as i sit here i'm stunned that it is september already...a whirlwind few months have passed. family vacations and lots of picket duty...and now we add the search for a new home to the mix. our landlord has decided to sell the house and so it is time to move on...but boy o boy does the timing ever suck badly...
i know we'll get by with a little help from our family & friends (gratitude for all the positive energy we've received!!) but have to admit I had a few days where the weight of so much limbo time really hit hard...
then i received through my email network a wonderful little gift...a link to a preview of the movie "the Shift" www.theshiftmovie.com
goosebumps and hope abounded after watching the 6 minute gem...so that and an absolutely fabulous weekend on Saturna Island for my friends wedding (really really really amazing weekend!!!!!!!) gave me just the boost I needed to get our family through this crazy time...
one of these days we'll be settled in a new home, be back on the job and I'll eventually start my job share (yay!), and our child care will be organized...and maybe then i'll have time to write again ;)
for now I just recommend you check out "the shift" and give yourself a positive boost too...doesn't everyone need it at this time of year?
Wednesday
an interior journey
around the interior of bc that is...
Mark, Sasha and I just got back from a week long road trip that took us to Clinton, Chase and Castlegar...with many stops in between.
i'm full of thoughts on sustainability, community, plastic and more...but first i have to get in touch with the reality of being on strike...plenty of thoughts around this too...
family blog with all the cute pics of Sasha had to be updated first...next opportunity I have to do some writing will be here...
one thing i'd like to ponder on after seeing the success of my friends event in castlegar is the complexity...or ease...of organizing in ones community when it is small...or large...
Mark, Sasha and I just got back from a week long road trip that took us to Clinton, Chase and Castlegar...with many stops in between.
i'm full of thoughts on sustainability, community, plastic and more...but first i have to get in touch with the reality of being on strike...plenty of thoughts around this too...
family blog with all the cute pics of Sasha had to be updated first...next opportunity I have to do some writing will be here...
one thing i'd like to ponder on after seeing the success of my friends event in castlegar is the complexity...or ease...of organizing in ones community when it is small...or large...
Tuesday
rejuvenated :)
our family learning project focusing on plastic took a long pause back in april. after returning from our trip to ontario, i jumped back into work the first week of may (the year off with baby was a total time warp!)...so i've been just a wee bit distracted for the past few months ;)
we've settled into a new groove around my auxilary hours at britannia, and i'm full of gratitude at the amount of time i'm still fortunate to have at home with Sasha! i've also been busy with community stuff which has been moocho fun :)
the 'convenience' of plastics has continued to be a mainstay in my decision making around our family's needs...we haven't completely fallen off the wagon on getting the project and report done...i was just needing a sign that it was time to really get back to work on it all...
well, that sign has come. one of the families closest to our hearts (Thomas, Kristina and Keyan) has started their own journey in purging plastics from their home. they have sent me new links to explore for our research and shared tales of their experience so far...and completely re-sparked my passion again...
another friend (Susan) has provided new inspiration on my writing and activism goals by helping me see some things through a new lens...
and other friends (Monica, Virgina, Bev, Celia, Brenda, Mary, Allan...and of course my soul mate & best friend Mark) have recently been most excellent sounding boards and ego-boosters to help me overcome some of those insecurities holding me back...
i love my friends! :)
so...my agent for positive change hat is back on...fully...and i'll update soon with latest findings on our own personal quest on the plastic front...
we've settled into a new groove around my auxilary hours at britannia, and i'm full of gratitude at the amount of time i'm still fortunate to have at home with Sasha! i've also been busy with community stuff which has been moocho fun :)
the 'convenience' of plastics has continued to be a mainstay in my decision making around our family's needs...we haven't completely fallen off the wagon on getting the project and report done...i was just needing a sign that it was time to really get back to work on it all...
well, that sign has come. one of the families closest to our hearts (Thomas, Kristina and Keyan) has started their own journey in purging plastics from their home. they have sent me new links to explore for our research and shared tales of their experience so far...and completely re-sparked my passion again...
another friend (Susan) has provided new inspiration on my writing and activism goals by helping me see some things through a new lens...
and other friends (Monica, Virgina, Bev, Celia, Brenda, Mary, Allan...and of course my soul mate & best friend Mark) have recently been most excellent sounding boards and ego-boosters to help me overcome some of those insecurities holding me back...
i love my friends! :)
so...my agent for positive change hat is back on...fully...and i'll update soon with latest findings on our own personal quest on the plastic front...
Saturday
my bday reflection
every year at this time it has become a ritual for me to turn to our music and reflect on my life in this moment…which is truly wonder-full!
as i get into the groove something that strikes me is the comfort i feel as i know i'm not alone in life...i’m so fortunate to be loved by my hubby my baby my step-son and a great array of family and friends…and this brings me such joy that when i'm up (i can't get down) ...
while thinkin’ of thoughts to share suddenly i see ...a positive focus on life is one thing that has been very helpful in times of trouble ...and I have found that there are stories and songs which weave a ballad of human kindness … and legacies of amazing folks like mother jones…the most dangerous woman in the world…who agitate things in a good way...
these tales and tunes inspire me and help me stay grounded in my values when i’m feelin’ the hell of watching the blind leading the blind in our world...leading us down a path of mass destruction of our only mama earth…i’m hope-full ‘cuz i know there are also many creative visionaries in every community…workin’ for sustainability for all generations…
my main message for Sasha and Ché…and all of the nieces and nephews in my heart…the future and present youth of a nation...is to stand up for what you believe in...even though you can't always get what you want...there is nothing to be gained by complaining and sittin’ around waiting on the world to change...
the positive power of the people has made a difference in the past…continues to make a difference in the present…and will be the difference for the future...one day we’ll look back and see not only the day the world said stop the war…but also the many many days and all the hard work it took to end it…and all the agents for positive change it took to get it done…to keep getting’ it done…
like all of life’s cycles things have a way of comin’ full circle... you reap what you sow…call it karma if you like…so that’s why I continue to spread my seeds of small positive actions and will always look on the bright side of life...
thanks for bein’ a part of my wonder-full world! cheers!
much love & many hugs
Kathy
:)
“each one reach one, each try to teach one. nobody can do everything, but everybody can do something” gil scott-heron
as i get into the groove something that strikes me is the comfort i feel as i know i'm not alone in life...i’m so fortunate to be loved by my hubby my baby my step-son and a great array of family and friends…and this brings me such joy that when i'm up (i can't get down) ...
while thinkin’ of thoughts to share suddenly i see ...a positive focus on life is one thing that has been very helpful in times of trouble ...and I have found that there are stories and songs which weave a ballad of human kindness … and legacies of amazing folks like mother jones…the most dangerous woman in the world…who agitate things in a good way...
these tales and tunes inspire me and help me stay grounded in my values when i’m feelin’ the hell of watching the blind leading the blind in our world...leading us down a path of mass destruction of our only mama earth…i’m hope-full ‘cuz i know there are also many creative visionaries in every community…workin’ for sustainability for all generations…
my main message for Sasha and Ché…and all of the nieces and nephews in my heart…the future and present youth of a nation...is to stand up for what you believe in...even though you can't always get what you want...there is nothing to be gained by complaining and sittin’ around waiting on the world to change...
the positive power of the people has made a difference in the past…continues to make a difference in the present…and will be the difference for the future...one day we’ll look back and see not only the day the world said stop the war…but also the many many days and all the hard work it took to end it…and all the agents for positive change it took to get it done…to keep getting’ it done…
like all of life’s cycles things have a way of comin’ full circle... you reap what you sow…call it karma if you like…so that’s why I continue to spread my seeds of small positive actions and will always look on the bright side of life...
thanks for bein’ a part of my wonder-full world! cheers!
much love & many hugs
Kathy
:)
“each one reach one, each try to teach one. nobody can do everything, but everybody can do something” gil scott-heron
(ziggy marley, michael franti & spearhead, great big sea, kt tunstall, lucious jackson, kate fenner & chris brown, the dears, utah phillips & ani difranco, hamell on trial, squirrel nut zippers, soul jazz orchestra, faithless, p.o.d., kyprios, ben harper & rusted roots, john mayer, sara marlowe, robb johnson, ruthie foster, monty python)
Sunday
more positive findings on our plastic quest :)
I know I've already declared my gratitude that we decided to take on a family learning project focusing on plastic...and this has evolved to joy as we continue to build on the project (our full report, when it's done, is going to be pretty darn cool)...and as we continue to limit our plastic intake. Taking action to learn more about the substance that fills our world and our senses, and searching for alternatives has introduced us to great info...and more importantly great people!
