We were spending some family time together, when out of the blue our oldest daughter KT asked what “granola” meant.
My husband looked at her for a moment as though she had grown a second head before telling her quite matter-of-factly that granola was a breakfast cereal. The kind of cereal, he teased, that he had been eating every morning for weeks.
“No,” persisted KT. “What does it mean if someone calls you granola?”
My husband’s face was blank, so I, in all of my wisdom, stepped in. I informed them that “granola” is another word for “hippie,” a “tree hugger”, a “greenie” or even my personal favorites: “crunchy” and “down to earth.”
I went on to tell them that someone who is considered granola is a very earth-friendly person who is concerned with the state of our environment and the animals that live in it.
“Is that bad?” KT asked.
I told her that I thought it depended on her outlook. Some would think it was a bad thing to be called, but I thought it was a good thing.
I had to wonder what it took to make a kid stand out as “granola” in Seattle. We are, after all, a city known for its tree-huggers and for being green before it was trendy. We raise our children to conserve our water and keep it clean for the sake of the salmon. Our scout troops routinely plant trees and participate in environmental cleanups. The mantra to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle is second nature to most of us in the Emerald City. What, then, was so different about my child?
I think it might all boil down to a love of animals. We have the usual cats and dogs…but we also have had many exotic pets. Rats, snakes, cockroaches, frogs, turtles, tarantulas…well the list goes on and on. Learning about all of our creatures and their habitats has been fascinating. Learning about what people do to animals and their habitats was illuminating.
KT, at the tender age of 13, decided that she needed to do something to change the way the earth was headed. Her first step was to stop eating animals. She felt that it was morally wrong to eat the creatures that she loved so much. A couple years later she did a school research project about slaughter houses and decided that she would go completely vegan. KT no longer eats or uses anything that came from an animal. No eggs, no milk, no honey, no leather shoes or purses. She’s taken a lot of flak for her beliefs, but she sticks to them.
Our daughter realized that she needed to do still more to help save our world. The most logical place to start was at her school. She and some of her friends decided that they could make the most difference by starting an Earth Club at her high school. It now has around 75 members. Of course, that wasn’t quite enough for our girl. Her next step was to contact the group Planting Peace and became an environmental leader for our zip code. She currently coordinates with the city to organize cleanups in places they are needed, then recruits volunteers from the high school and the community to make a difference in our neighborhoods.
I could go on, but those Granola people don’t do what they do for the kudos. They simply see a need and do what they feel needs to be done. They aren’t paralyzed by the daunting size of the challenge, and don’t get discouraged by the apathy all around them.
When KT asked if it was bad to be “granola” I should’ve told her what I was really thinking. That I couldn’t be prouder that she was strong enough to follow what her heart told her to do. I think to be called granola is a very good thing.
Photo Credit
“Granola” StudoGabe @ Flickr.com. Creative Commons. Some Rights Reserved.
That’s amazing she has such strong principles at an early age. Good for her!
Thanks for stopping by the other day. I like to think I’m a green ‘granola’ person and am working very hard to help reduce fossil fuel usage in the mainstream through solar cooking whenever possible. Now, I’m off to explore your blog…
I am really impressed by your daughter’s strength! I find it so difficult to stick to your convictions in this inconsistent world… I’m sure you’ve done a good job with your kids! Congratulations!!!
WOW…Your daughter is so inspiring. I stopped eating meat a few months ago because of the same reason. I felt so sick to my stomach every time I thought about how the animals were treated just so I can put their flesh in my burger…ick.
KT makes me want to go out there and do more. You must be so proud!
I can’t believe that I have lived as long as I have and have never heard the term Granola “person”. Well! She sure fits all of the requirements and then a few more. I am also happy and proud to call her “Granddaughter”!
Well then, we too are Granola people here in this house, and I would be proud to be called that too. Good on you and your family… we all have to do our bit to love nature back!
I must be living under a rock! Never heard the term granola…used like that!! I think it’s great that your daughter is standing up for her convictions and at such a young age! Great girl you have there!!
wow … I am so impressed by her strength and attitude .. she will do well for herself! I can see why you are so proud!!
You should definitely be proud of your “granola girl.” She sounds wonderfully principled and motivated.
I think it only becomes a pejorative term when said granola person is overly preachy–past the point of educating others.
Don’t you just love it when they ask these sorts of things! Makes you stop and think more about it than you ever thought you would.
Susie, Kaitie is a unique and wonderful individual. It takes great courage and determination to state and follow your convictions. KT has all of that and something equally important; parents who have encouraged and supported her while she became the awesome GRANOLA that she is. Kudos to your fantastic family and happy Earth Day.
“Granolas” should stand up and be proud! They are the best of us! (:
Sounds like me like that granola is someone to be proud of.
It sure is.. good for her. Not everyone walks that talk. She’s running it. A great post for Earth Day.
We should all be thankful that your daughter is “granola”. The world needs more granola all around. Tell her thank you for all that she does. That’s rare to find in a teenager. You are certainly lucky!