Hello

“The oak tree and me, we’re made of the same stuff”

……Carl Sagan

 

NEWS OF THE WORLD, EARTH DAY EDITION

Earth Day has been celebrated since 1970, but it means more today than ever before. Nature cannot wait. Already 40% of the planet’s land and seas have been degraded. Every decision we make as individuals will impact the earth in some way. The hope, of course, is that our action will serve in a positive way.

Most people know that plastic pollution is a major problem. Most plastics leave behind microplastics that harm sea-life, animals, plants, and even humans. A Japanese company has created a new biodegradable plastic that is just as strong as regular plastics, This new plastic is a special type of biodegradable material created by scientists at Riken in Japan. It is designed to be as strong and flexible as plastic but has the unique ability to dissolve completely in salt water within 8.5 hours. A plant material is impregnated in this new plastic, which becomes ingested by bacteria in the water. Of course, we have to wait for technology  to reach our lives as a tangible thing. But it is in the works.

In the meantime, while we wait for new technology , let us give our attention to the plastics we have to deal with now. Some of our customers are concerned about the plastics we use for food safety, and the containers and bags we use in the store. We are trying our best to decrease plastic use in as many ways as possible, but it is difficult to find the perfect solution. We have switched to plant-based containers which are appropriate for cold salads and grab and goes. Foods that need microwaving or heating we are now selling in plant-based containers which have non-toxic, non PFA linings. Some customers are also concerned about our produce bags and the containers that hold salad mixes and berries. We now offer, for 10 cents each, regular plastic bags which can be re-used, and compostable bags which are more eco-friendly but cause some angst because they cannot be washed in hot water and may not be strong enough for larger amounts of heavier produce like apples and potatoes. The best solution, of course, is to bring your reusable bags, and wash your plastic bags until they turn opaque, at which point they are no longer super safe for food.  Even opaque, they can be used for storing or protecting textile items, outer lunch bags, and for collecting trash or storing non-perishable items. It’s best to use and re-use with thoughtfulness. We offer a 5 cent rebate for every bag or container you bring in yourself.

When I recently  traveled with National Geographic to the South Pacific, we had a one hour presentation about plastic pollution. It was beyond horrifying to see vast wastelands of plastics in our oceans, rivers and streams, and even deserts. One of the National Geographic staff told us a story about how they are trying to get the Pacific islanders to dispose of their trash in a non-polluting way. These islands really don’t generate much garbage compared to us, but what they do have they throw into the rivers. Their logic is “we throw it in the river and the river carts it away”. Of course, we know that the trash clogs the rivers and ends up in the ocean. However, they had a hard time with this concept. The one instruction that worked the best was he told them that tourists hated to see plastic or other trash in the rivers and ocean and that they might not want to come back. Since these people are quite poor, the only income they get is from tourism. That rang a bell with them. The truth is most pollution does not come from these under-developed islands but from the huge countries in the West. And we should know better by now. The main problems are indifference and lack of education.

Nature is not a place to visit, it is home.

Gary Snyder

We, as humans, are often blissfully unaware of how we foul our nests. Big business, especially Big Ag and Petroleum Companies, are filling us with lies and putting profit over caring for our earth.

On a more positive note, here are a few things you can do for yourself and the earth. Remember Earth Day is not just April 22nd. It is everyday.

1. Climb a tree---not recommended for the aged or infirm

2. Learn how to identify trees. Pay attention to where and with whom they grow.

3. Clean up your local environment. Pick up trash and dispose of it conscientiously.

4. Go on a mushroom walk. Collecting and identifying mushrooms is super fun. However, if you want to eat them, best to go with an expert.

5. Pull up invasive species. The coast often sponsors clean-up days for unwanted plant species.

6. Plant a tree—for fruit, for shade, for a swing.

7. Dry your clothes outside. Dryers in the U.S. alone use over 7 billion dollars of energy yearly and emit 27 million tons of carbon dioxide.

8. Get your OM on. Nature gives us the perfect vehicle for centering ourselves, for breathing deeply, for feeling the vibes of the trees and plants, and providing us with the wonderful scents of the natural world (not including skunks)

9. Dust off your bike---and then ride it.

10. Support local farms and farmers. Local produce is tastier, more sustainable, and more nutritional.

11. Go stargazing. The night sky is incredible. 

12. Start a garden. Gardening is great for the soul and the physical body. Please no herbicides or pesticides or commercial fertilizers. Look for OMRI on the label which means it is safe for the environment. There is organic pest control, and weeds can be curtailed with a strong vinegar solution.

13. Host a Farm to Table dinner. Invite your junk food- eating friends.

14. Plan a scavenger hunt in the forest.

15. Break out your binoculars. Springtime is the best season for identifying songbirds, raptors, and covid family members.

16. Make your own compost.

17. Build a fairy house.

18. Befriend the pollinators. Grow plants to attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects, as well as birds. Our pollinators are in grave danger. Songbird populations are decreasing significantly. Bees are super endangered, and butterflies, especially Monarchs, are becoming extinct. Do not use any pesticides or herbicides on these plants. Even approved sprays can be dangerous to bees and butterflies.

Some cities are putting Bottle Bills in place which encourage financial rewards for recycling which has proved a great incentive. Any receptacle whether plastic, glass, or aluminum will have a charge attached to it when bought. When returned, the money will be refunded. Any recyclable trash, even that which is not from your own household, can receive a refund. This is an incentive for anyone to pick up trash anywhere.  We do have a similar program here in California, but it needs to be advertised, because many folks are not aware of it. There are many ways we can become more involved in not just recycling but also in supporting agencies that make environmental justice a priority. Clean water, clean air, clean food should be everyone’s concern for saving ourselves and the earth.

 

 

 

 

WHATEVER YOU DO, DON’T GIVE UP!!!!

There can be no purpose more enspiriting than the age of restoration, reweaving the wondrous diversity of life that still surrounds us.

E.O. Wilson

What humans do in the next 50 years will determine the fate of all life on the planet.

David Attenborough

 

 

 

 

 

 

O