The water filter blog is being updated. New data from Consumer Labs pending.
Blog
My Cantonese Grandmother
My essay titled “My Cantonese Grandmother”, won second place in the Pasadena Literary Alliance Open Book Essay Contest. Check it out, click on link below.
https://pasadenaliteraryalliance.org/open-book/essay-contest/
Sustainability Tip #22
How to Make Your Stainless Steel Cookware Nonstick Naturally.
There is plenty of information about the toxicity of nonstick cookware to humans and the environment. The chemicals used, the production process, and the lack of durability of nonstick cookware add a layer of damaging complexity to our bodies and planet that we need to do without. But we all want easy-to-clean pans, especially after frying or grilling.
In the link below, Dr Michael Greger makes a compelling case never to use nonstick-coated cookware.
How do you reduce food sticking to your pan naturally?
To micro-smooth the surface of a clean Stainless Steel pan, heat it until a drop of water will sizzle on it. The science behind this is the molecules of the pan expand and coalesce, making for a smoother surface, mimicking a Teflon-like surface. Then completely coat it with a thin layer of high-heat stable cooking oil (like safflower, peanut, sunflower, grapeseed).
Now start cooking with a pan to which food will stick less and easier to clean up.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/PFOA_FactSheet.html
https://waterdefense.org/water-filter/reviews/best-countertop-water-filters/.
https://solidteknicsusa.com/shop?category=US-ION
https://www.livestrong.com/article/13775365-are-non-stick-pans-toxic/
https://zerowastememoirs.com/is-silicone-bad-for-the-environment/.
https://www.treehugger.com/is-silicone-biodegradable-5097218
Life Without Plastic: The Practical Step-by-Step Guide to Avoiding Plastic to Keep Your Family and the Planet Healthyby Jay Sinha and Chantal Plamondon
https://www.mamavation.com/food/nontoxic-cookware-bakeware-investigation-nontoxic-safe-brands.html.
https://wellnessmama.com/natural-home/non-toxic-cookware
https://mindfulmomma.com/non-toxic-cookware/.
PFASs: per – and poly-fluoroalkyl substances—which are also known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down
Sustainability Tip #21
Biodegradable Dental Floss
For proper oral hygiene, we need to floss daily.
Ever wonder what happens to used plastic dental floss like Glide? Ever wonder why it “glides” so easily? It is coated with toxic Teflon like materials. This end up in our bodies and oceans. Killing us slowing on all fronts – directly and in the seafood we consume.
Now there are other options. I use biodegradable silk or bamboo floss. They are a little thicker than Glide so it your teeth are tight, it could takes some time to get use to it. But it works. With the extra thickness and roughness, it removes more food particles per swipe! Give it a try. You help the planet, the planet helps you. Karma.
From a dental website, some examples of Teflon free dental floss but not biodegradable.
- Radius Vegan – nylon floss coated with candelilla plant wax
- Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil – nylon floss coated with beeswax
- Tom’s of Maine – nylon floss coated with beeswax, carnauba palm, jojoba oil, myrrh resin extract, propolis (carried by bees) tree resin
- Dr. Tungs – two flosses already labeled as PTFE and PFAS free:
- Dr. Tungs Activated Charcoal Vegan Floss – polyester floss coated with plant wax
- Dr. Tungs Smart Floss – polyester coated with plant wax and beeswax blend
- Young Living – floss coated with soy wax and beeswax, infused with essential oils of Thieves blend and peppermint
- Cocofloss – vegan with coconut oil and labeled PFAS free
- Eco-Dent GentleFloss – nylon floss infused with essential oils and coated with plant wax
- Eco-Dent Vegan Floss – nylon vegan waxed floss
Sustainability Tip #20
Composting without the Fruit Flies
Composting kitchen food scraps and yard waste is the law in California. Correct composting lowers emissions of a potent greenhouse gas, methane from landfills. The bonus is we create compost fertilizer for agriculture.
Initially we used a covered bin on the kitchen counter. Soon, we had fruit flies everywhere, even maggots! Those little squirmy white larvae completely grossed me out. We had to find another solution.
Our solution? Putting a small bin (we purchased at Ikea) on the freezer door shelf solved the problem. Frozen food scraps are less messy and have less odor, too.
Having two plastic containers helps – one in the freezer and the other being cleaned or available when preparing larger volumes of food.
Currently, avoid putting plastic “compostable bags” in compost because of a lack of industry standards, so many bags are not compostable per se.
Thank you for creating a healthier planet.
Sustainability Tip #19
Read this before purchasing hiking footwear.
With all the recent rain we had in Southern California, hiking can mean crossing many streams. So, I decided to purchase a pair of waterproof hiking boots. Hiking in wet shoes is nasty.
The hiking boots I first liked had Gore-tex waterproofing. Gore-tex used to be my favorite waterproof, breathable sports material. It remains popular still today. But Gore-tex is like Teflon. It is a variant of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) known as expanded PTFE (ePTFE), a forever chemical.
Yikes.
Then I discovered REI co-op Flash hiking boots. Their waterproof, breathable material, HydroWall™ (made of 75% recycled polyester), keeps feet dry.
Besides being at a better price point than Gore-tex, the REI Flash hiking boots are made from 99% recycled PET polyester FirmaKnit, 100% recycled polyester webbing, 100% recycled polyester laces, and 20% recycled rubber in the tread. The insole is 25% corn-based, and the midsole is 10% algae-based Bloom. Their “Footwear with a lighter footprint” tagline has earned sustainable respectability.
