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Hello
Few men are willing to brave the disapproval of their fellows, the censure of their colleagues, the wrath of their society. Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence. Yet it is the one essential, vital quality for those who seek to change the world which yields most painfully to change. Robert F. Kennedy, Speech at the University of Capetown, South Africa, Day of Affirmation, 6 June 1966
Dec. 15, 2009
Getting Rid of Junk
Ten plastic soda jugs occupied my countertop for the past month.
Like a walled fortress, the jugs blocked the view of the counter and any stray dust or papers that may have taken up refuge there.
These chunky containers are supposed to someday become pots for plants I intend to grow. But today I decided I needed to liberate the space the jugs held.
For now, the plastic containers have taken shelter in a recycling center or processor – wherever such items are taken once you throw them in those special bins at community refuse sites.
With each jug I tossed, I realized I’ve become my grandmother and great grandmother in finding alternative uses for just about anything.
Oatmeal containers, too, have served as pots for plants. Egg cartons can serve as seedling pots as well as cool worms and bugs for kids. For storing leftovers, barbeque containers with lids do the job, and pictures from old magazines become interesting conversation pieces when framed as photos for the walls.
Oh, and I mustn’t forget the jelly jars, which become mismatched dinner glasses.
Reusing items is a responsible way of filling your needs and helping the Earth. But holding on to the items when you don’t need them can be problematic. To eliminate such collections of disposable items, you can throw them away or find a recycling center for the plastics, cardboard and paper. For usable items like clothes you no longer wear, give them to thrift shops, churches and other charities. You can also sell usable items at yard sales.
Getting rid of junk sometimes seems near impossible when you convince yourself that at some point you’ll need the stuff or that you’re being wasteful if you throw it out.
But today, I took a stand, realizing that I need my space and my relationship with collecting and saving things that can be valuable needs to slow down.
I mean, after all, Christmas is almost here, and I’m sure I’ll have plenty of used wrapping paper, twisty ties from toys, bows, boxes, cards and funky sweaters I’ll find some use for and will want to keep.
Bobbie Whitehead
