Keeping It Clean
Brothers Smith and Jack exemplify the term “best buddies”. From the moment they could communicate through words, facial expressions and body language, their Mother instilled the value of conservation. Turning off lights and appropriate water usage are examples that come into play. Instructing her children daily became repetitive. They are learning the impact of such wastefulness. It is becoming second nature to them.
Her brother Henry has arrived for a visit. He enjoys roughhousing with his nephews. Building forts is also great fun for them! Smith and Jack are pushing their Mother out the door.
“I’m off to the market. I should return in a couple of hours,” Brooke shouts as she leaves.
Then it starts. The nagging. The whining. The outbursts!
“Uncle Henry, why do you leave all the lights on?” Smith is questioning him.
“Ohhh Uncle Henry,” Jack chimes in, “Mommy doesn’t want us wasting water like that. Take your cola can to the bin with the big R on it.”
Smith catches his uncle throwing half of his sandwich away. “You’re not supposed to waste food!”
Brooke is back home early. “I have donuts for my favorite guys! What did you all do while I was out?” Her sons disappear into their bedroom.
Henry sighs with a look of defeat, “Oh you know, the usual roughhousing – and we built a fort!”
“They kept you in check, right?”
“No worries, they ‘taught me’ to be more mindful!” Smugly he asks, “Hey sis, why are you still buying them juice boxes?”
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI love how the brothers have learnt so well that they teach their uncle to be more mindful. He in turn questions his sister’s actions. Well done!
Thank you Margarida for your comment. You hit the nail on the head!
A fun but profound story, Deborah. I was raised like Smith and Jack. I always thought I’d get struck by lightning if I threw a recyclable item into the trash bin. In fact, in my father’s house, I’m not sure we even had a trash bin. We recycled, reused and repurposed every single item long before those terms were even coined. Great writing!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you so much. I referred to the “R” bin for recycling. A simple way to teach the children. I imagined it to be placed next to their kitchen receptacle.
Hello, Deborah.
Jack and Smith are learning so much about proper conservation and consumption. I love the way they teach their uncle. It is fun but very educational. Well done.
Thank you, Lotchie. Sometimes, the simplest told will have the uppermost message!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleYou’re most welcome, Deborah.