The Plastic Predicament

The Plastic Predicament: A Journey from Zero Waste to “Oh My!”

A few years ago, I proudly declared my commitment to a near-zero-waste lifestyle, famously whittling my monthly trash down to a single can. Then COVID-19 arrived, and with it, the undeniable convenience of online shopping. While the pandemic spurred a lot of changes, it also, perhaps inadvertently, created a new challenge for my eco-conscious efforts.

Fast forward to today: I’m happy to report that my online shopping habits have significantly decreased – woohoo for less packaging! However, as I’ve gotten a bit older, I’ve noticed a subtle shift in my kitchen preferences. My grip strength isn’t what it used to be, and subconsciously, I’ve been gravitating away from breakable reusables. I hadn’t even truly noticed the trend until a recent visitor pointed it out with a surprised exclamation: “Wow, you have a lot of plasticware!”

The Unintended Collection

That comment hit me. How did that happen? My cupboards are now brimming with Rubbermaid, silicone, Tupperware, Melmac, and even Ziploc bags that I’ve been diligently reusing. The irony wasn’t lost on me: I wasn’t throwing out plastics; I was hoarding them in my kitchen, reusing them, and, by extension, regularly ingesting whatever might be leaching from them. Oops.

This revelation spurred a deeper dive into my home. The kitchen was just the beginning. I found plastic items everywhere – cleaning product bottles, brushes, storage containers in the bathrooms. “Oh my!” was right. What was I to do now?

Navigating the “Now What?”

Here’s the rub: I certainly don’t want to simply toss all this plastic, contributing to the ever-growing landfills. But at the same time, the thought of these items continuing to leach plasticizers into my immediate surroundings doesn’t sit well with me either.

After some thought, I’ve decided on a pragmatic approach: I’m choosing to donate them to my local Buy Nothing group.

Is this truly “environmentally friendly”? Perhaps not in the purest sense of the word. I’m not eliminating the plastic; I’m simply re-homing it. However, I believe there’s a valuable, albeit imperfect, silver lining. Others who are actively buying these types of products (as I, too, was until recently) can gladly reuse what I’m passing on. In a way, I’m hoping to reduce the demand for new plastic product creation. Or at least, that’s what I’ll tell myself!

This journey has been a humbling reminder that living a truly low-waste life is a continuous process of awareness, adaptation, and sometimes, compromise. It’s about progress, not perfection.

Trees Talk

The following article was reprinted reprinted from June 26, 2023 article at Global Tree Initiative (plantgrowsave.org).

Mushrooms: The Internet of Trees

By Patty Rangel

In recent years, scientists have discovered that mushrooms are much more than just a tasty addition to your favorite dish. In fact, they are the “Internet of trees” – a vast network ofunderground fungi that connects trees and other plants in a similar way to how the Internet connects people.

The research on the “internet of trees” began in the 1990s, when Canadian ecologist Suzanne Simard discovered that trees in a forest were connected through a vast network of underground mycorrhizal fungi known as the “wood wide web”. They attach themselves to the tree’s roots and help it to absorb nutrients from the soil in exchange for sugars produced by the tree’s photosynthesis.

The mycorrhizal network is made up of microscopic filaments called hyphae, which connect the roots of different plants and trees. These hyphae act like an underground internet, allowing plants to exchange nutrients, water, and even hormones. For example, if one tree is under stress due to drought or disease, it can send out hormones to warn other nearby trees of the danger. The other trees can then prepare themselves for the impending threat. But it’s not just trees that are connected through these underground networks. These fungi form a mutually beneficial relationship with trees and other plants, including shrubs, herbs, and even grasses. This means that entire ecosystems are linked together!

Human beings can help trees and mushrooms by practicing “mycorestoration” in regenerative projects. With the Global Tree Initiative working towards reforestation and preserving natural habitats, it is important to share how mycorestoration can supply innovative ways to mitigate the impact of human activities. Fungi are natural decomposers that break down complex organic matter, like dead trees, into simpler compounds that can be absorbed by plants. This decomposition process is crucial for the health of our forests, as it contributes to nutrient cycling, soil formation, and carbon sequestration. By introducing native fungi species into areas where deforestation has occurred, we can help regenerate soil and support the growth of new trees. Fungi form symbiotic relationships with tree roots, improving their ability to absorb water and nutrients. This increased access to resources accelerates tree growth and improves their resilience to stress, such as drought or disease.

