Who is old enough to remember the brouhaha about smoking in restaurants? “Oh no, we’ll lose customers if they can’t smoke!” “Oh no, all the tourists will go to other cities!” But lo and behold, restaurants in California and in Durango actually reported an increase in customers once smoking was officially banned.

I suspect something similar will happen with the banning of plastic bags in grocery stores and retail outlets: Stores won’t lose business – customers will adjust and appreciate the stand the businesses are taking. They will love their useful, often colorful reusable bags. Life will go on, and the planet will be just a little bit healthier for it.

It’s time to stop saying, “Oh, I was going to, but I haven’t gotten around to it.” It is time to think about how we affect others and the planet on which we live. Be thoughtful of others. Think about how you might make their life a bit easier. Donate your time and money to our local programs. Give because you can.

Giving up plastic whenever you can is like giving up that last bite or swig of a drink. You will be better for it. I moved here because I thought the residents cared so much about their land, water and air, that they took good care of them and that each of you was a good steward. You may have to work a bit harder to take care of your world, but you will be able to drink the water, breathe the air, and live on the ground.

Thank you for your efforts, because I live here, too, and your actions affect me.

Cherry Miloe

Bayfield