A Little Help From My Camera

ecIn order to reduce the amount of waste we produce we must first reduce the amount of things we consume. This is obvious, of course. What isn’t so obvious is how to reduce the inflow. I have been finding my phone’s camera to be surprisingly helpful in this pursuit.

1. If we see something we like in the store, I take a picture of it so we can think about the purchase. 9 times out of 10 the picture is never looked at again.
2. We freely take pictures of nature when we are out. A neat stone, a bird feather, sea shells, etc., can remain where they are (and belong) and we go home with a photo. I try to abide by the saying Take Only Pictures, Leave Only Footprints.
3. If we are decluttering things that would be more useful for someone else (outgrown clothes, books we don’t read, baby toys) we often take a picture to ease the separation sadness.
4. I often take a picture of junk mail before recycling so I remember to contact the company to be removed from their mailing list.

Every little bit helps. Does your camera help you in your waste free journey?