I purchased a pair and am walking around my house with them on. It is comfortable enough and gives me the stability I need in my feet and ankles.
After this weekend, I will update you on whether my HydroWall hiking boots kept my feet dry.
Hiking with my new Flash hiking boots: On the trail, the boots felt good. Plenty of support and comfort. Eaton Canyon has multiple shallow stream crossings. During one of the crossings, boots kept my feet dry until they didn’t. Because the boots are so sturdy, I had my foot on a wet rock that felt stable, but when I stepped onto it, the rock moved, and my foot slipped. And I fell in. Water got into my boots through the top go the boot. I attribute this to the boots, giving me a false sense of stability. Luckily, I bought my Allbirds hiking shoes. These shoes are more flexible, and for crossing streams, the stability I felt was a true stability between my foot and the rock. A few hikers did not even bother with the rocks and just waded into the refreshing water of a sunny and warm So Cal day.
References:
www.backpackers.com/blog/meet-the-new-flash-hiking-boots-from-rei-co-op/#
“PTFE is a fluoropolymer made using an emulsion polymerization process that utilizes the fluorosurfactant PFOA,[19][20] a persistent environmental contaminant. In 2013, Gore eliminated the use of PFOAs in the manufacture of its weatherproof functional fabrics.[21][better source needed] Gore has published a plan for phasing out the most harmful perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) by 2025 but has defended the use of PTFE.[22]“
Sustainability Tip #17
The importance of eating local produce: earth, economy, longevity
I saw this interesting poster hanging in a small neighborhood grocery store in Portugal. It reminds us of which fresh vegetables and fruit are in season. This chart, in turn, helps us with our meal planning. For multiple reasons, eating local seasonal produce is a more sustainable way to live.
The obvious ones are the reduction of CO2 emissions by not transporting food to far distant locations (but as technology improves, future transpiration may be carbon-free and sustainable). Produce transported long distances are typically picked under-ripe and artificially ripened with ethylene gas. In contrast, local produce can plant ripen and develop as nature intended. When picked at peak ripeness, produce is fresher, tastier, and more nutritious. More people are likely to prefer whole natural food over junk food when produce is fresher and more flavorful.
As you can see from the chart, eating what is in season encourages us to eat a wider variety of foods throughout the year. By consuming a wider variety of foods, we get a wider variety of nutrients. By buying locally, we help sustain our local economy too.
Furthermore, there are longevity benefits to eating what grows locally. During each season, plants receive seasonal energy from the sun and incorporate that energy into food. We humans also receive that very same energy from the sun through our eyes and skin. This energy synchronizes our internal clock.
Consuming food that mirrors our energy for that particulate time and space could provide energy that is in line with our bodies, creating a synergistic healthier dynamic flow down to the level of our DNA.
How does this affect those who live in climates where winters are too cold to sustain plant production for consumption?
Could this explain why all the Blue Zones are located in areas where produce can be grown all year round? Does eating food in tune with our sun’s energy keep our bodies functioning optimally? Is it a coincidence that a higher concentration of centenarians live in climates with moderate winters?
Besides weather, the Blue Zones share many other common factors that can be mimicked in colder climates. Expanding these factors may be necessary to compensate for the lack of fresh local produce. These others factors are a community of friends and family in a healthy environment, exercise, low stress, a sense of purpose, and eating until you are only 80% full. A variety of frozen plus transported whole foods is a necessary compromise to maintain much-needed nutrition during colder months.
So if you can’t have fresh local produce all year round, compensate by increasing the other sections of the pie chart to keep your circle at 100% complete.
The benefactor of living sustainability is you.
https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/seasonal-produce-guide
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-are-biological-rhythms
Vegan Citrus Olive Oil Cupcakes
Delicious and easy to make. Can make this with either organic lemons or oranges
Make sure the zest is organic. Make sure your baking soda and baking powder are not expired.
Line 2 twelve cup muffin pans with cupcake paper liners. I used unbleached standard size, greaseproof paper cupcake liners from Amazon. The paper liners makes for easier clean up and serving. Makes 24 cupcakes.
Preheat convection oven to 325 F degrees (regular bake is 350). I prefer convection bake because it bakes more evenly.
Ingredients:
3/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce
1 cup oat or soy milk
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp lemon zest
1 1/2 cup table sugar
———–
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
———–
In a large mixing bowl, add olive oil, apple sauce, milk, lemon juice, zest, and sugar. Mix together.
In another bowl mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt.
Carefully fold in the flour mixture into the liquid mixture. Whisk. Stop when flour is blended in. Don’t over do it.
Spoon in about 2 large tablespoons of batter into each cupcake liner. The batter should fill about 3/4 of the paper liner.
Bake in preheated convection oven for about 20-25 minutes (regular bake is 10% longer).
Cupcakes are done when tops are light golden and cake-like when you break upper part of cupcake it with a fork.
Remove form oven and let cool.
Serve with berries and tea.
Sustainability Tip #16
Greenwashing.
Greenwashing is misleading or giving false information to consumers or investors about the negative environmental impact of a company’s products and operations. It’s a form of false advertising.
This blog aims to alert consumers who want to be sustainability responsible and prevent being duped by false claims. If you are paying extra for something, make sure the claims are legitimate.
I was greenwashed in 2021 by Home Depot. They claimed by 2018, they would have completed phasing-out of neonicotinoids (neonics) in their plants. Yet in 2021, they were still selling plants with neonics (which I regret purchasing). The state of California is partly to blame because they have not, like some other states, banned neonics.
