Trash or Trees?

I never used to be one of those people that worries about the environment and their impact upon it until about halfway through high school. I don't remember what caused the change in me (probably the media ranted and raving about the oh-so-precious ozone layer), but something in my young brain switched on. I began using less water, turning lights off when I moved from room to room, and recycling paper and magazines. I was a determined little soul, set on saving the planet. While my energy saving habits have continued on, sticking with me into the college life, I realize now that I am not making much difference. However, I can sleep at night knowing that I'm only making a little carbon footprint, hopefully less than the average girl my age creates.

Where am I getting with all this? Well, just give me 2.5 seconds and I'll get to the point. A few days ago, I received a package in the mail. The box was big enough to hold 2 or 3 textbooks, but all I had ordered was face wash. The box felt empty when the lady in the mail room handed it to me. A small, 4.4 ounce bottle of face wash was the only thing inside, besides the packing slip and a big, plastic-covered pillow of air to keep my face wash from banging around. This instance makes me think one thing - what ever happened to being environmentally friendly, huh? All that unnecessary cardboard, the extra large air-filled bag, and the extra tape could have been used for another customer who purchased more than me. Somebody else needed that box much more than I did. If my face wash had come in a simple manila envelope, I would have been a happy camper. Unfortunately, the company that shipped my order will be getting no kudos from me today. At least attempt to save a tree, why don't you?

With all due respect and a recycled paper heart,

-Trinka