We've had folks tell us they think this project of ours is inspiring...and we love that we're providing some positive energy to others...but now I'd like to introduce you to two other faboo folks who have taken on big challenges as well - for they have inspired me to persevere and make our experience the best it can be!
First I'd like to introduce you to Earthwoman. A fellow vancouverite who made a new years resolution to live plastic free for 2007. Her blog, plasticfree.blogspot.com allows you to follow along on her journey of hard core plastic free existence here in our fair city. I have learned a few good tricks from her and the folks who post comments on her site (such as a plastic free shampoo alternative using honey and baking soda) that we want to try out. I also love the way she writes about the sinners and saints of plastic, and the level of detail she gets into trying to share her experience of finding products with no plastic.
Her challenges have been good learning experience for us, and I admire her conviction to attempt this for the whole year. I also find she has a great witty style to her writing which really makes it enjoyable to follow along and keeps you waiting for new stories to come.
I feel our adventure compliments Earthwoman's experiment for a few reasons:
- it seems we live on opposite ends of town which could provide a great outlook on vancouver as a whole when it comes to consumer choices and plastic alternatives.
- her efforts to be plastic free are in the corporate world of investment banking (not your typical eco-warrior...which is why i've never been a fan of stereo-types!). This is a different reality than I live in as a worker at Britannia community centre. (though we have some family members who work in the corporate world...)
- Earthwoman is a vegetarian (and I believe kid-free at the moment) so she is not dealing with our biggest challenges which are baby food and other baby and kid things, and being omnivores we have dairy and meat to make choices about
If, like Earthwoman, you have a cruelty-free chromosome...well I think you're gonna love her story! And we look forward to following along throughout the year.
One of her great links led me to the second person I want to introduce you to - No Impact Man.
Visit his site to follow along with his family's adventure to live a no impact life in New York city! Talk about a challenge ;)
To make it even more interesting, he and his wife also have a baby...so needless to say we're learning alot from their experience so far. To attempt a year of living no impact in a large urban city, as a family unit to boot, is a very inspiring experiment.
I enjoy that he wants to bust the myth that it is just not possible to do such a thing! and I love that they see this as a valuable experience for the way forward it will provide them.
At the end of this attempt to rise to the challenge of leaving no impact for a year...I'm sure we'll all learn fantastic ways we can continue to decrease our own footprints too!
Sasha and I are off to Ontario in a few days...and the plastics we encounter will continue to pop into my consciousness - it seems once you really notice it (and even spend a day taking pictures of the litter it creates in your neighbourhood) you'll never see it in the same way again.
Thank you to those of you who reminded me that this is a voluntary project and that the world will not come to an end if I don't get it done "on time"! I was feeling anxiety at being behind on my goals...but the weather has been nice...and other things have taken priority for now. We are continuing our efforts to eliminate plastic from our purchases as much as possible and are enjoying finding positive alternatives.
...and thanks to all of you - including Earthwoman and No Impact Man - for the inspiration to continue to get the report done...when I get back ;)
for now I hope we've provided enough food for thought for a bit. enjoy the links here so far...perhaps I'll find time to post while we're living the gypsy life around ontario for a couple of weeks.
on the plastic front we're not done yet folks...stay tuned for more!
We've had folks tell us they think this project of ours is inspiring...and we love that we're providing some positive energy to others...but now I'd like to introduce you to two other faboo folks who have taken on big challenges as well - for they have inspired me to persevere and make our experience the best it can be!
First I'd like to introduce you to Earthwoman. A fellow vancouverite who made a new years resolution to live plastic free for 2007. Her blog, plasticfree.blogspot.com allows you to follow along on her journey of hard core plastic free existence here in our fair city. I have learned a few good tricks from her and the folks who post comments on her site (such as a plastic free shampoo alternative using honey and baking soda) that we want to try out. I also love the way she writes about the sinners and saints of plastic, and the level of detail she gets into trying to share her experience of finding products with no plastic.
Her challenges have been good learning experience for us, and I admire her conviction to attempt this for the whole year. I also find she has a great witty style to her writing which really makes it enjoyable to follow along and keeps you waiting for new stories to come.
I feel our adventure compliments Earthwoman's experiment for a few reasons:
- it seems we live on opposite ends of town which could provide a great outlook on vancouver as a whole when it comes to consumer choices and plastic alternatives.
- her efforts to be plastic free are in the corporate world of investment banking (not your typical eco-warrior...which is why i've never been a fan of stereo-types!). This is a different reality than I live in as a worker at Britannia community centre. (though we have some family members who work in the corporate world...)
- Earthwoman is a vegetarian (and I believe kid-free at the moment) so she is not dealing with our biggest challenges which are baby food and other baby and kid things, and being omnivores we have dairy and meat to make choices about
If, like Earthwoman, you have a cruelty-free chromosome...well I think you're gonna love her story! And we look forward to following along throughout the year.
One of her great links led me to the second person I want to introduce you to - No Impact Man.
Visit his site to follow along with his family's adventure to live a no impact life in New York city! Talk about a challenge ;)
To make it even more interesting, he and his wife also have a baby...so needless to say we're learning alot from their experience so far. To attempt a year of living no impact in a large urban city, as a family unit to boot, is a very inspiring experiment.
I enjoy that he wants to bust the myth that it is just not possible to do such a thing! and I love that they see this as a valuable experience for the way forward it will provide them.
At the end of this attempt to rise to the challenge of leaving no impact for a year...I'm sure we'll all learn fantastic ways we can continue to decrease our own footprints too!
Sasha and I are off to Ontario in a few days...and the plastics we encounter will continue to pop into my consciousness - it seems once you really notice it (and even spend a day taking pictures of the litter it creates in your neighbourhood) you'll never see it in the same way again.
Thank you to those of you who reminded me that this is a voluntary project and that the world will not come to an end if I don't get it done "on time"! I was feeling anxiety at being behind on my goals...but the weather has been nice...and other things have taken priority for now. We are continuing our efforts to eliminate plastic from our purchases as much as possible and are enjoying finding positive alternatives.
...and thanks to all of you - including Earthwoman and No Impact Man - for the inspiration to continue to get the report done...when I get back ;)
for now I hope we've provided enough food for thought for a bit. enjoy the links here so far...perhaps I'll find time to post while we're living the gypsy life around ontario for a couple of weeks.
on the plastic front we're not done yet folks...stay tuned for more!
Saturday
plastic in our 'hood - photo essay
nice day for a walk....and a little garbage collection!
One of my friends has recommended that we start a photo essay on plastic , which we think is a fabulous idea (many thanks Susan!)...so this has now become part of our end project goal. We've decided to include photos that represent the good and bad of plastic in our world.
The amount of plastic refuse in our neighbourhood is a bad on our list, so to show one example of the end of the plastic life-cycle - aka litter - we armed Che with a claw (made of plastic funny enough) for picking up the refuse and took pictures along the way.
Visit www.flickr.com/photos/plastic_in_our_hood to view our album of Plastics in Our 'Hood. This is the plastic we found in only two blocks of our street (36th between Argyle and Victoria), and some around our Jones Park as well...
Thursday
a day in touch with plastic
one day I tracked every time my hand actually touched plastic...here's the overview of what I make contact with on an ordinary day around home...and some personal reflections that came to mind along the way. how close does it compare with your own daily experience?
not only our hands come in touch with plastic every day...we touch it with our mouths and bottoms too. (whole new meaning to foot & mouth dis-ease - heh) we touch it, see it, smell it, taste it, and even listen with it.
with good and bad influence - for instance I'm happy to have that clear bubble to keep her dry on long walks but very annoyed at all the litter I see which is plastic (though litter is not really plastics' fault...that is lazy human behaviour) - I'm happy to be using my other 2 senses when it comes to plastic now...thinking about how I really feel about living in such a plastic world...
