Captain Nature

I'd post a photo of Captain Nature here -- but it's my husband, Steve, and he's not a fan of publicity about him.

I will, however, talk about one of his passions -- recycling. My first experience with recycling was when I was a youngster and my mom had my brother and I volunteer at a glass recycling place in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

Mom was pretty much ahead of her time when it came to things like that. She did not tolerate littering by anyone, especially her kids, and was all about environmental sustainability.

Fast forward to 1997 when I met Steve and 1998 when we got married. My husband is very passionate about the environment -- his degree is in fishery and wildlife management. He works for the State of Michigan for the Department of Environmental Quality, overseeing...you guessed it -- recycling programs.

Because of our recycling (yes, he drew me into it), the amount of trash we put on the curb is minimal -- one or two bags in month.

We both volunteer for a non-profit that collects just about every recyclable there is -- and what fascinates me the most is the electronic recycling. It is amazing what people toss aside -- yes, I am glad they recycle, but the quest for the next greatest electronic thing really stumps me. Why?

Yes, when things break down they need to be replaced. But to dump what you have for the latest flat screen TV, smart phone, etc. I just don't get it. It's a byproduct of our "gotta have it" society.

Do you really need it?