Joe Younkin

The challenge I had when informing family members about the issue with single-use plastics is keeping them focused on IT as an issue without them going into ALL of the other issues plaguing our world:  "why should I worry about this when people are not aware of this in India or China?"  "Those countries negatively impact the environment more than the US!"  

We can all do our little part, and if everyone does their little part, it makes a big impact.

As a result of me reducing my spending, I've noticed that I do not miss a lot of the stuff I used to purchase that I thought made life more fun and enjoyable.  I have just as much fun, if not more, and get plenty of enjoyment without those things.  Also, I eat better because I eat at home more.

I chose to watch the documentary "Bag It" with my kids and it was a reopening of my eyes.  My kids thought it was depressing to think about.  I agree, but it has made me think more about my single-use/disposable plastic use.  I think plastic and its effect on the environment is well-known, but, for a myriad of reasons, have not dealt with it.  We can do our part by reducing or eliminating single-use plastic options, but it needs to start with policy and decision makers in Congress and the corporate offices of these manufacturing companies who decide to package things in plastic.  My takeaway was a line from the episode that went something like:  companies package things that will be used/consumed in 15 minutes in something that will last almost forever. 

This challenge is a bit difficult because of the convenience of the disposable plastic bags already at the stores.  What makes this easier is planning trips to the grocery store, for example.  Making a list beforehand usually reminds me to grab my reusable bags before I go.