Ducks @ Oregon - University of Oregon

EcoTip #1: Believe in the Hanky

Trafton B.

December 13, 2009 - 6:03 PM

Now that the term is over, I don't have much in the way of academics to discuss anymore. To replace this void, I'm starting a new segment in the blog: Trafton's EcoTips. I realized that I've sat through classes for the past two years learning about everything that's wrong with the environment. The population is growing too fast. Consumerism is destroying the forest. Yadda, yadda, yadda. It gets depressing sometimes.

We never really discuss ways of fixing these problems, though, which is why I'm going to want to send out my own little tidbits of environmental literacy. I don't intend to greenwash anyone in the blogosphere, but I feel some sort of obligation to relay some of the things I'm learning in class. Without further adieux, here is your first EcoTip of the year.

Buy a handkerchief. It is my firm belief that everyone would benefit from carrying around a handkerchief everyday. Yes, it would feel like a return to older times, but I've come to realize that environmentalism is largely in part an attempt to remember the merits of simplicity in pre-industrial life.

Just think about how many times you've needed to find a tissue while out and about. Say it's a cold day, and your nose is a little runny. Instead of bolting for the bathroom the second you get inside a building, you just whip out your handy handkerchief. No need wipe anything on your sleeves and hope no one realizes it. No more breathing heavily out of your mouth because your nasal passage is blocked. Or how about when you spill something like your morning coffee? Grab the hanky, problem solved. Do I need to go into miscellaneous other benefits; bandannas, bloody nose, shoeshine, warning signal, sneezing, makeup removal.

The environmental benefit is that an average of 21 million tons of tissue paper is produced every year. So, instead of buying a Kleenex in the bulk 36-pack at Priceclub, pick up a handkerchief or two for 99¢ each. They last forever (ie - sustainable) and all you need to do is remember to toss them in the laundry every week.

In conclusion, keep it simple; use a hanky. And, when your friends look at you funny as you pull out your hanky. Do what I do, just say, "Paper is not worth wasting on boogers."