Another company that Greenwashes is Ikea. Their plastic packaging, illegal logging, over dependence on particle board use, and the disposable quality of their furniture need to be improved.
The little triangle with the number in the center imprinted on plastic products (e.g. ♶) is greenwashing. Currently, 95% of all single-use plastic ends up in landfills and oceans. The plastics industry uses these tricks to make consumers feel better about buying plastic.
Other examples of Greenwashing companies are: Volkswagen, BP, Nestlé, Coca-Cola, Starbucks, Major Banks, Major Airlines, H&M;
The fishing Industry false claims of sustainability. According to Netflix documentary, Seaspiracy, the sustainability certifications used by the fishing industry are a farce.
Check out this comprehensive list of Greenwashing companies from Truth in Advertising.
On a positive note, five brands that are not Greenwashing: Patagonia, Ben and Anna, Lucy and Yak, Dr Bonner’s, Pela Case, Fjall Raven.
This list will grow with increased consumer demand, education, and legislation.
Knowledge is power.
References
https://www.logically.ai/factchecks/library/9749b1bc
https://www.nurserymag.com/article/home-depot-mandates-neonic-tag/
https://www.nrdc.org/experts/lucas-rhoads/will-californias-bees-get-break-neonic-bill-gov
https://www.pctonline.com/article/newsom-vetoes-ab-2146-neonic-bill/
Home Depot Announces Phase Out of Bee-Toxic Pesticides
https://www.morningbrew.com/daily/stories/plastic-recycling-decline-report
https://truthinadvertising.org/articles/six-companies-accused-greenwashing/
Sustainability Tip #15
Sustainable Skin Products.
Remember – What you put on your skin gets absorbed into your body as if you ate it.
Natural, non-synthetic products are likely going to be more environmentally friendly. For instance, look for reef safe, chemical free sunscreens.
Also, be mindful of the containers and packaging. Look for containers made from paper/cardboard, glass, metal, or post-consumer plastics. Is the container refillable?
Are ingredients sustainability sourced? Organic, not tested on animals?
This is a partial list of unfriendly, if not outright toxic ingredients, found in topicals in the USA. The EU has stricter rules and has banned some chemicals still allowed in the USA. Avoid these ingredients as much as you can (nail polish has some of the worse ingredients) – nanoparticles (which can end up in our mitochondria, brain, and our ecosystem), parabens, artificial dyes. formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), triphenyl phosphate, aluminum, DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), and TEA (triethanolamine), DMDM hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl, mineral oil, petrolatum, PEG (Polyethylene glycol), Siloxanes, Synthetic fragrances , oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and avobenzone, animal fats, Phthalates, Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT), etc. This list is not extensive nor complete. Different countries have different regulations.
Topical serums and oils packaged in glass jars, are usually the most natural and sustainable ingredients. A product that is readily available and meets the above criteria is Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis). It is a sustainable oil that resembles our own sebum. The Jojoba plant, a drought- tolerant shrub, grows in the Southwestern desert.
According to Healthline, it is
1. Moisturizing.
2. Antibacterial
3. Antioxidant
4. Noncomedogenic
5. Hypoallergenic
6. Controls sebum production
7. May help promote collagen synthesis
8. May help speed up wound healing
9. May help soothe eczema, psoriasis, and other drying skin conditions
10. Soothes sunburns
11. May help acne
12. May help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
13. May help minimize the appearance of scars
https://www.vogue.com/article/best-new-sustainable-beauty-products
https://bettergoods.org/pacifica/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4477780/
https://www.safecosmetics.org/chemicals/nanomaterials/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jojoba_oil
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/jojoba-oil-for-face#products
https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/the-trouble-with-sunscreen-chemicals/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8197201/
https://www.thepaleomom.com/chemicals-banned-in-europe-that-are-allowed-in-the-usa/
Daily Smoothie
Trying to eat healthfully, one hears all this advice about healthy food. Eat this; it is good for that; this is an antioxidant and that is an anti-inflammatory, etc. It can be overwhelming. There are so many recommendations. I cannot eat this much food in a single day – too many calories.
Why not put some of these healthy recommendations into a morning drink? I tailored the healthful recommendations for my situation: a mixture to help prevent cancer, diabetes and to support brain, heart, and immune function. Drinking my Daily Smoothie makes me feel good because I started my day on the healthy side.
Keeping the preparation simple and quick, I have all the ingredients lined up and ready to go. Using a Costco Ninja smoothie blender, I blend it twice on the smoothie setting to minimize the small bits that would get stuck between my teeth. I keep the blender undercounted cabinet, so I can close the cabinet doors during blending to reduce the noise.
Pick and choose what you think is best for your own health needs. Add enough fluid, so it blends into a drink. Most of the calories in this recipe are from the nuts. So be mindful of that.
Ingredients:
Fingertip grab of mixed nuts (protein, healthy oils, fiber)
If you want to skip the nuts, you can use a high quality protein powder like unflavored Sunwarrior Protein Classic Plus.
Fingertip grab of walnuts (omega 3, 6, antioxidants, protein, fiber. If you have to choose only one nut, go with walnuts)
Frozen blueberries and strawberries (antioxidants, fiber – total 1 cup)
Frozen or raw broccoli pieces (about two pieces with a pinch dry mustard powder to enhance antioxidant and anti-inflammatory sulforaphane release) and chopped frozen kale.
