Thoughts on "The Curious Garden" by Peter Brown

On Sunday, April 24, 2016 , GPUC will be celebrating Earth Day.  We will be looking at our seventh principle:  "Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part."  I was looking for a book for our students and came across "The Curious Garden" by Peter Brown.  From the jacket of the book it reads;  "One day , a curious boy named Liam is out exploring his drab, gray city when he comes across a struggling garden.  He decides to help the plants grow, never imagining what he is starting.  As time passes, the garden takes on a life of its own and spreads across the city, changing everything in its path.  Bit by bit, the city is transformed, becoming a lush, green world."  What a beautiful magical story about a boy's dream.  It helps us have hope that the efforts of one small boy could help change the world.

Maybe our students can't all start a garden but there are so many other activities that you as parents can teach them to help change the world.  Some ideas are to use reusable containers and bags, try home composting, teach your children about Fair Trade sources, ride your bikes to school and church and teach your children how to buy food in bulk.  You could also be like Liam and plant a garden that would spread through your community! 

This year marks the 46th anniversary of Earth Day.  We at GPUC and my own family are taking action to make our planet a viable place for all people to live now and into the future.

Go Green,
Julie Artis