As we go along in life, unearthing great truths and equally great horrors, there is one thing that often reminds me to slow down and think. 

When you tell the general public that plastic is wasteful, and in some cases harmful…those who think they are doing good actually end up doing the unthinkable. They “throw it away” so it can rot in a landfill somewhere. I’m waiting for the day the US wises up and copies off of Japan, South Korea, Sweden, Finland and the UK. These countries burn their waste and use it as energy.

Until that time has come around, where Finland has completely eliminated their waste issues just about, here is a bit of advice. 

This is where acceptance comes into play. You can’t fix the problem with just one household, but you can remain making a difference. Excess is the biggest issue in American homes – so buy only what you need. Buy things that are truly sustainable. Faux leather is not sustainable – it doesn’t do a thing for the planet. Leather definitely would. The cost is high, but it will last much longer…and it is biodegradable. Shoes, handbags and furniture even. Save up if you have to, and learn to give things away instead of selling them.

Learn to go without. Makeup is a great example of skipping a purchase. Let’s use common sense, as I’m sure someone will tell me, “well what about makeup artists.” What about them? Remember…individual paths. Buying something, and using it when needed versus buying it, using it up and buying more is insane. It is a sign of discontent. 

Is this harmful to you and the environment? Glittering hair spray is beautiful and smells wonderful. However, it is not made from biodegradable materials and may be filled with cancer causing agents. Opt for something that is safe for the planet, like biodegradable sugar (plenty of small businesses sell it, like Sparkleez © by Aragon Distributing) or don’t use it at all. Learning that you don’t need something is better for the environment, and your mental health in the long run. 

Lastly, and this is more important than all aspects…don’t jump when someone tells you to. If you have things that may not break down for three hundred years, hold on to them and find other uses for them instead of throwing them into the landfill to slowly rot and kill the environment. That is the lesser evil, from the other surrounding choices. 

We don’t need most of what we have, but to throw it all away is insane…focus on not buying it again. Learn to make makeup and save the containers for further use. Learn to sew, crochet and do your hair so you lessen what’s occurring. You can blame companies all you want, but no one is forcing you to buy all that you do. 

Here’s another side note. What may be toxic has an antidote. Aside from the ignorance in using plastic, consider how no one mentions that herbs are the remedy for things like cancer or lupus. Ginger, lavender, jasmine, tea tree, eucalyptus, and turmeric are just a few of the natural wonders on this planet that are created to even the scales in your favor. All is not lost, and every bit of life is a journey.