Recycling beer cans. Just doing my part.: FotoliaToday is America Recycles Day. In an environment of Recycle, Reduce, Reuse, I am willing to be the lone voice of reason in a sea of foaming green. I believe in protecting our environment. I recycle aluminum, try not to litter, compost and even grow my own, mostly organic, vegetables.

But every once in a while, I read a story about some eco-overachiever who has decided to filter his own urine for drinking water or that showering every day will bring on the apocalypse and it makes me question - how far would I go to protect the planet? Admittedly, there are some creature comforts I’d rather not live without and some things I just won’t do.

Here’s a few of those things that make me think - have we gone too far?
• Reusable toilet paper
The idea behind it: There is way too much paper waste.
Why it’s too much: I applaud the folks who are so dedicated to a paperless environment that they whip out the Singer and start divying out the fanny pads. But frankly, no amount of Tide extra strength can clean away Family Burrito Night. None.

• Recycled sex toys
The idea behind it: Ummm ... naughty environmentalists need love too?
Why it’s too much: Eww. Just eww.

• Sterilization
The idea behind it: Number of planets: 1, number of people: 7 billion. Do the math. 
Why it’s too much: Actually I see the point of this and I’m all for self-limiting your reproductive bang for the environmental buck. (Are you listening Duggar family? 1.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from one family and we don’t even have a decent TV series to show for it.) But isn’t sterilization a bit drastic? I mean when you want to lose weight you cut back on your eating, you don’t rip out your trachea.

• Used condoms made into hair bands
The idea behind it: The almighty dollar.
Why it’s too much: I sincerely hope I do not have to tell you why this is NOT OK.

• ’Environmentally-friendly’ cigarettes
The idea behind it: Biodegradable cigarette butts. Save the Earth, screw your lungs.
Why it’s too much: As a non-smoker I don’t get it. So maybe this one is OK. What do you think smokers?

• Sea-sponge tampons
The idea behind it: From the folks that sell these things, “Sea Pearls are completely natural reusable sea sponge tampons containing no Dioxin or synthetic fibers. Sustainably harvested and reusable for three to six months or more, Sea Pearls are easy to use, economical, and earth friendly.”
Why it’s too much: I can’t, in good faith, do that to Spongebob.

Thinking of going green? Or greener? How far would you go and where do you draw the line?