The world is depending on you: don't be lazy!

(Caution, rant ahead!  Don’t worry, it’ll be short)

Look, unless we here in the ‘land of convenience’ start PAYING ATTENTION, the entire planet will become one big garbage patch.  Not just a Texas-sized patch in the Pacific ocean, but one day we’ll wake up and all of the oceans and the continents will be one big pile of plastic crap. 

Translation:  STOP BEING LAZY!

This is Satya, baby (see my last post)

Let’s face it, most Americans are lazy.  I know, that may ruffle some feathers.  But don’t you agree?  

We jump in our SUVs to go around the corner to the store (maybe we’d be a little thinner if we walked), we throw stuff away when we know it can be recycled, we take a pill for things that could be fixed if we just ate right and exercised (oh, but that would be so hard…).   We sit our kids in front of the TV instead of engaging or reading to them, we buy pre-made pre-packaged ready-to-eat food (devoid of nutrients) because we are too lazy to cook! We buy millions of bottles of water when we could just use one and refill it.  We want our fast food/coffee/dry cleaning at the drive-through window NOW, and we want to be able to take home what’s left of the ENORMOUS portion we couldn’t finish at the restaurant, in a styrofoam container.  Oh, and of course, it all has to be wrapped in plastic, in a plastic cup or in a plastic bag, for our convenience.  AAAAAHHHHH!

Hell, most people are too lazy to even proof their posts on Facebook!  Don’t the typos (even from very intelligent people) drive you crazy?!?  Learn the difference between there and their, your and you’re, people!   But I digress… 

OK, I know, not everyone is like that, and a lot of it depends on where you live in this great big country of ours.  But we all know some smart, aware people who still do really lazy things.   Heaven forbid they make an effort to bring their own bags when shopping, or not buy that plastic water bottle – for future generations’ sake!  Denial makes it all so easy: if you pretend not to know how bad the thing is you’re putting in your mouth, or how toxic the stuff is you’re ‘throwing away,’ then it’s all ok, right?  Hey, don’t kid yourself with that urban myth that nothing really gets recycled, and it’s just a way for the government to make you feel good.  Recycling happens, and thank the gods it does or we would all be living like slumdog millionaires… 

We all need to PAY ATTENTION to what we buy, and what we do with the stuff it comes wrapped in.  Here’s a great guide to reducing your waste-line. 

Save the world – Stop using so much plastic 

Almost everything comes in plastic these days. However, there are only a few types of plastic that can be recycled – or rather that recycling centers can reasonably profit from and recycle easily. The number on the bottom of the container tells all.  And you know from my previous posts that plastic ‘thrown away’ is ending up in the oceans, and leaching toxic chemicals wherever it ends up. 

Those ubiquitous red-on-the-outside-white-on-the-inside plastic cups everyone uses for parties?  Not recyclable (#6).   That plastic sushi box from the supermarket?  Not recyclable (#6).  

Most bottled water containers are recyclable (#1), but don’t be so lazy! There is so much info out there about how un-pure bottled water is: multiple studies have shown that most of it is just tap water, and most tap water is actually ok. 

In addition, poor countries are having to fight to keep their access to water because we in the ‘developed’ world think it’s so cool to keep buying and tossing those bottles of clear stuff. MILLIONS of bottles are bought, drunk and tossed each month. Do you REALLY need another bottle, or could you possibly bring yourself to reuse the last one you wasted your money on? Better yet, get one that doesn’t have any BPA  in it, and carry it in your car or your cool messenger bag.  It really doesn’t weigh much when empty…

Look at the symbol on the bottom of the plastic container before you buy.  

If the container you are holding is type 3, 6 or 7, DON’T BUY that product!  Not only is that packaging more toxic that the others, but it is most likely not accepted by any recycling centers. 

Here’s a guide to what your plastics are:

• #1 – PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate) - recyclable
• #2 – HDPE (high density polyethylene) - recyclable
• #3 – V or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) - Bad!  Rarely recyclable, and toxic if heated or burned! 
• #4 – LDPE (low density polyethylene) - recyclable:  shopping bags, dry cleaning bags
• #5 – PP (polypropylene) - rarely recycled: yogurt, some margarine containers – take ‘em to Whole Foods! (see below)
• #6 – PS (polystyrene – “styrofoam”, and other)  - rarely recycled;  take ‘em to Publix! (see below)
• #7 – Other (bad) – not recyclable, could be any number of poly-combos.  Known to leach hormone disruptors (into your food if you use this type for storage!)

