There are so many tiny ways we can make a difference that it can be easy to go through daily life without ever noticing some. Several years ago, I was appearing on a radio show and the host was getting all worked up because there was this story going around the Internet about Sheryl Crow encouraging people to only use one square of toilet paper. I later learned that she made the comment in a joking, light-hearted way, but I defended her at the time, saying that I’m sure she was just encouraging people to think in new ways about how much paper they use. Sure enough, if you see what she said in context, that’s exactly what it turned out to be. She obviously wasn’t being literal, but it got me wondering. And, I have to admit, I’ve thought about it either consciously or subconsciously nearly every day since.
Now, of course I buy the eco-friendly, recycled kind of toilet paper, but if I’m not paying attention, my instinct is almost always to grab a fistful more than I need. It’s so easy to forget! It’s like a reflex I haven’t fully broken. I’ll always have the urge to grab about six squares if I’m not thinking. Really? Is that necessary for a little pee?
All it takes is a bit of mindfulness to refrain from grabbing a huge handful. I’m trying to get better at this myself, so I invite us all to try and use less. Instead of yanking off a whole wad, let’s try just three squares, like in that ‘Seinfeld’ episode. OK, four if you really must!
What do you think? Is it do-able? Do you think we can really change our bathroom habits (after all, it’s been a while since most of us have potty trained)? I’m game to try if you are!