Be nice to the planet
JAY REMER
The etiquette guy
Published Saturday September 6th, 2008

Why did it take me more than six months of writing etiquette columns to think of the most important topic I could address: the etiquette concerning the planet on which we live. I try to be mindful of our delicate planet on a daily basis. I am serious about recycling. All our wine and beer bottles, cans, newspapers, cardboard and plastic bags are recycled. We used to compost more than 2,000 pounds of vegetable scrapings every year when operating the Windsor House. Our garden has good soil as a result, although a ton doesn't really make as much difference as it sounds. However, every ton of waste not put into the landfill is for the good of the planet. It amazes me how reckless people are. Coffee cups are strewn along the highway. I regularly see people picking up pop cans from the roadside as supplemental income since there are so many.

And to those who smoke, it is hard to believe how cavalier some have become in making the streets their own personal ashtray. Nothing could be more disrespectful. St. Andrews actually employs a young man to pick up cigarette butts as a summer job. How pathetic is that? This reflects badly on our beautiful town. And the sad fact is I have witnessed this act by young and old and all socio-economic classes. It is arrogance at its worst.

Before I come across as too self-righteous, I admit to contributing to this disregard for the fragility of our planet. I waste water like there is no tomorrow. I don't turn off lights when not in use. I don't follow suggestions from the Department of Energy on ways to use less electricity. I drive too much.

So, what do we do? What do I do? Here we are living in one of the most happening places as far as energy goes and we take it for granted. We don't want to see our streets littered with cigarette butts yet we flick them away. We do it unconsciously. It's like spitting or swearing or wearing clothes that don't fit or bullying or beating our children or spouses. It has become a way of life and it must stop.

I can remember a time when there were no pooper-scooper laws. Walking down the streets of Paris or New York was a bit of a minefield. But people decided to end this horrible and disrespectful behaviour. Even in our small seaside tourist town, there are now leash laws and plastic bag dispensers. For the most part, everyone is careful to follow these regulations. That is real progress. And, fortunately, no one is inconvenienced.

It's time to take the next step. We have made a major step forward by banning herbicides and pesticides in our small town. And a local company is testing organic fertilizer. The province provides home energy analyses for practically nothing, with incentives to improve energy efficiency. There are recycling centres which are improving. There are many chances for us to make a smaller footprint on the planet. What is keeping us from taking advantage of them? Given the cost of deposit fees, this should be easy when it comes to bottles and cans. Newspapers are trickier because you have to stack them up and take them to the recycle bin, and you get no cash in return. What a pity! Do it anyway.

In my opinion, these values must be taught at home and reinforced in the school system. I find every trip I take to the recycle bins gives me a sense of doing the right thing and it feels good. So many people feel the same way. Wouldn't it be nice if we all did?

Jay Remer is certified by the Protocol School of Washington as a consultant for corporate etiquette and international protocol. He lives in St. Andrews. E-mail your etiquette questions to jay@etiquetteguy.com and visit his website at www.etiquetteguy.com.

► Read this column at the Telegraph Journal online.