And if you are buying plastic cups and plates for your party or picnic, STOP!  Paper is just as good. If I had my way, plastic and polystyrene ‘disposable’ plates and cups would be banned.  If you need another reason to boycott Target, here’s one: most stores only carry plastic ‘picnic’ plates and cups. Not a paper one in sight. And they do not carry ANY paper products that are recycled (paper towels, tissues, TP, etc.). In every “Win a $5000 gift card!” survey I’ve filled out for them, I always put ‘please carry paper products that are made from recycled content!’  And I always tell the managers, but they obviously don’t listen.  

Just because you put it in the recycling bin, doesn’t mean it can/will be recycled.  

Here, in the city limits of Orlando, FL, they accept plastics #1 & #2 in the bins, and that’s it!  In our county, in addition to above, they take #3 & #7 only if they have a neck (!) – but for some unknown reason the city does not.  Whole Foods has a bin for #5, (which includes Brita water filters!) but that means you actually have to make an effort to take them there!  Check with your city/county for recycling service info. 

Do you eat out a lot?  

All those polystyrene (‘styrofoam’) to-go containers are killing the planet (and possibly you). Some cities are banning its use, since it is rarely recycled, 'lives forever'  and ends up as pollution.  Did you know that you should NEVER heat up polystyrene (the toxic chemicals in it bleed into your food very quickly), and that means not using polystyrene plates/containers for hot food. Remember when all the fast food chains used polystyrene for their burgers? If they stopped using it, everyone can!

1. Ask the managers of your favorite restaurants to use paper to-go containers 
2. DON”T TOSS THE CONTAINERS IN THE TRASH!  Make the effort to rinse them out and take them to Publix the next time you go shopping.
3. Urge your city/county leaders to ban polystyrene containers

In Florida, Publix is about the only place that takes polystyrene containers. The bins are always right by the front door.  While you’re at it, take your plastic bags for recycling, too. 

You should never use ANY type of plastic in the microwave – sorry Tupperware.  Although the FDA says that some plastic is safe to microwave, ever wonder why cancer, obesity, and all sorts of other diseases have risen so quickly in the past few years? How many people eat food everyday from little plastic containers they heat up in the microwave??  Hmmm…the 'L word' (lazy) pops into mind…  speaking of lazy, for God’s sake, don’t use those Keurig coffee makers!  They are a waste of space that only serve to give you one cup of coffee and a little plastic gift that will keep on giving for hundreds of years (don’t fall into the denial phase once you’ve thrown it ‘away!’).

Be grateful for all the choices we have – but read the labels on the packaging you buy, so you can make smart choices. 


You'll be helping yourself in the long and short runs. 

And don't forget:  the world is depending on you!

Now go put those bottles in the recycling bin 

(but only if they’re #1 or #2)!!!

Good links

Encouraging news for Cub’s fans!

More on packaging awareness - the 6 least recyclable packing types

Great comprehensive (and short) recycling guide

If Barbados can do it, so can we 

Guide to plastic symbols

If your workplace uses plastic cups with the water cooler, do this

Recycling urban myths busted

Recycling symbol photos from lstock. All other photos by me.

Saving the World, Part Deux: Start Within

Stop.

Be still. 

Look within. 

Stop thinking about recycling, oil spills or plastic bags for a minute… (hey, I was thinking that, too!)

Time to get a little philosophical, people.  

If you’re going to help save the world, you have to start with yourself.

When was the last time you spent a significant amount of time with yourself?  Just you and your thoughts, no distractions:  no iPod, no BlackBerry, no kids, no TV, no computer… More importantly, no wheels turning about what you ‘should’ be doing, or planning for the next activity.  

Try your workout or your commute without your iPod once in a while. Stop doing for a minute and just be. Slow down. Be in the present. Think about you. Try yoga, or meditation. Or just write your feelings in a journal.  “Soul searching” is just that, and it’s good for you. 

Now don’t tune out and think I’ve gone all new-agey, or I want you to sing Kumbaya with me.  I don’t claim to be an expert – there are enough self-help books out there to fill the Grand Canyon if you want ‘em.  But it is a fundamental truth:  if you don’t make yourself happy, nothing else will. (No lover, new car, piece of jewelry, handbag, or pair of shoes will do it)

It all begins with you.  If you’re centered and feeling good everything else falls into place. Being happy with yourself allows you to wish others happiness and ultimately recognize the importance of making sure the planet (and the beings on it) thrives. 

