We didn’t have a garbage disposal at my house when I was little. Grandmama had one, but not us. For us, all the trash went into the garbage can. And then Daddy burned it in a bin out back. That was a long, long time ago.

Today, when I finish my takeout Jamba Juice breakfast, I take the trash to the break room, and sort it. The oatmeal cup goes into the bin marked Compost. The smoothie cup and its lid go into the Recycling. The bright orange straw goes into the Landfill bin.

Life was simpler, back when I was little. But maybe not as good for the planet.