In general, the less stuff a person buys new the less resources he/she uses. By this, I mean that it's usually better to repair things if possible rather than always re-buying them when they break. This reduces trash and the resources necessary to make a new item. So, repairing is a good rule of thumb to live by. It's also usually cheaper!
That said, today I took a pair of wonderful high heels to a cobbler. The bit of sole on one of the heels fell off awhile back exposing a nail that was scratching all floors and made walking unstable. So, I had stopped wearing them. It was pretty interesting going to a cobbler for the first time. The guy had a local shop and was a 6th generation shoe repairman! Unfortunately, repairing this particular pair of shoes cost me almost $20... I didn't expect that. Still, I comfort myself with the thought that I saved the resources needed to make a whole new pair and the landfill space that would have been needed to throw the old shoes away.
The real lesson in all this is to buy things that are better quality to begin with in order to avoid repairs and replacements as much as possible. It costs more upfront, but, in the long run, this philosophy actually saves you money. Shoes especially are one thing that varies widely in quality. I think I've mentioned this before, but I've noticed that a lot of things that lead to a 'g' (g in the sense of good, global, and green) lifestyle are more expensive upfront but cheaper in the longrun. (e.g. transitioning to solar power, preventative healthcare) At the risk of getting too preachy, I feel the need to say that it's important to save and invest now for a better future rather than simply living in fear of the future. That's not to say a person should spend money he/she doesn't have but it is to say that it's a good idea to think ahead to what you ultimately want to invest in and do it when you are able.
Vegetarian Week Conclusion: I have to say that I'm sorry I've neglected to provide as many reasons to become vegetarian as I promised. I forgot about this part of my blog this week and didn't do much research beyond the obvious reasons... I'm sorry... One more reason you should know, however, is that meat-packing plant jobs have possibly the poorest working conditions of any job. For instance, they have the highest injury rate though most employees can't afford health insurance, and the plants often pay as little as $5/hour. How are they able to do this? By exploiting immigrant labor. This could be a touchy issue, and my blog is not intended to be controversial. So, I'll leave it at that. I only write about the working conditions as one more issue that might matter to someone as they consider whether or not being a vegetarian is better for the world than being an omnivore.
I, however, have convinced myself and decided to take the plunge. For now, I'm going to be a vegetarian! I feel healthier and more world conscious. Plus, I think the new flavor palette is exciting! haha
Types of vegetarians
In case you decide to try it, too, I feel like I have to mention that the transition begins with a couple days of feeling great followed by a couple days of digestive track adjustment that feels not so great. The not-so-great days pass quickly though. :) Now, I feel perfectly normal but healthier.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
I am excited about Borax!
It's a little known fact that you can clean pretty much anything (non-porous) with borax, a naturally occurring and environmentally-friendly substance that your grandmother has been using for years. It's also a little known, but vitally important, fact that most common household cleaners are bad for the world and bad for your health. The vapors burn your lungs and age your skin, and the chemicals, specifically chlorine and phosphates, pollute the water supply among other things. In fact, you are actually supposed to dispose of chemical cleaners by taking them to your community's hazardous waste drop-off site rather than by throwing them in dumpsters or dumping them down the drain. And yet, we use these cleaners all over our homes, get them on our hands, breathe them, and rinse them down our drains all the time...
So, today, I resolved to make my own environmentally-friendly, household cleaning products. Here are some recipes.
I bought a box of borax, a box of baking soda, and a bottle of vinegar. To be honest, I was convinced it wouldn't work. I really thought that the chemicals would be necessary to get a clean home, especially because our water is hard and creates some pretty ugly stains in our shower. I have never been more wrong.
Not only did the various combinations of vinegar, baking soda, borax, and water clean well, they cleaned better than windex, clorox bleach, and the host of other chemical products I usually use. Furthermore, the idea, which has been instilled in us by clever advertising, that we need a different product for every cleaning job is completely false. I found that even the link I provided above makes cleaning more complicated than it needs to be. For glass and glass-like surfaces, I used vinegar and water in a spray bottle and wiped it up with newspaper to prevent streaking. For all other non-porous surfaces, I had a bowl of dry borax and baking soda, which I scrubbed over everything with a damp sponge. The hardest thing was wiping up the granules. So, I waited for everything to dry, brushed them on the floor, and then swept. Easy. And yet, my sink has never been so shiny!
I can't tell you how excited I am about how easy, chemical-free, and effective this cleaning method was. Plus, it was cheap. I spent less on today's supplies then I usually do on only a bottle of Windex and a bottle of Clorox Spray, and the borax, etc... will last forever. AND, simplifying my cleaning supplies stash creates more space in my apartment and less trash for a landfill (or recycling center). Huzzah!
So, today, I resolved to make my own environmentally-friendly, household cleaning products. Here are some recipes.
I bought a box of borax, a box of baking soda, and a bottle of vinegar. To be honest, I was convinced it wouldn't work. I really thought that the chemicals would be necessary to get a clean home, especially because our water is hard and creates some pretty ugly stains in our shower. I have never been more wrong.
Not only did the various combinations of vinegar, baking soda, borax, and water clean well, they cleaned better than windex, clorox bleach, and the host of other chemical products I usually use. Furthermore, the idea, which has been instilled in us by clever advertising, that we need a different product for every cleaning job is completely false. I found that even the link I provided above makes cleaning more complicated than it needs to be. For glass and glass-like surfaces, I used vinegar and water in a spray bottle and wiped it up with newspaper to prevent streaking. For all other non-porous surfaces, I had a bowl of dry borax and baking soda, which I scrubbed over everything with a damp sponge. The hardest thing was wiping up the granules. So, I waited for everything to dry, brushed them on the floor, and then swept. Easy. And yet, my sink has never been so shiny!
I can't tell you how excited I am about how easy, chemical-free, and effective this cleaning method was. Plus, it was cheap. I spent less on today's supplies then I usually do on only a bottle of Windex and a bottle of Clorox Spray, and the borax, etc... will last forever. AND, simplifying my cleaning supplies stash creates more space in my apartment and less trash for a landfill (or recycling center). Huzzah!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Off the Grid
Today, we used home cooling techniques rather than turning on the A/C. Yesterday, it was nice out but on the cool side temperature wise. I think it was in the 60's. However, the temperature shot up to almost 90 today! That is definitely warm enough to warrant turning on the A/C, but we held off for today in order to save energy. Instead, we opted to keep the lights off as much as possible, not use the oven, and close the drapes. Earlier this year we invested in energy-saving drapes. They're insulated to cut down on the influence outdoor temperatures have on indoor temperature, and they work wonders! We used them today to hold in the cool air from yesterday, and, by the time the air inside started to succumb to the outdoor heat to the point of slight discomfort, the sun was starting to set. Tomorrow, we will probably give in and turn on the A/C, but every bit of energy saved counts! The point is that, if you actively look for opportunities to save energy, you will find them!
Reducing household energy use is not only good for the environment, it's good for your utility bill. Utility usage is like golf, the lower your score the better!
Measure your eco-footprint and get ideas for ways to be greener in your day-to-day life.
This website lets you know if/what kind of government incentives to switch to solar energy are available in each state.
This website explains the different renewable energy systems currently available for home installation and how they work.
Energy efficient drapes also keep the bedroom super dark at night! I started sleeping a lot more soundly after we put them up. Admittedly, they're more expensive upfront, but I think they pay for themselves in monthly utility savings. Based on what I've found, most green technologies are more expensive upfront but cheaper in the long run. I think the initial cost is the major deterrent most people see to making the switch.
Reducing household energy use is not only good for the environment, it's good for your utility bill. Utility usage is like golf, the lower your score the better!
Measure your eco-footprint and get ideas for ways to be greener in your day-to-day life.
This website lets you know if/what kind of government incentives to switch to solar energy are available in each state.
This website explains the different renewable energy systems currently available for home installation and how they work.
Energy efficient drapes also keep the bedroom super dark at night! I started sleeping a lot more soundly after we put them up. Admittedly, they're more expensive upfront, but I think they pay for themselves in monthly utility savings. Based on what I've found, most green technologies are more expensive upfront but cheaper in the long run. I think the initial cost is the major deterrent most people see to making the switch.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
I love Saturdays!
I like to sleep in on Saturdays. AND, I always work on Saturdays. AND, I like to go out on Saturday nights. The point of saying this is to point out that I'm actually a normal person. At least, I think I'm normal. No one's ever told me I wasn't anyway... I work at a fashionable retail chain, so I take that as certification that I can't be totally weird or they wouldn't have hired me...I don't think...You be the judge.
In any case, being normal is no excuse to not be a benefit to the world. You do not have to stop bathing, wearing deodorant, or loving a cute pair of shoes to live a life that makes the world a better place. I'm finding that you actually don't have to change much, if at all. You just have be aware and live deliberately. For example, when asked if I want a plastic bag, I now stop to think whether I really need one or if I just say yes out of habit. In most cases, I can actually carry whatever I bought, and, if not, it'll fit in my purse or in one of the reusable bags in my car.
ANYWAY, my point is that I didn't go out of my way to do something good for the world today because it isn't always necessary. Tonight, we went out for dinner and drinks but we chose a new, local restaurant. I've explained in previous posts that spending money locally is far better than dropping money in a national chain because it goes directly back into the local economy, and it keeps communities viable and vibrant. I actually read somewhere (I can't remember where :-/) that every dollar you spend locally generates twice as much income for the local economy. Making a point to try new places is also good for communities because it brings new life and new interest to the place you live. It also encourages entrepreneurship and economic development and diversity. If you want your community to keep growing and becoming more interesting, then give the new places a try. They won't survive without customers like us!
