of day, and what I was wearing. It's as though even now, I can see myself committing that heinous act.

I was scolded. "Put that in your pocket until you get home, or at least to a place where you can properly throw it out."

I was upset and embarrassed. I don't believe I have ever purposely littered since. By purposely, I'm not counting the occasional store receipt that brazenly escapes from a grocery bag on a gusty day.

Although I didn't always enjoy it when I was young, as an adult, I appreciate a lot of what my parents instilled in me. The subject of trash based on my experiences, has become a particular sore point. 

When I'm out going for a walk, I often think back on my upbringing and it makes me sad. There, littering the ground are pizza boxes, food wrappers, drink cans, toys, clothing, and more.***     

A rather large culprit these days seems to be pandemic masks. In the spirit of true confessions, I admit I have lost one. Since then, I have made certain it won't happen again by attaching them to a lanyard around my neck.

I was upset and yet somehow heartened to read this article about a wonderful woman in New Brunswick who is doing her best to help during these troubling times.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/disposable-masks-litter-fredericton-1.5980976

I often think about my teaching days. Although I remained within the confines of the curriculum, I managed to deviate from time to time. If I had it to do again, I believe I would base my whole year around nature and environmental issues with an emphasis on litter. I'd add a few "adulting" skills like money management, and some fun but educational life skills...perhaps knitting, sewing, and the like.  

I could totally do this. Either that, or start my own Waldorf school.

 https://torontowaldorfschool.com/curriculum/environmental-initiatives/

My faith was restored recently, when I saw a man, late thirties I'm guessing, and his large furry Newfoundland dog, walking along a woodlot area. The man had a bag, gloves, a grabber, and was collecting trash. Impressed, I stopped and spoke to him and gave his dog a cookie. 

"I figured I might as well do this since I have to walk my dog anyhow, " he said. 

I thanked him for being a good citizen, moved on, and wondered about his upbringing. It also motivated me to think about doing the same thing in future.  After all, I have a grabber, some gloves, and lots of bags...just no non essential dog.

I think awareness starts with each individual. Perhaps someone will see me picking up trash and become inspired as well. Either that, or they'll wonder about the sad, weird old lady gathering the neighbourhood garbage. 

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***RANDOM DISCOVERIES

of course, the masks

food packaging and energy drink cans

                                                                                                                                                          

miscellaneous clothing, shoes, even underwear

blender anyone? 

toys of all sorts

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UPDATE - April 21, 2021

It's the day before Earth Day. I have been heartened to see pictures and articles of late about people cleaning up, picking up, and making future plans to do the same. Wouldn't it be nice though if this weren't necessary? If only people would think before they toss!