Tweet # 10,000

I can't believe I've tweeted 10,000 times...Wow.  I guess I've had  a lot to tweet about.  I can't remember what my first tweet was but I'm sure it wasn't memorable.  I started twitter to promote my art but little did I know what an impact it would have on my life.  I've met in person many new friends, tweeted with celebs, directors of  movies, rock stars, inspirational people, other artists, and interesting people from all over the world. A simple little 140 characters or less can be pretty powerful.  So as I was approaching my monumental 10,000th tweet, I wanted to make sure it was an important one. It had to have some meaning...after all, it was under a bit of pressure.  It was carrying a title and had to live up to it.

     I thought about the power of Twitter and what could I tweet about that could make a difference. I am very passionate about Plastic Pollution in the oceans.  I see the devastation it is causing and how it affects all of us...not just the people who live by the beaches like me.  Every piece of trash that sits in a gutter eventually makes it's way to water.  A lake, a stream, an ocean.  It kills our wildlife.  Maybe you don't care about animals and sea life. What does it have to do with me, you may ask?  Do you eat fish? What do you think they are eating? Tiny bits of plastic...so, now you and I and our children are eating toxins.

As I walk each day, stroll the beaches, get out of my car in a parking lot...I notice trash. It's everywhere. I pick it up, some of it is disgusting, but I still pick it up.
So I started thinking...my 10,000th tweet had to be about this.
Here is what I tweeted:

Pick up 1 piece of trash, could you imagine if everyone did this? Please RT and tweet when you have #onepieceoftrash

So I hope the power of Twitter will take hold and spread across the world tweet by tweet and each person will stop and pick up one, or two or three pieces of trash they see each day...then maybe the Great Pacific Garbage Patch will shrink...then disappear. This is my hope.

B.Y.O.B. No Excuses!

Plastic Sucks Reusable Shopping Bag by Bonesbags on Etsy

I have to admit that when I decided to make the switch over from using plastic grocery bags to bringing my own it took awhile to get into the habit. I would forget to put them in the car...or walk into the store and remember as I was in the checkout line. We do get spoiled with the convenience of the store taking care of this need But who pays the price?

Did you know that approximately 1 BILLION seabirds and mammals die per year by ingesting plastic bags? Unfortunately these bags which can catch the air like a balloon can travel for miles and eventually end up in our oceans, lakes and streams all over the world.

Grocery stores are trying to help us by offering their own eco-friendly bags for purchase. I do see some people bringing their own bags, but I don't think the majority of people will until they Ban the Plastic Bags.

It's easier than you think to B.Y.O.B. to the stores! Here's some tips to get you started.

Tip #1 - Look through your closets, you may already have some canvas bags around the house. Throw them in your trunk so they're ready when you need them.

Tip #2 - If you live close to a Trader Joe's, take your bags there for your first time. They will enthusiastically welcome you and your bags and even throw your name into a raffle!

Tip # 3 - Buy a Chico Bag. This was my very first re-usable bag I bought. It cost around $5 but has been worth every penny. I've had this for over 2 years and it's still going strong...small, compact, fits in your purse or clips on your belt...genius!

Tip- # 4- Ignore the rude cashiers that seem annoyed that it takes longer to pack your groceries in your re-usable bag. It may slow up their line, but you are doing a good thing!