Reason #5 to try vegetarian living: It's delicious. Really. Many people mistakenly believe that being a vegetarian means eating cups of raw vegetables and salads all the time. BUT, I've found that eating vegetarian has all the flavor and satisfaction of eating meat. In fact, the restaurant we went to tonight was vegetarian. They served everything from 'meatball' marinara sandwiches to BBQ medallions, and it was all delicious! You honestly couldn't tell the difference between actual meat and the meat substitutes except that the food wasn't as heavy. That said, my assessment of eating vegetarian is that it's more interesting than my regular diet, more satisfying, and it lacks the guilt that usually accompanies eating foods that are delicious. I think every woman knows what I mean by guilt. Who hasn't eaten a meatball sub and felt that she just undid all the crunches she put in over the last month? Vegetarian makes me feel free to enjoy eating. and eating. and eating. :-P
In any case, being normal is no excuse to not be a benefit to the world. You do not have to stop bathing, wearing deodorant, or loving a cute pair of shoes to live a life that makes the world a better place. I'm finding that you actually don't have to change much, if at all. You just have be aware and live deliberately. For example, when asked if I want a plastic bag, I now stop to think whether I really need one or if I just say yes out of habit. In most cases, I can actually carry whatever I bought, and, if not, it'll fit in my purse or in one of the reusable bags in my car.
ANYWAY, my point is that I didn't go out of my way to do something good for the world today because it isn't always necessary. Tonight, we went out for dinner and drinks but we chose a new, local restaurant. I've explained in previous posts that spending money locally is far better than dropping money in a national chain because it goes directly back into the local economy, and it keeps communities viable and vibrant. I actually read somewhere (I can't remember where :-/) that every dollar you spend locally generates twice as much income for the local economy. Making a point to try new places is also good for communities because it brings new life and new interest to the place you live. It also encourages entrepreneurship and economic development and diversity. If you want your community to keep growing and becoming more interesting, then give the new places a try. They won't survive without customers like us!
Reason #5 to try vegetarian living: It's delicious. Really. Many people mistakenly believe that being a vegetarian means eating cups of raw vegetables and salads all the time. BUT, I've found that eating vegetarian has all the flavor and satisfaction of eating meat. In fact, the restaurant we went to tonight was vegetarian. They served everything from 'meatball' marinara sandwiches to BBQ medallions, and it was all delicious! You honestly couldn't tell the difference between actual meat and the meat substitutes except that the food wasn't as heavy. That said, my assessment of eating vegetarian is that it's more interesting than my regular diet, more satisfying, and it lacks the guilt that usually accompanies eating foods that are delicious. I think every woman knows what I mean by guilt. Who hasn't eaten a meatball sub and felt that she just undid all the crunches she put in over the last month? Vegetarian makes me feel free to enjoy eating. and eating. and eating. :-P
Friday, May 27, 2011
Brownies for a Better World
I made brownies tonight to take to work and share with my co-workers tomorrow! Doing nice things for co-workers increases camaraderie and moral. More importantly, it builds a sense of community among the people you work with, which is important because most people spend a lot of time at work. So, it's good to build happy relationships with them.
ALSO, I read in an article of "Women's Health" that I found in a recycle bin while I was making endless copies at work that doing something nice for other people inspires them to do nice things for other people, too! Studies actually show that one nice act can ripple out approximately 3 deep. People pay it forward without necessarily even knowing it! So I figure that, if we all do something nice for someone, it'll just keep going! A wave of kindness and caring! That would definitely make a better world.
I forgot to post a reason to be vegetarian yesterday. SO, here is yesterday's: My bowels have never felt better! haha
And, here is today's-Reason #4 to be Vegetarian:
a link to the webpage for more information
ALSO, I read in an article of "Women's Health" that I found in a recycle bin while I was making endless copies at work that doing something nice for other people inspires them to do nice things for other people, too! Studies actually show that one nice act can ripple out approximately 3 deep. People pay it forward without necessarily even knowing it! So I figure that, if we all do something nice for someone, it'll just keep going! A wave of kindness and caring! That would definitely make a better world.
I forgot to post a reason to be vegetarian yesterday. SO, here is yesterday's: My bowels have never felt better! haha
And, here is today's-Reason #4 to be Vegetarian:
a link to the webpage for more information
Thursday, May 26, 2011
The Adventures of Captain Cullet!
I thought you might enjoy this cartoon. haha.
For the past several months, we've been hoarding glass. Admittedly, it's mostly beer bottles. Anyone who knows us knows that we're budding beer snobs...but that's beside the point!
The point is that today we recycled all of those glass bottles and the glass bottles from various other things. Since our apartment doesn't have recycling for glass, we actually had to drive the glass to the city recycling center. I think that people assume that this is really inconvenient and that's why many people don't recycle. And, I have to say that I also thought it would be inconvenient, but it actually wasn't. It was shockingly easy. We spent about 2 minutes loading the glass in the car, and about 1 minute unloading it at the center. Then, we went out for coffee. Easy. You should try it. You'll like it. Recycling, not the coffee. Although, the coffee was a fabulous experience, too.
In the future, I'm going to try to buy as many items as possible in glass packaging instead of plastic. Unlike plastic, which can generally be recycled only once, glass can be recycled and remolded infinitely. Also, there's a big market for recycled glass whose demand is not currently being met. Only 28% of glass is currently recycled. When not recycled, glass can take 4000 years to break down on its own. In short, there really isn't a reason not to recycle glass. If you think of one, let me know.
Other recycling options for beer bottles
Be aware that procedures for recycling windshield glass or glassware are different than those for recycling food and beverage bottles. Food and beverage bottles can definitely be picked up curbside or taken to a recycling center. However, other types of glass may require a bit of research to recycle.
Here's a shorter video:
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Dillinger the Dog
This afternoon, Josh and I played with a dog at the animal shelter. His name was Dillinger and he was a Beagle mix. Although, he didn't really look like a beagle. Anyway, he was a great dog! He was surrendered to the shelter because his previous owner didn't think he/she could train him. But, he was really well-mannered and seemed to even be housebroken! If we were in a position to take care of a dog, I would definitely consider adopting Dillinger. For now, I'm glad to know that we brightened his day by taking him outside and giving him some love. Whether you're looking to adopt or not, playing with a shelter dog is an easy way to volunteer if you love animals. Playing with Dillinger didn't just brighten his day, it also brightened mine. (I think it brightened Josh's day, too, but I can't really speak for him on the subject.)
The point of this story is that, when looking to adopt a dog, it's a good idea to look at a shelter first. Contrary to popular belief, the dogs in shelters are not all abused, abandoned, or 'bad' dogs. (Although, I think these dogs are especially in need of loving homes, but not everyone has time for the training necessary to rehabilitate a formerly mistreated dog.) For the most part shelter animals are in shelters simply because their owners couldn't care for them. They're sweet, healthy animals who just want to love and be loved.
3-4 million dogs and cats are euthanized in shelters every year. By adopting from a shelter you not only save your new friend, you also open up a spot in the shelter for another homeless pet. Plus, by refusing to by from a pet store, you withhold your buying power from puppy mills. Every dollar spent that supports a puppy mill gives them fuel to continue existing because it's a "profit-driven business." If you don't buy, they don't breed. Incidentally, without puppy mills continuously breeding dogs for whom there are no homes, the number of euthanized animals would also decrease.
Top Five Reasons to Adopt
Reason #2 to be Vegetarian: 72% of all grain grown goes to feed livestock despite the fact that 925 million people worldwide are hungry. In fact, a child dies from starvation every 5 seconds. The grain currently used to feed livestock could feed 800 million people, which lessens the problem of hunger significantly. Why feed a cow when a person is hungry? By being vegetarian, you lower demand for meat worldwide. If the demand lessens then so will the supply. Maybe then we can feed children rather than chickens. Furthermore, exporting the grain that we currently feed to livestock would boost the US trade balance by $800 billion/year. Why let a pig eat $800 billion?
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
The Week no Pigs would die! Or Cows! Or Chickens! Or Turkeys! Etc!
Today is day 2 in my meatless week. Josh and I are giving vegetarianism a week-long trial run. We actually started yesterday, but I just decided not to write about it until today.
Let me tell you: So far, I love it. That's all. I feel healthier, and I feel like I'm doing a really good thing globally speaking, too. Plus, plants are delicious.
There are so many reasons to be vegetarian and so many statistics that I've decided to spread them out. Every day this week, I'm going to share a new reason to be vegetarian. (I'm going to keep doing other world changing actions each day because it would be a cop-out to use "not eating meat" as my 'g' thang for the whole week) Also, the reasons to be vegetarian do not pertain simply to environmental and health concerns though I'll certainly cover those aspects. Then, at this time next week, I'll let you know if I think being vegetarian is a maintainable lifestyle.
Reason #1: Raising animals for food is one of the most environmentally damaging things we do. It destroys resources, pollutes water and air, and causes soil erosion.
80% of annual deforestation is caused by animal agriculture. Animal waste runoff has polluted more than 173,000 miles of rivers and streams. North Carolina alone produces 2.5 tons of hog waste each year. How thirst-quenching! Moreover, using the land to raise food animals in the first place is an inefficient use of the land. One acre can produce "50,000 lbs of tomatoes, 40,000 lbs of potatoes, 30,000 lbs of carrots, or just 250 lbs of beef." 420 gallons of water is necessary to produce just 1 lbs of chicken!
Tune in tomorrow to find out how eating meat is a cause of world hunger AND how reducing meat consumption could help the economy.
I ordered the vegetarian starter kit! ha!
Let me tell you: So far, I love it. That's all. I feel healthier, and I feel like I'm doing a really good thing globally speaking, too. Plus, plants are delicious.
