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Have you seen the commercials trying to pass Monsanto off as a company that cares about your health?

Monsanto is a chemical company that produces genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and pesticides. The company is now trying to rebrand itself as a health-conscious organization. However, critics say that this new image is hypocritical.

Monsanto has long been criticized for producing harmful chemicals. Their most well-known product is the herbicide Roundup, which has been linked to cancer. The company has also been accused of producing GMOs that are unsafe for human consumption.

Now, Monsanto is trying to distance itself from these criticisms. They have started running ads that try to present the company as a caring organization that is committed to improving the lives of farmers and consumers.

Critics say that this new image is hypocritical. They point to the fact that Monsanto is still producing harmful chemicals and GMOs. They also say that the company is not doing enough to transparency about their products.

What do you think? Is Monsanto’s new image hypocritical?

Can you honestly say we are not ingesting pesticides daily when eating genetically modified foods?

How can you honestly say we are not ingesting pesticides daily when eating? It’s a valid question, particularly in light of the fact that genetically modified foods are engineered to be resistant to pesticides. That means that more pesticides can be used on these crops, and we may be ingesting them when we eat these foods.

There are a few things to consider when addressing this question. First, it’s important to understand that not all pesticides are created equal. Some are more toxic than others, and some break down more quickly in the environment. Second, the amount of pesticide that we’re exposed to matters. The toxicological effects of a chemical depend on the dose, so even low levels of exposure to certain pesticides could be harmful.

So, how can you say that we’re not ingesting pesticides when we eat genetically modified foods? Well, it depends on your definition of “pesticide.” If you’re only considering chemicals that are intentionally used to kill pests, then you might be right. But if you’re considering any substance that has the potential to control or eliminate pests, then you’re probably wrong.

There are a number of substances in our food that fall into the latter category. For example, some essential oils can have insecticidal properties. herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, and cloves contain compounds that can kill or repel pests. And even some fruit and vegetable peels contain compounds that can be toxic to pests.

So, while I can’t say for sure that we’re ingesting pesticides when we eat genetically modified foods, it’s probably safe to assume that we are.

March 9, 2023
How Do Medications Affect Our Bodies in the Long Term?

Introduction

It’s no secret that medications can have some pretty serious side effects. In fact, many people take medication for one condition only to end up with another, more serious condition as a result of the medication itself. But what about the long-term effects of taking medication? Are we doing more harm than good by taking medication, even if it is for a short-term condition?

Some research has suggested that taking medication can actually lead to developing a tolerance for the drug, which f course, can lead to addiction.

How Do Medications Affect Our Bodies in the Long Term?

The long-term effects of medications are often not well understood. We are only now beginning to realize the potential side effects that can come from years of taking certain medications.

For example, many people take ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory drugs on a regular basis. While these drugs can be helpful in the short term, they can actually lead to long-term problems like gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney damage.

Likewise, there is growing evidence that taking antibiotics can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This is a serious problem because it means that future antibiotics may not be effective against these bacteria.

There is also evidence that taking antidepressants can lead to the development of brain changes. One study found that people who took antidepressants had changes in their brain structure after just one year. These changes were associated with a decrease in cognitive function.

In addition, long-term use of medication can also lead to liver damage, kidney damage, and even death. Clearly, we need to be much more careful about the long-term use of medications. We need to understand the potential side effects of these drugs before we start taking them regularly.

There are benefits to taking drugs long-term

Of course, there are also some positive long-term effects of taking medication. For instance, some medications can actually help to improve your overall health by treating conditions that would otherwise go untreated. And, of course, there are also the short-term benefits of taking medication, which can often be lifesaving.

So, what is the bottom line? Are the long-term effects of taking medication worth the risks? That is a decision that each individual must make for themselves.

March 9, 2023
The Hidden Dangers of Exotoxins: How They Cause Damage to the Brain

Introduction

The use of GMOs has been a controversial topic for many years. Some people believe that they are necessary to produce food for the ever-growing population, while others believe that they are dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.

