I'll give you a clue. It's not the buoy, or the sardines. The magnificent mural on the Wellfleet Marketplace front window includes, choke-choke, plastic silverware. While I understand that eating utensils may be in demand in summer for picnics, I cringe at all the plastic forks and knives that end up in my recycling bin. We need to do a better job. We can do a better job. We must do a better job. Yesterday came news from the EPA that plastic bag recycling has diminished over the past year. This is not surprising when it comes to Wellfleet because, despite the Recycling Commission's best efforts, not everyone is refusing plastic bags and bringing their own. There's a sign on the door at Wellfleet Marketplace, but it is very, very easy to miss. What can you do about it? (Thought you would never ask!) Suggest a bigger sign. Always bring your own totes. Ask why the sign is so small. Make a beautiful LARGE sign that cannot be refused when you suggest posting it to the door. Thank the salesman or lady when he/she asks if you need a plastic bag. (You really don't.) Think of the environment. Let's make a resolution for 2012 to improve that EPA statistic, as least where Wellfleet is concerned ... With me? Check out this great list from my friend Kris Bordessa at Attainable Sustainable. Plastic bag reduction is on it, but do check out the other 62 small changes that make a difference.