There are so many reasons to be vegetarian and so many statistics that I've decided to spread them out. Every day this week, I'm going to share a new reason to be vegetarian. (I'm going to keep doing other world changing actions each day because it would be a cop-out to use "not eating meat" as my 'g' thang for the whole week) Also, the reasons to be vegetarian do not pertain simply to environmental and health concerns though I'll certainly cover those aspects. Then, at this time next week, I'll let you know if I think being vegetarian is a maintainable lifestyle.
Reason #1: Raising animals for food is one of the most environmentally damaging things we do. It destroys resources, pollutes water and air, and causes soil erosion.
80% of annual deforestation is caused by animal agriculture. Animal waste runoff has polluted more than 173,000 miles of rivers and streams. North Carolina alone produces 2.5 tons of hog waste each year. How thirst-quenching! Moreover, using the land to raise food animals in the first place is an inefficient use of the land. One acre can produce "50,000 lbs of tomatoes, 40,000 lbs of potatoes, 30,000 lbs of carrots, or just 250 lbs of beef." 420 gallons of water is necessary to produce just 1 lbs of chicken!
Tune in tomorrow to find out how eating meat is a cause of world hunger AND how reducing meat consumption could help the economy.
I ordered the vegetarian starter kit! ha!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Dryer, Dryer, Pants on Fire
I did laundry today, and I didn't use our clothes dryer. Since we live in an apartment, I couldn't hang the clothes outside to dry, which means they're hanging around the apartment. It's going to take them forever to dry, but I did it nonetheless because not using the clothes dryer is a major energy saver.
After the refrigerator, the dryer is the second biggest energy-using home appliance. In fact, if you stop using it completely, your utility bill could easily decrease by as much as 10% annually. A lot of people think that a dryer is a necessity, but it really isn't. Air can do the same thing; it just takes longer. Plus, clothes last longer when you air dry them as dryers thin out the fabrics. ALSO, not using the dryer reduces the risk of a dryer fire significantly. haha
Fire Your Dryer
In the future, I'm going to hang as many of my clothes as possible instead of using the dryer though I don't intend to fore-go the dryer completely. I'd like to, but it's not practical in our current living situation. That said, I think it's important to realize that, in changing how one lives in order to better the world, it's not possible to change everything at once. Start with what you feel is easiest and most doable for you. I've found that the more I do, the more I want to do. Small things build on each other and make the bigger things that, at first, seemed unattainable instead seem possible. Slow progressive change is often more lasting than sudden, rash changes anyway. So, if you feel inclined to make a difference, don't let yourself feel overwhelmed by the amount of things you feel you should be changing or paralyzed by guilt because you can't stop eating individually packages burritos. Just do what you can.
The important thing is to do something. Something's add up.
After the refrigerator, the dryer is the second biggest energy-using home appliance. In fact, if you stop using it completely, your utility bill could easily decrease by as much as 10% annually. A lot of people think that a dryer is a necessity, but it really isn't. Air can do the same thing; it just takes longer. Plus, clothes last longer when you air dry them as dryers thin out the fabrics. ALSO, not using the dryer reduces the risk of a dryer fire significantly. haha
Fire Your Dryer
In the future, I'm going to hang as many of my clothes as possible instead of using the dryer though I don't intend to fore-go the dryer completely. I'd like to, but it's not practical in our current living situation. That said, I think it's important to realize that, in changing how one lives in order to better the world, it's not possible to change everything at once. Start with what you feel is easiest and most doable for you. I've found that the more I do, the more I want to do. Small things build on each other and make the bigger things that, at first, seemed unattainable instead seem possible. Slow progressive change is often more lasting than sudden, rash changes anyway. So, if you feel inclined to make a difference, don't let yourself feel overwhelmed by the amount of things you feel you should be changing or paralyzed by guilt because you can't stop eating individually packages burritos. Just do what you can.
The important thing is to do something. Something's add up.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
American Beauty
We went grocery shopping today and refused to use any plastic bags. We even avoided the plastic bags for produce and bulk items, and we bought a lot of produce. Incidentally, I was surprised at how much cheaper it was to buy a lot of produce than it is to buy mostly pre-made/pre-packaged food. I expected it to be more expensive. I'm not really sure why. *shrug*
Back to the subject at hand!
Ceasing to use plastic bags could be the single easiest and most important thing that everyone can do to improve the world as a whole. About 1 million plastic bags are used every minute. Each of those bags can take 1000 years to degrade, and, even then, they break down into toxic pollutants. Where do these plastic bags go? Well, I don't know about you, but I've seen them in quite a few trees and on quite a few roadsides. Also, every square mile of ocean has 46,000 pieces of plastic floating in it. It actually outnumbers phytoplankton...The Pacific Ocean is home to what's known as the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch," which is an estimated 3 million ton mass of trash swirling in the ocean. So, that's fun...
AND, though recycling plastic bags is environmentally better than throwing them away or dropping them in the street, it's actually not economically profitable.
MOREOVER, they require a lot of nonrenewable resources, like petroleum, to produce and a lot of public money to clean-up. California spends about 25 million annually to send them to landfill and another 8.5 million collecting them from the streets. Think of how many teachers they could be paying instead.
SO, what's the solution? Reusable bags. They're inexpensive, and they actually carry more items per bag than plastic bags. Plastic bag companies claim they harbor bacteria, but this problem can be solved by throwing them in the washing machine on occasion like you would any other cloth product you own. Plus, a lot of stores give discounts for using them.
Mesh produce bags online
reusable bags that fit in your purse and are reasonably priced
A funny but serious lawsuit about plastic bags
Saturday, May 21, 2011
A Person's a Person
Today's 'g' thang was extremely simple but also extremely important. In my opinion anyway.
We went out to eat today, and I made it a point to talk with our waitress, learn her name, etc... In this way, I made sure to treat her like a human being. Often, I think that we ignore or inadvertently act superior to a significant portion of the people with whom we come in contact on a day-to-day basis. (e.g. waiters, maintenance men, walmart employees, postal workers, bank tellers, etc...) In truth, we are all equally deserving of respect and kindness. We need each other really because society requires people from all walks of life to function and, more than that, to be interesting/rich/vibrant. Everyone has a story to tell, and everyone's story matters.
The world is a better place when all people are treated like people and no one is treated like an object. :) Plus, friendliness rarely (if ever) has negative results.
How to be nice lol. I tried to find a good link for this post, but this was all I could find in 30 secs of looking.
We went out to eat today, and I made it a point to talk with our waitress, learn her name, etc... In this way, I made sure to treat her like a human being. Often, I think that we ignore or inadvertently act superior to a significant portion of the people with whom we come in contact on a day-to-day basis. (e.g. waiters, maintenance men, walmart employees, postal workers, bank tellers, etc...) In truth, we are all equally deserving of respect and kindness. We need each other really because society requires people from all walks of life to function and, more than that, to be interesting/rich/vibrant. Everyone has a story to tell, and everyone's story matters.
The world is a better place when all people are treated like people and no one is treated like an object. :) Plus, friendliness rarely (if ever) has negative results.
How to be nice lol. I tried to find a good link for this post, but this was all I could find in 30 secs of looking.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Alice in Paperland
I didn't make paper today, but I thought you might enjoy Paper Alice. Just be sure to wear dance clothes when you watch as the music is truly moving. Honestly though, I found this video on a whim, and it's actually pretty interesting. I had no idea paper was so easy to make, and I might try it sometime soon.
However, I did do something less interesting related to paper today. To begin, I want to say that the purpose of today's action is to demonstrate that each of us has the power to better the world through actions other than simply those available to us in our own homes. The key is to look around and find something that you feel capable of improving. I noticed that my place of business throws away a lot of paper, so, today, I acquired a red recycling bin and put it next to a commonly used employee trashcan. The bin is marked 'Paper Only,' and I asked my boss if I could put it there. At this point, since the company has no recycling program of its own, I'll have to be in charge of emptying the bin. But, I think it's worth it considering the average American uses 7 trees per year from paper, wood, etc... 7 trees might not sound like a lot, but 7 times each of the hundreds of millions of people living in the US is a lot. Moreover, I'd wager most businesses likely consume more trees than the average person, so creating a recycling program at work is a small action with great potential for measurable, positive, environmental impact.
It's worth knowing that 1 billion trees worth of paper are thrown away annually.
Recycling 1 ton of paper saves 17 trees. That's not to mention the nonrenewable resources preserved...
Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to only be about recycling. For tomorrow, I'll try to find something to do that is not recycling related.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Solving 1 and 2
For the last week, I have been actively trying to think of ways to surpass the barriers of recycling. If you read my post, "A Walk Across the Parking Lot," I listed 3 reasons why I think people don't recycle. In that post, I addressed the 3rd reason: Lack of awareness of recycling facilities. Today, I attempted to address reasons 1 and 2:
1) Trashcans are closer.
2) Recycling requires sorting.
The obvious solution to these problems would be a "trashcan" for recycling that sorts for you, can occupy any space normally occupied by a regular trashcan, and can be manufactured for as cheap as a regular trashcan. Unfortunately, I am not a wastebasket engineer.
So, here is the solution that I came up with for my own life:
Let me begin by saying that I live in an apartment and, therefore, do not have endless amounts of space or even a lot of space. However, after some clever maneuvering, Josh and I were able to clear out one of our floor level cabinets. In this cabinet, we put 2 small, white trashcans (each identical to the one we already have under the sink). One of these trashcans is now for plastic and the other is for paper. Glass we intend to keep in a box on the pantry floor. We've already been collecting glass for several weeks, and it's basically clean and completely odorless after we rinse it. Trash will still go under the sink.
