Mindful Living: Celebrate Memorial Day

Source: pinkpreppylillylover.blogspot.com via Lindsey on Pinterest

 

 

 

Holidays like Memorial Day are a perfect opportunity to think about how much waste we create. Picnics and barbecues are times to kick back and chill out, but these are both examples of where we could be producing a lot less waste...non-recyclable waste. Here are a few ideas:

1. Stainless Steel Watter Bottles

We have a dozen or so in various sizes and we take them with us everywhere we go. I'm not going to lie and say I don't buy the occasional Snapple or even stop in at Starbucks for a cup of coffee, but probably a lot less than if I did not have my own beverage.

2. Plastic Cutlery and Paper Plates

Stop! Please, just stop with these two things. I know how hard it is with kids. Listen, I don't have a dishwasher (NOT by choice, believe me), and if I can wash what we use, so can you. Plus, there are a lot of eco-friendly alternatives to plastic and paper--take a cue from the big corporations who have made the switch to products made from renewable resources.

3. Soda

I quit my Coca-Cola habit a few months ago, I have also lost ten pounds in the past two months--coincidence? I don't think so. Make the switch to Ice Tea, or Lemonade, or anything else. Just think of the adorable little beverages you can create, like the one above.

4. Single Use Flags, Banners, Whatever!

Yes, you do make a difference. How about trying not to buy anything you are going to throw away next week on trash day. At this point, I just think it's total selfishness, or ignorance, when people buy junk for holidays that is going to be thrown out the very next day. What a waste--of resources, time, and your money!

I hope I am not coming off as too preachy, because I really want you to have a wonderful weekend. I also think that we should spend a decent amount of time thinking about the brave men and women who wear the uniform on our behalf every single day. Thank you to all of you who are or who have served in the military--I am truly grateful for your dedication to freedom.

XO

Emily

Comments

[Silver Magpies]

Emily -

You make a number of very important points in this post and I applaud you.

If for no other reason people need to re-consider their use of disposable goods because it is throwing away hard earned money.