I find that in my world there is a fine line between doing what is considered politically correct and “best” for healthy living (organic food, less packages, my own cloth grocery bags, buying locally and at the farmer’s market, etc.) and making a lot more work for my already busy self. As a single parent, I not only have to take into account what I can afford, but also what I actually have time for. Every once in a while, I realize that I am creating way more work for myself in trying to do what is considered “correct.”
There are certain things that can be made easier with a good system. I find that having a convenient recycling system makes it as easy to recycle as to just throw things away. I am also an absolute convert to cloth grocery bags and have trained myself so it is just as easy for me to keep a few with me and to grab by bags when I go to the grocery store as to not. I finally invested in some wonderful square-bottom, study bags that work fabulously and I find I prefer them to any flimsy plastic or paper bags.
I recently realized that taking the newspaper every day was creating more work for me than it was providing value. While we would occasionally read the paper if it was sitting on the table (especially on weekends)–more days passed when no one read it and it simply had to be bagged up for the recycling. Not only was it a waste of money, but it added extra steps and work to the household. Now, if we want a Saturday or Sunday newspaper, we can go to the corner and get one.
As single parents, our time is valuable. It is important to balance out what is “best” on several levels. Is it taking more time away from your family and children? Costing more money or time than you have to spare? What is “best” for your family may not always be what is considered top-of-the-line politically correct.
Also: Consider Restructuring Time Management