Thursday, August 21, 2008

Paper plate parenting

Last night I saw a commercial for paper plates; I can't remember which company (Dixie? Chinet?). I've seen it a few times and it always cracks me up because it seems to me so passive-aggressive, and I'm not sure I've ever seen a passive-aggressive commercial before. Anyway, it reminded me of this post over at All & Sundry yesterday, which I thought was pretty funny. Have you guys seen it? The commercial, I mean. A mother is feeding her kids dinner on (OH MY GOSH, HOW UN-GREEN OF HER) paper plates and says something like, "I'm PROUD to feed my kids on [insert brand name here] paper plates, since it saves time that I can spend with my kids." As if, "I DARE you over-the-top green people to attack me for my paper plate usage, because doing so would also be attacking me for being a good mother, and HA HA, THAT'S a no-no!" It makes me laugh every time.

I should point out, in the interest of full disclosure, that I use paper plates. A lot of them. And not a name brand, just the store brand, which means that when we have something greasy like take-out pizza, we have to double them up. Please don't be horrified. After all, I recycle (except peanut butter jars, they're too much trouble to clean first) and I turn off the water when I brush my teeth. There were even a couple of years that I had a vegetable garden. Also, while I do spend A LOT of time with my kids (how could I not, since I'm ALWAYS here?), I also have been known to lock myself in the bathroom for 10 minutes or so to get away from them. Most importantly though, I don't give a flying rat's ass what you choose to do or not do in your environmental efforts (if any) or your parenting methods (assuming you're not abusive, of course). Or anything else where there may be opposing sides. I'm full-on the "whatever works" bandwagon. And what's working for me this morning is chocolate chip Eggo waffles. I will make up for it this afternoon by baking dark chocolate M&M and Heath bits cookies with Jo and Beth while Meg is at marching band camp and Amy is napping. Wait... not sure how that makes up for it, but just go along with me on that.

9 comments:

Tess said...

Dude. I use the SHIT out of paper plates. And plastic CUPS too, for that matter. I practically hate the environment.

I do use real silverware, though, I've got that going for me. Usually.

Anonymous said...

That's hilarious that the commercial was passive-aggressive like that. I probably wouldn't have picked up on it, but you're so right!

And I'm with you on the 'whatever works' bandwagon.

Although I wish people would get their pets spayed or neutered... too many unwanted dogs in the world!

Jess said...

You know, paper plates, especially if they're biodegradable... well, they save the energy and water use of the dishwasher. So maybe they aren't that bad. Just saying.

TheWeyrd1 said...

I want some! ON paper plates even!

Susiewearsthepants said...

I saw the commercial but I didn't pick up on that whole, "green" thing. I use paper plates. I use paper towels. I use them, and I love them. Ain't no shame in my game.

Swistle said...

Here's what I've noticed. When people are like, "I use paper plates," I'm like, "*no reaction*". But as soon as it's, "_I_ use paper plates because unlike YOU, I LOVE my children," I'm putting on boxing gloves. Justification (especially STUPID justification) is what gets my engine going.

Fiona Picklebottom said...

swistle - "But as soon as it's, "_I_ use paper plates because unlike YOU, I LOVE my children,"" -- THAT is the commercial, EXACTLY!

Whimsy said...

I think you've got the best attitude - the whole live and let live method for dealing will always get you more mileage in life. I need to take NOTES.

Shelly said...

Dude, we use paper plates ALL THE TIME! And I always double them up. They're just too flimsy if you don't.

And I'm totally delighted that I'm not the only one who hides in the bathroom. HAHA!