Expanded polystyrene (EPS), commonly known as styrofoam, doesn’t degrade or break down over time.

This post has been prompted by something that just happened in my doctor’s office while getting a diagnostic test (I’m OK, in fact I’m in great shape and relieved by the test results. The screening test is a good idea. I’ll write a post about it as a public service). During the exam they want me to drink entire glass of water. So what do they bring it to me in? A styrofoam cup. Why the hell couldn’t they buy paper cups. I’ve stopped going to a major restaurant chain I have liked for many years because they’ve started serving the drinks in styrofoam instead of the glasses they’ve always used.

Most of you know by now that I was one of the founders of Earth Day. There is a slogan that people really do not pay enough attention to:

Think globally. Act locally.

My office air conditioning needed repair this past weekend. I was talking with Dave the tecnician mentioning ways that I reduce energy usage. He said,

“Well, that doesn’t add up to much.”

I said,

“It does if enough people do it!” 

In my office when information printed on a page is no longer needed and the back of the page is blank, it’s run through a laser printer that puts a light X across the old information. The other side of the paper is used for rough drafts, internal copies and printing. It is stunning how one small office saves reams upon reams of paper by doing this. What really drives me crazy is how many offices I go to where I see completely clean unused paper in the garbage can next to the copier. 

If you read my post about Leonard Cohen and climate change, you know I am completely pessimistic about our chances. That doesn’t mean I will stop doing everything I can.

“It isn’t over until the fat lady sings”.

Or as Yogi Berra said,

“It ain’t over till it’s over!”