Powders: (note powders are potent and can be potent enough to interact with medications).
– beet powder (nitric oxide – brain and circulatory system)
– turmeric and ground black pepper (Anti-inflammatory – brain and pain. Definitely drink with a straw or your teeth will stain. For that reason, consider leaving this out of your smoothie and take it as a capsule)
– Sri Lankan cinnamon (blood sugar) *
– mushroom powder (depends on the mushroom – immunity )
– matcha or coffee or cacao or carob (caffeine free) is optional (adds caffeine and flavor)
– pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds (protein, fiber, healthy fats, antioxidants, minerals)
– Dulse seaweed ( Iodine )
– cashew yogurt (probiotics, protein)
-fiber – Add wheat germ and ground flax seeds (start with 1:1 ration 1/2 tsp each and increase as needed) by stirring it in after you blend it. By keeping some food particles the size of 2mm, your colonic gut bacteria will be fed too. Note, after adding fiber, drink it immediately, or your smoothie can start to thicken and make it difficult to drink through a straw)
– Favorite non-dairy milk. Soy or oat milk are good choices. Soy milk has higher protein. To form a complete protein, need two of the three from this list – Nuts, Whole grains, Legumes. Soy is a legume, and Oat is grain. To reduce calories, can substitute milk with water. Read the label for the amount of calcium in the non-dairy milk. Some do not contain any calcium.
To save time, you can premix powders like cinnamon, seaweed, and fiber. Be familiar with your proportions and ratios. For example: 1/2 tsp cinnamon: 1/2 tsp dulse flakes: 1 tsp ground flax seeds. Same as 1/2 c: 1/2 c: 1 cup, respectively . From this mix, you add 2 tsp to the smoothie.
Optional to add sweetener – dates (be mindful of the extra calories) or monk fruit syrup (make your own- most commercial powders are mixed with unhealthy artificial sweeteners).
Other options for greens are frozen (frozen keeps longer than fresh).
Avoid bananas, apple and avocado. They reduce the antioxidant activity of the berries. You could make a smoothie with apple, avocado, banana, protein powder and cocoa for added flavor.
Pour this into a travel container, and off you go.
References:
* https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ceylon-vs-cassia-cinnamon#TOC_TITLE_HDR_7
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-walnuts#TOC_TITLE_HDR_14
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/nitric-oxide-foods#TOC_TITLE_HDR_8
Book: How Not to Age by Michael Greger, MD, 2022
Iodine in our Diets and Cancer Risk
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/walnuts#nutrition
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sulforaphane
Maltese Bruschetta
These are easy to make and such a unique delicious flavor.
Fresh bread, sliced. Baguette is a nice size for appetizers. Toasted is optional for crunch.
Ingredients:
Mix equal parts olive oil and balsamic vinegar onto a bread size plate. Dip sliced baguette face down into mixture. Top the dipped side with a slice of tomato, then sprinkle w capers, top with chopped mint, salt and pepper.
Serve immediately otherwise is becomes too soggy.
Sustainability Tip #14
Time to clean up your in-box.
Composing, sending, receiving, and storing emails leaves a carbon footprint.
Even though email energy usage is 1/60th of paper mail, we send many more emails. If you take a long time to compose or read your emails or send pictures and videos, these all take additional energy.
In a year, for example, say you send and or receive 100 emails daily. This estimate includes spam and all those work emails you are cc’ed on. This level of emailing per day is equivalent to the CO2e* of driving a gasoline-powered 2020 Camry 260 miles or 1% of your total annual CO2e production.
According to The Good Planet, “nearly 107 billion spam emails were sent and received a day in 2019. If every person only deleted 10 of those emails, they could save 1,725,00 gigabytes of storage space and around 55.2 million kilowatts of power”.
Checking my own situation, I have several different email addresses, each serving an assigned purpose. I had to separate incoming emails to various addresses. There were so many every day that, if not categorized, important emails were easily overlooked amongst the multitude of spam. I have an email address dedicated to personal emails from friends and family, another for personal business like health, banking, bills, etc., one for shopping and politics and finally, several for work.
Summing up my many years of undeleted emails, I am embarrassed to admit, that I have 100,000+ unread emails. It is impossible to keep up with my emails; literally out of control. Since learning about emails having a carbon footprint, I have been reviewing old emails and then deleting them if they no longer serve a purpose. If I delete 20 a day, it will take more than 13 years to clean up my in-boxes! Plus, more spam comes in every day. I feel like I will never catch up in my lifetime and, in the interim, will likely develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Lucky, I can offset my email carbon footprint by not consuming beef or dairy.
Each year, a single cow will belch about 220 pounds of methane. This amount is approximately 3.3 tons of CO2e, equivalent to driving 2020 Camry 7000 miles. In contrast, my 100,000 emails represent 70 miles of driving and hoping for less each day.
Additionally, we need to
- Produce electricity using sustainable technology
- Clean out our in-boxes by deleting read or unnecessary emails
- Unsubscribe and report and block spam emails
- Tech companies need to make #2 and 3 easier to complete
- Stop consuming cattle-related products
*CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e) is a unit of measurement that is used to standardize the climate effects of various greenhouse gases. https://www.myclimate.org/information/faq/faq-detail/what-are-co2-equivalents/.
