It’s probably a good thing that I don’t have cable because whenever I am on an airplane or at my parents’ homes I watch cable television until my eyes practically bleed. Most of it is really stupid reality TV, shows that are so bad that I would be humiliated if I were caught watching (just thinking about Real Housewives of Orange County makes me blush a little bit) but there is one show that I always look forward to: Jon and Kate Plus 8 on TLC.
For those of you who don’t know, the show is about the Gosselins, a family with eight children: one set of twins and a set of sextuplets. As a 30-something woman who wants children eventually, watching the show is a little warning about the dangers of fertility treatments. For me, though, it is also a lesson about an eco-friendly lifestyle is possible no matter what your circumstances may be.
The Gosselins insist upon an organic diet, despite the cost, and have implemented other eco-friendly practices, like recycling, into their lives. I find it truly inspiring that with eight children running around, Kate Gosselin can rinse a dish, let alone drag the recycling bin to the curb.
The family serves as inspiration for me. When I am feeling lazy about an eco project around the house I think of them and remember that if they can do it with the eight little people underfoot, I can surely put forth the effort myself. The lesson I take away from it is that a promise is a promise and the Gosselins haven’t let the explosive growth of their family interfere with their commitment to the planet. Cheers to that.
TLC has dedicated an episode to the Gosselins green efforts. Watch a preview of the episode here.
Tags: eco, eco-friendly, Gosselins, green, Jon and Kate Plus 8, organic, recycle, TLC