If that one butterfly, whafting its immediate South American air around the globe, can alter the ice flows in Norway, what have I done?

It is my fault, no two ways about it. While taking out the refuse I tossed the recyclable bottles and cans into the garbage dumpster. And was left holding a bag of garbage. Which quickly followed the first bag. I did contemplate retrieving the bottles and cans, but the only way was to dive (I believe the expression is) into its confines. With no great guarantee of being able to scramble out. 

I admit I was not going to do this. Yes, I did calculations about my further infringement of the environment by the usage of water for another shower and then washing my clothes. I pondered ripped pants and cut knees. But - in truth - I would not have done it anyway.

But, I do wonder what the end result of my inattention is to Mother Earth. One eventually smushed bag will be buried (or maybe burned) and the result will be further degradation to our weary planet. Has my action started a chain of events which might one day kill off the last butterfly?