Eco-Dilemma

We are debating the use of paper plates in our house. I generally just buy a huge bag of them at Sam's and we use them for snacks, light meals, etc. We love paper plates because they are so easy--just use and toss.

But here is the dilemma. In an attempt to save money I decided to quit buying paper plates. No big deal except we are running our dishwasher twice as much. So which is cheaper and/or more Eco-friendly paper plates or washing plates?

I realize you are creating more waste and causing more paper to be made by using paper plates. But, you are saving water and electricity and not putting waste water filled with detergent back out when you use paper plates.

I leave you with some questions:

• Which is cheaper, paper or washing plates?


• Which is better for the environment, paper or washing plates?

I'm not a tree-hugger by any means, but I want to do my part for the environment. After all, we can't go live on another planet when this one is used up. (Although if I have another week like last week, I may check into it.) I also want to make my dollar stretch as far as I can. So, do I buy paper, or spend money on detergent and electricity to run the dish washer and pump our well?

What's a girl to do?

How to Tell if Your Church is "Kid Friendly"

I am very thankful that our church is "kid friendly." We don't send the kids out after children's time and for the most part, the low rumble that comes with the numerous kids in our congregation is not only accepted but welcome. Here are some signs that your church is "kid friendly." (in no particular order)

• No one minds that your 4 year old son takes off his shoes and socks five minutes into the service.
• Peppermints are provided in the foyer and no one stands guard over them limiting each kid to only one. (Although sometimes I wish we did, but I don't want to be the peppermint guard.)
• It is perfectly acceptable for your child to run up the aisle (barefooted) to children's time and "slide" into his spot on the floor. It is also acceptable for him to run up the center aisle and slide into his pew. (We did discuss this today and T.S. promises not to make a habit of it.)
• Your preacher stops in the middle of the sermon to acknowledge the child (usually his granddaughter) that is waving/talking to him.
• Members of the church tell you that you are being too hard on your kid (when you take them out to discipline) and you should, "just let them be kids." These are the same people that would have never let their kids get away with what you are trying to stop your child from doing.
• When you get a new preacher, he is often confused about which kids belong to which parents because babies are handed off and kids take turns sitting with their friends regularly.

Is your church kid friendly?

The Rules

We had the wonderful opportunity to travel to the lake with our church this summer. We were blessed to share a camping area with our friends the McBrooms who were also gracious enough to share their boat and jet ski as well. The first day in the boat, April sat the kids down and said she needed to go over the rules. I was all set to hear about water safety and the rules for the boat. In addition to what I expected, April shared the three rules that our friend Ronay had once jokingly come up with. They are:

1. Smile
2. Act like you want to be here
3. Speak when spoken to

To my surprise, the kids took them very seriously and when they were referred to throughout the weekend, attitudes seemed to change. That Sunday we mused that Ronay had a definite beginning for a book and we'd have to travel around "testing" the rules. We all offered to be collaborators on the project.

I've thought about them a lot.I even enacted them on some junior high girls at the Happy Days dance. (they at least started smiling) They've even come in handy a time or two with the family. If everyone would make an attempt to follow "the rules" life would be much more pleasant.

Just a thought.