- turn alarm off on plastic clock. always awake before it goes off actually...babies make great alarm clocks ;)
- turn on a light or two if needed, flipping plastic switches (depends on how much earlier we rise before the sun for our preferred natural light)
- brush teeth with plastic tooth brush...do they make toothbrushes that aren't plastic? and lid to the toothpaste is plastic.
- wash hands with soap that is in plastic shell dish and turn taps which have plastic handles
- the toilet has a plastic seat
- warm Sasha's formula for her plastic bottle (1st of 4 in the day). still contemplating the worth of replacing these with glass
- make coffee in our plastic coffee maker. we became fair-trade only consumers a few years back...and thankfully there are fair trade brand options with no plastic packaging :)
- toss out yesterdays coffee remnants (we have temporarily fallen off the compost bandwagon...when we're diligent this goes in the compost...having now written this am REALLY feeling compelled to restart the better habit again!) in our plastic garbage can...lined with - you guessed it!- a plastic bag
we're using up what's left of our plastic bags for garbage bags. since we use cloth for all the shopping now we haven't acquired new ones for a while...but when these run out...then what? hopefully we can get our waste output to zero one day...this has become my new challenge for the long-term. i'm sure it is possible...and it will be a great adventure! - change Sasha's diaper - wipes are in plastic container...touch touch touch throughout the day. and diapers have plastic tabs. alternative may be the diaper free movement...not sure I have patience for this...we'll go back to cloth after she's off anti-biotics in June
- after Sasha has her bottle we play for a while...with her plastic toys (some exceptions...like the really nice wooden block set and bear puzzle...and books of course!)
- Sasha's breakfast, in a plastic bowl with a plastic spoon. I know there are alternatives to this...gettin' on it. My own breakfast, nature's path cereal, comes in a box with plastic inside.
- during morning nap time I try to read or write...pen (elements of plastic) & paper version...or on the computer - full of plastic components such as the very keyboard i'm typing on...
technology is one of those elements in life that simply doesn't come without plastic - avid lovers of music (and a dose of tv every day) we touch plastic every time we: change the cd or dvd; touch the components to power on/off or other function buttons; use remotes for volume, etc...every piece (except the sturdy 70's amp all our components are connected to!) is made with some degree of plastic
- make some fresh fruit and veg for Sasha's lunch and dinner...using knife, peeler and other utensils with plastic handles
- every in/out of fridge and oven we touch the plastic handles
- out for a walk...if with the stroller we again come in contact with plastic (most of it covered by some fabric so don't always notice) and if it's raining there is the plastic 'bubble' which keeps Sasha warm and dry
- happen to chat on the phone...plastic to the ear baby
- a board game involves using plastic die and player pieces
- bath time for Sasha - open the plastic shower curtain; put the plastic plug in the drain; sit on the plastic no-slip mat; play with the plastic tub toys; working our way through the plastic bottles of baby shampoo we received for Sasha in her 1st year
- showers for us big kids involve the plastic curtain and the left over remnants of shampoo bottles not done yet. I have begun regularly using a shampoo bar from soapworks, and we are experimenting with all the varieties of soap they have too...all with no packaging (therefore no plastic - yeah!) I also have one of those meshy poofs which are made with some kind of plastic fiber
- before bedtime Sasha also has to have her anti-biotics which come in a plastic bottle with a plastic syringe
not only our hands come in touch with plastic every day...we touch it with our mouths and bottoms too. (whole new meaning to foot & mouth dis-ease - heh) we touch it, see it, smell it, taste it, and even listen with it.
with good and bad influence - for instance I'm happy to have that clear bubble to keep her dry on long walks but very annoyed at all the litter I see which is plastic (though litter is not really plastics' fault...that is lazy human behaviour) - I'm happy to be using my other 2 senses when it comes to plastic now...thinking about how I really feel about living in such a plastic world...
Monday
Reflections on the week
Today Sasha and I went for along walk on a beautiful day. We walked up to the Drive for a quick shop, then walked to False Creek for lunch on the water's edge. After a meeting for CPEN we then had another long walk...so I had lots of time for reflecting on our plastic experiment so far.
I want to express how happy I am that we decided to do this learning project on plastic. We have gathered a lot of information to learn from and share with others...and the best thing of all is the amazing support we have received! Not only from family and friends, but from other amazing people who are just as fed up with all the plastic in the world as we are! ;)
For all the negatives we're learning about, such as the toxins that continue to leach out of some plastics we use often, and the level to which we have been guinea pigs to industries that believe the burden of proof (when it comes to the danger of their products) is on us...we'll cover the negatives in our report...however I am really glad that we'll have positive things to report on as well!! :)
Such as the Zero Waste Campaign. Visit this site to find an abundance of resources to take action in your home or even your community...and beyond. The Zero Waste campaign has been a great source for positive information and hope. I am also appreciative of their tools to help folks be proactive.
Ultimately everyone has to become proactive about sustainable change...though there are a lot of positive changes happening in companies and governments - we need so much more to be happening. So citizens need to add the voices loud and clear. Pressure businesses and governments to do more. Voluntary limits on waste and pollution outputted by industries are not enough, and we have all let profit dictate our circumstances long enough.
The costs to our health and environment are far too great and it's time we stop paying for their neglect! We must ramp up our efforts as citizens who are tired of being told people and our environment are simple externalities - and demand real responsibility from those who are making our lives so "convenient"
One of the biggest actions which would lead to dramatic change is Clean Production
which is a way of designing products and manufacturing processes in harmony with natural ecological cycles. This is the kind of thinking that fills me with hope as it gives us something positive to request...rather than just stating what we want to stop :)
I want to express how happy I am that we decided to do this learning project on plastic. We have gathered a lot of information to learn from and share with others...and the best thing of all is the amazing support we have received! Not only from family and friends, but from other amazing people who are just as fed up with all the plastic in the world as we are! ;)
For all the negatives we're learning about, such as the toxins that continue to leach out of some plastics we use often, and the level to which we have been guinea pigs to industries that believe the burden of proof (when it comes to the danger of their products) is on us...we'll cover the negatives in our report...however I am really glad that we'll have positive things to report on as well!! :)
Such as the Zero Waste Campaign. Visit this site to find an abundance of resources to take action in your home or even your community...and beyond. The Zero Waste campaign has been a great source for positive information and hope. I am also appreciative of their tools to help folks be proactive.
Ultimately everyone has to become proactive about sustainable change...though there are a lot of positive changes happening in companies and governments - we need so much more to be happening. So citizens need to add the voices loud and clear. Pressure businesses and governments to do more. Voluntary limits on waste and pollution outputted by industries are not enough, and we have all let profit dictate our circumstances long enough.
The costs to our health and environment are far too great and it's time we stop paying for their neglect! We must ramp up our efforts as citizens who are tired of being told people and our environment are simple externalities - and demand real responsibility from those who are making our lives so "convenient"
One of the biggest actions which would lead to dramatic change is Clean Production
which is a way of designing products and manufacturing processes in harmony with natural ecological cycles. This is the kind of thinking that fills me with hope as it gives us something positive to request...rather than just stating what we want to stop :)
Sunday
Day Seven
The first sunny day in a long while...and we had a much needed chore day. A day for laundry and cleaning and getting a general tidy back to the home. Being able to open all the windows to let the fresh air in was wonderful!
Since there was no shopping to do, the only plastic acquired by one of us today was the plastic lid and straw of Che's drink - lucky guy was taken to a Canucks game for the grand finale of his spring break! Too bad they lost in over-time, but it was a great game to see live (Mark listened in online, but it was a pay-per-view...how is that accessible to all families? anyways...)
So...final tally...7 days down and 3 successful at acquiring no new plastics.
Even with it being a generally lazy vacation style week for us, and we didn't really need to shop for as much as I thought we might...we still were only 43% successful at acquiring no new plastics!
Our advantages are living within walking distance (for me, walking distance is within an hours walk...I understand this is not realistic to everyone's lifestyle or neighbourhood choices) of a lot of fresh and local options for fruit and vegetables, and a few bakeries.
