Glacier National Park, Montana

Why did I decide to use bamboo toothbrushes?

I’m reducing the use of plastic at home

Bamboo handles are naturally antimicrobial and biodegradable

They are as effective as plastic and electric toothbrushes

They are organic while having good quality and design

Plastic toothbrushes are really difficult to recycle

All plastic toothbrushes you ever used are still out there!

Climate change is such a huge problem, that is so underrepresented for the amount of harm it causes. The actual change in the temperature, extreme weather events, change in what we’re able to farm. If we ignore this issue, we’re ignoring the fact that we’re slowly destroying ourselves. We can’t ignore it. Yes, the major issue is big corporations, but we are the demand to their supply. We can make a change. Even little changes is something, it does help. Work to make a difference, work to be aware. Don’t ignore the problem, for the sake of our Earth.

here is your gentle reminder that there are dandelions growing through cracks in the sidewalk. there is a fence lizard on the porch who is growing a new tail. there are trees growing through an abandoned house, branches tearing through the ceiling, ferns carpeting the floor. there is life pushing forward, pushing through. 

i understand that having a pet is really good for mental health (TRUST me i know) but otoh… if u cant consistently take care of ur pet u shouldnt own it. if u cant regularly change ur cats litter or walk ur dog daily or clean ur fish tank or WHATEVER then its cruel to keep ur animal in those conditions… ur their entire world u gotta treat them right. and if u cant do that then you need to reasses if youre really ready to look after another living being like that

I upcycled a few old shirts into makeup remover pads and o h m y g o d my hands hurt from cutting 56 of these with older, slightly dulled scissors.

frankly? ban all plastics. require all public buildings to be solar powered. public community gardens in every neighborhood. ban all pesticides. ban fossil fuels. put wind turbines on every sky scraper. gardens on every rooftop. tax cars and fund public transportation. build bike lanes across every city. train/railroad infrastructure across the country (tear down highways). every state mandated to have a certain percentage of land be a wildlife preserve. local/organic farms get huge tax breaks. raise the minimum wage. aquaponics farms in every city. every family has chickens in their backyard. community composting. jeff bezos’s body for fertilizer. i have a clear idea of what i want the world to look like and i want it now. hire me

Guide to Zero Waste as a college student.

I know. Just the thought of it made me scared. When I first started a year ago, I dived head first and told myself if I didn’t start now, I would never start. It didn’t matter if I would make a mistake, I had to start and then learn from my mistakes.

Boi did I make a lot of mistakes. But I learned. Here are some steps you can take to become zero waste.

1. Look at your trash. 

What is in there? Plastic bottles? Straws? Jars? Wrappers? Foam containers of that one take away? Take a look at your trash and determine why you are producing that amount of trash.

2. Plan. 

After figuring out what’s in your trash think about what you can do to stop making it. I like to guide myself with these three questions:

Do I really need this in my life? If not, then it is a good time to stop buying/ using said thing.

If I do need it, is there an eco-friendly alternative? Do they sell it or should I look for a DIY-option? The important thing is not to get stuck just because you can’t get it!

What habits can I adapt to make transitioning easier for me?

3. Set goals. 

At first, I dived right into it. Which was probably not the best option. After some months I realized it would be better if I took one step at a time. Goals are a good way to get you there but the only way goals can actually work is of they are smart. These are some of the goals I had when I started.

Every day I must fill my reusable water bottle and take it everywhere with me. I am not allowed to drink from any plastic cups, straws any other form of packaging that is recyclable but not necessarily reusable.

Every day I must go out with my reusable straw and my utensils. In order not to forget them, I have to always keep a pair on each of my bags.

4. Keep track. 

I will admit: I am not perfect. But keeping tracks of what I do with zero waste helps me see what I can do better. And that’s what this movement is. What can we do to get a bit closer to producing no waste? Some people get discouraged but this personally encourages me to work harder.

So are you planning on becoming zero waste? Are you already part of the movement? Let me know!

-Shirou

Gardening tip #161

Don’t just throw away that border fence once it’s been cut! This tool of oppression can find new life as a trellis for hanging pots, or support for climbers such as cucumbers, tomatoes, or peas