It's not a perfect system yet, but it's a step in the right direction! "Approximately 88% of the energy is saved when plastic is made from plastic rather than from the raw materials..." AND, Recycling one ton of paper saves enough energy to power an average, U.S. home for 5 months! At least 70% of all trash is recyclable, so I'm working towards recycling 100% of recyclable materials. If I only had space to compost, then I could practically be trash free!
Reasons to recycle from EPA for those still on the fence.
A nearly exhaustive list of recyclable materials and guidelines. This website also has fun facts and many other helpful links!
Something I just learned about plastic: The numbers on the bottom of plastic bottles indicate their ability to be recycled. Number 1 and 2 are the best, but number 7 is basically non-recyclable.
1) Trashcans are closer.
2) Recycling requires sorting.
The obvious solution to these problems would be a "trashcan" for recycling that sorts for you, can occupy any space normally occupied by a regular trashcan, and can be manufactured for as cheap as a regular trashcan. Unfortunately, I am not a wastebasket engineer.
So, here is the solution that I came up with for my own life:
Let me begin by saying that I live in an apartment and, therefore, do not have endless amounts of space or even a lot of space. However, after some clever maneuvering, Josh and I were able to clear out one of our floor level cabinets. In this cabinet, we put 2 small, white trashcans (each identical to the one we already have under the sink). One of these trashcans is now for plastic and the other is for paper. Glass we intend to keep in a box on the pantry floor. We've already been collecting glass for several weeks, and it's basically clean and completely odorless after we rinse it. Trash will still go under the sink.
It's not a perfect system yet, but it's a step in the right direction! "Approximately 88% of the energy is saved when plastic is made from plastic rather than from the raw materials..." AND, Recycling one ton of paper saves enough energy to power an average, U.S. home for 5 months! At least 70% of all trash is recyclable, so I'm working towards recycling 100% of recyclable materials. If I only had space to compost, then I could practically be trash free!
Reasons to recycle from EPA for those still on the fence.
A nearly exhaustive list of recyclable materials and guidelines. This website also has fun facts and many other helpful links!
Something I just learned about plastic: The numbers on the bottom of plastic bottles indicate their ability to be recycled. Number 1 and 2 are the best, but number 7 is basically non-recyclable.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Yesterday and Today: The abbreviated uni-post!
*Drum Roll Please* And now, the moment you have all been waiting for: What did I do with my money after I removed it from the clutches of Bank of America???
You Guessed it! I joined a credit union!
Why a credit union? How is that different from your run-of-the mill bank? Unlike a bank, which operates in order to turn a profit for its shareholders, a credit union is a not-for-profit financial institute that is members-owned. Anyone who has an account is considered a member. This means that, to a credit union, I am a member-owner and not a customer. The goal of the credit union is not to increase the products I buy or sign up for; the goal is to improve my financial situation. To that end, credit unions offer the same services as standard banks. The difference is really the objective.
Also, when you open an account at a major bank, the bank uses your money for its own investments. The money heads to a corporate headquarters where it is used to benefit something so far removed from your life that you are likely to never see/feel its effects. On the other hand, a credit union endeavors to benefit the local economy and its members. Your money is invested in community projects and plays a key role in maintaining the vitality of your own community. For example, the credit union I joined sponsors a local stage company and runs a scholarship program for local students. In short, Credit unions operate for community and member improvement rather than for profit. So, your money is doing good even when you aren't using it. That's what I did today! And, it feels good!
YESTERDAY, we took a road trip home from visiting family (We got back late. Sorry I didn't post. :-/). To foster world betterment, we made it a point to be patrons of local businesses rather chains. Have you ever noticed that all towns seem the same as you travel down the highway? They all seem to be clusters of McDonalds, BP, Burger Kings, TA, and maybe a Walmart. Some sects have termed this phenomenon the "McDonaldization" of America. Mere decades ago, travelers automatically helped local economies merely because travelers needed to eat and had no choice save to find a locally owned diner or drugstore. Unfortunately, the interstates moved in after the mom&pop establishments, and chains put themselves on the interstates. In this way, McDonald's, Burger King, Arby's, Taco Bell, etc...have been able to claim prime business locations and snag the patronage that travelers used to take to small, local businesses. More than that, these places also take local patrons from local business. This is why we see local businesses slowly closing their doors and small towns morphing into clones of each other.
Why is this a problem?
True, chains have their place in our world. Sometimes you just need a 30sec hamburger. However, as with major banks, chains shuffle money out of local economies and into the hands of distant corporations and shareholders. Local businesses,on the other hand, maintain the vitality, viability, and uniqueness of communities and, in turn, of the country. Plus, when you buy from a local business you can see and meet the people that your business is benefiting. You can cut out the middle man!
I'll admit that, occasionally, products are slightly more expensive than those of chains. However, the difference is usually not very noticeable. What's more, a deal for you tends to be a rip-off for someone else. "How?" you ask. I'll tell you in a different post. This one is getting too long, and I'm sure I'm about 2 sentences from losing your attention...if I haven't lost it already!
Let me leave you with 2 things to remember should you want to go to local businesses on a road trip:
1) Plan to eat before 9 pm. Most local businesses close early. We learned this the hard way when we stopped for dinner...
2) Start looking for a place to eat before you are famished because mom&pop's are harder to find than chains.
You Guessed it! I joined a credit union!
Why a credit union? How is that different from your run-of-the mill bank? Unlike a bank, which operates in order to turn a profit for its shareholders, a credit union is a not-for-profit financial institute that is members-owned. Anyone who has an account is considered a member. This means that, to a credit union, I am a member-owner and not a customer. The goal of the credit union is not to increase the products I buy or sign up for; the goal is to improve my financial situation. To that end, credit unions offer the same services as standard banks. The difference is really the objective.
Also, when you open an account at a major bank, the bank uses your money for its own investments. The money heads to a corporate headquarters where it is used to benefit something so far removed from your life that you are likely to never see/feel its effects. On the other hand, a credit union endeavors to benefit the local economy and its members. Your money is invested in community projects and plays a key role in maintaining the vitality of your own community. For example, the credit union I joined sponsors a local stage company and runs a scholarship program for local students. In short, Credit unions operate for community and member improvement rather than for profit. So, your money is doing good even when you aren't using it. That's what I did today! And, it feels good!
YESTERDAY, we took a road trip home from visiting family (We got back late. Sorry I didn't post. :-/). To foster world betterment, we made it a point to be patrons of local businesses rather chains. Have you ever noticed that all towns seem the same as you travel down the highway? They all seem to be clusters of McDonalds, BP, Burger Kings, TA, and maybe a Walmart. Some sects have termed this phenomenon the "McDonaldization" of America. Mere decades ago, travelers automatically helped local economies merely because travelers needed to eat and had no choice save to find a locally owned diner or drugstore. Unfortunately, the interstates moved in after the mom&pop establishments, and chains put themselves on the interstates. In this way, McDonald's, Burger King, Arby's, Taco Bell, etc...have been able to claim prime business locations and snag the patronage that travelers used to take to small, local businesses. More than that, these places also take local patrons from local business. This is why we see local businesses slowly closing their doors and small towns morphing into clones of each other.
Why is this a problem?
True, chains have their place in our world. Sometimes you just need a 30sec hamburger. However, as with major banks, chains shuffle money out of local economies and into the hands of distant corporations and shareholders. Local businesses,on the other hand, maintain the vitality, viability, and uniqueness of communities and, in turn, of the country. Plus, when you buy from a local business you can see and meet the people that your business is benefiting. You can cut out the middle man!
I'll admit that, occasionally, products are slightly more expensive than those of chains. However, the difference is usually not very noticeable. What's more, a deal for you tends to be a rip-off for someone else. "How?" you ask. I'll tell you in a different post. This one is getting too long, and I'm sure I'm about 2 sentences from losing your attention...if I haven't lost it already!
Let me leave you with 2 things to remember should you want to go to local businesses on a road trip:
1) Plan to eat before 9 pm. Most local businesses close early. We learned this the hard way when we stopped for dinner...
2) Start looking for a place to eat before you are famished because mom&pop's are harder to find than chains.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Bank of America Weeps
According to the Better World Shopping Guide, Bank of America is 20th on the list of the 20 worst companies. To formulate these rankings, the guide takes into account company records regarding Human Rights, The Environment, Animal Protection, Community Involvement, and Social Justice.
Bank of America is also number 3 on the list of top 10 Bailout companies and has been given a grade of 'F' on the list of banks in general. The 'F' grade is given to companies with the worst social and environmental records in the industry.
It's no secret that, in today's world, money really is power. This means that every dollar is some amount of power. It should also be noted that, when your money is in the bank, it does not simply sit in the bank waiting for you personally to spend it. The bank uses it for its own investments, projects, and gains. That's why it's important to make sure you actually support the things your bank supports. Today, I chose to exercise the power of my dollars (be it ever so meager) by closing my accounts at Bank of America.
It was kind of exciting to close my bank accounts. That is, it felt good to say, "I don't want to support the practices of this business. Therefore, I'm withdrawing my support from it." Although, I must admit that I didn't say those words explicitly. I had planned to say them. However, once in the bank and closing my accounts, I realized that the people working at the branch have almost nothing to do with the choices the company makes. They might even be Bank of America's biggest victims. It's impossible to know. But, I do know that they don't deserve any sort of righteous tongue-lashing. They deserve kindness and respect. So, I kept it simple and just closed my accounts without reason.
To be continued...
Join me later this week to find out where I choose to invest my powerful dollars instead!
Bank of America is also number 3 on the list of top 10 Bailout companies and has been given a grade of 'F' on the list of banks in general. The 'F' grade is given to companies with the worst social and environmental records in the industry.
