Trashing Convenience

Well, I finally did it. I decided to bring dishes to work. I know, I know, I'm way over due for some scolding for my continual use of paper plates, plastic silverware, and styrofoam cups. Now that my company has finally installed a sink with a disposal in our breakroom, I feel better equipped to wash dishes and ditch the disposable.

That's why I brought in a glass plate, tea mug, and real silverware today, as well as dish soap and a square tupperware to haul the dishes to and from the sink. With this set-up, I can even wash them and NOT dry them with a paper towel, just let them drip-dry in the tupperware over night.

Yes, washing dishes will take a little more time than tossing dirty plates into the trash, but I think the time has come to trash convenience. Doing a couple of dishes hardly puts a dent in my day. Just a couple minutes, and I've left a space empty at the landfill where my trash would have been.

If you want to take it a step further, check out some "green" dish washing soaps. I'm talking about biodegradable, non-toxic, sustainable, and cruelty-free products made with natural ingredients. If you're a parent, just think how much less frightening it'd be to have your little one get a hold of natural-based cleaning supplies as opposed to Clorox or Lysol. Using green cleaners reduces the pollutants in your home and reduces the negative impact on aquatic life due to contaminated wastewater.

Lots of on-line sellers offer green cleaning products. One site I'd recommend is the Pristine Planet site, which compares brands and sellers and lists the natural characteristics of each item.
Check out some of the eco-friendly cleaners on these sites. You might find yourself fully conscious after scrubbing the floors instead of lightheaded and dopey.