"In short, we do everything we can to reduce our carbon footprint. But all this would be undone if we had a child."

November 23, 2007 by Quin Finnegan at 5:29 pm

This article from the UK (note the ‘s’ instead of a ‘z’ in ‘sterilised’) Daily Mail is within our usual scope:

While other young couples sit down and discuss mortgages, Sarah and Mark discussed the medical options for one or the other to be sterilised.

“We realised it was a much more straightforward procedure, safer and easier, for a man to be sterilised through a vasectomy than a woman to be sterilised,” says Sarah.

“In January 2005, Mark had a vasectomy and we both felt incredibly relieved there was no chance of us having a baby.”

Ironically, the couple who have decided to deny themselves children for the sake of the planet, actively enjoy the company of young children.

Sarah says: “We both have nieces who we love dearly and I consider myself a caring, nurturing person.

“My sister recently had a little girl, and that has taken the pressure off me because my parents wanted to be grandparents.

“At first, they were surprised by my decision, but they have never criticised us.

“I’d never dream of preaching to others about having a family. It’s a very personal choice. What I do like to do is make people aware of the facts.

“When I see a mother with a large family, I don’t resent her, but I do hope she’s thought through the implications.”

Mark adds: “Sarah and I live as green a life a possible. We don’t have a car, cycle everywhere instead, and we never fly.

“We recycle, use low-energy light bulbs and eat only organic, locally produced food.

“In short, we do everything we can to reduce our carbon footprint. But all this would be undone if we had a child.

“That’s why I had a vasectomy. It would be morally wrong for me to add to climate change and the destruction of Earth.

“Sarah and I don’t need children to feel complete. What makes us happy is knowing that we are doing our bit to save our precious planet.”