I don’t mean we should be self-indulgent and self-centered in a self-ish way.  To be happy you have to know yourself. As Buddhist scholar Pema Chodron puts it: 

"We might think that knowing ourselves is a very ego-centered thing, but by beginning to look clearly and honestly at ourselves, we begin to dissolve the walls that separate us from others.

To know yourself is to forget yourself. This is to say that when we make friends with ourselves we no longer have to be so self-involved. It's a curious twist: making friends with ourselves is a way of not being so self-involved anymore.

When we are not so self-involved, we begin to realize that the world is speaking to us all of the time. Every plant, every tree, every animal, every person, every car, every airplane is speaking to us, teaching us, awakening us."

Getting to that point can be a tall order for many of us, since society is always telling us how to be and what to want, and shoving distractions in our faces at every turn.  It took me a long time to realize that you have to Love Yourself First.  Not the self that you wish you were (skinnier, smarter, whatever) but the person you are NOW.

Loving yourself also helps you to feel empathy for others. A recent study found that ‘Generation Y,’ or whatever today’s college-age group is called, has barely  half the level of empathy we did 20 or more years ago…  Little wonder, since we live in over-stimulated, reality TV-dominated, instant-gratification, money-strapped times.  Without empathy, one has less concern for others’ feelings, and welfare. That study explains a lot about the sense of apathy and lack of civility which seems to permeate our society lately.  We seem to be much less conscientious. All the more reason to get back in touch with our ‘true selves.’ 

I've been practicing yoga for about seven years now. I still have a long way to go before I can cross my legs behind my head (it’s not really a goal of mine!) or do a handstand, and I may never get there. But I have learned a lot about myself, through the practice and teachings of yoga. Yoga is about physical and mental connection. (and spiritual, too)

A man named Patanjali, who lived in what is now India in the 2^nd century B.C., is said to be the ‘father’ of yoga.  Pre-dating Christ, he came up with a set of teachings on how to be a good human. Yoga is not a religion, but has long been a way of life, and these Yoga Sutras are at the core of it. There are hundreds of principles in the Sutras, which could be called the ‘moral code’ of yoga. They are guidelines to living a life of inner peace and living harmoniously with others.

Below are Patanjali's five ‘Yamas,' part one of the eight ‘limbs’ of ashtanga yoga.  But they apply to everyone, not just ‘yogis.’   

• Ahimsa:  Non-violence. This means non-violence in feelings, thoughts, words and actions (including toward yourself).  Maintain compassion for yourself and others. Be kind, and treat all things with care. 

• Satya:  Truth/Honesty.  Be truthful in thoughts, words, deeds. Be true to yourself. Integrity. But, have compassion to know when not to speak a truth if it will hurt someone else's feelings (Ahimsa)

• Asteya: ‘Non-stealing’. In addition to not taking what is not yours, it also means do not take more than you need. Do not neglect yourself and rob yourself of potential.  Be conscientious.

• Bramacharya:  ‘Non-Lust’.  Sometimes translated as celibacy it means act in moderation, have self-discipline, show fidelity (avoid meaningless sexual encounters). Live life in balance; control your impulses to better control your life.

• Aparigraha:  ‘Non-greed.’  Do not be greedy in terms of material things, but also do not be jealous, envious, impatient. Let go of material stuff, since it just gets in the way of enlightenment. Live simply.

[Note the similarities with the ‘10 Commandments.’ There is a lot of evidence to suggest that Christ was actually influenced by Buddhist and Hindu philosophies during the years not accounted for in the Bible.’]

These basic tenets of human interaction are so relevant, even after more than two centuries. 2200 years ago, humans were grappling with the same crap we deal with now!  But if we can find the courage and commitment to work on ourselves – then the world will be better off in the long run. And maybe 2200 years from now things will be different?

"How are we supposed to focus inward when everything around us is always ON and clamoring for attention?" you ask?  

Stop and just sit. Contemplate the wind moving the leaves, or the shifting shapes of the clouds. Stop judging others. Take a good look at yourself.  Be grateful.  It will help you appreciate others, and the wonders of everyday. 

