Recycle, Reuse, Repurpose

It would seem we live in a disposable society these days. Everything is disposable, paper plates, magazines, books, pots and pans, aluminum cans, and the list grows. It would be interesting to take a journey through the dumps and perform an archeological dig. What has been thrown away through the last 100 years? I do believe we will find that over the last century the amount disposed of has increased. When it breaks throw it away, if it does not fit, has a tear or stain, needs repair, looks old and dirty, just toss it.

Most of the items we toss are toxic to the environment. Who cares? I am not sure really. Remember your mother telling you to eat your greens and liver because there were starving children in other countries who would love to have what we have? My brother once told my mom to send it to them because he was not eating it. I thought she was going to knock his head off. Yes, mom was a hitter. He ate it begrudgingly. Have we really stopped caring after years of this sort of story telling? Or do we just find it easier to live unconsciously, let someone else do the work, and ignore the effects it has on us?

All it takes is one person to start a riot or book burning. One person can control the destiny of thousands. Think about our history, the world’s history. One person has instigated wars, destruction, criminal acts, serial killings, so much more. Yet I hear this phrase: “I am only one person. What can I do?” Well? What can you do?

The next time you walk down the street, notice trash on the sidewalk, why not pick it up? Especially when there is a trash receptacle handy? Might be a bit over flowing, but squash it down and add the trash you just picked up. Takes less than a minute and who knows? Like the commercials where on person sees another do a kind thing, he/she does a kind thing, it goes around in a circle.

Stop disposing, there are so many items in your home that can help you earn cash back. Will serve a purpose somewhere else. Remember this: “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Think about what you can do as one person to begin creating a change.

Stop with the excuses. “Takes too much time, don’t have it. Who is going to pay attention anyway? How can I facilitate change in my neighborhood, no one will listen?” The list is never ending, I have heard so many, have tried a few out for myself as well. Funny those who use them most would never dream of letting me get away with using them.

What is the one thing you can do today to effect the change you wish to see in your country? In your neighborhood? In your home?

Before you buy ask if it can be recycled, reused, re-purposed? Will it give you cash back later on down the road? The more you demand through purchasing the products that will serve for years to come and then some for someone else, the more companies will listen and begin finding ways to manufacture products accordingly.

The next article will include a list of the organizations which provide products with little to no impact on the planet. Thank you and be the one to effect a change.