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My post on Shelterrific today alludes to this thought. Why is everything that is supposed to be simple in our lives, actually disposable. Disposable diapers are supposed to make life easier. Disposable napkins. Tissues. Bags. Electronics. Everything is not built to last.
The post is really about my new cast-iron skillet. It was bought from an antique store where the seller refinishes all the skillets so they’re ready to go, even though they’re years old. The skillet is one that I alrady love and hope my grandchildren will use. I hope it will last generations because there is something so comforting about that. I’m sure my mother feels the same way when she sees me in one of her shirts, or using her old kitchen tools. There is supreme comfort in knowing that what you’re using today will be used by others you love.
So why disposable then? We are taught that everything simple means less stuff. OK, so less stuff. Why does less stuff mean throwing away more? What about giving it away? What about actually buying things that are worth it? I know I buy my fair share of trendy clothes and shoes, but all of those will go to girlfriends or to Goodwill. Not the landfill. It’s considered senseless to throw away clothes. Why is it considered sensible to throw away other things?
I was talking to someone about my handkerchiefs. I’m almost out of tissues and I now havea collection of three very cute vintage hankies that I use. I wash, then re-use. I do the same thing with the cloth I carry around to dry my hands with in bathrooms. The friend I was talking to said, is that really hygienic?
If I’m washing my hands, shouldn’t they be clean? So why would re-using a cloth to wipe wet hands be unhygienic?
It’s what we are taught. It’s simpler to throw it away than re-use. The Boy, as an anthropologist, would call it a social construct. Nothing to do with simplicity. Someone thought it was a good idea and then marketers got a hold of it and here we are.
What do you think? Is re-use OK? Should I be worried about bacteria, or does it really make sense to use the same cloth? Do you have a well-loved item and will you pass it on?
