As a tree lover and preserver, I use cloth instead of paper in the form of tissue, napkins, paper towels, etc. Paper products are often made from virgin fiber (instead of recycled materials) and bleached with chlorine resulting in all kinds of environmental woes, from downed trees to airborne carcinogens to polluted water. Kleenex is a particularly destructive force to ancient forests. Check out Greenpeace's Kleerkut campaign for more info. Oy! Use cloth instead. I even stopped using TP at home which may sound like a foreign idea to westerners. Indeed it is, the idea comes from India where a billion people use water instead and have been for thousands of years.
On the topic of unnecessary paper use, check out 41 pounds to stop junk mail and unwanted catalogs. Again, see Chris Jordan's artwork showing 8 million toothpicks, equal to the number of trees harvested in the US every month to make the paper for mail order catalogs.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Follow the precautionary principle
Another revolutionary concept I'd like to introduce on the topic of evolving into a new (=ancient) way of living is the Precautionary Principle, a moral and political principle which states that proof must exist that no harm will result from action or policy taken. In the absence of a scientific consensus that harm would not ensue, the burden of proof falls on those who advocate taking the action. The purpose is to provide guidance for protecting public health and the environment in the face of uncertain risks(from Wiki).
This is a tough one to explain here in the U.S., where government and industry favor the opposite approach: "do what you want and whoever suffers...well, we don't care. If damage is done, maybe we'll make reparations if forced to do so." Corporate law currently states that corporations are legally obligated to make profit regardless of the effect on humans or the environment. How koo-koo is that?
A contemporary example of applying the PP is in agriculture when growing genetic engineered (GE) food. Currently, organic farmers, who grow food naturally (without genetically engineered seeds) are responsible for protecting their crops from cross-breeding with GE seeds. This is not only ludicrous but impossible. How can a farmer possibly prevent wind and insects from coming onto her land? That is, unless she farms in a bubble...and then it's not a farm. Under the Precautionary Principle, the farmer using GE seeds would be responsible for preventing the introduction of GE organisms into the environment. Again, this is impossible. Therefore, we would not allow genetically engineered food at all because we cannot possibly predict the harm it will cause upon interaction with the environment (causing super weeds when cross-breeding with other plants for example) and our bodies (introducing bacteria that would never be in our intestinal tract otherwise).
This is a tough one to explain here in the U.S., where government and industry favor the opposite approach: "do what you want and whoever suffers...well, we don't care. If damage is done, maybe we'll make reparations if forced to do so." Corporate law currently states that corporations are legally obligated to make profit regardless of the effect on humans or the environment. How koo-koo is that?
A contemporary example of applying the PP is in agriculture when growing genetic engineered (GE) food. Currently, organic farmers, who grow food naturally (without genetically engineered seeds) are responsible for protecting their crops from cross-breeding with GE seeds. This is not only ludicrous but impossible. How can a farmer possibly prevent wind and insects from coming onto her land? That is, unless she farms in a bubble...and then it's not a farm. Under the Precautionary Principle, the farmer using GE seeds would be responsible for preventing the introduction of GE organisms into the environment. Again, this is impossible. Therefore, we would not allow genetically engineered food at all because we cannot possibly predict the harm it will cause upon interaction with the environment (causing super weeds when cross-breeding with other plants for example) and our bodies (introducing bacteria that would never be in our intestinal tract otherwise).
Get informed with intentional brain washing
We all wash our brains with something, right? So I say, choose wisely. I decided to turn of the TV to avoid as much exposure to corporate media as possible. I read independent news, books and watch documentaries instead. I also listen to and support local radio and artists.
This is a very informative news blog.
Here are some of my favorite documentaries:
Vanishing of the Bees
Future of Food
The Corporation
Last Best Chance
Life and Debt
The Fog of War
Outfoxed
Zeitgeist-- watch this today for free on the internet!
And some I've heard good things about:
The End of Suburbia
Blue Vinyl
Thirst
Here is a site with a bunch of rad free documentaries.
Here is an excellent source for independent media including documentaries, lectures, and interviews.
And when you're truly ready to be awakened, check out David Icke.
This is a very informative news blog.
Here are some of my favorite documentaries:
Vanishing of the Bees
Future of Food
The Corporation
Last Best Chance
Life and Debt
The Fog of War
Outfoxed
Zeitgeist-- watch this today for free on the internet!
And some I've heard good things about:
The End of Suburbia
Blue Vinyl
Thirst
Here is a site with a bunch of rad free documentaries.
