Michele—Age 61

I am 61 and never had children. In fact, I worked hard during my productive years to make sure I didn’t get pregnant. I have always believed that I did not need to add another human being to Mother Earth.

Even as a young child, I told my mother that I would adopt children. She patted my hand and said I would change my mind. I never did change my mind, nor did I adopt children. When people ask me about why I don’t drive an electric car, or have solar panels on my house or some other “green” practice, I proudly say, I have no children, so my carbon impact on the planet ends with me.

Most times the listener is stunned into silence.