So, yesterday I went to Hersheypark to do one of my favorite things: ride roller coasters. But wandering around the park (and some other things that have happened lately) really got me to thinking about how wasteful we are.

So much of the world lacks access to safe drinking water. Diseases from water-borne pathogens are a major cause of childhood deaths. California is facing a drought that may cause huge increases in food prices. Yet here we are riding log flume rides and lazy rivers and water slides that make use of drinkable water. At least much of that water is recycled. But what about the random sprinklers and water fans that dot the park to cool people down — even when it's not that hot? Last week I walked to work in the rain — and had to dodge the sprinklers going about their automated and redundant business.

I look at all the plastic bottles and other trash that we accumulate. I try to reduce as much as I can. I use a reusable water bottle and I'm adamant about recycling. Lately, I've gotten more focused on saving food scraps for composting rather than adding to the trash. And I try to be careful about not overbuying and about using all of what I have so that I waste less — harder than you think when you live alone and like a bargain.

When I discard household items, I try to donate what is reusable. When clothes are no longer in donatable condition, I look to use them as rags or craft supplies. By the same token, I try to use washable and reusable rags instead of paper towels. All to keep the trash out of the landfills.

For me, this is a constant struggle. I'd love to hear any hints you have.