Here is an excellent source for independent media including documentaries, lectures, and interviews.
And when you're truly ready to be awakened, check out David Icke.
Exited the western medical system
The medical system is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. Death results from errors, medication interactions, and complications from surgery. It's also racist not only discriminating against people of color or with less education (these folks disproportionately get lower quality treatment or none at all) but has very little to do with prevention of disease and almost everything to do with pills and surgery. Pharmaceutical companies have one goal: profit. Using pharmaceuticals is not only expensive but has many harmful side effects. Most pharmaceuticals are derived from one or more "active ingredients" found in plants. However, the so-called "inactive ingredients" removed when manufacturing pills are natures way of balancing the effect of the active ingredients. For example, if you take aspirin, it will cause your stomach to bleed in the long term. This does not occur if you use the plant from which aspirin is derived (spiraea ulmaria). Hospitals also have the same goal of profit. In The China Study, T. Collin Campbell describes a plant-based diet used very successfully on victims of multiple heart attack, who are at very high risk of death. When presented to the hospital board, they weren't interested, explaining that bypass surgery is their biggest money maker. Some "health care system" we have. In general, the medical system depends upon profit from unnecessary surgeries and use of prescription medications. This is accomplished by promoting myths about the genetic basis of disease and our individual constitution. Whereas in reality, the same things make all different kinds of people healthy. Anybody who has seen the food fed to patients in hospitals can see that the health care system has little interest in health. The medical industry is also a major contributor to toxic waste including doxin (a harmful persistent organic pollutant) when plastic medical waste is burned. Health Care Without Harm is doing great work to revolutionize the industry.
For actual health care, I use holistic therapies including Jin Shin Jyutsu and Acupuncture. Most importantly is my pursuit of optimal health through yoga, meditation, plant foods, tea, and an active lifestyle.
For actual health care, I use holistic therapies including Jin Shin Jyutsu and Acupuncture. Most importantly is my pursuit of optimal health through yoga, meditation, plant foods, tea, and an active lifestyle.
Compost my own poo!
Do what?! That's right. To grow my own food, I need humus. Humus is the product of composting. Composting is constructing a pile of organic matter in such a way to promote the growth of all kinds of critters that eat it and poop it-- their poop is our humus, a nutrient rich soil that nourishes the seeds we plant.
But why poo? Because one of the essential ingredients of a compost pile is nitrogen. Animal excrement and food scraps are an excellent source of it. Animal waste from non-humans can also be used in the pile but why not use your most local source first and avoid defecating into drinkable water. Those are the words of Joseph Jenkins, author of the Humanure Handbook, where you can learn everything you need to know about composting your waste.
But why poo? Because one of the essential ingredients of a compost pile is nitrogen. Animal excrement and food scraps are an excellent source of it. Animal waste from non-humans can also be used in the pile but why not use your most local source first and avoid defecating into drinkable water. Those are the words of Joseph Jenkins, author of the Humanure Handbook, where you can learn everything you need to know about composting your waste.
Stopped knowingly putting chemicals in/on my body
Though there are a lot of chemicals we are unavoidably exposed to everyday just by walking outside and breathing (in most places), there are innumerable chemicals we are responsible for exposing ourselves to everyday. After working on an EPA product in which researchers attempted to count the number and amount of toxins we are exposed to through food, household products, and personal care products, I learned how toxic our environment can be through our own doing. Though the exercise of quantifying those chemicals seems futile to me, it changed what foods, materials, and products I am willing to buy and keep in my home.
Here are a few biggies:
-remove plastic from the kitchen and all food-related processes-- polymers that make up plastic seep into our foods and cause cancer. learn how to read labels on plastic containers here
-remove teflon and non-stick surfaces from the kitchen- like plastic, these compounds seep into the foods we're cooking on them. The companies that use these coating chemicals spend millions to prevent the research showing how harmful it is from reaching the public.
-use natural cleaning products (vinegar, lemon juice, water, and elbow grease)
-use natural soaps-Dr. Bronner's vegetable based soap is my favorite. It is especially important to avoid anti-bacterial soap. Bacteria are our friends-- we depend upon them for all of our bodily functions. Yes, it's true that harmful bacteria exist but building a strong immune system and washing our hands with water frequently is the best way to prevent them from causing disease. The excessive use of anti-bacterial soaps actually strengthens bacterial populations because they mutate very quickly to become more powerful.
