I hate paper plates.

There. I said it. I hate paper plates. I used to find them useful at times – look how easy it is to just toss them away! No dishes! Ta da!

But where do they go? Right into a landfill, where they’ll sit and slowly digest forever, like Boba Fett in the Sarlaac’s belly. This is not ok. But getting people to not use a paper plate? It’s like pulling teeth.

At some point, we all became addicted to the idea that it was altogether easier to just throw something away and never think about it again than was one single dish. Or even to use a fork that you already own! There’s no conceivable reason to have a takeout order delivered with a plastic fork when it is coming to your house! Why?

I argue with family and friends constantly about the stupid paper plates. Excuses about, that they just don’t want to wash something, or this is easier, or that they just don’t feel like carrying it back and forth in their (safe and insulated) lunch bag.

Bullshit.

This is a small thing – something tiny that you can do without too much hassle and time. Just. Use. A. Plate. Seriously. Use a plate – I bet you own some! I bet at least one of them is clean in the cupboard right now! And, having looked in many people’s cabinets on the search for a coffee cup or a glass, I know that you more than likely have more plates than you need.

So use them. Use a plate. And – how about you use the NICE one?

I’ve found that deep down, I’m a lover of beauty and gorgeousness, in pretty much all things. Nothing gives me greater joy that eating a simple lunch off the good plates. You should try it sometime! Egg salad sandwich on bone china? It’s like being at a high tea!

Use the good plates. Set the table. It’s good for both the earth, and good for your soul.

Here’s my action, going forward: No paper plates. No paper napkins. I’m going to use the beautiful things I have, and take care of them. I’m worth a cloth napkin and a placemat. Aren’t you?