Whatever your opinion on GMOs may be, there is no denying that they have the potential to cause serious damage to the brain. Exposure to pesticides has been linked to ADHD, and GMOs have been linked to childhood leukemia.

What’s even more alarming is that the drugs used to treat ADHD, such as Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana, and Metadate CD, are all tracked by the CDC. However, there is no mention of any adverse side effects. This is something that should be taken into consideration, as Ritalin is classified as a class II controlled substance, which means it has the potential to be psychologically or physically addictive.

If you or someone you know has ADHD, be sure to stay informed about the potential dangers of the drugs used to treat it.

What are exotoxins?

Exotoxins are toxins produced and secreted by certain bacteria. Exotoxins are extremely potent and can cause serious harm to humans and other living things. They are composed of proteins, thus they are highly resistant to heat, acids, and other environmental conditions. Exotoxins can be divided into three main types endotoxins, lipopolysaccharide, and lipooligosaccharides. Endotoxins are cell walls produced by certain Gram-negative bacteria and are released when the bacteria are killed or destroyed. Lipopolysaccharides and lipooligosaccharides are complex proteins and carbohydrates produced by some Gram-negative bacteria, mostly involved in food poisoning.

The hidden dangers of exotoxins

Exotoxins are typically referred to as the “invisible killers” because the effects of exposure to them can be hard to detect. Studies have shown that exotoxins have the potential to cause long-term damage to the human body, especially the brain. These toxins have been linked to a variety of neurological illnesses, including Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Although some studies suggest that there is a link between environmental exposure to exotoxins and the development of certain neurological conditions, it is important to note that these theories are still in the early stages of research. In addition to the potential development of neurological illnesses, exposure to exotoxins can also lead to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the number of free radicals present in the body and the number of anti-oxidant molecules. This imbalance can lead to a range of serious health conditions, including neurological damage.

How exotoxins cause damage to the brain

Exotoxins can cause damage to the brain in a variety of ways. One of the most common is believed to be the disruption of the brain’s neural pathways. These pathways are responsible for transporting information from one brain cell to another and play a crucial role in normal brain function. Exotoxins can disrupt these pathways, leading to abnormal brain function. In addition to disrupting neural pathways, exotoxins can also interfere with neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are responsible for regulating mood, energy levels, and sleep. When exotoxins interfere with the production of these neurotransmitters, it can lead to a variety of symptoms ranging from fatigue to depression.

The cumulative effect of exotoxins

Similarly to other toxins, exotoxins can have a cumulative effect. This means that the effects of exposure to exotoxins can become more pronounced over time. In some cases, long-term exposure to exotoxins can result in serious neurological damage, including memory loss, cognitive impairment, and even paralysis. These symptoms can be difficult to identify as they slowly increase over time. For this reason, it is important to take precautions to protect oneself from potential toxic exposure before any serious damage is done.

How to protect yourself from exotoxins

The best way to protect yourself from exotoxins is by avoiding them when possible. This means eating organic produce, avoiding processed and pre-packaged foods, and drinking filtered water. If you must buy pre-packaged or processed foods, make sure to read the labels carefully and avoid those that contain preservatives and additives. It is also important to be aware of areas where you may be exposed to higher concentrations of exotoxins. For example, many landfills contain high levels of exotoxins, so it is important to avoid these places as much as possible. If you must enter a landfill, be sure to wear protective gear, including masks, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterward.

To wrap things up

Exotoxins can have serious consequences for the human body, especially the brain. In some cases, long-term exposure to these toxins can result in permanent damage to the neural pathways and neurotransmitters, leading to cognitive decline and other neurological conditions. It is important to take precautions to reduce your exposure to exotoxins such as avoiding processed and pre-packaged foods and wearing protective gear when necessary. By taking these precautions, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from the hidden dangers of exotoxins.

