Make Friends, Reduce Waste
A couple weeks ago, we presented at a meeting of the Topeka Area Water Garden Society. We were talking about using reusable dishware instead of disposables for events and parties. And one person brought up how much fun she has doing dishes together after meals at church, now that they've gone back to using real dishware. It doesn't feel like a chore...it feels like being in Grandma's kitchen!
Incidentally, this was the secret my grandma told me for making friends as an adult:Â show up in the church kitchen and put yourself to work. The gateway to friendship is doing the dishes.
Convenience culture convinces us that we should spend less time on "tedious" tasks like cleaning up so that we can spend more time doing the things we enjoy. But that's a trick! Doing those things builds relationships, builds community, and makes tedious things much less tedious.
The next time you host a group meal or snack or party, channel your grandma. Get out the real plates. Get out your tea towel. Do the dishes, and make a few friends.
-Justine
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