It's no secret that, in today's world, money really is power. This means that every dollar is some amount of power. It should also be noted that, when your money is in the bank, it does not simply sit in the bank waiting for you personally to spend it. The bank uses it for its own investments, projects, and gains. That's why it's important to make sure you actually support the things your bank supports. Today, I chose to exercise the power of my dollars (be it ever so meager) by closing my accounts at Bank of America.
It was kind of exciting to close my bank accounts. That is, it felt good to say, "I don't want to support the practices of this business. Therefore, I'm withdrawing my support from it." Although, I must admit that I didn't say those words explicitly. I had planned to say them. However, once in the bank and closing my accounts, I realized that the people working at the branch have almost nothing to do with the choices the company makes. They might even be Bank of America's biggest victims. It's impossible to know. But, I do know that they don't deserve any sort of righteous tongue-lashing. They deserve kindness and respect. So, I kept it simple and just closed my accounts without reason.
To be continued...
Join me later this week to find out where I choose to invest my powerful dollars instead!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Graydon Springs Outdoor Legacy
In creating a better world, it's not simply important to do your part; it's also important to encourage and support others in their endeavors toward a better world. To that end, I nominated Graydon Springs Outdoor Legacy for a Green Grant tonight. A few days ago, I received an out-of-the blue facebook message encouraging me to continue my 66 day challenge. It really made a difference to me because it's difficult to continue any kind of project without support from those around you. Encouragement let's people know that their actions are making a difference in positive ways, and it often re-energizes them to continue. This is why it's important to let other "world-improvers" know that you believe in what they're doing.
Encouragement is the fuel that feeds world improvement so that it can continue.
The person who wrote a facebook message to encourage me is one of the founders of GSOL. Ironically, I unexpectedly met some of the organization's other board members through a friend of mine last night as well. GSOL believes in community and environmental well-being, which are 2 concepts that I believe are key to creating a better world. AND, the members are so passionate! I really hope they reach their goals!
Good Luck, Graydon Springs Outdoor Legacy!
Encouragement is the fuel that feeds world improvement so that it can continue.
The person who wrote a facebook message to encourage me is one of the founders of GSOL. Ironically, I unexpectedly met some of the organization's other board members through a friend of mine last night as well. GSOL believes in community and environmental well-being, which are 2 concepts that I believe are key to creating a better world. AND, the members are so passionate! I really hope they reach their goals!
Good Luck, Graydon Springs Outdoor Legacy!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
A Good Day for Fishing
A local food bank hosted a food drive today. They coordinated with the post office to put plastic bags in the mailboxes of community members. Then, anyone wanting to donate could put non-perishable food items in the bag and leave it for the mailman to pick up and return to the food bank. It was easy. I didn't even go to the store and buy food just for the food drive; I simply took food out of my pantry and put it in the bag. All this is to say that sometimes you can make the world a better place by participating in things that are easy and were organized by someone else. Make no mistake, however, helping to feed the hungry is no small thing.
Hunger is often thought of as a problem that exists only in the developing world, meaning in Africa and other, faraway places we can't see. While it's true that a whopping 925 million people are hungry worldwide, most people don't realize that 1 in 6 Americans are also considered food insecure. Moreover, these hungry people are not just "lazy" adults; 1 in 4 American children are hungry.
"Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." This is a commonly heard mantra. And, though true, I think people often use this mantra as a reason to not be charitable. To not feed the hungry. But, the flip side of this proverb is that the physically debilitating effects of being hungry often render a person too weak to "fish" for himself or learn to "fish" for himself. Thus, hunger perpetuates hunger. That is to say, most people can't do much on an empty stomach let alone find a way to feed themselves and their children. I say, "Give a man a break. Give him a fish, then see where he goes from there!" :)
www.feedingamerica.org
Hunger is often thought of as a problem that exists only in the developing world, meaning in Africa and other, faraway places we can't see. While it's true that a whopping 925 million people are hungry worldwide, most people don't realize that 1 in 6 Americans are also considered food insecure. Moreover, these hungry people are not just "lazy" adults; 1 in 4 American children are hungry.
"Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." This is a commonly heard mantra. And, though true, I think people often use this mantra as a reason to not be charitable. To not feed the hungry. But, the flip side of this proverb is that the physically debilitating effects of being hungry often render a person too weak to "fish" for himself or learn to "fish" for himself. Thus, hunger perpetuates hunger. That is to say, most people can't do much on an empty stomach let alone find a way to feed themselves and their children. I say, "Give a man a break. Give him a fish, then see where he goes from there!" :)
www.feedingamerica.org
Friday, May 13, 2011
Day 14: And now for Friday's World Improving Act!
This afternoon, we went out of town to visit our families for the weekend. It occurred to me that our air conditioner does not need to be on at all during that time. So, today we turned it off, and it will remain off until Tuesday night. We also unplugged appliances and other things we won't be here to use but would otherwise continue to use energy while we are gone, such as the microwave and the computer not coming with us. Heating and cooling systems account for around 50% of average household energy use. The major culprits accounting for the majority of the other 50% are appliances, especially the dryer and the refrigerator. The refrigerator we left on for obvious reasons, and the dryer we left off for obvious reasons. See the chart on this page for specific estimates of energy usage culprits.
It's important to conserve household energy whenever possible, especially electric and gas energy, because the vast majority of households are powered by nonrenewable sources, such as coal or fuel from oil. What's more, the use of these energy sources contributes significantly to world air and water pollution. For example, coal creates acid rain when the sulfur dioxide emitted as it burns combines with water. (This, incidentally, further reduces the percentage of the earth's water that can be classified as drinkable.)
The average household is responsible for 11,200 pounds of air pollution a year, and each kilowatt of energy not used reduces this number. By turning unnecessary energy-users off, my apartment's pollution creation should be down by approximately 80% for the weekend! Huzzah!
The average household is responsible for 11,200 pounds of air pollution a year, and each kilowatt of energy not used reduces this number. By turning unnecessary energy-users off, my apartment's pollution creation should be down by approximately 80% for the weekend! Huzzah!
A World of Understanding
I'm Back! So sorry to keep you waiting for yesterday's post, but blogspot was 'read-only' for about 24 hours due to a technical difficulties.
I don’t want you to think that recycling is the only ‘g’ thang I do.
SO…
Today, I had a conversation with a couple women from Saudi Arabia. These women were in full head-to-toe garb, including the face covering, and they were wonderful people! In a room where it was just us women, they were able to remove their face coverings and reveal their beautiful faces and happy smiles. We talked about the differences in American and Arabic lifestyles. We talked about their husbands and my boyfriend. We talked about the roles of women in both societies. It was a fun conversation born out of pure curiosity without judgment or proselytizing.
It is important to have these types of conversations with people of races, backgrounds, values, and faiths different from your own, and it makes the world a better place. Through these conversations people can begin to see that other people are, in fact, people. No better or worse than you or anyone else. People laugh. People cry. People fume. People love. People want to be happy. Regardless of our differences, people have being human in common.
What would happen if we spoke with our enemies before labeling them as such? I once heard the director of a play say, “Even the bad guy thinks he’s the protagonist.”
How does a conversation make the world a better place? Conversations breed understanding. Understanding is the foundation of compassion, and compassion is the foundation of peace.
I don’t want you to think that recycling is the only ‘g’ thang I do.
SO…
Today, I had a conversation with a couple women from Saudi Arabia. These women were in full head-to-toe garb, including the face covering, and they were wonderful people! In a room where it was just us women, they were able to remove their face coverings and reveal their beautiful faces and happy smiles. We talked about the differences in American and Arabic lifestyles. We talked about their husbands and my boyfriend. We talked about the roles of women in both societies. It was a fun conversation born out of pure curiosity without judgment or proselytizing.
It is important to have these types of conversations with people of races, backgrounds, values, and faiths different from your own, and it makes the world a better place. Through these conversations people can begin to see that other people are, in fact, people. No better or worse than you or anyone else. People laugh. People cry. People fume. People love. People want to be happy. Regardless of our differences, people have being human in common.
What would happen if we spoke with our enemies before labeling them as such? I once heard the director of a play say, “Even the bad guy thinks he’s the protagonist.”
How does a conversation make the world a better place? Conversations breed understanding. Understanding is the foundation of compassion, and compassion is the foundation of peace.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
A Walk Across the Parking Lot
I live in an apartment complex that's part of a greater apartment community of several complexes all sharing a clubhouse and owned by the same company. I went to the clubhouse yesterday to request that the community start a recycling program only to find out that we already have one! I had no idea, and we've been living here almost a year. It's not the best recycling program. In fact, it's just a big, red bin with sections for cans, plastic, and cardboard nestled in one of the other complexes. Still, some kind of recycling program is better than no recycling program at all.
I have a theory as to why people don't recycle, and I don't think it's because they don't want to do it. I've come up with 3 main reasons people don't recycle. At least, these are the reasons I don't always recycle.
1) Trashcans are closer. If given a choice between tossing an empty beer bottle or a scrap of paper in a trashcan across the room or taking it to a recycling bin across the parking lot, most people choose to just throw it away.
2) Recycling requires sorting. If it wasn't for the sorting, trashcans could simply be replaced by recycling bins and then recycling would be the most convenient option.
3) People don't know where to take their recycling if they do make the effort to save it and sort it.
In response to number 3, it occurred to me that, if I didn't know we had recycling in this community, other residents probably don't know either. So, today, I made and laminated flyers to put by the dumpsters that let my neighbors know where the recycling bin is in our apartment community.
