The Copper Bowl
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Many years ago, I began taking seriously the anthem to reduce, reuse, and recycle. I washed my empty glass and plastics, sorting them for the recycle bin. I strategically chose paper bags when grocery shopping. The bags then became the repository of the daily print newspaper. It all went to the recycling center when I went into town on other business. Well, until the center shut down.Â
Every reusable tote bag I received at a conference became a shopping bag. I have holiday and seasonal themed bags. I have insulated bags. I have cotton bags. My car, and my truck overflow with reusable shopping bags. Cashiers hate to see me enter their lanes. I have just as many in the basement anxiously waiting their next excursion.Â
I have learned to home process foods, pressure canning or dehydrating. Home canning foods reduces the consumption of bi-metal cans and plastics. The glass canning jars last years if property cared for. Dehydrating foods creates a new use for empty pickle jars. All this reuse reduces trips to the recycling center, saving gasoline.Â
In more recent years I choose to shop more in thrift stores than the big box stores. Not exclusively now, I do not want to give the impression that I never shop the big stores. I just do not feel right buying new, cheaply made things when there are well crafted alternatives available. The copper bowl is an excellent example.Â
I have a copper bowl that has one purpose, meringue. Â
The bowl is a vintage, hammered copper, just over nine inches. It is very well crafted, heavy, and made in Portugal. I paid $27 for it; shipping included. It is not only a pride and joy in the kitchen, but also an all-time purchase win. The same bowl is now listed at over $100, plus shipping, on that site.Â
I make the fluffiest meringue with that bowl. All I need are fresh egg whites, a smidge of kosher salt, and a wire whisk. In roughly eight minutes I have the fluffiest, most beautifully stiff meringue you have ever seen. Â
Do you know what is sad? All the people out there claiming they care about the earth when their actions show they do not. They purchase the newest smart phones. They drive the newest cars. They would not dare be caught shopping a thrift or resale store. I can’t tell you the last time I saw anyone with a reusable shopping bag at the farmers market near me. Â
But that is for a different story. Tell me about your favorite thrift find. Where was it? Do you use it regularly? What would it cost new if you could find it new?Â