The challenges are having kids - everything for kids has at least some plastic, and most of it is packaging. Dairy and meat products are also a big challenge. With bulk buying, though it cuts down on a lot of packaging and is beneficial in many ways...because of health and safety regulations (and a lawsuit-happy culture) it is not possible at this time in my area...though I'm still looking into other options...to reuse your own containers to minimize waste.
I have many other thoughts reeling in my mind after this week, and after reflecting a while I'll have more to write about. I will continue to add my favorite tidbits here over the next while as we pull the report together. We've come across some pretty great stuff...good and bad.
Our timeline for the final report is a goal which might require more flexibility...my trip home to Ontario with Sasha is in 2 weeks - feels like tomorrow with all I need to do before we go!
Since there was no shopping to do, the only plastic acquired by one of us today was the plastic lid and straw of Che's drink - lucky guy was taken to a Canucks game for the grand finale of his spring break! Too bad they lost in over-time, but it was a great game to see live (Mark listened in online, but it was a pay-per-view...how is that accessible to all families? anyways...)
So...final tally...7 days down and 3 successful at acquiring no new plastics.
Even with it being a generally lazy vacation style week for us, and we didn't really need to shop for as much as I thought we might...we still were only 43% successful at acquiring no new plastics!
Our advantages are living within walking distance (for me, walking distance is within an hours walk...I understand this is not realistic to everyone's lifestyle or neighbourhood choices) of a lot of fresh and local options for fruit and vegetables, and a few bakeries.
The challenges are having kids - everything for kids has at least some plastic, and most of it is packaging. Dairy and meat products are also a big challenge. With bulk buying, though it cuts down on a lot of packaging and is beneficial in many ways...because of health and safety regulations (and a lawsuit-happy culture) it is not possible at this time in my area...though I'm still looking into other options...to reuse your own containers to minimize waste.
I have many other thoughts reeling in my mind after this week, and after reflecting a while I'll have more to write about. I will continue to add my favorite tidbits here over the next while as we pull the report together. We've come across some pretty great stuff...good and bad.
Our timeline for the final report is a goal which might require more flexibility...my trip home to Ontario with Sasha is in 2 weeks - feels like tomorrow with all I need to do before we go!
Saturday
Day Six
We didn't make it to the credit union today so ended up using our debit cards again while out and about. The rain was so heavy in the morning that we decided to take our chances and see how it was after Sasha's afternoon nap...and glad we did! Nice to get out for a nice long walk with bits of sunshine tinting everything gold again :)
I was happy we managed to get a snack and the majority of our needs without plastic, with only a few exceptions...but exceptions none the less. The snack was buns and sesame balls from one of our local Chinese bakeries...and it is a big challenge to get out of there without plastic! Even if you ask for no wrapping, they habitually try to get plastic on your purchase somehow! But we persevered, "no plastic thank you! we don't need the wrapping. no, we don't need the bag thank you!" and we made it out plastic free.
Then our next stop. This is where we acquired toothpaste with a plastic cap, tylenol in a plastic bottle and batteries with plastic as part of its packaging.
While picking up our produce needs Mark had put our potatoes in one of those plastic bags out of habit (it does make it easier to carry things around when they are contained), until I came in and pointed out there was something wrong with the picture...d'oh! So he chose to use a basket instead.
Brown sugar was on the list, but we couldn't find it. And does anyone know where you can get brown sugar not in plastic?
6 days down: 3 successful with no new plastics
I was happy we managed to get a snack and the majority of our needs without plastic, with only a few exceptions...but exceptions none the less. The snack was buns and sesame balls from one of our local Chinese bakeries...and it is a big challenge to get out of there without plastic! Even if you ask for no wrapping, they habitually try to get plastic on your purchase somehow! But we persevered, "no plastic thank you! we don't need the wrapping. no, we don't need the bag thank you!" and we made it out plastic free.
Then our next stop. This is where we acquired toothpaste with a plastic cap, tylenol in a plastic bottle and batteries with plastic as part of its packaging.
While picking up our produce needs Mark had put our potatoes in one of those plastic bags out of habit (it does make it easier to carry things around when they are contained), until I came in and pointed out there was something wrong with the picture...d'oh! So he chose to use a basket instead.
Brown sugar was on the list, but we couldn't find it. And does anyone know where you can get brown sugar not in plastic?
6 days down: 3 successful with no new plastics
Friday
Day Five
Another day of hibernation...the wet weather is making it oh so easy to make do with what we have at home ;)
I was wondering earlier in the week why I needed to go to the bank, and yesterday I remembered when we had to chose to use our plastic debit cards...because I had forgotten to go to the bank to take out cash! (only way to spend without plastic) So our credit union is on the list for our adventures for tomorrow...when cabin fever will get us out again if nothing else! lol
We have put time into our research and other project elements though, so we're happy with the progress we're making towards our final report.
We have also established a timeline for it's release...for all you keeners who are chomping at the bit to see what comes out of this experiment of ours:
- for the next few days we continue our cataloging, research, outreach, and tracking choices made around plastic (I actually intend to do this for much longer...but for our official project we're focusing on the week only for now) and draft our letters to government, businesses, etc
- Monday we mail out the letters and summarize the weeks choices (the best we can)
- by end of next week send a follow up email to see if our letters were received and when we might expect a response (if ever)
- draft of report (details including history, development, alternatives, etc as outlined earlier) will be ongoing until my trip to Ontario from April 12-28
- a summary of our findings will be posted before I go so everyone can read it by Earth Day - April 22nd
- the full report will be available May 14th...because I know realistically this is a timeline we can achieve (with a trip, a baby, and a full life), it provides time for replies and time for final proofing and all that jazz.
5 days down: 3 days successful at no new plastics in the home.
I was wondering earlier in the week why I needed to go to the bank, and yesterday I remembered when we had to chose to use our plastic debit cards...because I had forgotten to go to the bank to take out cash! (only way to spend without plastic) So our credit union is on the list for our adventures for tomorrow...when cabin fever will get us out again if nothing else! lol
We have put time into our research and other project elements though, so we're happy with the progress we're making towards our final report.
We have also established a timeline for it's release...for all you keeners who are chomping at the bit to see what comes out of this experiment of ours:
- for the next few days we continue our cataloging, research, outreach, and tracking choices made around plastic (I actually intend to do this for much longer...but for our official project we're focusing on the week only for now) and draft our letters to government, businesses, etc
- Monday we mail out the letters and summarize the weeks choices (the best we can)
- by end of next week send a follow up email to see if our letters were received and when we might expect a response (if ever)
- draft of report (details including history, development, alternatives, etc as outlined earlier) will be ongoing until my trip to Ontario from April 12-28
- a summary of our findings will be posted before I go so everyone can read it by Earth Day - April 22nd
- the full report will be available May 14th...because I know realistically this is a timeline we can achieve (with a trip, a baby, and a full life), it provides time for replies and time for final proofing and all that jazz.
5 days down: 3 days successful at no new plastics in the home.
Thursday
Day Four
Today we targeted some more plastic challenges when it comes to consumer choices...and now I really have something to write about!
The first thing is life with a baby...and all the plastic that comes with it. It's not only all the toys which is a concern since they love to put everything in their mouth. (we have some wooden toys which are a good alternative but they are hard to come by and often pricey which limits them as a choice for many) The majority of the toys that were gifted or passed on to Sasha (not to mention the toys her brother has!) through our network of family and friends have at least some element of plastic. Except all the stuffed animals...though some of these have a filler made from recycled fibers of plastic...or plastic eyes and noses.
Diapers and wipes are two things we chose to buy today...and plastic comes along with both of these purchases. When Sasha was born we were using cloth to avoid the disposable kind, but when she ended up on anti-biotics after a urine and kidney infection last June we switched to the non-chlorinated Seventh Generation diapers as we really wanted to keep the moisture from her bottom and minimize our environmental impact because of this choice. We are considering going back to cloth once we are given the okay from the urologist that she is recovered from her deflux procedure and can finally come off the drugs. (if you want to follow along with this adventure in Sasha's life I refer you to our family blog listed in the links to your left)
We have plastic bottles for her formula feeds and have looked into buying glass ones, however she will not need them soon...and of all the varieties of plastic for bottles my findings so far are that the Advent bottles we use are of the best kind you can use for baby. Though we haven't ruled out the glass bottles completely as they would be great things to pass on to another family when we are done.
