Teresa Holland
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I find myself getting a little irritated while sharing the interstate with long streams or walls of semis, especially if they are on both sides of me. I don’t have anything against truckers. They have a tough job that is essential for our supply chain. I think I just need a new perspective, especially in traffic.
So, I am just going to imagine that if I ordered 10 items online last week, then there would be 10 drivers in 10 trucks bringing my stuff on the final leg of the tracking journey right to my front door. Each different item that usually comes from its very own warehouse wrapped in its own packing, and box.
However, during the holidays, I was super impressed with one national company that filled my order from their local store near where it was to be gifted. Ingenious! I couldn’t believe it and they were even in the same box delivered by one truck. I hope that my sister-in-law wasn’t too disappointed since there were not as many boxes to open.
Of course, I could shop the less convenient and old-fashioned way. I can just figure out what store might have most of the items on my list and go there in person. Like everyone else, this is usually shopping for groceries. If I didn’t have to, I wouldn’t. But then I do like to eat. Anyhow, I have found that shopping in person is a good way to meet people. It seems the aisles are getting taller with stuff stacked closer to the ceiling. There are not any hooks to snag things down or ladders to climb up, so I must wait until I spot someone taller than me that looks approachable and kindly ask if they can reach it for me. This generally works as people are usually very helpful. Though once there was a very tall man who couldn’t reach it either. I told him that it was okay and not to feel bad as this happens to me all the time. Truthfully, inside I was a little gleeful to know that it wasn’t just me. I know you are not supposed to talk to strangers, and this is generally a very good rule … unless you really do need that last pack of Gatorade way up high against the back of the shelf.
But there are also some hidden bonuses to going to the store myself. I get some exercise with all of that stretching and walking. I also get to be my own cashier and bagger when I leave. They didn’t have to train me or pay me either. Besides, it is like getting everything on same day delivery, but without all the trucks or shipping fees. In a way, it’s kind of like my own personal way of going green, since I saved so many resources that day as I didn’t need a cashier or delivery trucks at my door for the multiple items in my cart. Plus, I crammed as much as I could into each bag.
I think I really would be greener, though, if I just slowed down the shopping and reversed the flow of the green. I could build up my own green stash by just saving money. But then I and many others are helping to build a robust economy … right? I’m still trying to figure out how my new perspective can fit into this going green thing, but I’m pretty sure this is not what they mean.
Teresa Holland is a guest columnist, writer, and retired advanced-practice registered nurse. Send comments to [email protected]
