Wasteful thinking

I think about waste….alot.  Every item I unpack that is wrapped in 5 layers of plastic, 3 layers of cardboard and multiple pages of warranty and service instructions in three languages is bothering. 

I think recycling, while a very good idea, is morphing into an excuse to be wasteful.  Take for example the 20lbs of flyers that landed on my doorstep the other day.  All of about three of those pages I have any interest in.  Now instead of cancelling the delivery of those flyers years ago, I justified the process by having a blue bin in the household.  Drop the papers in, forget about it.

The purpose of recycling is to reduce waste, not justify more consumption.  If we look at items for more than its exterior, but really have an appreciation for what went into making this product. In a sense empathetic to its creation, for instance, what went into making that steak you are having for supper.  The sun’s energy, the processes involved in the growth of the grass and the nutrients consumed in its growth.  The energy and nutrients consumed while the animal travels and feeds. The time and energy that went into the growth of that animal.  The animals life itself.

It almost makes me want to turn into a vegetarian. At the very least though, it makes me think of the amount in which I consume, to consider that my consumption does not go without a cost not matter what it is.

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