A Thought on Earth Day

So, today was Earth Day, and I had a weird thought. When did people start using trash cans? I feel like I've been dragged to a lot of Colonial Williamsburg type places on family vacations and school trips, and I can't remember ever seeing a trash can.

I had a friend when I was in college who was an environmental engineer. She raised the issue to me that the rise of disposable cleaning products is the worst thing to happen to the environment, probably ever. At the time, I thought she made a good point. I am definitely someone who believes in the power of baby steps (which I learned from this woman). And, as I think about it now, I more and more look at the amazing amounts of waste we create every day. Especially with bottled water. I'm trying to do my part, so I've started carrying around a Nalgene bottle like a cruncy hippie.

I'm not worried about fecal matter (mostly because the enjoyment I get from pooping is too high to consider it waste). But, what about the toilet paper we use? There's a lot of paper being flushed down the toilet every day.

I can think of two potential solutions.

1. A butt brush - it's like a tooth brush, but for your ass. It would have to sit in some kid of sterilizing liquid, I'm thinking like the blue stuff my barber keeps the combs in. But then we'll have some harsh chemicals to deal with.
   

2. Reduce the amount of TP we use. I'm not talking about getting up with shit on your ass. I'm just thinking that, if you tear of 4 squares for each wipe, try to get it down to 3. If you're down to three, try 2. If you're already at 2, try to reuse the square you've got. Instead of starting in the center of the square, start on one side, then use the other side for a second pass. I'm calling this new campaign, Spare a Square.
   

I would love to have you join my campaign. Please let me know in the comments if you have any suggestions to further our goal and save the lives of some poor, defenseless squares. And don't try to tell me that you "can't spare a square".