I don't stop at using reusable bags. When I run out of toilet paper, I use the plastic that it comes in as a makeshift trash bag! I'm always trying to find a way to repurpose plastic.

Viewing the world as an opportunity to go zero waste trains your mind to think strategically. I work at a mini-storage facility, and recently a man abandoned his unit with a lot of water-softening equipment that nobody could use. We gave it away to someone in the industry. But the man also left something anyone could use - a huge amount of various forms of very good soap! It will probably take years to use it all up and give it away. But you learn to manage what seems impossible.

I think the plastic wrapping serves the transportation industry and grocery chains. I always look for veggies that don't come in plastic bags and rarely break down and buy anything in plastic. However, a friend pointed out that most of the produce is shipped in plastic and unwrapped to put out on display in the store. So, the reflection question really hits on an important note -- who does all this plastic benefit, and why is that information hidden from view?

I have been doing things like saving all the plastic bags in my life and finding a second use for them. For example, a doggie treat bag may find itself in my freezer holding stinky shrimp tails until trash collection day. I use them for trash bags of all sizes and haven't had to buy any plastic bags for at least six months. But that's not all the plastic I try to reuse. I was very encouraged to know I'm not alone because most of my friends think I'm crazy. LOL

Yes, I'm ALWAYS happier in life when I get outdoors, even in the heat of the summer. I rejoice in the mornings, evenings & tree's shade!

MEDITERRANEAN SUMMER SALAD

OMG - I'm not a big shopper & so I don't buy much from Amazon. As a kinda "mindful" person, I've thought about the waste of boxes and delivery drivers(why don't they have electric vehicles at least!) but this was astonishing to me! I can "understand" but the fact that people don't know. I have friends, that I'll tell about this, but that do alot of returns.

I have not been using the library much in decades! I've been buying books online. My friend Peggy uses the library app to listen to books! So, thanks to her, I was inspired to get my library card renewed and can now listen to books or read them using the app. Thanks, Peggy!

In my state, I think it's illegal to bring your own takeout container. At least I know you can't bring your own plates to a place like Panda where the staff would have to handle it to dish up the food. The obvious reason is to avoid contaminating the kitchen area. When I go to other restaurants, I just bring my own. I'm not above smuggling one into the restaurant with an oversize purse.