Fostering sustainable communities through mycorestoration can be conducted through global partnerships that promote ecology within Ecovillage Design Education (EDE’s). The Global Ecovillage Network‘s presence in five continents and in over 8000 communities around the planet, helps the regenerative approach to community building and preservation of existing forests. By promoting sustainable land management practices and reducing our reliance on extractive industries, ecovillages can help prevent deforestation and protect the habitats of countless plant and animal species.

In conclusion, the integration of mycorestoration and ecovillage principles can significantly contribute to the Global Tree Initiative’s mission to protect and restore our planet’s forests. By utilizing the power of fungi and promoting sustainable living practices,

We can create resilient ecosystems that support both human communities and the natural environment. As an advocate for these principles, I am proud to be a part of the global movement to regenerate our forests and cultivate a sustainable future for us all.

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Patty Rangel is a 2022 GEN (Global Ecovillage Network) representative to the United Nations Environment Program (General Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya), a graduate of the United Nations Summer Intensive Program (UN Headquarters in New York City), Honorary Burning Man Earth Guardian, and a member of EcoVillages in France, Italy, Mexico, and the USA. Patty is passionate about ARTivism and empowering Indigenous Nations. She has beeninvolved with GEN since 2007.

DRAT

Just spent half a day creating and editing new home page. Added pics and text and buttons and really liked it so far. Even saved it and yet the entire page is lost, nowhere to find it. Titled it WELCOME but the draft version of “welcome” only has that word and no more.

Yep, do not have the energy to start all over, so this site stays as it is for now. Have compassion for those of us volunteering to do what we can for the greater good but are not wholly tech savvy.

I strive to persevere. I will update this old site to show what we do now. I will even add videos of our work. Not today!

Top 25 Acts (to do from home) to Conserve Earth!

This year’s Earth Day theme is Our Power, Our Planet. You can invest time, energy, resources or funds to make our global environment better. For these days until Earth Day spread the word and as MJ says: Make That Change. Here’s a list to make the greatest positive impact on our globe. Some you can do from your couch.

Research Your Food. Of coarse, this first one is a couchable act. Pull 5 items you normally buy. Then look up the manufacturer for earth friendly practices. If they are being sued for unsafe disposal or employee unfairness – Change Brands!
Start Recycling. Most people support recycling, but do you really DO it? The EPA reported on November 2020 only 32% of Americans recycle. A couchable approach is to find out online exactly what your local trash collector accepts in that recyclable bin. You may be amazed.
Recycle More. If you are in USA’s 32% that is doing the deed – Do more. Don’t throw away that can or bottle because of food residue. Put it in the dishwasher, then throw in recycle bin. More items are recyclable now than before. Research new ways to reuse/recycle and find out what else you can put in that bin.
Research Your Trash. Since we’re on the subject, where does your trash end up? Yes, this too can be done from your couch. Check out what happens when trash leaves your home by going to company website. Some waste haulers changed tactics as China refused plastic disposal. Where does your local hauler dump, burn or bury?
Minimize Plastic Waste. Each year over 8 million metric tons of plastic is dumped in oceans. Microplastic particles are endangering marine life. Check out Earth Day Network to find other ways you can help.
Buy Less Packaging. Buy bulk product or choose option that have just the bare minimum non-recyclable packaging. The more packaging you buy the more you need to throw away. That leads to the next action.
Avoid individually wrapped ANYTHING. It may have made lunch or travel packing easier but is all that wrapping really useful. If it was for meals, consider investing in a reusable bento box with compartments for food items. If it was for travel, washable travel bags also have easy access easy clean compartments.
Voice a Complaint. Do it from your couch. Call and complain about local users of take-out styrofoam containers. Ask manager to change to paper or cardboard take-out options. Call back to see if they took action and praise any positive change.
Praise Positive Earth Action.
Start a Vegetable Garden. No need for access to open land – use containers. Grow your veggies indoors near a sunny window. Plant only what you will really eat. Change garden plants each season to have fresh food all year long.
Create a Community Garden. Call your neighbors to share ideas, seeds, produce and more from doorstep to doorstep.
Start a Compost Pile/Bin. A handy addition to any garden, compost can help fertilize what you grow. Also compost is cheaper than store bought fertilizer that may contain unsavory additions to your local earth.
Change Toothbrush/Hairbrush to natural or recycled products. Sadly, these items are still packaged in plastic when newly purchased but it is a start.
Use Biodegradable Cleaning Products. Read labels of cleaners you now have for kitchen, bathroom and laundry. Is it safe for you, your children, our Earth? Some simple items are extremely effective cleaners such as vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, citrus and thyme. Check out products by Mrs. Meyer’s, Seventh Generation, Simple Green, Method, JR Watkins, ECOS and others.
Spay/Neuter Your Pets. Also Trap-Neuter-Return wild community cats for humane care of overpopulation. Feral cats pose biodiversity challenges globally. Nearly 100 MILLION feral, formerly domestic, cats live in the US. Feral cats usually die from starvation, contagious disease or injury. Help them. #DoGood.
Join a Clean Up Day. Find a local group or government sponsored effort to clean you region. Volunteer to start small by taking the family out to clean up your block.
Start a Cleanup Day. Start a clean up of your neighborhood or a nearby road or highway. Remember Earth Day is Everyday add your clean up to EarthDay.org map
Look B4U Buy. Check where clothes, housewares and other purchases are made. When shopping online, a couchable act, do a little digging. Find out what the items are made from before purchase. Buy clothing for long term, not one time use. If it is not from a sustainable source don’t buy it.
Eat Local. This may seem an odd for Earth act, but it decreases travel pollution and packaging needs. Plus it supports your neighbors and your community. Win-Win.
Join a local Buy Nothing group. Another way to reuse, recycle and minimize consumer culture.
Consciously Buy Food. Find items that are sustainable. Look for labels that state Fair Trade, Rainforest Certified, Dolphin Safe, etc.
Plant/Care for a Tree. Trees help minimize carbon pollution. Guardians Around The Earth and nonprofits like us offer ongoing tree support. GATE works toward Central California reforestation through reseeding locally sourced tree seeds. Donate to our efforts here. Also larger nonprofits like Arbor Day Foundation, One Tree Planted, Trees for the Future and others help reforest our Earth one tree at a time.
Donate Time/Funds. Donate your volunteer time or monetary contribution to an Earth friendly nonprofit right now. Give to us at Guardians Around The Earth. Give to others – search online to find an organization you love. Every donation is greatly appreciated.