Fact Check

A news story from NBC News on September 11, 2011 talks about pesticide levels commonly encountered in foods and their link to ADHD in our children read it.

One study collected data from 1,140 children and found that 119 of them had met the criteria for ADHD. Children with significantly higher levels of neurotoxic organophosphate pesticides (commonly found in foods, drinking water, and household pesticides) are two times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. Organophosphates have also been linked to childhood leukemia. In 2008 a study detected high concentrations of organophosphate in 28 percent of blueberries, 25 percent of strawberries, and 19 percent of celery sampled. Although this is not the first study linking pesticides to health issues, it is the first to look at everyday exposure levels in our children around the country (Zerbe, 2011).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) realized approximately 10,000 toddlers between 2 and 3 years old are being treated for ADHD!!

Drugs used to treat ADHD such as; Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana, and Metadate CD are tracked by the CDC. No mention of adverse side effects is mentioned. Ritalin is classified as a class II controlled substance, which may lead to psychological or physical addiction. According to Dr. Rappaport giving drugs to toddlers is irresponsible, toddlers are supposed to be “scattered and disorganized” although ADHD numbers have risen in recent years, there is a capacity for overdiagnosed children, and children under six years of age may be harmed developmentally by ADHD drugs (Louis, 2014).

References:

Louis, PF (2014, June 2). Medical insanity: Over 10,000 American toddlers now on mind-altering medications for ADHD. NaturalNews. Retrieved from: http://www.naturalnews.com/z045399_ADHD_toddlers_psychiatric_medication.html

Zerbe, Leah. (2011, September 11). Pesticides in food linked to ADHD in kids. NBCNews.com. Retrieved from: http://www.nbcnews.com/id/44260583/ns/health-childrens_health/t/pesticides-food-linked

March 9, 2023
9 Zero Waste Solutions For The Most Difficult Recycling Jobs

Introduction

The world is awash in plastic waste. Every year, we generate more than 300 million tons of plastic, much of which ends up in landfills or the ocean. To make matters worse, only 9% of all the plastic ever produced has been recycled.

So what can we do about all this plastic waste? One solution is to stop using disposable plastic items and switch to reusable alternatives. Another solution is to recycle the plastic we do use. However, recycling can be difficult, and not all plastics are recyclable.

In this article, we will discuss 9 zero waste solutions for the most difficult recycling jobs. We will also provide some tips on how to reduce your reliance on disposable plastic items.

Why Zero Waste?

Zero waste is an approach to reducing plastic pollution that emphasizes resource conservation and reduced consumption. The goal of zero waste is to reduce our reliance on disposable plastic items and to ensure that all materials we do use are either reused, recycled, or composted. Relying on zero-waste solutions reduces our reliance on disposables, which helps reduce the amount of plastic entering our oceans, landfills, and incinerators. Furthermore, transitioning to zero-waste solutions helps us use fewer resources by increasing the number of items that are reused or recycled.

The Benefits of Zero Waste

The benefits of transitioning to a zero-waste lifestyle are numerous. The most obvious benefit is a reduction in plastic pollution, as fewer items are going to landfills and the ocean. Additionally, by reducing our reliance on disposable items and intentionally using existing resources, we can reduce our overall consumption, which is beneficial not only for the environment but also financially. This can help us save money while reducing our impact on the planet. Furthermore, zero-waste solutions can help promote social responsibility, as many of the solutions focus on conscious consumption, repurposing existing materials, and reuse. This promotes a more conscious and mindful approach to consumption, which can benefit communities and our overall outlook on consumption.

9 Zero Waste Solutions

There are many solutions to reduce plastic waste and transition to a zero-waste lifestyle. Here are 9 solutions for the most difficult recycling jobs:

• Refillable containers: Refillable bottles and containers are a great way to reduce single-use plastics like disposable water bottles. Keeping a few reusable bottles and containers on hand for everyday use can drastically reduce your plastic consumption.

