Gloria's Place

I felt like a hypocrite yesterday. After dance class I visited the double golden arch and ordered 3 big mac meals. I didn't super size nor did I order the kids meals because I knew they came with plastic toys, but still the idea that I even went makes me feel terrible. Its amazing how powerful pregnancy cravings can be. I wont deny that my kids and I loved the meals. We visit McDonalds about twice a year, this was our second time this year. I took the meals and my kids to the park and we sat at a picnic table in the shade. The day was beautful and it seemed as if everyone and their kids were at the park. I wanted to hold on to our trash and bring it home to recycle what I could, but truth be told there wasn't much other than the plastic tops to the cups. I'm still uncertain if cardboard with food on it can be recycled. Do I have to wash it out first or does the fact that it has food make it unrecycable and what about the cups and the straws and the french fries containers? Are these items recycable? Fustrated at the lack of answers and recycling programs in my area and from fast food chains I put all our trash in the paper bag and gave it to my daughter to dump in the near by trash can . We then took a long walk along the trails. Cut branches and stumps that fell from Ike were neatly piled along the sides. I was amazed at how much had fallen. Along the way I found myself and my daughters pointing out trash on the ground and the rude people that have no manners. I hear my girls repeat things I say and it makes me smile, "trash belongs in the trashcan or the recycling bin if it can be recycled". If it looks safe I pick up the trash and throw it away in the nearby trash can. Sometimes if I'm positive its recyable I put it in my car and in my recycling bin when I come home. We then headed to the playground. I feeling exhausted sat on the benches watching my children while my kids ran around and enjoyed themselves. I can't believe that just a few weeks ago I still had so much energy and now the weight of my belly is back breaking. The day is fast approcahing and I still haven't purchased a mattress (I've been holding out for an organic mattress sale) not have I bought reuable diapers or glass bottles for the days when I can't breastfeed.... I feel like I'm running out of time. With my first two babies I was ready months in advance, but then I never even considered the toxins in the products I bought and its affects on them or the environment. Now I do, but the prices, and the economy don't make it easy to choose. What's a mom to do?