What other choice do we have?

I am already paperless on every bill that allows it.

There’s not just one, just as there’s not just one action that will solve the environmental/climate crisis. But if o had to choose one, then it’s not disposable items, but treating people as if they are disposable. If you treat all people like they matter and have value and take their health, livelihoods, and ability to thrive into consideration, then we don’t have overflowing landfills, toxic waste sites, oil refineries in backyards like Cancer Alley—and that these places overwhelmingly affect communities of color shows a blatant disregard for human life. 

House. Hillside. Lake Superior!

Our water goes to the Great Lake and if we’re adding stormwater, then it’s house. Hillside. Buckingham creek. St. Louis river then Lake Superior. A lot of water and a lot of important ecosystems. 

What I care most about when addressing the enormity of ecological problems is protecting wildlife and natural resources. I think the biggest thing people can do to make sure they do not leave a trace is stop littering. This is very easy to do which is why it is difficult to see so much trash in nature. Some of it is due to people improperly disposing their trash. When throwing bags of trash into bins, make sure the bag is tied tightly so trash does not fly out and pollute the surrounding area. 

I have noticed that a majority of my purchases are food related. While tracking my purchases, I spend a lot more money during the weekends I decide to go out to eat whether than when I go grocery shopping. Most of the time a grocery bill is not that much more expensive than an eating out bill but the eating out bill was for one or two meals while the grocery shopping bill is worth multiple meals. Because of this I realized that I need take more advantage of the many grocery stores in my area whether than eating out. 

Water provides me with relief. I find that if I do not drink enough water I get a headache. By bringing a reusable water bottle around with me I am more likely to drink water and spend less money because I am not purchasing bottled water. There are way more benefits to having a high quality reusable water bottle than buying plastic water. Also during COVID drinking fountains are turned off should everyone should get in the happen of bringing a reusable water bottle with them to public places. 

The main water source in my region is Lake Superior. Living near the lake, I found that I have gained more respect for natural water sources. It is disappointing to take a walk by the lake and see trash floating in the water. I am trying to preserve water more and more but also take care of the water by picking up trash. Many parks and water sources of trash bins located near them so I recommend people stop and give back to their community by picking up a few pieces of trash whenever they are out walking. 

What stands in the way of this habit is convenience which is the obstacle to many of my sustainability goals. When I go to coffee shops it get be a spur of the moment decision so I do not have a mug with me. Because of this I realized that I should keep a clean reusable mug in the car at all times. This also helps me save money since many coffee shops offer a discount when you bring your own mug.