• Compostable packaging: Compostable packaging is becoming increasingly popular and a great way to reduce your reliance on plastic packaging. This packaging is usually made from plant-based materials like wheat straw and is designed to be composted after it has served its purpose.

• Reusable grocery bags: Shopping bags are one of the most problematic types of plastic waste. Reusable shopping bags are the easiest and most effective way to reduce this type of waste.

• Reusable produce bags: Many people buy fruits and vegetables in plastic bags, which can quickly add up to a lot of waste. Investing in reusable produce bags is an easy way to reduce this type of waste.

• Refillable cleaning products: Many disposable cleaning products are packaged in wasteful plastic containers. Refillable cleaning products are an easy way to reduce this waste.

• Recycling programs: If you live in a city or town with a robust recycling program, participating in it is a great way to ensure that the plastic items you are using are properly recycled.

• Repair and repurpose: Rather than throwing out plastic items, try to repair or repurpose them. This can help reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills.

• Reusable straws: Plastic straws are a major source of plastic waste. Investing in reusable straws is an easy way to reduce your plastic waste.

• Curbside recycling: Most towns and cities offer curbside recycling services. Utilizing these services can help make it easier to recycle plastic items, be sure to check and see what your waste management company accepts.

How to Get Started with Zero Waste

Getting started with zero-waste solutions can seem daunting, but there are a few steps you can take to get started: First, start small making the transition to zero waste can seem overwhelming, so start with one or two reusable items and work your way up. Second, educate yourself on the potential zero-waste solutions available. This will help you make informed decisions and find the solutions that will work best for you. Third use less plastic, take stock of the plastic you use and try to find ways to reduce that number. Finally, get creative with your solutions and repurpose items whenever possible.

Are You Ready to Go Zero Waste?

Going zero waste is an easy way to reduce your reliance on disposables and make a difference in the environment. It can be daunting at first, but with some knowledge and effort, it’s possible to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle and make a meaningful difference. Are you ready to go to zero waste?

Recycling Resources for some hard-to-recycle products

Searching for how and where to recycle items like car seats, pots and pans, old broken toys, and other common household items.

Carseat recycling is available through a twice-a-year program sponsored by Target or through National Carseat Recycling Program, local Bay Area residents may request a free local pickup for Century car seats and baby gear.

Marker recycling is offered through Crayola and Crayons can be recycled through the National Crayon Recycling Program.

Recycling old cookware and baking dishes can be tricky use Earth911 to find a local scrap metal drop-off location. Local pickup service may be offered in some areas or you can ship your items here.

How do I recycle old plastic toys? Mattel Playback Program will accept Barbie^®, Matchbox^®, and MEGA^™ to learn more about their program. Got Legos you need to let go download a free shipping label from Lego Replay. For recycling all Hasbro brand toys and games, Spin Master toys and games, L.O.L. Surprise products and packaging, and VTech and LeapFrog electronic toys and learning devices we have joined forces with TerraCycle to collect and ship these items in bulk. Brand join Terracycle to create closed-loop solutions for their product lines.

How about those plastic parts of the price tags on my clothing? We are still researching this, some of those closures are nylon and others are plastic.

Plastic bags and films can be recycled search for your local drop-off location here.

How2Recycle aims to help you understand how to recycle properly and what can be recycled. Brands can join their program to help people recycle better.

March 9, 2023
How Yoga and Meditation Transformed My Life For the Better

Introduction

When I started practicing yoga and meditation, I was going through a tough time in my life. I was struggling with my mental health and was looking for a way to cope. I had no idea that these ancient practices would change my life for the better in so many ways.

Yoga and meditation have helped me in ways that I could never have imagined. They have improved my mental and physical health, helped me develop a more positive outlook on life, and increased my agility and flexibility. I am a stronger and happier person because of yoga and meditation – and I believe that anyone can be transformed by these practices.

