Refuse, Reduce and Reuse!

People ask me all the time, "How do you remember your bags and water bottle, or to  refuse things you don't need?"

It isn't always easy.  We live in a world where we have to be diligent in speaking up to stop the flow if unnecessary waste.

I was once in line at a store behind a woman who was purchasing two packs of gum.  First - gum is contained in its own packaging, but the clerk tossed it into a plastic bag for her, and then she proceeded to ask for a second bag.  She explained that the gum was for her two grandkids and she didn't want them arguing over it.  It took everything I had to not speak up. 

I'm sure she had no idea that a shopping bag doesn't decompose if it ends up in a landfill.  Well, at least it doesn't decompose like a banana peel.  Scientists aren't exactly sure how long it will take to "decompose" and it is estimated that it could take about 1,000 years to photo-degrade. 

I am always fascinated when people unearth artifacts from the past.  I guess my mind helps me to remember my reusable bottles and cans because I cringe at the thought of people unearthing our disposable lifestyle.  I think about people in the future unearthing our waste and being so disappointed in us. 

Hopefully this image  will help you to remember your reusable containers and cups also!