At this historical moment, this time of quarantine and empty market shelves, we need to reflect on our habits as consumers.
We are witnessing firsthand the evolution of societal habits in process. In just a couple of weeks, we’ve had to stock our pantries, keep gas tanks filled, wash our hands (properly) many times a day, avoid human contact, delay gratification (movies, church, bars, etc). You get the idea.
Rather than employment sites being our daily base-of-action, our homes have taken that role. Home is where we work, tend/school children, worship, enjoy cocktails, work-out.
As Americans, we’ve been fortunate in most ways. So now is a good time to think about our behaviors when using our resources.
Old habits we must correct:
Daily trips to the store for one or two items: No. Make a weekly trip with a list.
Wasting food: No. Plan meals to reduce waste. Eat fresh first. Eat for nutrition not cravings.
Don’t waste paper products. TP is a necessity but paper towels aren’t. Get creative and use cloth such as old towels.
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
These suggestions touch on a tiny part of human behavior for positive change. Each of us can do our part.
Once we get back to “normal,” the new habits we’ve gotten used to during this crisis can remain part of our daily lives.
And who knows, maybe we’ll be a better, cleaner, more efficient America.
Deanna Foxley, Millcreek