My life before yoga

Before starting yoga and meditation, my life was far from ideal. I was struggling with low self-esteem and was in a very negative headspace. I was anxious, overwhelmed, and always in a rush. I felt like I was going nowhere and had no idea how to fix my issues. Everything always seemed to escape my grasp and I was just not in control of my own life. The stress was taking its toll both mentally and physically – and I was desperate to make a change.

Why I started practicing yoga

I had heard about the practice of yoga and meditation from others, but it wasn’t until I dared to attend a yoga class that I understood the real power behind it. I was amazed by the energy that the class created and felt an immense sense of relief and clarity as I was guided through the poses. The class felt like it gave me a new lease on life, and I returned the following week with a fresh outlook.

The transformation yoga has brought into my life

Since starting yoga and meditation, my life has changed dramatically. My body is more flexible and agile and my mental health has vastly improved. I feel more in control of my life and my response to life’s challenges. I can think more clearly and can handle difficult situations more effectively. I am also able to take a step back and take a more holistic approach to problem-solving – something I was never able to do before.

My morning yoga routine

The first thing I do every morning is practice yoga and meditation. I start with some light stretching to get my body warmed up and then move on to some more vigorous poses. After that, I sit in a comfortable seated position and meditate for around 5-15 minutes. I focus on my breathing and my body and try to clear my mind. This helps me to stay calm and centered throughout the day.

How yoga has changed the way I think and feel

With my regular yoga practice, I have developed a more positive outlook and attitude toward life. I am more aware and mindful of my thoughts and feelings and am better equipped to deal with life’s ups and downs. I am also happy to say that my self-confidence has improved greatly, as I have become more comfortable in my skin.

The benefits of meditation

With regular meditation, I have been able to clear my mind and become more mindful of my thoughts and feelings. I can take a step back and assess a situation before responding. This has allowed me to make better decisions, as I can see the bigger picture and the possible consequences of my choices. Meditation has also helped me to develop a sense of calm and inner peace that has enabled me to handle difficult situations with less stress and anxiety.

How yoga and meditation can help you too

If you are feeling overwhelmed or lost in life, I encourage you to give yoga and meditation a try. These practices can help you to gain clarity and focus and will help you to develop a more positive attitude towards life. With regular practice, you will have access to an inner strength that will help you to stay on the right path. Yoga and meditation have been life-changing for me, and I believe that they can be life-changing for you too.

March 9, 2023
How To Start Composting In Your Apartment (It’s So Easy!)

Introduction

Are you interested in composting but don’t know where to start? Composting is a great way to reduce your waste, help the environment, and even grow your food!

Despite what many people think, composting is very easy to do – and it doesn’t have to be smelly or gross. It can be a very rewarding experience.

There are many different ways to compost, but the most important thing is to get started! This article will show you how to start composting in your apartment so that you can start reducing your waste and helping the environment.

How To Start Composting In Your Apartment

What You Need To Start Composting: The great thing about composting is that you don’t need much to get started. You will need a compost bin, some organic material (such as food scraps, coffee grounds, and cardboard/newspaper), and some soil or compost to add to your bin. You can buy a compost bin from any home improvement store, or you can make your own. The containers should be airtight and large enough to hold the amount of compost that you plan to make. If you don’t have outdoor space, you may want to look into indoor bins. These are specially designed to be space-efficient and are great for small apartments. Just make sure that you have enough room for the bin and regular access to a power outlet for ventilation.

The Different Types of Composting: There are two main types of composting – aerobic and anaerobic. Aerobic composting requires oxygen, while anaerobic composting does not. For most apartment composting, aerobic composting is the best option. This uses bacteria and fungi to break down the organic material and create compost. Anaerobic composting, on the other hand, uses worms and other organisms to create more nutrient-rich compost. This method is best suited for people with outdoor space, as many of the organisms require a higher temperature than can be achieved in an apartment.

