A Balanced Approach to Wellness!

Posts tagged ‘disposables’

Travels in styrofoam

Disposables

Having landed safely in Los Angeles (thank you to the competent pilots and airline staff), I headed to a nearby hotel for recuperation from the long flight. My overnight stay at the hotel was pleasant (thank you to the hotel staff). To end the recuperation, my husband and I headed for Venice Beach and enjoyed the views of the water, trees, and people (thank you to LA municipal services). The pleasant beginning of my time in the States made possible by many, many people.

On the plane, the water was served in disposable cups. The meal was served on disposable plastic and the various components of the meal were wrapped in paper or plastic. Small snacks were provided in foil and plastic. The tea and coffee required disposable cups, milk and sugar in disposable packaging, and disposable stirrers. Throw-away items for a productivity-demanding society.

At the hotel, breakfast was served on styrofoam plates and bowls. Beverages were served in cardboard and styrofoam. Plastic containers for food items were in large supply. Throw-away items for a quick and staff-reduced feeding.

At Venice Beach, disposables were in view everywhere: in the shops, in the food dispensaries, and on the beach. The large smoothies we bought were served in plastic glasses with plastic lids and plastic straws—even though we were drinking them in the cafe. Waste galore for a few hours pleasure.

Since arriving here, I have been served plastic, cardboard, and styrofoam in restaurants, in stores, and in peoples’ homes. Ease and more ease for an ease-demanding society.

This post is simply pointing out the phenomenon of disposability in our world. No lessons being dispensed by Spiritual Presence, just more awareness. A reminder of living today.

[I am writing this post while sitting in Elderberries cafe in Los Angeles, a community cafe that intentionally uses non-disposables.]

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Environmental caring

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Packaging

packaging

Today I received a lovely holiday basket nestled in a large cardboard box and secured with a bountiful supply of bubble wrap. The basket was wrapped well with thick plastic wrap and the gift items were displayed individually on a wide basket that had plenty of shredded filler paper. Included in the gift items were individually wrapped and several-items-together treats. Also, a lovely ribbon encircled the thick plastic wrap that encircled the basket and gift items.

I recycled what could be recycled and threw away what could not be recycled. I have eaten—and enjoyed—some of the items, and will enjoy the others later this week.

Here is a message from Spiritual Presence about all the packaging (not just on my gift):

STOP! Too much waste. Too much selfish thinking. Stop creating things that require wasteful packaging. Stop using large boxes to encase small items. Stop wasting paper and plastic. Stop thinking that fancy is better than plain. Use simple wrapping materials. Be willing to like less rather than more. Be willing to demand simple. Take a stand. Honor the environment.

Tips to reduce packaging

  • Use reusable bags when shopping.
  • Use reusable bags when buying produce.
  • Use your own containers at stores that sell by bulk.
  • When packaging items, use as little packaging materials as possible. Remember that very few people appreciate the shredded filler paper and the fancy tissue paper.
  • Consider the environment each time you package something and when you order something that will be delivered in a package.
  • At restaurants, order less food so you don’t require packaging for food to be taken home.
  • Favor restaurants that use non-disposable plates, cups, cutlery, etc.

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Environmental caring

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Recycling–Disposable enticement, once again

Disposables

I’ve just returned from an event where plastic was plentiful. In honor of that event, let’s take another look at an earlier post.

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So enticing to trade needs-washing with just-throw-it-away. Disposables, especially those made from plastic, are wasteful and should be used in limited quantities. People have an obligation to maintain the environment. Here’s what to do:

  1. If you are planning an event, aim to use real rather than disposable.
  2. Never use Styrofoam cups, bowls, and plates.
  3. If you attend a regular function where disposables are used, bring your own cup, utensils, etc. so that you are contributing less to the waste.
  4. If you buy ready-made foods and drinks, pay attention to the wrapping and avoid foods and drinks that were packaged too much.
  5. Favor environmentally friendly products over plastic products.
  6. (If you have other ideas, please add in the comments.)

Category:

Environmental caring

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Disposable enticement

Disposables

So enticing to trade needs-washing with just-throw-it-away. Disposables, especially those made from plastic, are wasteful and should be used in limited quantities. People have an obligation to maintain the environment. Here’s what to do:

  1. If you are planning an event, aim to use real rather than disposable.
  2. Never use Styrofoam cups, bowls, and plates.
  3. If you attend a regular function where disposables are used, bring your own cup, utensils, etc. so that you are contributing less to the waste.
  4. If you buy ready-made foods and drinks, pay attention to the wrapping and avoid foods and drinks that were packaged too much.
  5. Favor environmentally friendly products over plastic products.
  6. (Fill in another idea…)
  7. (Fill in another idea…)
  8. (Fill in another idea…)
  9. (Fill in another idea…)
  10. (Fill in another idea…)
  11. (Fill in another idea…)
  12. (Fill in another idea…)

Category:

Environmental caring

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