Calculate the carbon dioxide equivalent quantity of an F gas
https://www.gov.uk › guidance › calculate-the-carbon-dio…
How do you calculate CO2 equivalent?
https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gases-equivalencies-calculator-calculations-and-references
kilogram of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilogram – Wikidata
https://www.wikidata.org › wiki
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/green-living-blog/2010/oct/21/carbon-footprint-email
https://www.greenmatters.com/p/do-emails-leave-carbon-footprint
https://www.theworldcounts.com/challenges/climate-change/global-warming/global-co2-emissions
https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/understanding-global-warming-potentials
https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=74&t=11
https://www.co2everything.com/co2e-of/toyota-camry-2020
https://www.gorgias.com/blog/how-much-energy-is-needed-to-write-an-e-mail
https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/USA/united-states/carbon-co2-emissions
Sustainability Tip #13
Connecting with planet Earth.
To have a sustainable planet, not only do we need to take care of our Earth, we need to take care of ourselves. Both our bodies and our minds need to be sustainable.
By not connecting with the Earth, we can build up energy that makes us feel off balance.
We are ultimately containers of energy. We build up electrical charges in our bodies that are meant to be discharged and equalized with the Earth’s electrical charge. Connecting with the Earth is one of the ways nature naturally supports us.
Many of us walk around for days without touching the Earth. We walk on synthetic flooring materials such as carpeting, vinyl, plastic, etc. Our footwear has synthetic soles.
We need to physically touch the Earth or an organic material that is physically touching the earth.
Here are some methods to equalize our electrical charge with the Earth. Walk barefoot on a beach or lawn or lay down on the grass on a 100% cotton towel or other natural materials like a wool blanket. Avoid synthetics. Petting our dogs would also create an exchange of energy. Our dogs walk directly on the ground.
Another favorite earthing technique is hugging a tree.
Tree-hugging has the additional benefit of aligning our chakras which can help us feel more relaxed.
The first step to tree-hugging is find a suitable tree to hug.
Ideally, pick a tall, vertical tree with healthy, smooth bark, nothing peeling. Avoid dead bark. The idea is for the tree’s energy to balance your Chakras’ energy. Best to wear natural fabric clothing.
Old-growth trees that have been grounded deep into the Earth by their long roots are excellent choices.
Once you select your tree, you need to ask your tree permission if it wants a hug. It shows respect for the tree and nature.
Stand a few feet away from the tree, with your arms at your side, open palms facing the tree, and look up. Ask your tree if you can hug it. Wait until the answer is clear.
The tree in the photo is a Gingko tree. Gingkos grow straight and tall with smooth enough bark. Quite huggable.
Beware: one time, my friend did not ask permission from her tree. She got a spider bite right in the center of her forehead. That tree did not want to be hugged.
Proceed only when granted permission. Place your hands around the tree with one hand at your neck height level and the other hand at the height of your lower back. Put your third eye or forehead on the trunk. Close your eyes and breathe slowly and naturally.
Keep this stance until your third eye sees the color of the inside of the tree. This is the exchanging of energy with your front Chakras. The process of tree-hugging can be meditative and calming.
Once you feel the color of the inside of the tree, part one is complete.
For part two, turn around and put your back against the tree. Extend you arms backward to hug the tree, with your hands in loose fists. This is exchanges energy with your back Chakras.
The best time to tree-hug is early in the morning when the Earth’s energy is just waking up, and the sun’s energy is not yet shining on the top of your head.
If you can, practice this at least once a week.
Tree-hugging: a carbon-neutral way of sustaining your Body, Mind ,and Spirit.
Note that this blog is meant for entertainment and in no way meant to give any medical advice, diagnosis or treat. Everyone’s situation is different. Please seek help from your health care provider if needed.
Sustainability Tip #12
Bars (not the drinking kind).
Please consider switching to natural ingredient bar soaps, shampoo, and conditioner.
Bar hand soap, dish soap, shampoo, and conditioner consumers, reduce plastic waste and fossil fuel consumption used during transportation. Weight for weight, and volume for volume, the bar products provide more washes, hence less fuel used during and for transportation.
For example, an 80 gm shampoo bar will last approximately 60 to 70 washes, depending on hair length. Whereas, if two teaspoons (10 ml) of liquid shampoo are used per wash, a 500 gm bottle produces only 50 washes. Less washes for more than 6 times the weight (assuming a density of 1). Plus, the bar shampoo container is smaller and made of more sustainable materials than the giant plastic bottle of liquid shampoo.
500 gm
As the bar dish soap wears down, it becomes more difficult to use by the above method. To use every last bit, the soap can be cut into hand soap size pieces or grated. The grated soap can be added to the dish water or your brush can be dipped into it. Cool not to waste anything.
Remember to click on the FOLLOW button….Thank you 🙂
We can do this!
Sustainability Tip # 11
Why leather alternatives.
Cows make 40% of the world’s most potent greenhouse gas, methane. It is hard to justify leather goods in an era of rapid global warming. Methane has more than 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide.
Vegan leathers that mimic natural leather are mostly plastics and petroleum-based. Unfortunately, not eco-friendly, does not feel like natural leather, and does not have durability. Other products made from pineapple leaves, cork, apple peels, other fruit waste, or recycled plastic make poor imitations too.
Thanks to mushrooms, we now have plant-grown, carbon-neutral luxury fabrics with the feel of real leather. Being embraced by haute couture brands like Hermès and manufacturers like Lululemon and Adidas will hopefully set a new eco-friendly trend.
Human ingenuity created this mess. Human ingenuity can get us out of this mess.
