Efforts to live ecologically

Last year I decided I wanted to live in better accordance with taking care of the earth. This has always appealed to me…something about the interconnectedness of all life with mine.

My first effort was to replace plastic straws with cold drinks. I got rid of my own accumulation of plastic straws and started refusing them when ordering a drink outside my home. I even bought some metal ones, which I quickly discovered were only good with cold drinks…not hot ones! However, that was OK with me.

My next effort was to garden without pesticides. Mostly I used green applications for mildew and pests…but I did not expand my repertoire beyond two types. However, I was mildly successful, losing squashes to mildew.

I also started a compost pile. Now I admit to knowing nothing about composting other than food scraps can go on it, and it must be turned periodically. Regardless, I am experiencing a bit of a success, which just encourages me to learn more.

Finally, I started recycling. So plastics, cardboard boxes, metal cans all get carried to the recycling center weekly.

All these efforts have reduced my garbage to about 1 bag per week.  But I can do more.

I want to continue my efforts in the garden and with the compost heap. I have decided to replace my paper towels and toilet tissue with a green option (made from fast-growing bamboo plants). I am shredding my paper (envelopes, letters, and other miscellaneous paper products) as long as it is clean…and or putting in the bin for fire starter paper (old magazines). That means only paper that is soiled is thrown into the garbage…and I may even rethink that and add it to the compost heap.

The other change I want to make is bags. I want to find an ecological option for the plastic trash bags and for the bags I put my loose food items into. I am starting to remember to take my non-plastic shopping bags into the store with me to reduce the amount of plastic bags I use to get stuff home. However, I need a way to pick up dog poo without those plastic bags. Still looking for alternatives.

My efforts are small. I am only one person. Yet it is a way that I as an individual can express my spiritual, personal connection to my world. Although my efforts may not make an impact in the large scheme of things, they mean something to me. They nourish me. That is enough of a reason to take the time and effort to make the necessary changes in my way of life.