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Save Earth Children Search for Wisdom
Save Earth members throw out questions at me during their own Exploration for Wisdom. 99.10.16/ Temperature: 10C/ Weather: Partly cloudy/
Current Location: Sapporo Latitude: 43 01 52 N Longitude: 141 21 09 E
Distance Traveled: 0 kmToday was the first of several opportunities I will have to meet with World School Network (WSN) kids. "Children's points," as these events have been labeled, are a chance for WSN kids to seek out and discover wisdom in their own communities. Today I was invited by the Save Earth group of Sapporo to join them in their adventure.
Thirteen members of Save Earth sat at tables arranged in a square. Everyone's attention in the small conference room was aimed at Mr. Onuma of Crystal Clay tile company, a company which is on the cutting edge to recycling technology.
"Considering the problem of disposing used glass along with problems caused by mining clay, our company has devised a plan to use glass chips to make floor tiles," said Mr. Onuma, sitting at the front of the room. Mining clay has led to its depletion as well as to the destruction of entire mountains and their habitats. By using 70% glass and only 30% clay, Mr. Onuma's creative new enterprise has found a solution to use disposed glass and consumes less clay.
The debate that followed was the highlight of the day for me and a sign of wisdom developing in the young participants. "When you make the tiles you still have to use clay?" asked one of the Save Earth members, considering the fact that clay still has to come from somewhere. "Just recycling will not solve our trash problems," commented one of the group's veterans. "Waste is still emitted and resources still consumed when you recycle," said another.
Mr. Onuma reminded the group that when you purchase things a container is necessary. "In the old days people treated glass more importantly. Everyone brought their own container to the store," he told the children. Mrs. Fujimura, another guest at the event, told the group about how goods used to be lined-up in crates and customers made containers out of used newspaper. The group shifted their discussion to the topic of containers and packaging.
"I don't think we need a lot of the packaging that you find in stores. For example, when you buy toothpaste you don't need to have the cardboard box. If people open their hearts up a little, we don't need this type of packaging," commented one member. "There is a problem of sanitation," said another. A young member said,"If one store has sanitary packaged goods and another doesn't, most people are going to buy sanitary goods." Questioned about whether or not this is the fault of storeowners another young group member said, "Consumers are the most at fault."
A witty female participant commented, "Sanitary, unsanitary, I think there is something more important than this. I would like for people to think about this." Another participant blurted out, "Once you talk about sanitation there is no end. If everything not packaged is unsanitary, you even need to package vegetables." The conversation tossed back and forth between members. "I think there are some things which are ok to package, but not everything." "Today, even things like pens and pencils that have nothing to do with sanitation are packaged. I don't think this is right. Things that need to be packaged for sanitary reasons should be; things that don't matter should be sold just as they are."
Discussing what needs to be packaged one member commented, "Snacks are packaged individually because it is convenient. It's easy to take individually wrapped rice crackers on trips. It is also nicer to have packaging when you give a gift to someone." Firing back, another member countered, "If people think only about what is convenient, they will get used to it. One little convenience will lead to the next and people won't be able to turn back." Towards the end one girl commented,"We need to change the way people think."
Today, I had a lot to learn from the group's active debate, which continued for most of the entire event. I was happy to be a part of their debate. The group's awareness about environmental problems and their concern for the environment are exceptional. Save Earth members also show no hesitation in sharing their opinions amongst themselves and with adults. The group's ability to combine their doubts, curiosities, and interests in discussion with various types of people is bound to give birth to their very own wisdom. I was happy to be a part of their adventure.
Save Earth has just begun their "Exploration for Wisdom." Today's event seems to have planted a new seed of curiosity for them. Let's cheer them on in their efforts.
Our adventures started just a month ago. I have been walking, searching, and sending out to all of you for 30 days now. Let's all start small and begin activities to find the wisdom in our own regions. Ask your parents, grandparents and neighbors. Be curious, have doubts, and discuss. As I have learned today with Save Earth, all of you have just as much wisdom to share, so please do.
Greg
PS. Tomorrow Save Earth has invited me on more adventures. Until then.
PSS. Stay tuned for Save Earth's special report on their activities!
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