All those reusable containers I forget to reuse

It's not like I don't have any reusable containers. Or that I haven't thought of reusables before. My cupboards are jammed with mugs I've bought or been given that one might reuse for take-out coffee. My hall closet is overflowing with canvas bags that I've picked up at one time or another to take to the store and save a plastic or paper bag. But it's a rare good day when I have the right container for the occasion. I stop at the grocery story on the way home between appointments and errands, or running the kids places. I spontaneously stop for coffee or lunch to save a bit of time in the day because I didn't plan ahead. Grab this, push this button, expect things instantly. Spontaneity, convenience, hurry. And I'm especially susceptible because I'm a "good" person who just has too much to do. Demanding job, kids, a partner who is away from home most of the time, a household to manage, a busy writing career . . . go a little bit easy on me, world. There are a lot of us out there buying takeout, hoping we can put our hands around a cup of refreshment that someone else filled, for a change. But trash is trash, no matter how busy the person is who throws it away. If I stay busy enough, I won't stop to connect the dots. Ah, yes, the stresses of successful modern life. Squandering electricity while Kathmandu is on electricity rationing. Hustle, hustle, hustle. But it's not a lack of resources on my part, just a lack of commitment to thinking about the most intimate daily habits of my daily life. So my challenge now, for 40 days, is to actually try to remember that I have these reusable containers and to bring them with me. Because I've made a commitment. I might have to think ahead of time about that cup of Joe. Or maybe I'll wake up to the fact that I'm really I really don't need that cup of Joe. I might just have to slow down a little bit and cut out a few extras. Connect the dots.