Happy Birthday Little Miss Green!

Filed in Blog by on March 4, 2011 17 Comments
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Our special Birthday Girl

Our special Birthday Girl

Morning all. We’re celebrating a very special day today at zero waste towers.

10 short years ago Little Miss green came smiling into the world. She was born at home in a pool of water and has been a water-loving fishy ever since.

Having a child changes your perception on things. Life is no longer about you and what you can get out of it. Overnight you have responsibility for new life and, God-willing, one that has to continue after yours has finished.

It’s not unusual to become a bit greener when you’re parents; the fragility of the planet and our relentless use of finite resources starts to become apparent. However, we live in a society which encourages us to buy new things and waste old things as soon as that blue line on a pregnancy test appears.

It’s all about matching babygrows and educational toys from that moment on and there is a lot of emotional content in advertising. If you don’t buy certain things will your baby be healthy, happy and successful?

Well, actually yes they will.

I figured out pretty soon that all a baby needed was a pair of loving arms and a couple of boobs full of milk! For a toddler ‘educational toys’ take the form of old cardboard boxes and the world outside their window. For older children, fill them will love and they won’t go far wrong – ‘Stuff’ can never fill an emotional void.

I was nowhere near as aware of the landfill and recycling issues when Little Miss Green was born as I am now. I used disposable nappies for most of her nappy wearing days, ended up with unworn baby clothes and was given stacks of things we never used. But we live and learn, right?

A couple of weeks ago I asked Little Miss Green to give me her top 9 list of things a 9 year old needs. She replied:

Love
Attention
Cuddles and kisses
Comforting words
Acceptance
Healthy, organic food
Parents who understand you
Parents who are easy to talk to
Firm boundaries

I don’t see much in there that will end up in the landfill, do you?

About the Author ()

I am a long time supporter of the Green and Sustainable lifestyle. After being caught in the Boscastle floods in 2004, our family begun a journey to respect and promote the importance of Earth's fragile ecosystem, that focussed on reducing waste. Inspired by the beauty and resourcefulness of this wonderful planet, I have published numerous magazine articles on green issues and the author of four books.

Comments (17)

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  1. Hazel says:

    Happy Birthday LMG!

    My son was 10 almost exactly 2 months ago, and I reckon his list would be similar. Maybe even the boundaries one (He knows I’m right really!)

    Have a great day!

  2. Susi says:

    Happy Birthday, hope you have a wonderful day 🙂

  3. Julie Day says:

    Happy birthday Little Miss Green. Doesn’t she look as though she’s growing up now?

  4. Perfect list, and happy birthday Miss Green!

  5. CarSue says:

    Happy Birthday, Little Miss Green!

    It’s quite reassuring to know that there’s another generation behind us, growing up knowing that they don’t need a bunch of plastic crap to be happy. Your list of things a 9-year-old needs was delightful!

    Have a happy day!

  6. Sandy says:

    Happy Birthday Little Miss G, have a great day x

  7. Antonio Pachowko says:

    Happy Birthday Little Miss Green, you have reached double figures. Only another three years and you willl be a teenager.

    By coincidence my birthday is on Monday but I am too old for toys but seem to get plenty of money instead.

    By the way Italians have a saying “Coloro che nasce in marzo sono pazzo” Translated ” those who born in March are crazy”. I think it is quite appropiate.

  8. Sandie says:

    Beautiful: both your daughter’s picture and her wish list …….
    Happy Birthday Little Miss Green – have a super day xxxxxx

  9. Jen says:

    Wise beyond her years.

  10. Jennifer says:

    I’m pretty sure my wishlist as a 10 year old involved stickers and My Little Ponies. I agree, very much wise beyond her years! Happy birthday!

  11. Jo says:

    Happy birthday to your lovely young lady-daughter! She is also smart to know what is important in life.

    P. S. Her parents did a good job, too!

  12. Little girls at ten have moments when the young woman shows herself. Your picture has captured the maturity ahead. I love those pictures of my daughters. My g-daughter will be 10 yrs old in two months. I guarantee she would agree with all the list items. But, I am quite sure there would be things on her list. Happy Birthday! LMG

  13. Sooz says:

    Happy Birthday Little Miss Green!

  14. Jane says:

    HBLMG! How refreshing that you are able to see past the heavily advertised see-it-want-it-gotta-have-it-grab-it-and-go stuff that can be so disappointing once you’ve got it.

  15. LJayne says:

    Happy Birthday LMG 🙂
    Do we get to know what you got for your birthday? I’m sure it didn’t go uncelebrated, even at ZWT!

  16. velvet eyes and clear conscience upon a world awaiting her.
    rosy dawn cheeks and a heart so pure upon dreams to be fulfilled.
    may wisdom come lightly and happiness plenty for little miss Green.

  17. Colleen says:

    Happy birthday Little Miss Green,
    With the wonderful guidance she receives from such earth conscious parents she is bound to grow up to be a very special lady.

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