“We need to be the change we wish to see in the world…” (Ghandi said that)

Remember, real happiness can only be found within.  If you truly love yourself, you can love the world.  And if you love the world, you want to save it!  

Now go put that plastic bottle in the 

recycling bin!  (Please…)

Good links: 

Ode Magazine post about 'reclaiming our true selves'

The Happiness Project

Special thanks to Lewis Rothlein, Shari Bolduc-Masters, Erica Boucher, and all of my yoga teachers past and present.  

All photos by me, except the post-it note.  

Synchronicity

It's amazing and inspiring to see the synchronicity happening all over.  No, not the old Police album/song (man, that was a long time ago!).  I mean the mysterious interconnectedness of all of us...  

Since my "Save the World!" post, information and links have popped up -- some sent to me, some posted on Facebook by others, some I found -- of related articles and information, some of which were being created at the same time I was writing my post!  It shows that the world is paying attention, slowly but surely, to what we are doing to the planet.  And people are making  positive changes!  Woohoo!  

Here are a few quick reads that elaborate on, or reiterate my message of plastic awareness. Just another nudge to get everyone to think about what you consume, and where it goes....

An assistant editor of the Herald Palladium in Michigan wrote such a similar message on his paper's website yesterday, I wonder if he read my post... I like his title,  'Stopping the Plastic Menace.'  Sounds like an old science fiction flick.  Hide the kids!  Bring the pets inside!  Lock the doors!  Beware the Plastic Menace!!! 

Here's a great source for 'biodegradable' plastic bags.  Not sure if they are ever truly biodegradable unless they are made of vegetable plastic, but these are a good start to get away from the Plastic Menace.  They also have a great option of reusable sandwich bags.  Check out the fast-moving counter a the top right of the page, showing how many GAZILLION plastic bags have been used so far this year.

Discovery Network's "Planet Green" site has a great, short article on 5 things we can change to help save the oceans.  Number 2 is about the Plastic Menace.  

Wondering what to do with all of your beauty product containers?  They come in all shapes and sizes, but here is a guide to recycling your bath stuff. I'll elaborate more on plastic types and recycling in an upcoming post... 

And finally, here's a two-year-old -- but still very relevant -- inspiring article on taking action to help stop the growing ocean 'garbage patches' around the world.

Now get out there and do your part to fight the Plastic Menace!!!

All photos by me, except (of course) the Synchronicity album cover.  From Top:  Caladesi Island, Gulf of Mexico; Dolphins in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand; Low tide, Fiji; the Eco-Dominatrix!

You can SAVE THE WORLD!

Simple things you can do NOW 

to save the planet 

(and by planet I mean you, me, and all our friends)

My friend Diedra's daughter, A.R., was so excited to turn 12 last week.  She told us she has been waiting to reach that ripe old age, because now she can start her mission to "SAVE THE WORLD!" 


Why is it that children seem to understand the urgent need to make positive changes in our current lifestyle, but us grown-ups don’t? Are we just in denial?  Is it too big of a reality to face (peak oil, deforestation, overfishing, extinction, starvation, poverty, war, greed, corruption)?  AAAAAAHHHGH!

Well, before you close this page, or hang your head in despair: SMILE!  Here is the first in a series of things we can all do to start moving in the right direction.  WE CAN MAKE THINGS BETTER, AND SAVE THE WORLD!!! – if we start now with small steps… 

Part 1:  WHERE IS AWAY??

Do you ever stop to think about how much waste is generated in one day? In your house, in the city where you live, in the whole country?  Ever notice all the bins on the curb on garbage day, and how full they are?  It is mind-boggling to think about the volume of stuff that is ‘thrown away.’  In our modern, pre-packaged world, most everything generates some sort of trash:  that granola bar wrapper, your Starbucks cup, the packaging from your new iPhone; even a lot of fruits and veges come wrapped in something… 

When we throw these things away, where do they go?  The reality is, there is no away – just big “landfill” piles, out of sight of most neighborhoods, getting bigger and bigger.  Many states and countries are making money by taking our trash, so it ends up in a big pile in some faraway location instead.  Many of the things we trash do biodegrade, but many more don’t.  Some get incinerated and contribute to air pollution.  Some just sit there, and will sit there for hundreds of years.  One of the biggest things you can do is to become aware of the size of your waste-line.
   (actual action items are listed below... read on)

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

We’ve all been hearing this for years.  But really, the most important parts of this trio are the first two words.  

