There's been talk lately of "Zero Waste Living"". Over the last 6 months or so I've seen blog posts, articles, even a report on the local news of families who are trying to live a Zero Waste Lifestyle.
In addition to solid waste, California also talks a lot about water wasting. With a 2009 population estimate of almost 37 Million people (US Census Bureau Quick Facts) living here it's easy to understand why. Solid waste landfills are rapidly being filled, and water can be a precious commodity in years of even mild drought.
This topic has been on my mind lately, and some of it came home during this past week as I fought with a cold. Kleenex or handkerchiefs? A true "zero waster" would definitely grab a handkerchief. I am not a true "zero waster". I do try to be conscious of my decisions, and try not to be wasteful. But the thought of using the same rag over and over and sticking a wet, slimy piece of cloth in my pocket just does not appeal to me. I don't want a germ laden piece of cloth in my pocket and feel it is best and more sanitary to use a tissue and properly dispose of it after use. Yes, sometimes that does involve putting it in a pocket until you are where you properly dispose of it. But then it is gone. If at home, they can be burned in the fireplace. No matter what, you're not storing wet, slimy, germ filled cloth until it can be washed.
That's my thoughts on Kleenex vs handkerchiefs, and you're not going to change my thinking! :-)
UPDATE: Some have called me "wasteful" because of my admission that I am not a true "zero waster". First of all, zero waste is a nice concept and sounds good, but if you're alive, you create waste. I will continue to try to reduce the amount of waste I generate. I'll post some of the things I do here. So please bear with me, grow with me and maybe together we can all become better people. Thank you.
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