Her formula (plastic lids) and cereal (recyclable cardboard box is wrapped in cellophane plastic, and has a plastic spout for easy pouring) are other things we chose to buy today which use at least some plastic for the containers. Soon she will be off the formula. So the biggest change would be making our own cereal I suppose with bulk ingredients...if can find a place to obtain bulk without plastic.
Which leads nicely to my conversation with the manager of my corner store - Famous Foods (Mark laughs that I call this my 'corner store' as it's 16 blocks away and uphill the whole way home) I told him a bit about our family project and how we were looking for ways to decrease the number of plastics we bring home.
For those of you unfamiliar with Famous Foods, the majority of their stock is bulk food items, which they package in different sizes - in plastic bags. Omnivores that we are we also frequent this store for our meat as they have hormone free organic everything - chicken, pork, beef, buffalo. But of course all the meat products are wrapped in plastic and Styrofoam.
So first I asked him if it was at all possible to reuse the bags for the bulk items we buy often (like organic sugar and baking goods), and due to health and safety violations this is not possible. Could we bring in our own containers for meat? Absolutely not - again for health and safety reasons which is easily understood when dealing with meat.
(I made the choice not purchase meat today - we still have a few cuts in the freezer. Now we will explore butcher options in our radius as they often wrap in paper...but as this leads to a paper or plastic choice, therefore packaging to contend with, the vegetarian option becomes ever more appealing...)
Then I asked if the bags used for the bulk items were recyclable, which they are not. Had they looked into alternatives which might be? Too expensive.
At this point he had clearly expressed that he can't do anything other than what he is doing (and Famous Foods does a lot really!), and I sensed I had caught him off guard with my questioning...so I expressed my appreciation for his time and for answering my questions. After all, we had never thought to ask all these questions before and you never know if you don't ask right?
His "can't" in mind is translated as 'not able to'...and here are the obstacles as I see them so far:
- alternatives are few and pricey (is it really a surprise that money is an obstacle?!!)
- health and safety concerns (valid when talking about food)
- time (would require research and networking) and often time = more money
The bigger worry for me was that he seemed very turned off this idea because of his focus on people who return bottles without cleaning them. I understand this view - who wants to undertake any kind of initiative which requires reusing things when people can't even wash a bottle before getting their refund on it? I'm sure this is a big frustration to all of the staff who become responsible for rinsing these things for the folks who didn't do it themselves.
So add to the list of obstacles - educating people to be responsible for their role in bottle and container return programs!
Now, what if a hundred (or few hundred) regular customers expressed and interest in a "refill-your-container" program? And what if these wise consumers were willing to pay a small fee for this convenience (just think of the time you save not having to deal with the waste of packaging at all!)
I would like to return one day, not loaded with questions, but armed with a plan of positive action to fill a void for consumers like us who are looking to leave as small a footprint as possible - perhaps a fee based container reuse program where oft purchased goods can be bought without having to constantly deal with its packaging. Maybe if the logistics were figured out for him he might be open to it?
Well, there are still many of my favorite stores I haven't had the chance to ask questions of yet...I'm curious to see how other managers will respond to queries on continuing efforts to minimize packaging further. I suspect there are many who are up to the challenge...especially if other folks keep asking about it too ;)
4 days down: 2 days successful at no new plastics in the home.
The first thing is life with a baby...and all the plastic that comes with it. It's not only all the toys which is a concern since they love to put everything in their mouth. (we have some wooden toys which are a good alternative but they are hard to come by and often pricey which limits them as a choice for many) The majority of the toys that were gifted or passed on to Sasha (not to mention the toys her brother has!) through our network of family and friends have at least some element of plastic. Except all the stuffed animals...though some of these have a filler made from recycled fibers of plastic...or plastic eyes and noses.
Diapers and wipes are two things we chose to buy today...and plastic comes along with both of these purchases. When Sasha was born we were using cloth to avoid the disposable kind, but when she ended up on anti-biotics after a urine and kidney infection last June we switched to the non-chlorinated Seventh Generation diapers as we really wanted to keep the moisture from her bottom and minimize our environmental impact because of this choice. We are considering going back to cloth once we are given the okay from the urologist that she is recovered from her deflux procedure and can finally come off the drugs. (if you want to follow along with this adventure in Sasha's life I refer you to our family blog listed in the links to your left)
We have plastic bottles for her formula feeds and have looked into buying glass ones, however she will not need them soon...and of all the varieties of plastic for bottles my findings so far are that the Advent bottles we use are of the best kind you can use for baby. Though we haven't ruled out the glass bottles completely as they would be great things to pass on to another family when we are done.
Her formula (plastic lids) and cereal (recyclable cardboard box is wrapped in cellophane plastic, and has a plastic spout for easy pouring) are other things we chose to buy today which use at least some plastic for the containers. Soon she will be off the formula. So the biggest change would be making our own cereal I suppose with bulk ingredients...if can find a place to obtain bulk without plastic.
Which leads nicely to my conversation with the manager of my corner store - Famous Foods (Mark laughs that I call this my 'corner store' as it's 16 blocks away and uphill the whole way home) I told him a bit about our family project and how we were looking for ways to decrease the number of plastics we bring home.
For those of you unfamiliar with Famous Foods, the majority of their stock is bulk food items, which they package in different sizes - in plastic bags. Omnivores that we are we also frequent this store for our meat as they have hormone free organic everything - chicken, pork, beef, buffalo. But of course all the meat products are wrapped in plastic and Styrofoam.
So first I asked him if it was at all possible to reuse the bags for the bulk items we buy often (like organic sugar and baking goods), and due to health and safety violations this is not possible. Could we bring in our own containers for meat? Absolutely not - again for health and safety reasons which is easily understood when dealing with meat.
(I made the choice not purchase meat today - we still have a few cuts in the freezer. Now we will explore butcher options in our radius as they often wrap in paper...but as this leads to a paper or plastic choice, therefore packaging to contend with, the vegetarian option becomes ever more appealing...)
Then I asked if the bags used for the bulk items were recyclable, which they are not. Had they looked into alternatives which might be? Too expensive.
At this point he had clearly expressed that he can't do anything other than what he is doing (and Famous Foods does a lot really!), and I sensed I had caught him off guard with my questioning...so I expressed my appreciation for his time and for answering my questions. After all, we had never thought to ask all these questions before and you never know if you don't ask right?
His "can't" in mind is translated as 'not able to'...and here are the obstacles as I see them so far:
- alternatives are few and pricey (is it really a surprise that money is an obstacle?!!)
- health and safety concerns (valid when talking about food)
- time (would require research and networking) and often time = more money
The bigger worry for me was that he seemed very turned off this idea because of his focus on people who return bottles without cleaning them. I understand this view - who wants to undertake any kind of initiative which requires reusing things when people can't even wash a bottle before getting their refund on it? I'm sure this is a big frustration to all of the staff who become responsible for rinsing these things for the folks who didn't do it themselves.
So add to the list of obstacles - educating people to be responsible for their role in bottle and container return programs!
Now, what if a hundred (or few hundred) regular customers expressed and interest in a "refill-your-container" program? And what if these wise consumers were willing to pay a small fee for this convenience (just think of the time you save not having to deal with the waste of packaging at all!)
I would like to return one day, not loaded with questions, but armed with a plan of positive action to fill a void for consumers like us who are looking to leave as small a footprint as possible - perhaps a fee based container reuse program where oft purchased goods can be bought without having to constantly deal with its packaging. Maybe if the logistics were figured out for him he might be open to it?
Well, there are still many of my favorite stores I haven't had the chance to ask questions of yet...I'm curious to see how other managers will respond to queries on continuing efforts to minimize packaging further. I suspect there are many who are up to the challenge...especially if other folks keep asking about it too ;)
4 days down: 2 days successful at no new plastics in the home.
Wednesday
Day Three
Another day successful at bringing in no new plastics...but this is really easy when you don't go anywhere! ;)
A grey day which inspired in us a need to cozy up at home and take it easy. It is spring break after...quality time, even of the stay at home kind, is just faboo!
We also had a lovely time with Heath visiting from the island, and I had a meeting at Kensington. Both of these events required no choices to think through about plastic. Though my mind has become quite full from all the research I've done lately on this epidemic detail of our daily lives!
