SUSTAINABLE LIVING

Everyone talks about spring cleaning, but after leaving my windows open all summer, I think fall is the best season for deep-cleaning.

From wiping down ceiling fans to cleaning out the basement, to me, it’s the perfect time to clear away all the dust, pollen and hidden grime that floated through the windows this summer.

That Halloween lives so vividly in my mind, it could have been yesterday, not 26 years ago. I continue to go back to it every October not only because I miss those little girls in their homemade costumes, but because I can’t believe how much plastic junk we’ve convinced ourselves we need to celebrate Halloween.

She taught us that no action was too small, from skipping products packaged in single-use plastic to turning off the water when we washed the dishes. That’s because when enough of us make those small choices, they turn into something big.

Trying to make our cell block feel homey, my mom started to help us unpack and arrange our things, while my dad pulled out his ukulele. I realize this sounds odd, but if you knew my dad, you wouldn’t think twice. When my dad played his uke, all became right with the world.

Looking back, we were making up stories about things that weren’t
what they appeared to be, and that’s exactly what I thought when I was reading about Greenwashing the other day.

We didn't know about wool laundry balls, and looking back, I can't help wondering how much time and money I could have saved had I used them instead of those wasteful dryer sheets. Maybe enough to buy another uniform?

Paper towels were reserved for wrapping up a piece of toast or fruit when we were running late for school. There was an unspoken rule that they were meant only for emergencies when hanging on to a dirty towel would be difficult.