Sunday evening Ben and I headed out for a BBQ at my parent’s house.  We were both donned in our usual summer gear; t-shirt, shorts and flip flops.  As I was locking the door Ben stopped and said, “You know, if we were wearing better shoes we could just walk to Grandma and Grandpa’s house.”  To which I replied, “Well, let’s change our shoes!  That’s a great idea.”

We went back inside, changed our shoes and grabbed a plastic bag?  Why a bag?  So we could pick up trash!  ON. OUR. WALK!   (As I type this, the tree outside my window, is winking and giving me the thumbs up.)

I must admit that collecting litter on the way there and back was all Ben’s idea.  I think the John Lennon/Rabbi/Peter Paul and Mary camp (otherwise known as Camp Shalom) is wearing off on him.  Now if we could just get his Hebrew down a little better…  

I was in charge of the left side of the sidewalk while Ben was in charge of the right.   The child was relentless.  Everytime I would space out and god forbid LOOK AT A CUTE HOUSE FOR SALE, he was all, “Are you even looking Mother?!  YOU NEED TO LOOK FOR TRASH!”   Al Gore has nothing on this kid.  His new Indian name is ”Lover Of The Earth”.  Or LOTE for short. 

The original idea was to collect trash on the walk to my parents house, throw it out there and get a new bag for the way back.  But since we had gone this earthy crunchy, I decided, why not seal the Tree Hugger deal and USE THE SAME BAG ON THE WAY BACK.  Why waste TWO plastic bags?!   Therefore the bag was left on my parent’s front steps and after dinner picked up to collect trash on the way home.   Oh yeah.  We are THAT good.

So, to all of you Earth Sinners out there, that tossed your cigarette butts out the car window or drove two blocks to the store this weekend, Ben and I got your back. 

This time. 

And yes, you’re welcome.