With leftovers to eat and nowhere to go we're not feeling triumphant with our no plastic goal achieved for the day - though we are nicely relaxed for the challenge of tomorrow. We need more food and other things for the home and can procrastinate no further...
3 days down: 2 days successful at no new plastics in the home.
A grey day which inspired in us a need to cozy up at home and take it easy. It is spring break after...quality time, even of the stay at home kind, is just faboo!
We also had a lovely time with Heath visiting from the island, and I had a meeting at Kensington. Both of these events required no choices to think through about plastic. Though my mind has become quite full from all the research I've done lately on this epidemic detail of our daily lives!
With leftovers to eat and nowhere to go we're not feeling triumphant with our no plastic goal achieved for the day - though we are nicely relaxed for the challenge of tomorrow. We need more food and other things for the home and can procrastinate no further...
3 days down: 2 days successful at no new plastics in the home.
Tuesday
Day Two
I only did a small shop today because Sasha and I had a play day with friends...far more important than grocery shopping! :)
Proud to say I was able to get everything I needed for my yummy veg stew and some fresh bread...all with no trace of plastic today!
That feels good. To meet our needs for sustanence and fulfill the challenge as well. I believe it is much easier to acquire next to no plastics as a vegetarian. (we're ominivores, but we continue to make the effort to eat vegetarian more often than not) Fresh produce can easily be found and purchased without using any plastic. Even best when it's local food to also maximize our sustainability impact ;)
We have a large collection of cloth bags, which we have really become diligent about using which helps keep out new plastic bags. I believe alot of people are making efforts to minimize plastic bag use. What is nice to find is that there are lots of policy choices being made at a local level to rid society of plastic bags all together...especially now that there are so many amazing alternatives!
And living down the street from a great bakery where I can get our bread without the plastic packaging is a total bonus. I truly love that all of our food needs are within walking distance! But let's see by the end of the week what this radius offers when I need something other than vegetables and bread...now that we've established how lucky we are to live so close to a wide variety of produce options.
I would like to share one of the best resources I've come across so far in my hunt for info on all things plastic. www.lifewithoutplastic.com Life Without Plastic (LWP) is the initiative of a couple from Quebec who desired a world without plastic for their baby. They have a great Facts on Plastic section (even better in my mind because it is all Canadian), which includes a table that they continue to update with a break down of the 7 categories of plastic most used. Fabulous!!
They have started a business and are developing an inventory of plastic alternatives, such as lunch ware kits, glass baby bottles, and other stuff made of steel and other materials.
This site is the perfect place to start for a great summary to fill your need to be informed. I am grateful to have found the effort put forth by this wonderful duo as it provides a lot of groundwork we can build on (and I have already informed them that we will pass on all of our info when we're done our project...just in case any of it is useful for their needs)
We believe we're taking a different approach in looking at how often our days our impacted by plastic and what the overall pros and cons of it all are. And we have a large advocacy piece in trying to outreach to companies and government to see what's happening locally and nationally when it comes to plastic and our ability (and political will) to continue working towards healthy and sustainable alternatives.
Anyways...2 days down. 1 day successful at no new plastics in the home.
Proud to say I was able to get everything I needed for my yummy veg stew and some fresh bread...all with no trace of plastic today!
That feels good. To meet our needs for sustanence and fulfill the challenge as well. I believe it is much easier to acquire next to no plastics as a vegetarian. (we're ominivores, but we continue to make the effort to eat vegetarian more often than not) Fresh produce can easily be found and purchased without using any plastic. Even best when it's local food to also maximize our sustainability impact ;)
We have a large collection of cloth bags, which we have really become diligent about using which helps keep out new plastic bags. I believe alot of people are making efforts to minimize plastic bag use. What is nice to find is that there are lots of policy choices being made at a local level to rid society of plastic bags all together...especially now that there are so many amazing alternatives!
And living down the street from a great bakery where I can get our bread without the plastic packaging is a total bonus. I truly love that all of our food needs are within walking distance! But let's see by the end of the week what this radius offers when I need something other than vegetables and bread...now that we've established how lucky we are to live so close to a wide variety of produce options.
I would like to share one of the best resources I've come across so far in my hunt for info on all things plastic. www.lifewithoutplastic.com Life Without Plastic (LWP) is the initiative of a couple from Quebec who desired a world without plastic for their baby. They have a great Facts on Plastic section (even better in my mind because it is all Canadian), which includes a table that they continue to update with a break down of the 7 categories of plastic most used. Fabulous!!
They have started a business and are developing an inventory of plastic alternatives, such as lunch ware kits, glass baby bottles, and other stuff made of steel and other materials.
This site is the perfect place to start for a great summary to fill your need to be informed. I am grateful to have found the effort put forth by this wonderful duo as it provides a lot of groundwork we can build on (and I have already informed them that we will pass on all of our info when we're done our project...just in case any of it is useful for their needs)
We believe we're taking a different approach in looking at how often our days our impacted by plastic and what the overall pros and cons of it all are. And we have a large advocacy piece in trying to outreach to companies and government to see what's happening locally and nationally when it comes to plastic and our ability (and political will) to continue working towards healthy and sustainable alternatives.
Anyways...2 days down. 1 day successful at no new plastics in the home.
Monday
Day one
Well...the first official day of our family learning project on plastics was pretty low key.
Started stockpiling the resources to explore. Found plenty of great information so far. We're going to be busy on the organizing front.
We are very grateful that a few folks have also shared some good links for us to explore, thought-provoking questions (which we aim to answer by the end of the week if we can) and great ideas to add to our project list of things to do...and a couple of people are even trying to avoid new plastics for a week as well! Very exciting! Thank you for your feedback and support :)
However...we were unsuccessful in our quest for no new plastics in the home today :(
Dairy is a challenge to find without a container of plastic...specifically sour cream. Suggestions? I suppose the obvious is go without...but it was perogies for dinner! And when someone brings you dinner...it doesn't feel right to focus on the plastic content. (thanks again for dinner Mum!)
It is being noted because...well because that's the point of the experiment for us...to see how many times we have a choice, how often we don't...and just how much have we taken this stuff for granted?
Mark and Che did decide to skip purchasing some new dungeons and dragons pieces, which are plastic, and opted to get something of cardboard instead. (You'd have to ask them what it was...I was just impressed they came home plastic free on our first day-LOL)
tomorrow actually requires more of a food shop...produce is easy...have a guess on what is going to be the biggest challenge?
1 day down: 0 days successful with no new plastics
Started stockpiling the resources to explore. Found plenty of great information so far. We're going to be busy on the organizing front.
We are very grateful that a few folks have also shared some good links for us to explore, thought-provoking questions (which we aim to answer by the end of the week if we can) and great ideas to add to our project list of things to do...and a couple of people are even trying to avoid new plastics for a week as well! Very exciting! Thank you for your feedback and support :)
However...we were unsuccessful in our quest for no new plastics in the home today :(
Dairy is a challenge to find without a container of plastic...specifically sour cream. Suggestions? I suppose the obvious is go without...but it was perogies for dinner! And when someone brings you dinner...it doesn't feel right to focus on the plastic content. (thanks again for dinner Mum!)
It is being noted because...well because that's the point of the experiment for us...to see how many times we have a choice, how often we don't...and just how much have we taken this stuff for granted?
Mark and Che did decide to skip purchasing some new dungeons and dragons pieces, which are plastic, and opted to get something of cardboard instead. (You'd have to ask them what it was...I was just impressed they came home plastic free on our first day-LOL)
tomorrow actually requires more of a food shop...produce is easy...have a guess on what is going to be the biggest challenge?
1 day down: 0 days successful with no new plastics
Friday
A Week Plastic Free
We are embarking on a family learning journey with a focus on plastic...specifically a life without any new plastic for at least a week - March 19-26. We would like to share our ideas with you. And, when we're done, we're also happy to share our findings with you.
This is the outline of what our final report on our project will include...so far (ideas keep brewing as we talk it out):
- our catalogue of all things plastic in our home + just how much plastic DO we have?