I'm still trying to think of practical ways to address reasons 2&3. Stay-tuned for updates on possible solutions to these problems. Also, please tell me if you have any ideas of your own!
I want this blog to be available as a forum for discussion on actions to improve the world.
I have a theory as to why people don't recycle, and I don't think it's because they don't want to do it. I've come up with 3 main reasons people don't recycle. At least, these are the reasons I don't always recycle.
1) Trashcans are closer. If given a choice between tossing an empty beer bottle or a scrap of paper in a trashcan across the room or taking it to a recycling bin across the parking lot, most people choose to just throw it away.
2) Recycling requires sorting. If it wasn't for the sorting, trashcans could simply be replaced by recycling bins and then recycling would be the most convenient option.
3) People don't know where to take their recycling if they do make the effort to save it and sort it.
In response to number 3, it occurred to me that, if I didn't know we had recycling in this community, other residents probably don't know either. So, today, I made and laminated flyers to put by the dumpsters that let my neighbors know where the recycling bin is in our apartment community.
I'm still trying to think of practical ways to address reasons 2&3. Stay-tuned for updates on possible solutions to these problems. Also, please tell me if you have any ideas of your own!
I want this blog to be available as a forum for discussion on actions to improve the world.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
John Hancock strikes again!
For the record, this blog is not intended to be political. In fact, it's meant to be as nonpartisan as possible. The purpose of this blog is simply to demonstrate that the world in which we live can be improved by doing small, easy things. I think that people generally feel powerless to enact any kind of change and so don't try. I want to show that people do have the ability to make changes, and that it isn't difficult to do. I believe that Goodness is not so much in whether or not one succeeds in making a difference but in whether or not one tries. That's all.:)
THAT said, I signed a petition today! It took a total of 30secs and was completely free. That's all it took to support a cause and help enact change! Petitions are a great way to get the word out about and garner support for a cause. Many people are afraid to put their name on petitions. I'm not sure why, but I say, if you believe in something, why not put your name on it? Change only occurs when people have the courage to speak out for what they believe.
I signed a petition here. It's a website showcasing petitions that focus on major issues.
Look here for an extensive list of victorious petitions! This is also a good website to use to get your own petition started for free.
THAT said, I signed a petition today! It took a total of 30secs and was completely free. That's all it took to support a cause and help enact change! Petitions are a great way to get the word out about and garner support for a cause. Many people are afraid to put their name on petitions. I'm not sure why, but I say, if you believe in something, why not put your name on it? Change only occurs when people have the courage to speak out for what they believe.
I signed a petition here. It's a website showcasing petitions that focus on major issues.
Look here for an extensive list of victorious petitions! This is also a good website to use to get your own petition started for free.
Monday, May 9, 2011
It's Raining Men!
I shaved my legs today. Of course, anyone who knows me (most anyone) knows that I shave my legs every day. I admit it. I can't help myself! However, usually I spend about 12 minutes in the shower, but today, I set a timer and shortened my shower to just under 7 minutes! 
I didn't skip anything. I even got to rinse the conditioner out of my hair! The average shower head uses 2.5-5 gallons of water per minute depending on your shower head, so I saved 17.5- 35 gallons of water simply by moving a little faster.
There's a lot of water in the world, but 97% of it is undrinkable salt water. 2% is frozen in ice caps, which leaves 1% of freshwater available for drinking. Of that 1%, half is too polluted to drink. So, it's important to conserve what's left and to keep it clean.
In the future, maybe I'll change our showerhead to one that has the same water pressure but uses less water and/or one that has an on-off switch on the side. For now, however, I'll see how it goes if I just find a new place to daydream.
Water statistics
water tips and tricks
www.water.org
P.S. Please make suggestions for things to do to make the world a better place!
I didn't skip anything. I even got to rinse the conditioner out of my hair! The average shower head uses 2.5-5 gallons of water per minute depending on your shower head, so I saved 17.5- 35 gallons of water simply by moving a little faster.There's a lot of water in the world, but 97% of it is undrinkable salt water. 2% is frozen in ice caps, which leaves 1% of freshwater available for drinking. Of that 1%, half is too polluted to drink. So, it's important to conserve what's left and to keep it clean.
In the future, maybe I'll change our showerhead to one that has the same water pressure but uses less water and/or one that has an on-off switch on the side. For now, however, I'll see how it goes if I just find a new place to daydream.
Water statistics
water tips and tricks
www.water.org
P.S. Please make suggestions for things to do to make the world a better place!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Honk if you Love NPR!
I learned about anesthesia today on NPR. That is to say, I was listening to NPR, and the topic was anesthesiology. They were discussing the effects that anesthesia has on the brain and what the brain does when a person is "under" for surgery.
I think that a lot of people typically think that npr is boring, but I actually think it's refreshing. For instance, the diversity of programming is far greater than that of privately owned radio stations who pander to specific audiences. True, I wasn't particularly interested in anesthesiology. However, I have been listening to NPR for a few weeks now, and the point is that every time I listen the programming is different. They have everything from news programs to stock updates to classical music to jazz to local news to interesting human stories to comedy shows. everything. The cool thing about NPR is that it doesn't exist to make a profit so the goal of it's programming isn't simply to increase their listening audience so they can sell more adds. NPR is focused on programming that is socially enhancing, community building, and informative. Contrary to popular belief, I think that, for this reason, NPR is one of few places one can go to obtain nonpartisan information. Of course, I concede that everyone has to make that call for themselves.
Still, regardless of partisanship, NPR is a great place to go for information about local events, off-the-beaten track news stories, and music with a minimal amount of commercial interference.
I like it!
P.S. I also called my Mom today. Making time for the people we love makes the world a better place. After all, what's the purpose of life without strong relationships? :)
I think that a lot of people typically think that npr is boring, but I actually think it's refreshing. For instance, the diversity of programming is far greater than that of privately owned radio stations who pander to specific audiences. True, I wasn't particularly interested in anesthesiology. However, I have been listening to NPR for a few weeks now, and the point is that every time I listen the programming is different. They have everything from news programs to stock updates to classical music to jazz to local news to interesting human stories to comedy shows. everything. The cool thing about NPR is that it doesn't exist to make a profit so the goal of it's programming isn't simply to increase their listening audience so they can sell more adds. NPR is focused on programming that is socially enhancing, community building, and informative. Contrary to popular belief, I think that, for this reason, NPR is one of few places one can go to obtain nonpartisan information. Of course, I concede that everyone has to make that call for themselves.
Still, regardless of partisanship, NPR is a great place to go for information about local events, off-the-beaten track news stories, and music with a minimal amount of commercial interference.
I like it!
P.S. I also called my Mom today. Making time for the people we love makes the world a better place. After all, what's the purpose of life without strong relationships? :)
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Move Over Aunt Jemima
Alas! So far, it has rained every time I've gone to the Farmer's Market. Of course, it has rained here almost every day for the last 4 weeks, so it's no surprise that it rained today. *sigh*
Anyway, Bloomington, like almost all other cities/towns in the US, has an awesome Farmer's Market during the summer months. (In LA, the farmer's markets are year-round. So, they might be year-round in other places, too.) Here, the market is open every saturday morning, and I love it! Even when it's raining...
Shopping at farmer's markets makes the world a better place in a lot of ways:
1) You buy directly from local growers, so the money stays in the local economy. As with local elections, your local economy actually has more direct impact on your life than state or national economies (I'll expand on this in another post, but, for now, I'll leave you with a cliff-hanger.). Plus, you can meet and talk with the growers themselves and, therefore, see who your money is supporting. At a grocery chain, your money is just a drop in a pot of corporate profits, but, to a family farmer, your money is their lifeline directly. Farmer's are struggling these days on account of corporate exploitation, so it makes a difference whether or not you buy from them. That's a well-spent $3 for a box of tomatoes!
2) By purchasing from Farmer's Markets, you can truly be aware of where your food is coming from and how it was produced. Local Growers are really interesting people to talk with, and they are usually happy to talk about their growing practices, chemicals used/not used, etc... Today, I met a man who was eager to tell me how to make sassafrass root tea!
3) Locally grown food does not have to travel as far as grocery chain food, and so, the environment is spared the fuel and other resources needed to transport food long distances.
4) The food at farmer's markets tastes better because it is fresher and can ripen "on the vine!"
5) Farmer's Markets are great centers of community! They are a vibrant place to meet new people and find out what your community has to offer. Often, markets are not just about food, local musicians play and other artists and organizations set up booths, as well. If nothing else, I like to go and just hang out.
I should also mention that shopping at farmer's markets is not noticeably more expensive than shopping at a grocery chain. In fact, the local growers are down-right reasonable.
Finally, I want to say that I tasted (and purchased) natural maple syrup today, and it was delicious! I thought it would be far too thick and unbearably sweet. However, it was not thicker than store-bought syrup, and it was slightly less sweet than its name-brand counter-parts. Somehow, it tasted fresh and even light, which I wouldn't have thought possible for syrup.
If you're interested, you can find a farmer's market here. Enjoy!
Anyway, Bloomington, like almost all other cities/towns in the US, has an awesome Farmer's Market during the summer months. (In LA, the farmer's markets are year-round. So, they might be year-round in other places, too.) Here, the market is open every saturday morning, and I love it! Even when it's raining...
Shopping at farmer's markets makes the world a better place in a lot of ways:
1) You buy directly from local growers, so the money stays in the local economy. As with local elections, your local economy actually has more direct impact on your life than state or national economies (I'll expand on this in another post, but, for now, I'll leave you with a cliff-hanger.). Plus, you can meet and talk with the growers themselves and, therefore, see who your money is supporting. At a grocery chain, your money is just a drop in a pot of corporate profits, but, to a family farmer, your money is their lifeline directly. Farmer's are struggling these days on account of corporate exploitation, so it makes a difference whether or not you buy from them. That's a well-spent $3 for a box of tomatoes!
