Yesterday's Globe and Mail (I'm always playing catch up with my reading, by the way) ran an article describing how bad us Canadians are. The article, called Our problem with plastic, describes how Canada is far behind other countries when it comes to reducing our dependence on excess packaging. The author writes, " ... the pressure's on to minimize waste. But to win this battle, are consumers willing to live in a world without cellophane and coffee to go?" According to the article, a national taskforce of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment are in the midst or coming up with a country-wide strategy to reduce packaging on consumer goods. Though bans on fast food packaging and other measures are a great idea, the consumer needs to assume a level of responsibility. As the article points out, we consumers have to alter our dependence on convenient choices (coffee and bagel on the fly when we're running late for work) in order salvage the environment. I'm not suggesting that we forgo our morning coffee if we don't have time to make it before we leave the house, but it doesn't take much to get in the habit of bringing your travel mug with you. Most coffee shops even give you a small discount if you bring your own mug ... big enough incentive, right?  Another thing that might help is refusing whatever packaging you don't need. Say no to the plastic bags your take out comes in and don't take 14 napkins if you only need one. Also, make sure you have cutlery stored at work, that way you don't have to use the plastic alternative. One habit that I've had trouble breaking is using plastic wrap and ziploc bags. There, an embarrassing confession! But, I've stopped buying plastic wrap all together and I whenever I do use a ziploc bag that's foud its way into my house, I wash it out after each use and reuse it as much as possible. What measures have you taken to reduce your plastic consumption? What's been the hardest habit you've had to break? Read more: • Plastic bag craft: Two crocheted totes • Make your bathroom eco-friendly