- list of companies we contacted about their plastic outputs and what their path to sustainability goals are + any responses we receive
- which industry produces the most plastic? + which provides the most jobs? + how safe are jobs in the plastic industry?
- the history and development of plastic + the different types of plastics developed + life cycle of plastic
- health and environmental impacts of plastic
- a summary of our daily choices and how we managed through the week of acquiring no new plastics + how many times a day do we actually encounter a choice around plastic?
- copies of our letters to all levels of government on leadership and policy alternatives we would like to see them acting on to reduce the negative impacts of plastics on our society + any responses we receive
- a compilation of information on sustainable alternatives
- a full resource and reference section highlighting best sources of info on all things plastic
- and a compilation of any feedback from folks like you
We would really appreciate it if you are willing to share any research, resources, rants, raves, alternatives info...anything you can think to share as long as it relates to plastic!
We're eager to see how the project evolves. Our goal is to begin our research and have the letters out by the end of our week long experiment (I am tempted however, to see how long we can go with acquiring no new plastic...). We will continue the research while we wait for replies. Once we feel we have enough info to share with others we'll post the 'report' for all to see.
Our daily choices and other info will be posted here for those who want to follow along, and if you decide you would like to experiment for a day or the week, we'd love to hear about your experience!
many thanks and hugs
Kathy, Mark, Che & Sasha
:)
monday we begin...
Our daily choices and other info will be posted here for those who want to follow along, and if you decide you would like to experiment for a day or the week, we'd love to hear about your experience!
many thanks and hugs
Kathy, Mark, Che & Sasha
:)
monday we begin...
Saturday
Shopping for Positive Change goes live
I'm newly inspired as an agent for positive change and eager to motivate folks with my workshop once again. Comfortable in my role as mom now, I've had some time to work on www.shoppingforpositivechange.ca and now the web site is live and ready to view! Though I'm still updating resource content, I can finally direct everyone to my web site for info...feels good to finally have this part done!
now I'll have the time to post some positive thoughts here on this blog occasionally as well...
Tuesday
a world of change...
another chapter in life begins...number 33...and life has changed a fair bit for me...so for my reflection this year I once again turn to music for a mix of meaning to share...
having recently said hello hello to our lovely baby girl Sasha…this birthday i’ve been reflecting on how i continue to evolve…loving this new chapter in my life called motherhood…now always wondering how my evolution will impact her choices in life…i also think about how i have grown to love this being woman…how strongly i believe that women ain’t nothin’ to fix…though i hope she doesn’t struggle through the same insecurities i did to believe this…
in times like these i hope i can raise her to feel gratitude…to always be thankful for our daily bread…and for all good things…like family and friends…a home…community…an education…a world of opportunities…and lots of love…
every ordinary day can be extraordinary…this is one of many messages i have to offer her…and the everyday people she will know…along with finding and using our courage…much needed to resist negative energy…and the powers working against peace and sustainability that exist by the lesser amount…
i hope she will share my positive vision…an outlook on what a wonderful world looks like…can be like…how we are capable of so much more than what we see today…
i remind myself ‘no woman, no cry’…because change is underway…and working with her generation and building on the positive steps already being taken…there will continue to be better days ahead…
i will walk with her on this journey…yes i will…and i thank YOU for being part of MY journey friend!
Much love & many hugs
Kathy
:)
my quote of inspiration this year…
"Whenever I held my newborn baby in my arms, I used to think that what I said and did to him could have an influence not only on him but on all whom he met, not only for a day or a month or a year, but for all eternity - a very challenging and exciting thought for a mother." ~Rose Kennedy
(Mose Fanfar; Ani Difranco; Martyn Joseph; Ndidi Cascade; Jack Johnson; Corey Harris; Great Big Sea; Xavier Rudd; Arrested Development; The Tragically Hip; Kate Fenner & Chris Brown; Karen Savoca; Ruthie Foster; Sara Marlowe; Dan Zane & Friends; Peter Rowan; Sweatshop Union f. Moka Only; Michael Franti & Spearhead)
Sunday
beginning chapter 32
i sat and began thinking on my life in this moment...opened up to my music collection...created a fabu mix from some of my favorite songs...then wrote a short babble threading together the song titles just for fun...
beginning another chapter in life…literally set free…unexpectedly yet happily…given time to examine my life and future creatively…so using some music that inspires me…
i continue trying to figure out What I Be…though far more certain than i was at 23…when all i wanted…and still want is to be Consequence Free…since we know We’re Here for a Good Time (not a long time)…gotta be a trooper in this life…’cuz The Thing About It is we are all responsible…there’s No Such Thing as a self-made-being…we all have to deal with the Consequences of the chaos around us…locally and globally…people…well me anyways…are tired of being pawns in a chain of Supply & Demand…especially when so many continue to face the Cold Hungry Blues…
and i see that Fear still holds me back…i want to inspire folks with lessons of Direct Action from the past…and present…help in the movement to build on this 3rd World Revolution…the now global movement for peace and social justice for all…a fair world order…as more and more people start to believe George Bush is an Islamic Fundamentalist…one of many theories people debate as we witness his shock and awe leadership…dictatorship of the world…in solidarity our efforts can help ensure Later Will Be Greater…we can turn our nation into a Revolutionation…demand our leaders learn that we all need to obey the rule of Don’t Kill…
to break the cycle of negativity All You Need Is Love guiding all of your actions…not control…i believe someday we’ll find that Rainbow Connection…the lovers and dreamers and me…so I begin my latest chapter firm in my commitment to keep trying to create positive change in the world around me…perhaps i can change the world With My Own 2 Hands…’cuz I believe…like Saritah sings…as “i conclude with Gratitude that I've got to make the most of this opportunity”…while making sure to keep on singing and dancing with my friends…Bam Bam…
peace and hugs :)
"Another world is not only possible; she is on her way. On a quiet day I can hear her breathing." Arundhati Roy
(in order of the songs above...here are the artists who inspire...Michael Franti & Spearhead; Great Big Sea; Trooper; Sweatshop Union; John Mayer; Amy Martin; Kate Fenner & Chris Brown; Po' Girl; Sia; Utah Phillips & Ani Difranco; Gil Scott Heron; The Rub; The Unpeople; Carpetface f. Freefall Collective; Hamell on Trial; The Beatles; Kermit the Frog; Ben Harper; Saritah; Toots & the Maytals w/ Shaggy)
beginning another chapter in life…literally set free…unexpectedly yet happily…given time to examine my life and future creatively…so using some music that inspires me…
i continue trying to figure out What I Be…though far more certain than i was at 23…when all i wanted…and still want is to be Consequence Free…since we know We’re Here for a Good Time (not a long time)…gotta be a trooper in this life…’cuz The Thing About It is we are all responsible…there’s No Such Thing as a self-made-being…we all have to deal with the Consequences of the chaos around us…locally and globally…people…well me anyways…are tired of being pawns in a chain of Supply & Demand…especially when so many continue to face the Cold Hungry Blues…
and i see that Fear still holds me back…i want to inspire folks with lessons of Direct Action from the past…and present…help in the movement to build on this 3rd World Revolution…the now global movement for peace and social justice for all…a fair world order…as more and more people start to believe George Bush is an Islamic Fundamentalist…one of many theories people debate as we witness his shock and awe leadership…dictatorship of the world…in solidarity our efforts can help ensure Later Will Be Greater…we can turn our nation into a Revolutionation…demand our leaders learn that we all need to obey the rule of Don’t Kill…
to break the cycle of negativity All You Need Is Love guiding all of your actions…not control…i believe someday we’ll find that Rainbow Connection…the lovers and dreamers and me…so I begin my latest chapter firm in my commitment to keep trying to create positive change in the world around me…perhaps i can change the world With My Own 2 Hands…’cuz I believe…like Saritah sings…as “i conclude with Gratitude that I've got to make the most of this opportunity”…while making sure to keep on singing and dancing with my friends…Bam Bam…
peace and hugs :)
"Another world is not only possible; she is on her way. On a quiet day I can hear her breathing." Arundhati Roy
(in order of the songs above...here are the artists who inspire...Michael Franti & Spearhead; Great Big Sea; Trooper; Sweatshop Union; John Mayer; Amy Martin; Kate Fenner & Chris Brown; Po' Girl; Sia; Utah Phillips & Ani Difranco; Gil Scott Heron; The Rub; The Unpeople; Carpetface f. Freefall Collective; Hamell on Trial; The Beatles; Kermit the Frog; Ben Harper; Saritah; Toots & the Maytals w/ Shaggy)
Saturday
reflections for the new year
new years day...doin' a bit of surfin' around...thinkin' about economics and food brings me here for now...
