I was watching a program last night about a Jewish camp for youth. Of particular interest, was an activity they did at the end of meals in which they weighed their "Pesolet," or waste. Each table scraped their left overs onto one plate and one of the children brought the plate up and emptied it into a bucket which they then weighed. Their goal was to lessen the weight of the pesolet each day.
The part I liked most was that the youth were not encouraged to clean their plates, rather, to be more aware of how much they put on their plates in the first place. This act caused the children to really think about how hungry they were and what their needs really were. They also had a farm and lessons on where their food came from and were challenged to think of other forms of pesolet such as paper, litter, and recyclables.
The Jewish faith has always be great about educating the youth about traditions and how to be good responsible citizens. I love that the lessons evolve to fit 21st century concerns. We should all encourage our children and ourselves to really consider what we really need so as to eliminate waste. Take a look at the toys and gadgets that you and your children received/gave for Christmas this year. Look again three months from now and see if the items are still being utilized or if your "Pesolet bucket" is getting heavier.
I have found that if you want to need less, you must first learn to desire less. The children in the program at first piled food on their plates because they wanted it, but later found that they didn't need it in order to be full. By the end of the camp, the children had gotten their pesolet down from 13 pounds to 7 pounds. That equals less waste and more food for those who need it.
Finally, the youth were asked to challenge themselves for 6 weeks. Some chose to eat organic eggs and others chose to give up eating meat. The Pesolet challenge showed the youth that not only could they do well with less, but that they could challenge themselves and have a high chance of success. I challenge you to challenge yourselves for 6 weeks. This is not a resolution, this is an attempt to better yourselves and the world.
I encourage all of you to take a look at your own waste, including clothing and gadgets, and challenge yourselves to get by with less. It could save you money, make you healthier, and save the planet. Let us start teaching our children how to be caring and responsible global citizens, and let the first lesson be your example. Love and light.
The part I liked most was that the youth were not encouraged to clean their plates, rather, to be more aware of how much they put on their plates in the first place. This act caused the children to really think about how hungry they were and what their needs really were. They also had a farm and lessons on where their food came from and were challenged to think of other forms of pesolet such as paper, litter, and recyclables.
The Jewish faith has always be great about educating the youth about traditions and how to be good responsible citizens. I love that the lessons evolve to fit 21st century concerns. We should all encourage our children and ourselves to really consider what we really need so as to eliminate waste. Take a look at the toys and gadgets that you and your children received/gave for Christmas this year. Look again three months from now and see if the items are still being utilized or if your "Pesolet bucket" is getting heavier.
I have found that if you want to need less, you must first learn to desire less. The children in the program at first piled food on their plates because they wanted it, but later found that they didn't need it in order to be full. By the end of the camp, the children had gotten their pesolet down from 13 pounds to 7 pounds. That equals less waste and more food for those who need it.
Finally, the youth were asked to challenge themselves for 6 weeks. Some chose to eat organic eggs and others chose to give up eating meat. The Pesolet challenge showed the youth that not only could they do well with less, but that they could challenge themselves and have a high chance of success. I challenge you to challenge yourselves for 6 weeks. This is not a resolution, this is an attempt to better yourselves and the world.
I encourage all of you to take a look at your own waste, including clothing and gadgets, and challenge yourselves to get by with less. It could save you money, make you healthier, and save the planet. Let us start teaching our children how to be caring and responsible global citizens, and let the first lesson be your example. Love and light.
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