2) By purchasing from Farmer's Markets, you can truly be aware of where your food is coming from and how it was produced. Local Growers are really interesting people to talk with, and they are usually happy to talk about their growing practices, chemicals used/not used, etc... Today, I met a man who was eager to tell me how to make sassafrass root tea!
3) Locally grown food does not have to travel as far as grocery chain food, and so, the environment is spared the fuel and other resources needed to transport food long distances.
4) The food at farmer's markets tastes better because it is fresher and can ripen "on the vine!"
5) Farmer's Markets are great centers of community! They are a vibrant place to meet new people and find out what your community has to offer. Often, markets are not just about food, local musicians play and other artists and organizations set up booths, as well. If nothing else, I like to go and just hang out.
I should also mention that shopping at farmer's markets is not noticeably more expensive than shopping at a grocery chain. In fact, the local growers are down-right reasonable.
Finally, I want to say that I tasted (and purchased) natural maple syrup today, and it was delicious! I thought it would be far too thick and unbearably sweet. However, it was not thicker than store-bought syrup, and it was slightly less sweet than its name-brand counter-parts. Somehow, it tasted fresh and even light, which I wouldn't have thought possible for syrup.
If you're interested, you can find a farmer's market here. Enjoy!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Day 7: Have a Beer with a Narwhal
Today, I got an oil change and a maintanance inspection. "Hold up!" you say. "Aren't cars and our dependence on oil bad for the world? Don't you remember BP and the Gulf of Mexico (BTW: another recent oil spoil)? Don't you know that they're expanding drilling to the arctic??? Aren't you concerned about the rich, arctic ecosystems? What about the polar bears? What about the narwhals!?!"
To you I say, "yes, I remember these things. And, yes, I'm absolutely concerned about polar bears and narwhals." HOWEVER, it's no big secret that our dependence on oil won't end overnight. It's also no big secret that many of us can't afford to run out and buy a new Nissan Leaf immediately. (Ideally, I would love to purchase a Nissan Leaf or a hybrid car.) In the meantime, I drive a '95 Honda Accord, and, as long as I drive a gas-powered vehicle, it's good for the world for me to take care of it for 2 reasons:
1) A well-maintained car is more fuel efficient, emits fewer air pollutants, and costs less money in repairs.
2) Regular maintenance extends the life of a car, which, in turn, reduces the number of unwanted cars that essentially become trash.
Still, in case you aren't satisfied with an oil change, here are some other 'G' thangs today:
Josh and I also purchased a 6-pack of New Belgium beer. New Belgium is known for being a model company with regards to social and environmental responsibility, so it's cool to support them. They make Fat Tire, but we're trying the Tripel tonight. I'll let you know how it is!
OH! I found out that Target carries a line of reusable gift bags for wrapping presents. They're only $1 more than paper gift bags, and they can be used as beach bags, lunch bags, purses, etc...after the present is opened rather than just being thrown away! Huzzah!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Desperately Seeking Dog
To begin, for anyone contemplating eating an entire apple (core and all!) but afraid to take the plunge, here's a tip: leave some of the meat (the sweet, white part) on the core, and eat the core starting at the bottom. :)
Today, I joined ASPCA! Am I planning to canvas neighborhoods or go door-to-door searching for abused/neglected animals? No, not at this point. I just don't have time. However, I do believe in the work that ASPCA does, so I think it's important to support them as I am able. Maybe someday I'll be able to give to them in more ways than a small monetary donation, but, for now, I hope that my gift encourages them to continue saving helpless animals.
Here's the thing: You don't have to have time for volunteering to be part of an organization. I feel that if you believe in the work an organization does, then the important thing is to let them know that you are in their corner. A donation not only gives them needed resources, it encourages them to continue doing good because it let's them know they are not alone in fighting for their cause. You are with them.
In a way, if I think of my hourly pay as my donation, then, it's like I worked 3 hours on behalf of aspca today! Personally, that makes my whole work day seem more meaningful.
Plus, I really want to adopt a dog. But, sadly, I'm not home enough to take care of one. So, giving to aspca is kind of the next best thing!
Other good organizations:
World Wildlife Fund
Kiva
CO-op America
Global Exchange
UNICEF
United for a Fair Economy
Human Rights Watch
20/20 Vision
Public Citizen
Center for a New American Dream
Today, I joined ASPCA! Am I planning to canvas neighborhoods or go door-to-door searching for abused/neglected animals? No, not at this point. I just don't have time. However, I do believe in the work that ASPCA does, so I think it's important to support them as I am able. Maybe someday I'll be able to give to them in more ways than a small monetary donation, but, for now, I hope that my gift encourages them to continue saving helpless animals.
Here's the thing: You don't have to have time for volunteering to be part of an organization. I feel that if you believe in the work an organization does, then the important thing is to let them know that you are in their corner. A donation not only gives them needed resources, it encourages them to continue doing good because it let's them know they are not alone in fighting for their cause. You are with them.
In a way, if I think of my hourly pay as my donation, then, it's like I worked 3 hours on behalf of aspca today! Personally, that makes my whole work day seem more meaningful.
Plus, I really want to adopt a dog. But, sadly, I'm not home enough to take care of one. So, giving to aspca is kind of the next best thing!
Other good organizations:
World Wildlife Fund
Kiva
CO-op America
Global Exchange
UNICEF
United for a Fair Economy
Human Rights Watch
20/20 Vision
Public Citizen
Center for a New American Dream
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Trash Free Lunch!
I have one of those jobs that requires me to bring my lunch every day, and, every day, I bring something ready-made and frozen. Easy? yes! Delicious? sometimes... good in a global sense? not really... :-/
The problem with food today is that most of it is cursed with excessive packaging. Is it necessary for my Enchilada Pie to be in a cardboard tray topped with plastic and in an additional cardboard box? uh...
Ok, most days I just eat a burrito, which is packaged in 1 simple layer of plastic. HOWEVER, a burrito every day would generate 365 plastic packages. If that number is altered to include the occasional package of cookies, yogurt, bottled water, or any other of the endless single serving options available in grocery stores today...I shudder to think of the trash produced. The average American creates 4.6 lbs of trash a day. That's a total of 230 million tons from the country in one year. Imagine if I just put all of it in a hole in my backyard. or in your backyard. After all, a landfill is, for all intents and purposes, just a hole in the ground with trash in it. Most people just aren't concerned because it's out-of-sight-out-of-mind. Unfortunately, landfills will eventually fill completely because holes by their very nature are finite. Where will we put our trash then?
Fortunately, 70% of our trash is reusabe or recyclable, and our trash production doesn't have to be as extreme as it is in the first place. The only cool extreme hobbies are extreme couponing or extreme angling (Actually, I love the show, RiverMonsters, truth be told.) Anyway, my point is that most food packaging is excess and, as such, is unnecessary trash. SO, today, I ate a trash free lunch: a chicken sandwich, which I carried in a reusable rubbermaid tub; an actual cup of water; and an apple whose core I ate. I didn't even use a napkin; I simply washed my hands and dried them with a towel. It was actually so easy to make my lunch trash free that I feel like I cheated on my good action today. But, then I remind myself how many plastic burrito wrappers and enchilada pie boxes will stay out of landfills if I keep this up, and suddenly trash-free lunch doesn't seem so insignificant. Maybe I'll get a snazzy lunchbox!
P.S. Click on the word recyclable. It's a quick read, and the statistics are a little mind-blowing.
The problem with food today is that most of it is cursed with excessive packaging. Is it necessary for my Enchilada Pie to be in a cardboard tray topped with plastic and in an additional cardboard box? uh...
Ok, most days I just eat a burrito, which is packaged in 1 simple layer of plastic. HOWEVER, a burrito every day would generate 365 plastic packages. If that number is altered to include the occasional package of cookies, yogurt, bottled water, or any other of the endless single serving options available in grocery stores today...I shudder to think of the trash produced. The average American creates 4.6 lbs of trash a day. That's a total of 230 million tons from the country in one year. Imagine if I just put all of it in a hole in my backyard. or in your backyard. After all, a landfill is, for all intents and purposes, just a hole in the ground with trash in it. Most people just aren't concerned because it's out-of-sight-out-of-mind. Unfortunately, landfills will eventually fill completely because holes by their very nature are finite. Where will we put our trash then?
Fortunately, 70% of our trash is reusabe or recyclable, and our trash production doesn't have to be as extreme as it is in the first place. The only cool extreme hobbies are extreme couponing or extreme angling (Actually, I love the show, RiverMonsters, truth be told.) Anyway, my point is that most food packaging is excess and, as such, is unnecessary trash. SO, today, I ate a trash free lunch: a chicken sandwich, which I carried in a reusable rubbermaid tub; an actual cup of water; and an apple whose core I ate. I didn't even use a napkin; I simply washed my hands and dried them with a towel. It was actually so easy to make my lunch trash free that I feel like I cheated on my good action today. But, then I remind myself how many plastic burrito wrappers and enchilada pie boxes will stay out of landfills if I keep this up, and suddenly trash-free lunch doesn't seem so insignificant. Maybe I'll get a snazzy lunchbox!
