I’m done buying plastic water bottles, and I hope you are, too. I’m tired of seeing them in Lake Martin, on the sides of the road at Lake Martin, and everywhere else. Before you think me a total hypocrite (which I am) – please see my plea and explanation below. I think you’ll agree at least that I’m a sentient hypocrite.I’m not asking you to start sewing your own hemp clothes or even go all Ed Begley on me.  This does not require a total conversion to a 100% sustainable lifestyle.I’m only asking, the next time you head out on the boat, or a trip in the car, please look in your cabinet and get a container you already have. Fill it up with water and use it  Then if you run out, sure, knock yourself out and buy more plastic bottled waters.

I am only proposing – fill up just one. I know you have something like this at home. I found four after only two minutes of looking and, as my wife can testify, I can’t find anything in our house.

I’m old now and I am beginning to understand that it’s really hard to persuade people to have a radical change in their lives so I’m not asking for that. I’m not asking in any language that you can twist around to sound left wind or right wing.

I’m just asking – use one less plastic bottle. Take a baby step. It’s really pretty easy.

Do I hope it causes you to buy less “single use” plastic? Sure. But let’s not worry about that just yet. Just use one less plastic bottle.

I’m just sick of seeing it everywhere. I’ll admit, I am sure that beer bottles and cans just sink and that’s why I don’t see them on Lake Martin’s shores. But I can tell you, most of the litter spots I see have at least two plastic water bottles as culprits.

Will you ever see me use a plastic bottle again? I’m sure you will. Especially in our corona times, there are situations where you can’t avoid it. I never say never.

But for the rest of the 99.99999% of the time when your hydration is predictable, can you and I promise each other to try and use a reusable container of your own? You don’t even need to buy something new. I’ll bet, like me, you already have several.

Just use one less plastic water bottle.