Share what action you take to conserve Earth. Tell a friend. Post a comment. Share on our Facebook page. Whatever action you do our Earth will be better for it.

Wasteful Woes

by Marisa Folse 1Sep2022

Years ago I made a pledge to reduce household waste and carbon footprint. I am happy to report I take out trashcan only once a month for pick up, a big change from weekly dumping. Now however, I notice a distressing personal trash trend. It is what I call Shy-Based Petro.

Admittedly, I am exceedingly, even painfully shy. Hard to tell as my work of choice requires me to interact daily with numerous people. Yet, each day I return home to release, recover, refocus. You may think COVID shutdowns were great for shy-sods like me. But no, for some post-COVID anxiety of socializing with others is WORSE. My COVID experience was different during these past few years; I was one of many workers NOT experiencing a shutdown. I worked away from home the entire time, driving each workday on nearly vacant roadways.

But let me get back to household waste woes. A recent article shows COVID-based needs increased waste and single-use plastics by nearly 300% from pre-COVID production. Think about it, all those disposable PPE – masks, gloves and hand sanitizer bottles. But I digress from my topic.

Photo by Kampus Production on Pexels.com

COVID restrictions make it easier to shop in new ways without face-to-face interactions. Win-win for shy folk. Online shopping, self check outs, prepackaged deli and butcher items make it possible to do errands without coming face-to-face with another human. My dilemma – THIS SHY SHOPPING PATH BOOSTS PLASTIC TRASH!

Plastic is Everywhere. How can we take action?
Online purchases may contain plastic wrap and tape. Ask before buying and choose companies with ethical packaging.
Avoid store purchases individually wrapped in plastic.
Be conscious of purchase packaging. One bulk bag is less than many little plastic bags.
Talk to butcher instead of choosing pre-wrapped items! Ask for meat and fish in plastic-free wrapping.

Too shy to talk to butcher, I choose prepackaged cuts entirely wrapped in plastic. Household items ordered online arrive with plastic padding in the shipped boxes. Even conscious choices of cardboard boxed purchases instead of plastic reveals plastic inner liners containing contents. Drat this shy business!

So, even though my trash quantity is less, a larger percentage of it is now plastic. I make lots of changes to reduce plastic. Household sponges are walnut. Toothbrushes and similar items are bamboo. Global impact is more important than my shyness comfort. I MUST make a change. Here are a few new efforts to embrace.

New ways to focus plastic reduction efforts:

Change bottle soaps, shampoos and conditioners back to bars.
Change laundry and dish soap to dry types in plastic-free containers.
Decrease plastic wraps and cellophane. Encourage others to do the same.
Choose PPE that is NOT plastic based or individually wrapped.