The ultimate test is, will plant leathers make a good baseball glove?
https://www.mycoworks.com/introducing-sylvania-by-hermes
https://www.epa.gov/snep/agriculture-and-aquaculture-food-thought
https://www.edf.org/article/farmers-seek-solutions-methane-emissions-cows
Sustainability Tip #10
Laundry.
Who doesn’t like fresh-smelling, soft, and clean laundry?
This luxury comes at a cost: water, detergents, softeners, energy, and plastics.
To reduce water use, use water efficient front loaders and wash a full load each time. To reduce pollution, use earth-friendly detergent sheets instead of pods. The sheets can be torn into smaller sizes to match smaller loads and reduce plastic waste. Even better, use detergent powder that comes in a cardboard box.
To reduce air pollution, use natural fragrance dryer sheets that are biodegradable or natural reusable lavender dryer bags. Consider skipping fabric softeners altogether.
Hang clothes on a clothesline or rack, either indoors or outdoors. Choose a spot with good air circulation – in temperate climates – dry near a hot air source. During the winter months, when our basement furnace was in use, we used to hang our laundry near it.
You naturally get that fresh outdoor smell that the chemicals in dryers sheets are trying to mimic when you hang laundry outdoors. The fragrances and chemicals of traditional dryers sheets create air pollution and carcinogens.
There are laundry products that are natural, biodegradable, and contain no plastics.
Consider brands like Seventh Generation, Earth Breeze, Trader Joe’s lavendar dryer bags. Other options: 100% cotton clothes, when hung to dry, can feel stiff. Adding 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar into the fabric softener dispenser may soften 100% cotton laundry such as towels. Note: Vinegar is an acid hence harmful to some fabrics. Most synthetic blend fabrics are still soft after being hung-dried.
Avoid fabrics that need dry cleaning. Please keep it simple.
I am asking you to be conscious of how your purchases affect the environment.
Sustainability benefits you personally.
https://www.brabantia.com/uk/inspiration/turning-rotary-dryers-into-trees/
Sustainability Tip # 9
Change your diet to a plant-based. You can do this slowly, one meal a day or one day a week (meatless Mondays or at least avoid sugar, red meat, and dairy). Or jump right in and change 100% to a plant-based diet overnight like I did. It is good for your health, the planet, and the animals.
Eating whole foods, unprocessed plant-based diet will reduce your body’s overall inflammation. This will help clear up your skin, reduce pain and improve your cognition, amongst other things.
I will be posted some favorite plant-based dishes that my friends and I enjoy eating. I encourage you to buy organic for the same reasons – fewer chemicals, which is better for you, the planet, and the farmers.
My next few posts will be family tested recipes. Bon Appetit. Bonne Santé.
Fennel Potatoes
This is a family favorite.
6 potatoes, sliced
2 onions, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 quart vegetable broth
olive oil
fennel seeds
Salt and pepper
Peel and slice potatoes and onions. Place in a sauce pan. Add garlic. Sprinkle w fennel seeds, salt, and pepper. Pour in vegetable broth, enough to almost cover potatoes. Add just enough oil to cover mixture. Cook with high heat until boiling. Then reduce heat to simmer. Cook until potatoes are soft, about 15mins. You can substitute the garlic cloves with either garlic salt or garlic powder to taste.
Can serve this as a side dish with a vegan burger and salad.
Try my plant-based curry burger https://elainechumd.wordpress.com/2018/06/14/v-burgers-for-the-4th-or-anytime/
Tasty Earth Friendly Chili
All of these portions can be customized to your own taste preferences. Serves 6-8.
2 1/2 cups of dried red kidney beans (Prepare in Instant Pot pressure cooker. You can also prepare with traditional method of soaking for several hours and boiling)
6 cups of vegetable broth *
1 cup raw coarse bulgar **
1.5 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 large onion, chopped
Olive oil to sauté
1 cup each, chopped:
- celery
- carrots
- sweet green peppers
2 cups tomatoes, chopped
1 Tbsp lemon juice ( juice from 1/2 lemon)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp chili powder (more or less, depends on how spicy you like it)
3 Tbsp of tomato paste
3 Tbsp cooking wine
Parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper
Rinse beans. Place in Instant Pot and add vegetable broth. Make sure there is a few inches of liquid above the level of the beans (water height should be at least double height of dried beans). Cook in pressure cooker, high pressure for 20 mins. You can do quick release of pressure for al dente beans or let it slow realize for softer beans. Strain beans and set aside.
Meanwhile, add bulgar to tomato sauce. Let sit until all the liquid is absorbed. Let it stand at least 30 mins.
Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil. Add rest of carrots, celery and spices. When vegetables are almost done, add peppers.
Combine all the ingredients and heat by simmering, stirring to prevent burning. If too thick, add more fresh vegetable broth. Simmer until veggies and bulgur have the texture you desire. Takes about 15-20 mins.
Serve topped with chopped parsley.
ADDENDUM:
*I do not reuse the bean broth. Although tasty, it is high in sugars that can cause bloating and gas. If you want to thin out the chill, add more fresh vegetable broth. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12489819/
**The grain used in this recipe is for texture. It need not be bulgar. I tried the grain Folio the other day (in photo). It’s from Africa, grows in poor soil conditions and drought tolerant. Follow the package direction. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fonio
Sustainability Tip #8
Those Who Plant Trees Under Whose Shade They Will Never Sit Understand Life
Plant a tree. What type of tree? Start with what grows locally and grows fast. Young trees absorb CO2 as they grow.