-avoid lotions & cosmetics- the cosmetic industry makes billions of dollars by convincing people that their products are needed to make people beautiful. You are beautiful, just as you are. Our skin is our second set of lungs and everything we put on it is absorbed into the body (that goes for sunscreen too, a carcinogen in itself that harms water habitats like bleaching coral reefs!). A particularly harmful compound called phthalates are found in many personal care and other products. Most babies are now born with phthalates in their bodies along with numerous other industrial chemicals. The product that scientists have identified as the strongest link with body levels of phthalates is nail polish. As far as dry skin- for the best lotion, mix mostly aloe and jojoba oil (the oil closest to the composition of our natural skin oil) and shake for an excellent skin moisturizer. To avoid dry skin in the first place, oil your skin before showers, avoid hot showers, and stay well hydrated.
-avoid sprays of any kind- they create fine particulates that get into our bodies.
-avoid fragrances, air fresheners, etc.- use incense or essential oils instead
-avoid pesticides and fertilizers used for pests and the lawn. For any number of pests, there are natural solutions to use you can find on the web. As far as lawns, get rid of them (Food not Lawns!).
-if building something or buying new furniture, seek out the most earth based materials. Building materials, carpets, paints, mattresses are full of toxins that leach into the air that we breath. Here is a much more comprehensive blog on this topic alone.
HAZARDOUS & UNLABELED NANOTECH PESTICIDES IN CONSUMER PRODUCTS
An important lawsuit was filed last week against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by the International Center for Technology Assessment calling for 200 consumer products to be removed from the market, because they contain dangerous nanoparticle pesticides. The EPA is illegally allowing a wide variety of consumer products to be infused with nanoparticle-sized silver, supposedly for its enhanced "germ killing" abilities. Nano-silver is now laced into products including children's toys, personal care products, household appliances, cleaners, clothing, cutlery, and coated electronics. According to George Kimbrell, staff attorney for ICTA, "Nano-silver is leaching into the environment, where it will have toxic effects on fish, other aquatic species and beneficial microorganisms." Learn more about nanotechnology, take action, and see a comprehensive list of everyday products containing nanotech here:
-Organic Consumers Association
Here are a few biggies:
-remove plastic from the kitchen and all food-related processes-- polymers that make up plastic seep into our foods and cause cancer. learn how to read labels on plastic containers here
-remove teflon and non-stick surfaces from the kitchen- like plastic, these compounds seep into the foods we're cooking on them. The companies that use these coating chemicals spend millions to prevent the research showing how harmful it is from reaching the public.
-use natural cleaning products (vinegar, lemon juice, water, and elbow grease)
-use natural soaps-Dr. Bronner's vegetable based soap is my favorite. It is especially important to avoid anti-bacterial soap. Bacteria are our friends-- we depend upon them for all of our bodily functions. Yes, it's true that harmful bacteria exist but building a strong immune system and washing our hands with water frequently is the best way to prevent them from causing disease. The excessive use of anti-bacterial soaps actually strengthens bacterial populations because they mutate very quickly to become more powerful.
-avoid lotions & cosmetics- the cosmetic industry makes billions of dollars by convincing people that their products are needed to make people beautiful. You are beautiful, just as you are. Our skin is our second set of lungs and everything we put on it is absorbed into the body (that goes for sunscreen too, a carcinogen in itself that harms water habitats like bleaching coral reefs!). A particularly harmful compound called phthalates are found in many personal care and other products. Most babies are now born with phthalates in their bodies along with numerous other industrial chemicals. The product that scientists have identified as the strongest link with body levels of phthalates is nail polish. As far as dry skin- for the best lotion, mix mostly aloe and jojoba oil (the oil closest to the composition of our natural skin oil) and shake for an excellent skin moisturizer. To avoid dry skin in the first place, oil your skin before showers, avoid hot showers, and stay well hydrated.
-avoid sprays of any kind- they create fine particulates that get into our bodies.
-avoid fragrances, air fresheners, etc.- use incense or essential oils instead
-avoid pesticides and fertilizers used for pests and the lawn. For any number of pests, there are natural solutions to use you can find on the web. As far as lawns, get rid of them (Food not Lawns!).
-if building something or buying new furniture, seek out the most earth based materials. Building materials, carpets, paints, mattresses are full of toxins that leach into the air that we breath. Here is a much more comprehensive blog on this topic alone.
