They are often cheap and thin. The plastic is usually used in excess amounts (i.e. the extra bits on the end of bread loaves). Its truly a waste.

I can only imagine that the single use red solo cups aren't that great for humans. I am going to do some research into the plastics used in the manufacture of them.

Bringing bags to the grocery store is programmed, but I'm not yet programmed to take them in to all stores. I do carry more than I should instead of accepting a bag. That has only ended in disaster a few times.

I remember as a kid being super upset when balloons were released at the Olympics Opening Ceremonies one year. And all these years later people still do it...but luckily a lot of kids guilt their adults out of it with "you're killing sea turtles!"...

I thought the virtual tour of Burlington's recycling facility was very interesting. I have never seen one in operation before, and I learned just how much goes into it. This is one of those "out of sight, out of mind" things for most of us. We can throw plastics in the recycling bin without thinking much about the end result. For instance, throwing a plastic bag in the recycling may seem harmless when you do it, but then seeing a human have to go into the gears of a waste separator to unclog it makes you think twice. Then of course, the sheer magnitude of products that are processed is astounding. It makes you realize how much we first need to reduce.

It saves me a little money, it saves the community a little money by having to process less plastic at the recycling facility, and it benefits me personally by making me feel good about not creating waste!

I have to yet get one for myself but I definitely see how beneficial it would be overall. I will update it after I get it.

It just is a good reminder to myself that I am part of the community and just like how I take care of my house and keep it clean, I have responsibility towards my community, overall a positive feeling.

I would like to have noticed more of a shift in my community. Unfortunately, more people than not continue to complain about not using a straw and complain about paper straws. I live in a rather touristy area, so maybe that has something to do with it. People on vacation don't want to be bothered by any "inconvenience" in their eyes. Despite the negativity surrounding the issue, I am glad to see that most businesses in the area are sticking to their word in getting rid of the plastic straws. I hope it stays that way, and people become more accepting.