P.S. Click on the word recyclable. It's a quick read, and the statistics are a little mind-blowing.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
No Chad Left Hanging
My story today is tragic. I tried to vote in a local, primary, mayoral election and was turned away. Apparently, though my address says Bloomington, my voting district is is not actually in the city. Therefore, I'm not qualified to vote in city elections. *sigh*
My disappointment aside, it's important to take advantage of opportunities to vote in local elections. Most people skip local elections, and I think it's because they think local elections have little bearing on their lives and, therefore, don't matter. In actuality, the opposite is true. Local elections actually effect our lives more directly than state and national elections because they're local. If they don't effect you and the community you live in, then who do they effect? They have to effect someone... Moreover, local elections are often decided by a seeming handful of votes because the pool of voters is small compared to that of state and national elections. This means a person's vote holds more weight in local elections than in any other election. To recap: your vote has more power and more direct effect on your life in local elections than in other elections. So, why do most people skip them?
As for primary elections: people often complain that they don't vote in general elections because they don't like any of the candidates. Primary elections give voters the opportunity to choose their general election options. www.votesmart.org
Don't worry, readers, I didn't skip my world bettering action of the day. I wasn't thwarted just because I didn't get to vote! Josh and I get coffee and a snack almost every day. Today, we drove a little farther and went to a not-for-profit coffee shop. All funds taken in at this business go to helping others. For example, they are currently donating all profits to relief efforts in Japan. Our purchase totaled about $8, which isn't much. BUT, there were probably 30 other customers having coffee and a snack at the same time, and we were only there 20 minutes. Imagine if all of those people went all day every day. The good adds up fast. :)
My disappointment aside, it's important to take advantage of opportunities to vote in local elections. Most people skip local elections, and I think it's because they think local elections have little bearing on their lives and, therefore, don't matter. In actuality, the opposite is true. Local elections actually effect our lives more directly than state and national elections because they're local. If they don't effect you and the community you live in, then who do they effect? They have to effect someone... Moreover, local elections are often decided by a seeming handful of votes because the pool of voters is small compared to that of state and national elections. This means a person's vote holds more weight in local elections than in any other election. To recap: your vote has more power and more direct effect on your life in local elections than in other elections. So, why do most people skip them?
As for primary elections: people often complain that they don't vote in general elections because they don't like any of the candidates. Primary elections give voters the opportunity to choose their general election options. www.votesmart.org
Don't worry, readers, I didn't skip my world bettering action of the day. I wasn't thwarted just because I didn't get to vote! Josh and I get coffee and a snack almost every day. Today, we drove a little farther and went to a not-for-profit coffee shop. All funds taken in at this business go to helping others. For example, they are currently donating all profits to relief efforts in Japan. Our purchase totaled about $8, which isn't much. BUT, there were probably 30 other customers having coffee and a snack at the same time, and we were only there 20 minutes. Imagine if all of those people went all day every day. The good adds up fast. :)
Monday, May 2, 2011
Earthworm Jim vs. the Gasoline Industry
In an effort to encourage environmental and social responsibililty in commerce, I did a bit of research today and consciously chose a gas station to support with my business instead of simply filling up at the gas station closest to my apartment. (Disclaimer: I wish it was possible for me to not drive at all, but we all know that it's impossible to live without a car in most american towns/cities) To that end, I found this website, which ranks and grades the major gas companies based on environmental and social factors! alas, none of the companies earned an 'A' by the standards of the Better World Handbook! Still, my honda accord was desperately seeking a fuel up, so I sought out a Sunoco (B+). Not only did I find a Sunoco (with the help of the ever-handsome Josh), I found a sunoco at a co-op, which is even better! Co-op definition and directory
Consciously choosing where and what we spend our money on is good for the world because businesses need consumer money to survive. In a way, every dollar that you spend is like a vote for that business. (This isn't my original analogy. It's from the Better World Handbook.) If we vote for companies that use sweatshops and child labor or take from the environment without any care for what the negative impacts might be, then we are endorsing these irresponsible practices. Capitalism is supposed to naturally safeguard against these abuses because capitalism assumes that people won't buy from companies they don't support. Unfortunately, most people don't think to care what their money might be supporting, which is like voting for president with a dartboard. Today, I used $30 to vote for Sunoco instead of my usual Marathon.
I also saved an earthworm today. He was drowning in a puddle, so I put him on higher ground. If you doubt the planetary benefits of earthworms, then I present you with Exhibit A- a website dedicated to educating the masses about worms! I know saving one worm might not make much of a difference in the long run, but it did make a difference to that one worm. :)
Consciously choosing where and what we spend our money on is good for the world because businesses need consumer money to survive. In a way, every dollar that you spend is like a vote for that business. (This isn't my original analogy. It's from the Better World Handbook.) If we vote for companies that use sweatshops and child labor or take from the environment without any care for what the negative impacts might be, then we are endorsing these irresponsible practices. Capitalism is supposed to naturally safeguard against these abuses because capitalism assumes that people won't buy from companies they don't support. Unfortunately, most people don't think to care what their money might be supporting, which is like voting for president with a dartboard. Today, I used $30 to vote for Sunoco instead of my usual Marathon.
I also saved an earthworm today. He was drowning in a puddle, so I put him on higher ground. If you doubt the planetary benefits of earthworms, then I present you with Exhibit A- a website dedicated to educating the masses about worms! I know saving one worm might not make much of a difference in the long run, but it did make a difference to that one worm. :)
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Day 2: Recycle, Reduce, Reuse and CLOTHES the loop
Let me begin by saying that I'm thrilled to have my first follower! Thanks for your support! :)
This morning, I got up and sorted all of my clothes into 2 categories: clothes to keep and clothes to donate. I tried to be really honest with myself about what I will and will not wear again, which is hard because it's possible for me to wear most things in my closet again. Still, I think most people can commiserate with me when I say that I get bored with my clothes. I buy new clothes at least every 6 months and, at any given period of my life, I only actually wear my favorite 20 articles with any sort of regularity. As it turns out, producing clothes to meet this kind of demand is a significant strain on the environment. Plus, it means that there are a lot of wearable clothes taking up space and even spilling out of my closet not being used while others in the world struggle to clothe themselves and their children. What a waste!
I did 2 things with my 'Clothes to donate:'
1) I took a pair of jeans to Plato's Closet for resell. http://www.platoscloset.com/ Honestly, I was really impressed with Plato's Closet. They paid me $5.85 for 1 pair of jeans and resold most clothes for $6-$12. Their selection was huge and stylish, and the clothes were in shockingly good condition. Many items even still had original tags on them. In the future, I've decided that I will go there first if I want new clothes. In this way, I will save money and the strain on the environment needed to produce brand new clothes while still changing up my wardrobe enough to keep me from getting bored.
2) I put the rest of my 'Clothes to Donate' in a Gaia Movement bin, which I found at a local grocery store. Most donated clothes in these bins get sent to third world countries to clothe the world's poorest, but all of it is used in some way that is beneficial to society and the environment. Even clothes that can't be re-used can be and are recycled. It turns out that textiles are almost 100% recyclable. This webpage also has information on the specific environmental resources needed to produce 1 pair of pants. It's pretty shocking how wasteful it is to continually produce new clothes-85% of which are never recycled.
Another option for seeing that used clothes go to a good cause is Goodwill of course, which has locations and donation drop-offs nationwide. I'm not sure why I didn't choose this option. I just didn't. *shrug.*
To better the world today, I also chose to buy applesauce in a glass jar instead of a plastic jar because glass is FAR more recyclabe than plastic. I know I'm only supposed to do one thing a day. But, I needed applesauce today not tomorrow, and this just seemed like the right thing to do.
Incidentally, I also registered myself for the national 'Do Not Call' list yesterday. I'm not sur if this really betters the world as a whole, but it definitely betters my personal world. haha
This morning, I got up and sorted all of my clothes into 2 categories: clothes to keep and clothes to donate. I tried to be really honest with myself about what I will and will not wear again, which is hard because it's possible for me to wear most things in my closet again. Still, I think most people can commiserate with me when I say that I get bored with my clothes. I buy new clothes at least every 6 months and, at any given period of my life, I only actually wear my favorite 20 articles with any sort of regularity. As it turns out, producing clothes to meet this kind of demand is a significant strain on the environment. Plus, it means that there are a lot of wearable clothes taking up space and even spilling out of my closet not being used while others in the world struggle to clothe themselves and their children. What a waste!
I did 2 things with my 'Clothes to donate:'
1) I took a pair of jeans to Plato's Closet for resell. http://www.platoscloset.com/ Honestly, I was really impressed with Plato's Closet. They paid me $5.85 for 1 pair of jeans and resold most clothes for $6-$12. Their selection was huge and stylish, and the clothes were in shockingly good condition. Many items even still had original tags on them. In the future, I've decided that I will go there first if I want new clothes. In this way, I will save money and the strain on the environment needed to produce brand new clothes while still changing up my wardrobe enough to keep me from getting bored.
2) I put the rest of my 'Clothes to Donate' in a Gaia Movement bin, which I found at a local grocery store. Most donated clothes in these bins get sent to third world countries to clothe the world's poorest, but all of it is used in some way that is beneficial to society and the environment. Even clothes that can't be re-used can be and are recycled. It turns out that textiles are almost 100% recyclable. This webpage also has information on the specific environmental resources needed to produce 1 pair of pants. It's pretty shocking how wasteful it is to continually produce new clothes-85% of which are never recycled.
Another option for seeing that used clothes go to a good cause is Goodwill of course, which has locations and donation drop-offs nationwide. I'm not sure why I didn't choose this option. I just didn't. *shrug.*
To better the world today, I also chose to buy applesauce in a glass jar instead of a plastic jar because glass is FAR more recyclabe than plastic. I know I'm only supposed to do one thing a day. But, I needed applesauce today not tomorrow, and this just seemed like the right thing to do.
Incidentally, I also registered myself for the national 'Do Not Call' list yesterday. I'm not sur if this really betters the world as a whole, but it definitely betters my personal world. haha
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