The process of reduction

Last night I was exhausted so I didn't get very far on any of the steps for my goals, although I have thought about what I need to do to "fix" these situations.

In the past few months I have been increasingly intrigued by and pulled into the "green movement". One of the key phrases of this movement revolves around the 3R's - "Reduce, Reuse and Recycle". I have been trying to incorporate recycling into my life, but I realized that there is a reason the words fall into the order they do. To help the planet I must first focus on #1 - reduce. The idea is as simple as recognizing that if items aren't being created and manufactured then trees, the air, water, etc. have not been compromised! Also the process of reduction will help the environment, my budget and my weight problem. If I reduce my consumption specifically of fast and processed food, buy gallons of water instead of bottled water, drink tea instead of sodas (because I must have my caffeine), eat less and use less gas just to name a few changes then I will also reduce my weight and my budget. This sounds so simple, but it actually takes a lot of thought. It is so much easier for me to run through the McDonald's drive-thru then to buy groceries and cook, just like it's easier to jump in the car then walk to the mailbox when I'm at work. But I am forced to remember an important life lesson I learned long ago - The easy way is not always the right way!