How To Compost In Your Apartment: Once you’ve got your compost bin ready to go, you’re ready to start composting! Regularly add your organic material to the bin, such as food scraps, coffee grounds, and cardboard/newspaper. You can also add paper towels, tea bags, and shredded paper to the mix. Make sure that you mix the material and add water, as this helps break down the material faster. Try to keep the material damp, but not saturated. Finally, add a layer of soil or compost to the top of the bin. This helps to speed up the composting process, as well as providing essential nutrients for your compost.

The Benefits of Composting: Composting offers many benefits, both to you and the environment. Composting reduces the amount of waste that is sent to landfills, as it can be used to enrich the soil and help plants grow instead. Composting also helps you save money, as you won’t need to buy as much fertilizer or soil amendments. You’ll also have easy access to compost for your garden or potting projects! How To Get Started: The best way to get started is to research local composting programs. Many cities have programs in place to help make composting easy and convenient. Some cities even have special bins for composting. You can also check online for tutorials and tips on composting. There are also many online communities dedicated to composting, where you can get advice and support from experienced composters.

FAQs About Composting:

Q: How long does it take to compost?

A: It will depend on the type of composting you’re doing and the size of the bin, but most compost bins should be ready to use within a few weeks.

Q: What can I compost?

A: You can compost most organic materials, such as food scraps, coffee grounds, cardboard/newspaper, paper towels, tea bags, and shredded paper.

Q: Is composting smelly?

A: Composting can be smelly, but it doesn’t have to be. Make sure you’re adding the right ratio of materials, as well as mixing and keeping the material damp (but not saturated). This will help reduce any odors from composting.

Conclusion: Composting is an easy and rewarding way to help reduce waste and help the environment. With the right equipment and a bit of know-how, you can start composting in your apartment in no time. Remember to research local composting programs, as well as tutorials and tips online. And don’t forget to ask questions if you’re ever in doubt!

March 9, 2023
How to Overcome Resistance to Change?

Why Resistance To Change Is Inevitable And How To Overcome It

Introduction

In recent years, a growing movement of people has been calling for sustainability and climate action. This is a positive development, as the planet is facing an existential crisis that requires urgent attention. However, this movement has also been met with a lot of resistance.

Many people are resistant to change, even when it is clearly in their best interest. This resistance can be due to several factors, such as a fear of the unknown, a lack of understanding, or a general mistrust of the motives of those who are advocating for change. Whatever the reason, resistance to change is inevitable.

The key to overcoming resistance to change is understanding why it exists and finding ways to address those underlying reasons. This can be done through education, persuasion, and/or providing incentives for change. Keep reading to learn more about why resistance to change is inevitable and how you can overcome it!

The Psychology of Change

Resistance to change is often rooted in the psychology of the person or group that is being asked to make a change. People are inherently resistant to change because it involves altering their current routine or way of doing things. Change can also trigger feelings of uncertainty, discomfort, and fear of the unknown. For some, a lack of understanding of why change is necessary can be another contributing factor. When people don’t understand the purpose behind a proposed change, or the benefits that will come from it, it can be challenging for them to accept and move forward. Moreover, in some cases, resistance can stem from a lack of trust in those advocating for change. It can be hard to convince people to make a change if they don’t believe that their interests are being considered or if there is a sense that those in power are pushing for change for their benefit, rather than for the benefit of those affected by it.

Overcoming Change

While the psychology behind resistance to change is understandable, it is not insurmountable. To address these aspects of resistance, it is important to start by educating people about why change is necessary and what it will accomplish. Explaining the purpose of the change, providing examples of how it has been implemented elsewhere, and offering evidence of its effectiveness can help to reassure people and create a better understanding of the situation. Additionally, seeking input from those who are going to be affected by the change can help to build a sense of ownership and trust. This can go a long way in helping to reduce resistance and make it more likely that people will accept the change when it is finally implemented.

The Need for Change

As much as people may be resistant to change, it is an essential part of life and progress. Without change, the world would remain stagnant and there would not be any opportunities for growth or development. Change is an essential part of life and progress, and it is important to recognize that it is often necessary and beneficial. As such, it is important to be patient when trying to convince people to make a change and to focus on providing evidence and education about why it is necessary.