Let’s talk about plastic (sung to the tune of that old Salt ‘n Pepa song).  

We’ve all heard about the HUGE mass of garbage floating in the Pacific, and apparently there are others like it floating around the globe, too.  Mostly made up of bits of plastic and large plastic items,  it is growing steadily and the plastic bits eventually end up in the food chain (little fish mistakes plastic for food, bigger fish eats little fish, and so on).  “How does that affect me?” you ask?  If it keeps growing, it will eventually disrupt more marine life, and inevitably reach our beaches.  In more basic terms, if you eat affected animals, you are affected.  Chemicals from plastic (Bisphenol A, or BPA, phthalates, etc.) are linked to decreased fertility, diabetes, cancer, hormone disruption, and even neural and behavioral problems in children (can you say ADHD???). As the plastic bits float around the oceans, these harmful chemicals are leaching into the water and the air. Not to mention the effects on the animals who eat this crap. 

So be aware of what you buy, use and discard.  

YOU HAVE TO START SOMEWHERE:  PLASTIC SHOPPING BAGS 

I know you've seen everyone walking around with those ubiquitous green square bags... Do you have any?Considering recycling centers DO NOT accept plastic shopping bags (many supermarkets do), we should avoid them as much as possible by using a 'green' re-usable bag. Also consider that plastic bags are made from ethylene gas derived from nonrenewable natural gas or crude oil using water, energy, and refrigeration.  


Do you really need a bag for that one little item you bought?  Just hold it, put it in your purse or pocket, or better yet, bring your own bag if you really need a way to carry it to the car.  If you must have that flimsy little plastic sack, at least recycle it – don’t throw it in the garbage!!! (especially if you use plastic garbage bags!) This also goes for bags you put fruit or veges in, which end up inside the plastic shopping bag.  You really don't need to put your bananas, tomatoes or potatoes into ANOTHER bag that may be dug up by an archeologist 500 years from now, do you??  

Less than 1 percent of plastic bags are recycled every year.  The remaining millions end up in landfills, flying around streets and choking wildlife and marine life.  We’ve all seen bags flying in the wind, lying by the side of the road, and floating in a body of water somewhere.  

It takes HUNDREDS of years for a plastic bag to biodegrade.  It may break up into tiny plastic pieces, but it will not biodegrade. Since they are a petroleum-based product, using fewer plastic bags will have an impact on reducing oil dependence, too! 

But, you say, “I reuse them for picking up dog poop, cleaning out the litter box, as a garbage can liner…”  That may be, but try using paper bags (I know, they take energy to produce, too – but in the long run are less harmful), they are usually already made from recycled materials and they biodegrade.  Think of future generations of humans, and dogs. 

ACTION!

It drives me crazy when I tell the person behind the counter “I don’t need a bag” and they put my purchase in a bag anyway! And sometimes, when I give the bag back after reminding them, they throw it away!!!  And why do supermarket baggers need to double up the bags so much!   

What YOU can do:  

• Bring your own bag (don't be lazy!)

• Tell the manager (or send an email to corporate HQ) that it would be great for them to train their workers not to automatically shove stuff into a plastic bag – especially if it is just a box of crackers, tube of Preparation H, or bottled water (what?!?).  It could actually save them money, and you know that will get their attention!

• And, it would be great if they would provide incentives for those of us who bring our own.  Whole Foods, Target, some Walgreens, and other stores give you money back for bringing your own  

• Urge stores to offer plastic bag recycling. Last year, New York implemented a new law for in store recycling 

• Recycle!  While you're at it, why don't you recycle your bread bags, drycleaning bags (or go without), newspaper bags and all sorts of wrappings from household items  

• Search here to where to find a location that recycles plastic bags, wrap, etc.,  wherever you live!     

• Whole Foods, Target, and If you live in the SE United States, Publix, have bins at their stores  - JUST DO IT! 

• Note:  Don't forget to wash your 'green' bags regularly

Many countries either tax the use of plastic bags (giving people incentive to bring their own) or have banned them altogether.  California, and many U.S. municipalities are considering doing just that.  

In our land of convenience, we need to be aware of the effect our actions have on our environment and the planet. 

Now start SAVING THE WORLD!  One little step at a time....

More on the Pacific Garbage Patch  

Top bee-in-flower photo by me, other photos courtesy of the interwebs...