Yep, you've heard it a thousand times - Reduce, Re-Use, Recycle. Then everyone focuses on Recycle.
But we can do better. Let's focus on Reduce today.
How do you go about reducing?
There are two easy approaches - Just Say So, and Bring Your Own.
Okay, take a few seconds to savor the memory of all that good food. Mmmm...fooood!
Learn more here (or tune in for 3B)
Now, think about how that food is served. Is it on a plate? Is it in a carton? Ceramic? Paper? Steel? Glass? Plastic? Styrofoam? Is there a ketchup bottle on the table? Is it handed to you through a window? Restaurant food is one of those places where we can find a little more of that low-hanging, eco-friendly fruit.
The essence of Reduce
(This came from JustThink.org, which is no longer there.)
Just say no. (No, this is not a Nancy Reagan thing.) This one is pretty simple. Make a list of what you can say no to, and stick with it! (Any plastic thing you use only once is a bad thing.)
- Straws and Lids - If you have to have one, take your own, but do you really have to have one?
- Plastic Knives, Forks, and Spoons - again, take them with you - or go for the finger food.
- Extra napkins - just how messy do you plan to be?
- Bag - when you only buy two items, do you really need a bag?
- Condiments (salt, pepper, ketchup, etc.)
A green straw hanging out on some fake grass outside my office
Another way to just say no is to patronize places where they make it easy for you. Look for places that serve food on non-disposable dishes or places that offer incentives for making healthier choices. As you go through your day, look for ways that you can make an impact by just saying no.
What are you going to say no to?
May a two-letter word lead to a healthier world.
(As always, thank you for taking the time to read Mesquite Hugger!)
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