Thinking Green

In my most recent quest to reduce our family's landfill waste, I have decided to discontinue (mostly) the use of beloved ziplock bags, or "baggies". We are a long time lover of these flexible plastic containers we've used for lunches, leftovers and backpacking. So versatile and functional, but I have come to the realization that they are wreaking havoc on our landfills.

I have also been taking our vegetable leftovers/cuttings and saving them in a container to be dumped into our yard waste trash container. We don't have a place for a compost bin, so I think this is a very good alternative to either using the disposal or throwing in the regular trash bin. Our roll away trash bin is usually 1/3 to 1/4 full most weeks, so I think we are doing a good job. Of course, we can always be better recyclers!




My latest project is a sandwich "wrapper". I used fabric remnants from my local fabric store. The outside is a colorful cotton fabric, inside is plastic coated tablecoth material. Although it is commonly used for covering a table, I'm not sure if it's "food grade", so I use a sheet of wax paper to separate it from the sandwich. The wax paper can be used several times before it can be recycled, it breaks down easily in a compost bin.

The sandwich can be easily wrapped up like a burrito and then it's fastened by a simple velcro "dot". The entire wrap also acts like an insulator and keeps the sandwich fresh for a few hours. I've also used this wrap for pretzels, chips and other snack foods.

Ash Wednesday

Today at 3:15, I'll be going to the school to pick up the kids and get them a treat at Starbucks. After that, we'll be going to the church to participate in their first ever Ash Wednesday service.

The last time I went to an Ash Wednesday service, I believe I was in 6th grade and attending St. Anthony's School. I remember I went to church by myself and walked home afterwards. It was a somber time and I mostly just felt alone. I did not have the support of my parents. They did not take me to church, they told me to go, so I did. Catholic guilt ran rampant in our house. Most of the time I didn't even know or understand what it was that I should feel guilty about.

My hope is that I can teach my children about tradition and reflection during this lent season. They have yet to decide what they will give up, but I have one thing in mind. No arguing! What a peaceful house we would have if there was no bickering, complaining or finger pointing.

Personally, I will be giving up alcohol for this lent season. It should prove to be very challenging and I hope rewarding at the same time. I will be praying for strength and support during these 40 days!