HAZARDOUS & UNLABELED NANOTECH PESTICIDES IN CONSUMER PRODUCTS
An important lawsuit was filed last week against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by the International Center for Technology Assessment calling for 200 consumer products to be removed from the market, because they contain dangerous nanoparticle pesticides. The EPA is illegally allowing a wide variety of consumer products to be infused with nanoparticle-sized silver, supposedly for its enhanced "germ killing" abilities. Nano-silver is now laced into products including children's toys, personal care products, household appliances, cleaners, clothing, cutlery, and coated electronics. According to George Kimbrell, staff attorney for ICTA, "Nano-silver is leaching into the environment, where it will have toxic effects on fish, other aquatic species and beneficial microorganisms." Learn more about nanotechnology, take action, and see a comprehensive list of everyday products containing nanotech here:
-Organic Consumers Association
Zero Waste!
The aim of zero waste is consist with the 4R's we all know: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Renew. Of these, I would argue that reducing, reusing, and renewing are the most important. While recycling reduces the amount of waste going into our landfills, recycling is an energy intensive process from the collection of waste to the re-processing of waste to the re-distribution. Recycled materials from the U.S. are often shipped overseas-- for example paper from the west coast often goes to China! Therefore, always aim to use less or none at all. Make someone else's trash your treasure! For inspiration on reducing waste, see Chris Jordan's amazing work.
Zero Waste, however, goes beyond these concepts to construct a model in which there is a closed loop cycle using all 5 kingdoms (animals, plants, fungi, bacteria, and algae) so that the resulting product (otherwise known as waste) from one organism is the food for the next. For example, plants produce food for animals and animals waste can be composted which provides food for bacteria. Fungi is the kingdom we as humans are most closely related to and are a largely untapped resource for dealing with our industrial waste problems (fungi can thrive off of oil and other materials polluting our ecosystem).
Though we are still working on mimicking nature to the extent that we may implement such practices on a societal level, there is tremendous progress towards zero waste. Most notably is a change in consciousness is occurring such that it is clear that anything it's time to design the entire life span of anything we buy, use, and sell to feed back into the buy, use, sell cycle without causing environmental harm. This is a far cry from our current situation where about 70% of the raw materials we use today become waste as soon as they are made into the given product (so much packagaing). A great book that expands on this concept is Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the way we make things by William McDonough. The book itself is made from recycled plastic bags!
TAKE BACK THE FILTER
You probably didn't know that Brita, America's #1 water filter, is owned by Clorox. Brita helps its customers feel good about filtering water without buying untold numbers of plastic bottles. Indeed, the Brita filter option is much better than purchasing bottled water. With that said, the U.S. version of the Brita filter is currently designed to be disposable. Hundreds of thousands of plastic Brita filters needlessly flow into U.S. landfills, while in Europe, the same company is providing those cartridges in a recyclable form. As a result, Brita is currently being pressured by consumers and TakeBacktheFilter.org to change its policies. Learn more about how you can send in your used Brita filters to pressure the company to make the green shift:
-Organic Consumers Association
Zero Waste, however, goes beyond these concepts to construct a model in which there is a closed loop cycle using all 5 kingdoms (animals, plants, fungi, bacteria, and algae) so that the resulting product (otherwise known as waste) from one organism is the food for the next. For example, plants produce food for animals and animals waste can be composted which provides food for bacteria. Fungi is the kingdom we as humans are most closely related to and are a largely untapped resource for dealing with our industrial waste problems (fungi can thrive off of oil and other materials polluting our ecosystem).
Though we are still working on mimicking nature to the extent that we may implement such practices on a societal level, there is tremendous progress towards zero waste. Most notably is a change in consciousness is occurring such that it is clear that anything it's time to design the entire life span of anything we buy, use, and sell to feed back into the buy, use, sell cycle without causing environmental harm. This is a far cry from our current situation where about 70% of the raw materials we use today become waste as soon as they are made into the given product (so much packagaing). A great book that expands on this concept is Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the way we make things by William McDonough. The book itself is made from recycled plastic bags!
TAKE BACK THE FILTER
You probably didn't know that Brita, America's #1 water filter, is owned by Clorox. Brita helps its customers feel good about filtering water without buying untold numbers of plastic bottles. Indeed, the Brita filter option is much better than purchasing bottled water. With that said, the U.S. version of the Brita filter is currently designed to be disposable. Hundreds of thousands of plastic Brita filters needlessly flow into U.S. landfills, while in Europe, the same company is providing those cartridges in a recyclable form. As a result, Brita is currently being pressured by consumers and TakeBacktheFilter.org to change its policies. Learn more about how you can send in your used Brita filters to pressure the company to make the green shift:
-Organic Consumers Association
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