So I ironed the tissue paper.

I try to do my part to reduce, reuse and recycle. I am not over the top, but I do find ways to fit it in to my lifestyle. For example, I have three trash cans on the back porch in which I throw as much paper, cardboard, plastic and aluminum as I can and then haul them to the local recycle containers every other week. I try not to use paper towels, but bought some pretty dish towels instead.  I don't use the drying cycle on my dishwasher and I try to hang dry some of my clothes if possible. I bought some pretty plastic plates and cups to use at cookouts and parties instead of doing paper/plastic plates that are thrown away after one use.  I have also tried my hand at making my own cleaning supplies. I don't yet have a compost bin, but it is something I really want to start.

When I attend a baby or bridal shower or party, I offer to take all the tissue paper and gift bags that are not wanted. Now I have been in Amherst for over three years. This means I have attended a fair amount of these parties. When I first started asking to have the paper, that I saw being stuffed into a garbage bag, I received some interesting looks. Before long it became a bit of a joke in the party circle if I was going to take the paper. I always did. I have a plastic container which holds all the paper, bags and bows. I have such a collection of these things I can admit I have not had to buy them in three years. Now, occasionally there is the odd present that won't fit in the bags I have or I need one for a special occasion and so I buy.

While cleaning out the guest bedroom for the move, I piled all my gift items on the bed. I had tried to keep up with everything, but the tissue paper was a mess. As I was working on this, I remembered a comment my girlfriend had made during one of our parties. I don't know if she felt bad for me from all the jokes about keeping the paper, but she stated (hopefully in my defense) " I used to iron my recycled tissue paper". As the pile of paper began to spill off the bed I decided that since my iron was in fact on, I would try ironing mine as well. OK, now I know of one person right off the bat that is already rolling her eyes at me, Bethany. But before you pass judgement let me show you the end result.

Before ironing....

With minimal effort it went from a wrinkled mess to a neatly folded stack that looks like it just came out of the package. I didn't go crazy or anything and make sure it was completely wrinkle free, but the process did allow me to neatly fold the paper and organize into colors. I did not keep every single piece, but begrudgingly threw away (I mean recycled) any that were ripped.

After ironing!!!!!!

Now I don't expect you to take your recycling efforts to this degree. However, I know there must be some way for you to shorten your footprint. Some areas have recycle collection at your curbside. If not, look for the local recycle station and take your things once a week. Before chucking things in the trash attempt to find another purpose for them. There are dozens of websites dedicated to making your own cleaning supplies. They are cheaper and healthier for your family. We have been entrusted with this earth. Adam and Eve were placed in a perfect garden and given dominion over all. Their choices caused them to be cast from this perfect place. Our choices will also in time have repercussions on the earth. Future generations may also be cast from here as resources are too depleted to support life.

Take a moment to behold the beauty of this earth, created by God, for us.  The bible tells us "The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers." (Psa 24:1 ESV).