My dearest Paloma Bear,

As I write this, I am sitting in the heart of NYC on a crowded subway car. You are only two and are filled with so much love in your tiny heart. I love you so much and always want the very best for you. I enjoy seeing you smile as we create new and lasting memories. You love to be outside, free as the little dove you are. Each morning you wake up and we say good morning to the sun, el sol…you always want to go to the playground. In the gardens you are one with the creatures pretending to be a butterfly…. I wish we had a yard where you could run free as you please. We do have the park and the gardens which are very near. It is so important that we take care of the parks and respect the land on which we live. Mother Earth is suffering because of poor decisions that were made before us. This past weekend we were in Peekskill and group of activist were sending a message to prevent a huge pipeline to be installed and ruin the land… eminent domain, drilling, fracking, it’s all ruining our planet. These women inspired me to do something greater for you and for your future.

I grew up camping and enjoying nature, visiting Yosemite and other National Parks. I’d love for you to enjoy the same beauty that our planet has to offer without the fear of climate change. Our lakes are drying up and our resources are being depleted. In an effort to do what’s best for you and the world in which we live, we are adopting some practices into our daily lives.

We are vegan and mostly buy local and organic foods. We buy from local farmers markets and support other stores that have a mission and commitment to give back as well. We recycle all plastic, glass, paper and all that is possible. We don’t eat animals which does not support the cruel world of factory farming and pollution from animal waste. We solely eat a plant based diet. We could compost our waste more often. We drink coffee from farms that don’t use chemicals and serve as a natural conservation to protect the natural ecosystem in the environment in which the coffee is grown. This not only supports these farmers but also that land that it is grown on. We buy most of your clothes used and donate or sell back what we don’t need. I occasionally volunteer and support local organizations to clean up local parks around the city. We do own a car. We limit our use of it for trips or weekend getaways. The majority of the time we use public transportation. We don’t use aerosols or harmful chemicals. We use natural cleaners to limit the amount of toxins that go back to the land. We don’t support the fast food industry and make as much of our own food at home and support local restaurants and local businesses.

In an effort to be less wasteful and conscience of your future, I commit from this day on to take a stand and to be more involved in reducing our footprint. I will continue to teach you the importance of respecting the land, appreciating its beauty, giving back to the earth and to question everything, to stay involved and educate others. I will be more involved in local organizations and become more educated on ways to influence others, loved ones and friends to become more involved. I will stop buying bottled seltzer and bring my own cup when on the go. I will be sure not to be such a consumer and buy second hand when I can. I will make an effort to collect and dispose of our veggie scraps at the local compost on Wednesdays or Saturdays in the park. I will continue to recycle and be green in everyday that I can.

I want the very best for you and for generations to come. There is only one planet earth, your mommy and I will make a genuine effort to make an impact to protect it for you!!!

Love you always,
Daddy