Saw a meme on Facebook about how, back in the day, cookie tins often became sewing kits. The premise being, we didn’t waste anything. My first thought was, how many homes today would even have a sewing kit? Probably the same number that have an ironing board is my guess.

I read where only about 25% of homes in America today have a landline phone. No phone on the kitchen wall, no phone in the hallway or the bedside table. Just cell phones. And what about phone booths? There are still about 100.000 operational pay phones! I was surprised reading that number, I haven’t seen one is quite a long time.

I have a mechanical wind-up clock. Granted it is a family heirloom of sorts, but I do keep it running. How many homes today would have a mechanical wind-up clock? I’m thinking many wouldn’t even have an analog clock, just digital ones.

I still use a percolator coffee pot every day. It is electric so I am up to date with that technology. I use cast iron pots and pans. I have wooden spoons, a manual can opener and use lard occasionally, when I want the pan greased right. I admit I never saved bacon grease in a jar but a neighbor did.

There are a few other things that will soon become relics of the past. Incandescent light bulbs being one of them. I suspect fluorescent light bulbs will also disappear. Thermostats that aren’t wi-fi enabled will remain for a while longer, unless the government demands their replacement, in the name of energy conservation.

How many homes today have a television set with a cathode ray tube? How many kids today would even know what a cathode ray tube is? Rabbit ears? Does anyone have a record player? How about a Sony walkman. The trend is to just stream your entertainment these days. I do not subscribe to any cable television network. I cut the cord!

I wonder does anyone still use those hot air popcorn machines? I remember when that was almost an essential appliance, along with the Mr. Coffee machine! That was a real game changer, that one. Today it is the Keurig. I have one in my workshop although it isn’t a real Keurig, it’s the Walmart knockoff. Works fine.

I don’t save cookie tins, but I do save those plastic containers my Folgers coffee comes in. They are great for storing all sorts of things. They also work great for paint cans with that handy snap-on lid. I have been known to save cardboard boxes; you know the good ones just in case.

Well waste not, want not, I was always told. It’s a lesson being forgotten in this new throw away world. Most of that began when you could no longer repair the things you had, you just had to replace them. Today it is recycled, not reused or repaired. I don’t expect that will change anytime in the near future. Nothing lasts forever. Well except for Twinkies! I read where they last forever.