Trees cleans our air, absorb heat, prevents erosion, provides wildlife habitats, and rebalances our soil.
If planting a tree is not practical for you then contact your mayor’s office to plant some trees in parks, empty lots, or to line streets. If they say they don’t have the money then ask them to install solar panels over open parking lots to raise money to plant trees, with the added benefit of protecting your car and making clean energy.
Sustainability Tip #7
What to say to the Climate Change Deniers
Some people argue for the status quo. They demand to stay on the same course. They think the threat of climate change is BS. They claim that the history of our planet has naturally cycled through temperatures of highs and lows. Coincidently, many of the same people have a financial interest in fossil fuels. Many are older and they are uncomfortable thinking about a future in which they will not be participants. Ego-driven, with no skin in the game people, cannot see beyond themselves. Many cannot be bothered to consider the world they are leaving their grandchildren. Many cannot fathom the shift they would have to make because their cognition cannot cope. Sadly, it takes being near the end of life to realize that the whole concept of ownership ultimately is meaningless. Some are living a life in crisis mode and any shift will push them into the abyss. At least that is the fear. For whatever reason, they cannot see that sustainable ideas are to make the world better. They continue to deny what is happening around us. Extreme climate patterns, droughts, wildfires, temperatures so hot airplanes can’t take off or tolerate violent turbulence as a result of wind pattern changes, and destruction of wildlife.
But look at the data- never did the rate of temperature rise increase as quickly as it is now and at the same time, the planet has nearly an unprecedented 8 billion mouths to feed.
We have or will soon cross a boundary of no return. Fortunately, as time passes, the number of deniers will dwindle.
Hopefully, this will give you some talking points when someone denies climate change.
What gives me hope are the brilliant and dedicated younger generations who are fighting for their future. A new wave has started.
How long can you hold your breath while counting your money?
There is no planet B.
A NEW WAVE HAS STARTED
REFERENCES:
Gen Z, Millennials Stand Out for Climate Change Activism, Social Media Engagement With Issue
https://www.eurekalert.org/multimedia/641775
https://pngtree.com/freepng/toxic-gas-emission-environmental-pollution_6249556.html
https://phys.org/news/2019-08-jet-stream-aircraft-turbulence-climate.html
Sustainability Tip #6
Save the Bees.
A few years ago, my lavender bushes used to be swarming with bees. But now it is bee-less. This disappearance is a wake-up call to everyone. Without the bees, the world will not survive as we know it.
Bees have been declared The Most Important Living Being on Earth. They are now on the endangered species list! What have we done?
The disappearance of bees is real. Time to get active. Think Global. Act Local. Stop using pesticides and herbicides, especially neonicotinoids (neonics). Eat organic. Better for you, better for farmers, and better for the environment. Sure it might cost a little more. But when it comes to food, consider higher quality and lower quantity. The majority of the western world could eat less to abate the obesity epidemic.
Other factors, besides chemicals, that negatively affect pollinators are drought related to global warming, habitat destruction, lack of food, air pollution, and disease.
With all of these factors happening at once, our bees are overwhelmed. Like all living beings, the weaken bees become more sustainable to disease and death.
Here is how to help save our pollinators
- Plant organic plants that attract bees.
- Make your yard a pesticide/herbicide-free zone.
- Buy organic.
- Support sustainability initiatives.
- Become an Activist in your local area. Call or write to your mayor’s office to suggest organic green spaces and allow residents to keep beehives.
- Become a beekeeper. Keep your own hives. Bonus: free authentic honey.
- Support Honeybee research at the University of California, Davis by adopting a honey bee (Projecthoneybees.com).
- Live sustainability.
- Reduce fossil fuel consumption.
The bees can live without us, but we cannot live without the bees.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=11&v=JilYBVrFiLA&feature=emb_logo
Since writing this, some of my bees have come back!
Toxicity of neonics:
- Widespread neonic contamination has gotten worse. According to the latest data from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR), 93% of surface water samples in Los Angeles, [other], counties contain a neonic—up from 92% in 2019. In northern California, 67% of samples contained a neonic, a substantial increase from the 57% just a year earlier.
- Pregnant women may be especially at risk of exposure. A new study of 171 pregnant women tested, over 95% had neonics residues in their bodies. Neonics were most commonly found in Hispanic women, and neonics were detected more frequently—and at higher levels—over time. Widespread exposure among pregnant women is particularly bad news; neonics present significant risks to developing fetuses because they can interfere with the highly delicate development of the nervous system. Neonic exposure in the womb has been linked with birth defects of the heart and brain, as well as autism-like symptoms
- There is new evidence of effects of neonics on testosterone. Using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, researchers have linked neonic exposure with a 20% decrease in testosterone, fueling concern about neonics’ reproductive and hormonal effects. Similar studies also suggest possible connections between neonic exposure and changes to fat metabolism and insulin regulation, as the list of possible human health harms continues to grow.
- https://www.nrdc.org/experts/lucas-rhoads/will-californias-bees-get-break-neonic-bill-gov
Sustainability Tip #5
Capsule Wardrobe
Inspired by Laura de Jong, a capsule wardrobe expert. She writes:
“WHAT IS A CAPSULE WARDROBE?”
A capsule wardrobe is based on the idea of having a limited number of quality garments in your closet. Items that fit you well, are timeless, fit your personality and fit your lifestyle. Fewer items doesn’t mean that you always wear the same outfits. Did you know that you can create approximately 80 outfits with ‘only’ 30 to 37 items?” Excluding underwear and accessories.
