For the record, I have always resisted dictatorial demands. For me, it’s a lot about presentation. (Maybe that’s why I like decorating…and why I tried asparagus the first time.) So, when the “green” bandwagon tried to push me on board, I resisted. Hard.

I have recycled for 15 years–back in Indiana, where we had to actually take our stuff to a center. No curbside pick-up then! When we buy new appliances, my husband and I have always considered, and usually selected, the more efficient, often more expensive, items. We did these things because we CHOSE to do them. We believe our earth is a beautiful creation, and that we should be good stewards of what God has given.

Could we do better? Sure. And I think we are. I’m pretty sure the earth and air is a lot cleaner than it was 30 years ago, and I’m glad about that. I try to be half-way open-minded to new ideas–as long as the presentation is gentle and not bullying.

That said, I have been happily bagging my groceries in plastic (and paper to hold the recycling) for a long time. Secretly, I giggled at those women with their canvas bags. I won’t tell you what I thought. But then one day, I ran into a neighbor at the grocery. She’s a wonderful, practical, down-to-earth, person-of-faith mom–one that won’t be pushed to do anything unless she sees good reason. I noticed her canvas bags and commented (not in a snide way) about her efforts. She responded, not defensively, giving a couple of excellent ideas–all the while NOT judging me and my obvious addiction to plastic.

So, I did it. I spent $7 and bought seven bags. They held my groceries much better than the plastic, and I still used a couple of paper bags (for my recycling) as well. When I opened the trunk, my groceries had not tumbled out and rolled around. Yogurt was not all over the fridge stuff. It was a good day.

I still use and buy plastic items and use the occasional plastic bag. But now I’m using less, at least. And it’s not because somebody made me do it. It’s because I wanted to. The added bonus on the shopping bags is that it is actually easier!