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0121-20.htm - what could go wrong in 2005? who really knows...but this is a good article on a possible economic demise of the american dollar and imperial overstretch. a new global alliance is developing
http://www.pbs.org/pov/pov2004/thirst
Global corporations are rapidly becoming involved with local water supplies, trying to combine private profits with what many feel should be a fundamental right to water access. Looking at tensions in Bolivia, India and Stockton, California, "Thirst" reveals how water is becoming the catalyst for explosive community responses to the management of this precious resource.
http://www.grist.org/comments/soapbox/2004/07/09/cook
Fluid Dynamics: A debate on water privatization (with Maude Barlowe from Council of Canadians)
http://www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/rulemakers/TenWaysToDemocratize.html
Top Ten Ways to Democratize the Global Economy
Also at Global Exchange...a site full of great info...check out the list of reality tours for just a small sampling of alternatives being explored around the world! Their tours provide opportunities to see positive change by positive people power in action :)
http://www.beyondfactoryfarming.org
The Beyond Factory Farming Coalition's mission is to promote livestock production that supports food sovereignty, ecological, human and animal health, as well as sustainability and community viability and informed citizen/consumer choice.
http://www.safe-food.org
Mothers for Natural Law. Loads of info on genetic engineering and the issues which surround it. a campaign for mandatory labeling so we have the right to choose.
http://www.canadians.org
Council of Canadians
can't even begin to describe how valuable this organization is! amazing informative research and serious campaigns on issues like GMO's, trade, water, environment...
hands down my favorite org in canada...partly because they inspire all my other favorites ;)
http://www.themeatrix.com - The Meatrix - a cross between The Matrix movie and the ideas in the book Fast Food Nation. excellent video clip which leads to very valuable info!
http://www.themeatrix.com/canada/action/index.html - link for Candian action and info
http://www.happycow.net/index.html
HappyCow's Vegetarian Guide offers a global directory to vegetarian restaurants and natural health food stores, raw food & veganism, tips on healthy cooking, recipes & nutrition, famous vegetarians, veggie dating and more.
The Impossible Will Take a While
http://www.soulofacitizen.org/Articles.htm - articles by the author worth a read
http://www.betterworldhandbook.com
the best site for finding ways to turn your thoughts into every day actions! also has an informative ranking of all the major fuel companies if you want to consider which company you want to support with your dollars
if in vancouver be sure to check out the Better World Handbook Festival comin up March 26th! I'm volunteering for this great event and I can guarantee you won't be disappointed! visit http://www.betterworldhandbookfestival.ca to learn more :)
http://www.whatwouldjesusdrive.org
if thy believe in jesus and his ways...should thoust be driving an SUV? see for thineself...
http://www.planetpals.com
fun site for learning with the kids!
http://www.naturalstep.org
Since 1988, The Natural Step has worked to accelerate global sustainability by guiding companies, communities and governments onto an ecologically, socially and economically sustainable path. More than 70 people in twelve countries work with an international network of sustainability experts, scientists ,universities, and businesses to create solutions, innovative models and tools that will lead the transition to a sustainable future.
http://www.ceres.org
Today, it is often difficult for corporations, activists and socially responsible investors to have honest, meaningful dialogue on corporations' environmental and social practices. CERES provides an innovative forum for this kind of exchange and a unique opportunity for real accountability and real results.
Mission Statement
CERES is a coalition of investment funds, environmental organizations, and public interest groups.
Our mission is to move businesses, capital, and markets to advance lasting prosperity by valuing the health of the planet and its people.
CERES is...
* The leading U.S. coalition of environmental, investor, and advocacy groups working together for a sustainable future
* Companies that have committed to continuous environmental improvement by endorsing the CERES Principles, a ten-point code of environmental conduct
* A common ground where groups with widely different backgrounds, assumptions, and visions find concrete solutions to today's environmental challenges
Project for the New American Century...this is the world as Cheney and his fellow neocons see it...
http://www.newamericancentury.org
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0121-20.htm - what could go wrong in 2005? who really knows...but this is a good article on a possible economic demise of the american dollar and imperial overstretch. a new global alliance is developing
http://www.pbs.org/pov/pov2004/thirst
Global corporations are rapidly becoming involved with local water supplies, trying to combine private profits with what many feel should be a fundamental right to water access. Looking at tensions in Bolivia, India and Stockton, California, "Thirst" reveals how water is becoming the catalyst for explosive community responses to the management of this precious resource.
http://www.grist.org/comments/soapbox/2004/07/09/cook
Fluid Dynamics: A debate on water privatization (with Maude Barlowe from Council of Canadians)
http://www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/rulemakers/TenWaysToDemocratize.html
Top Ten Ways to Democratize the Global Economy
Also at Global Exchange...a site full of great info...check out the list of reality tours for just a small sampling of alternatives being explored around the world! Their tours provide opportunities to see positive change by positive people power in action :)
http://www.beyondfactoryfarming.org
The Beyond Factory Farming Coalition's mission is to promote livestock production that supports food sovereignty, ecological, human and animal health, as well as sustainability and community viability and informed citizen/consumer choice.
http://www.safe-food.org
Mothers for Natural Law. Loads of info on genetic engineering and the issues which surround it. a campaign for mandatory labeling so we have the right to choose.
http://www.canadians.org
Council of Canadians
can't even begin to describe how valuable this organization is! amazing informative research and serious campaigns on issues like GMO's, trade, water, environment...
hands down my favorite org in canada...partly because they inspire all my other favorites ;)
http://www.themeatrix.com - The Meatrix - a cross between The Matrix movie and the ideas in the book Fast Food Nation. excellent video clip which leads to very valuable info!
http://www.themeatrix.com/canada/action/index.html - link for Candian action and info
http://www.happycow.net/index.html
HappyCow's Vegetarian Guide offers a global directory to vegetarian restaurants and natural health food stores, raw food & veganism, tips on healthy cooking, recipes & nutrition, famous vegetarians, veggie dating and more.
The Impossible Will Take a While
http://www.soulofacitizen.org/Articles.htm - articles by the author worth a read
http://www.betterworldhandbook.com
the best site for finding ways to turn your thoughts into every day actions! also has an informative ranking of all the major fuel companies if you want to consider which company you want to support with your dollars
if in vancouver be sure to check out the Better World Handbook Festival comin up March 26th! I'm volunteering for this great event and I can guarantee you won't be disappointed! visit http://www.betterworldhandbookfestival.ca to learn more :)
http://www.whatwouldjesusdrive.org
if thy believe in jesus and his ways...should thoust be driving an SUV? see for thineself...
http://www.planetpals.com
fun site for learning with the kids!
http://www.naturalstep.org
Since 1988, The Natural Step has worked to accelerate global sustainability by guiding companies, communities and governments onto an ecologically, socially and economically sustainable path. More than 70 people in twelve countries work with an international network of sustainability experts, scientists ,universities, and businesses to create solutions, innovative models and tools that will lead the transition to a sustainable future.
http://www.ceres.org
Today, it is often difficult for corporations, activists and socially responsible investors to have honest, meaningful dialogue on corporations' environmental and social practices. CERES provides an innovative forum for this kind of exchange and a unique opportunity for real accountability and real results.
Mission Statement
CERES is a coalition of investment funds, environmental organizations, and public interest groups.
Our mission is to move businesses, capital, and markets to advance lasting prosperity by valuing the health of the planet and its people.
CERES is...
* The leading U.S. coalition of environmental, investor, and advocacy groups working together for a sustainable future
* Companies that have committed to continuous environmental improvement by endorsing the CERES Principles, a ten-point code of environmental conduct
* A common ground where groups with widely different backgrounds, assumptions, and visions find concrete solutions to today's environmental challenges
Project for the New American Century...this is the world as Cheney and his fellow neocons see it...
http://www.newamericancentury.org
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