Last week, I was pondering the apparent recklessness of my early motherhood by allowing PunditGirl (then merely a PunditBaby) to toddle around with water, juice and milk in brightly colored sippy cups.

I didn’t know then what I know now about the possible chemicals that can leech out of the plastic after many uses and washings. But that doesn’t make me feel any better. Granted, there’s nothing I can do about that now, but how can I be more vigilant going forward?

Mothers across the country are more tuned in to being increasingly green in their daily lives, some becoming EcoMoms – the new superhero of the 21st century, perhaps?

Don’t worry — no need to don an emerald green cape and tights, though that could look cute for St. Patrick’s Day!

But you could host an EcoMom party – think Tupperware or Pampered Chef, only with lessons on the dozens of small ways we can all help protect the environment — and our families and children — every day. No big, sudden movements. Just things that women always do — focusing on the task at hand and marching toward a goal one step at a time.

It’s not just about rethinking the SUV. EcoMoms ponder how to pack eco-friendly kids’ lunches and focus on unplugging unused appliances to save electricity. Even these little acts can be powerful statements to our children to conserve and take responsibility for our the health of our planet. Clearly, those are small ways to start making a difference, but small things add up and soon, our children could be part of the new green revolution

Too optimistic? Maybe. But a girl can dream, can’t she?

PunditMom postcript: Major Beef recall today. How would an EcoMom handle that?