In April, we celebrate Earth Month, raising awareness about our impact on this planet. I don't pretend to understand things like global warming, but I get the fact that when I put something in the trash, it doesn't disappear, and when I start my car, it creates air pollution.
Thinking about our family's impact on our planet can be very overwhelming - too overwhelming to believe I can even do anything about it. But over the last several years, we've been taking baby steps to lessen our impact and in most cases save some money in the process. Living green is more of an ambition than a reality, but every Friday during the month of April, I am going to highlight something we do to promote a more earth-conscious lifestyle.
This week is paper/plastic products. Here are 3 things to consider: (a) how is the product made/what is it made with, (b) what happens to it when you're done with it, and (c) how resourceful is the alternative. Disposable plates are usually either made of paper or styrofoam (plastic). It takes a lot of oil to make plastic, which is a non-renewable resource. Paper plates are made from trees which is a renewable resource. Neither decomposes in the landfill very quickly (I read lots of conflicting data), although my mom said in her city they recycle styrofoam plates as long as you wash them first (what's the point?). Plastic silverware takes a lot of oil to make and basically never decomposes. Using reusable plates and silverware is considered to be the most environmental friendly option, even though it requires water to wash them. Here is some wonderful news - using an energy star dishwasher uses less water and soap than washing dishes by hand! 
Last fall I put all our paper products in a tote inconveniently located in the basement. Guess what? You think twice about grabbing a paper plate when you have to go all the way downstairs to get one, but they are nice for parties and picnics. And while we still have a roll of paper towels on the counter, we tend to grab a wash cloth, towel, or burp cloth to clean up most messes.
Last fall I put all our paper products in a tote inconveniently located in the basement. Guess what? You think twice about grabbing a paper plate when you have to go all the way downstairs to get one, but they are nice for parties and picnics. And while we still have a roll of paper towels on the counter, we tend to grab a wash cloth, towel, or burp cloth to clean up most messes.God took the man and set him down in the Garden of Eden to work the ground and keep it in order. Genesis 2:15 (The Message)
Not that I don't think it's important for us to be good stewards of the beautiful planet God has given us, I do, but I have to admit that "saving green" guides my actions more. I do agree though that the one often helps the others. If I buy things second hand (yard sale, Goodwill, eBay, etc.) that's another way of recycling and helping things be used rather than ending up in a landfill (or at least getting more use out of them first). Prior to getting married I bought about one roll of paper towels a year. Dh uses a lot more so I can't say that now but to me that's another small thing I can do to save money (and the environment) by using rags and such instead. We use paper plates or plastic utensils about 1-2 times a year (birthday parties mainly). Since I didn't go the kinder route of cloth diapers, that's another reason to get Nadia potty trained as soon as possible. Anyhow you are a good example of being environmentally conscious. That's not a strength of mine but hopefully something I will get better at.
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