The fashion industry creates tremendous waste. The EU plans to counter this by setting new rules to discourage disposable fast fashion by 2030. But we can start this now as informed consumers.
Buy quality items in classic styles to last you many years. It costs more but is an incentive not to gain any weight! When clothes get tight, time to cut back on calories and portions.
Another bonus of quality clothes will be that they will survive a second or even third owner. See Sustainabilty Tip #2.
Ideas to start your Capsule Wardrobe:
Sustainability Tip #4
When purchasing products, if you cannot find them pre-owned, check if the materials used are recycled or biodegradable. Check if the manufacturer is eco-friendly or socially responsible.
There are companies that plant trees for every sale made or make a donation to charity or nonprofits. Find corporations that are socially responsible.
Shop at stores and do business with corporations that support your beliefs.
Some examples: Patagonia, Cariuma , Suavs, Tentree, Earth Breeze, Chnge, Bank of the West, Brabantia.
Vote with your wallet to support what you believe. Power in numbers. Numbers count. Your actions matter.
Power in numbers. Numbers count. Your actions matter.
Sustainability Tip #3
Commit to not buying any new clothes for a year or more. This will help both sustainability and curb inflation.
Be a Jane Fonda. She has made a commitment not to buy any more new clothes.
Sustanibility Tip # 2
Donate your clothes and paraphernalia that have served their purpose with you.
How do you decide which clothes to donate? Use this Marie Kondo method:
Take all your clothes and hang them on hangers with the hook facing out. After you wear them, hang them back with the hook facing in. Do this for a year.
After one year, look at the hangers still facing out. Consider donating the clothes on those hangers.
Remember one person’s garbage, is another person’s treasure.
Sustainability Tip #1
GO THRIFTING… Instead of buying new, buy it used. This action will reduce the amount of garbage on our planet. Producing new products generates greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
Go shopping at a thrift store, garage sale, flea market, or eBay. Other benefits are, you can find beautiful retro or vintage clothes with even haute couture designer labels for a fraction of the price.
https://www.epa.gov/recycle/reducing-and-reusing-basics
Sustainability Tip #22
How to Make Your Stainless Steel Cookware Nonstick Naturally. There is plenty of information about the toxicity of nonstick cookware to humans and the environment. The chemicals used, the production process, and the lack of durability of nonstick cookware add a layer of damaging complexity to our bodies and planet that we need to do…
Sustainability Tip #21
Biodegradable Dental Floss For proper oral hygiene, we need to floss daily. Ever wonder what happens to used plastic dental floss like Glide? Ever wonder why it “glides” so easily? It is coated with toxic Teflon like materials. This end up in our bodies and oceans. Killing us slowing on all fronts – directly and…
Sustainability Tip #20
Composting without the Fruit Flies Composting kitchen food scraps and yard waste is the law in California. Correct composting lowers emissions of a potent greenhouse gas, methane from landfills. The bonus is we create compost fertilizer for agriculture. Initially we used a covered bin on the kitchen counter. Soon, we had fruit flies everywhere, even…
Looking for a New Year’s Resolution?
Plant a tree. What type of tree? Start with what grows locally and grows fast. Young trees absorb CO2 as they grow.
If this is not practical for you then contact your mayor’s office to plant some trees in parks, empty lots, or to line streets. If they say they don’t have the money then ask them to install solar panels over open parking lots to raise money to plant trees, with the added benefit of protecting your car and making clean energy.
Some other activities you can do to help plant and save trees:
- Vote for candidates that support climate-saving initiatives. If you are not eligible to vote then volunteer to help those candidates.
- Eat less meat. Better yet, consume less animal products.
- Support businesses that will plant a tree for you. For example Tentree (https://www.tentree.com/pages/about)
- Donate to charities that support the Amazon Rainforest. I checked these out on https://www.charitynavigator.org* They all have 4-star ratings.
Amazon Watch (https://amazonwatch.org)
Amazon Conservation Team (https://www.amazonteam.org)
Amazon Conservation Association (https://www.amazonconservation.org)
Rainforest Trust (https://www.rainforesttrust.org)
This blog was inspired by the Netflix documentaries: Breaking Boundaries: The Science Of Our Planet and Kiss the Ground.
* Always check out your charities to make sure they are legitimate and at least 80% of funds raised do what they claim they do.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Zero-Waste Holiday Gift
Happy holidays my friends. This year’s gift-giving intention is pro-environment and zero-waste. These gifts are focused on reducing our plastic consumption.
Instead of wrapping paper, tape and ribbon, I used Furoshiki wraps. These are square-shaped Japanese traditional wrapping cloths. To stay with the eco-friendly theme, I used 100% cotton fabric, purchased at JoAnne Fabric and Craft store (check their App for coupons). With the width of my fabrics being 44-45 inches, I was able to efficiently sew squares that were approximately 20 inches wide when finished. You can make the squares any size within the limiting parameter of the fabric width.
On Youtube, there are multiple videos with step-by-step instructions on how to tie various styles of Furoshiki wrap.
My gifts are to initiate my friends to return to the use of natural bar soap with a self-draining bamboo soap dish. By avoiding the use of plastic pump soaps and plastic refill containers, we reduce a lot of plastic waste. The cotton wraps can be reused, repurposed as napkins, scarfs, etc. If I do this for all my gifts, my friends could potentially end up with a collection of mismatched napkins!
Start the holiday season and new year with a gift that sets the intention of a sustainable future.
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