Making Change Work

The success of a change ultimately depends on how well it is implemented. To ensure that a change is successful, it is important to provide clear instructions and timelines and offer incentives to those involved. Incentives can take the form of financial rewards, recognition, or other benefits such as increased job security. Additionally, it is important to be transparent with those affected by the change and to provide regular updates on the progress being made and how the change benefits them.

Conclusion: Resistance to change is inevitable and can be rooted in psychology, a lack of understanding, or a lack of trust in those advocating for change. To address these issues, it is important to focus on providing education, building trust, and offering incentives. At the same time, it is important to recognize that change is often necessary and beneficial and to approach it with patience and understanding. By taking these steps, it is possible to overcome resistance and successfully implement changes that can benefit everyone.

February 26, 2023
Motivate Change Through Consumerism

The Benefits of Consumerism

The popular saying, “Money Talks,” is founded on the reality that consumerism fuels much of American culture and business. Unfortunately, this can create unsustainable materials and waste that pollutes our environment. While government-imposed taxes to hold businesses accountable are important, individuals also have a responsibility – we can’t let ourselves off with no blame.

Fortunately, accessibility to proper recycling programs across America is improving, though there’s still progress to be made. Through social communities like We Don’t Have Time and Remark, we’ve been given tools to publicly call out companies who engage in non-sustainable practices. It’s up to all of us – as consumers and citizens – to make sure our actions reflect what we want for our planet’s long-term health.

The Facilitator of Change

Influencers from all walks of life are speaking out about the importance of addressing climate change. Despite decades of discourse, our human actions have only led to an increase in environmental damage since the industrial revolution when oil was first discovered. Unfortunately, many products made from fossil fuels remain economically viable and difficult to phase out completely. Plastic is one such example; it’s used for packaging everyday items and only a minuscule amount can be recycled due to its rare nature or cost-efficiency reasons.

The facilitator making a call for formulating change in this situation could be policymakers, members of the public, scientists, and many more. Although government officials may have been aware of environmental degradation issues in the past three decades, very little has changed to address these issues. This can be attributed especially to economic interests linked with fossil fuel-based products: since their discovery back in the 1800s, they have provided energy sources as well as being used to create cosmetics and other items.

Proposals by governments for circular systems such as recycling have not had much success either; plastic is one popular example of this stagnancy as it is widely used for product packaging yet only a small part of them is recycled. This is why getting involved from multiple influencing entities is essential—to develop better policies that encourage eco-friendly outcomes on top of identifying long-term solutions to existing problems.

How can consumerism motivate change?

There are many ways that consumerism can motivate change. For one, when people are buying products that are environmentally friendly or that support social causes, they are sending a message to businesses that they care about these issues. This can prompt businesses to change their practices in order to meet consumer demand. Additionally, when people are knowledgeable about the impacts of their consumption, they can be more selective in their purchasing choices and support businesses that align with their values. Ultimately, consumerism can be a powerful force for positive change when it is done conscientiously.

July 23, 2021
Fast Fashion and the Future of Our Planet

Clothing is something every one of us owns, what we wear relies heavily on what is in season. Trends show that people tend to wear heavy fabrics, warmer clothes in winter, and colder climates. In summer and warmer climates, trends show people to wear lightweight fabrics to help to keep their body temperatures low.

In the beginning, clothing changed when the seasons changed; summer, winter, fall, and spring fashion lines would change. In this time people would update their wardrobes four times a year. Most of the clothing then was still worn for a while before being discarded or donated.

To keep pace with changing trends and new styles in fast fashion, clothing is being mass-produced. Increased production exacts an environmental cost, furthermore, the production processes release chemicals and inorganic fibers that end up in our world’s oceans. Environmental awareness is increasing, more and more people are actively playing their part in saving the environment and choosing sustainable solutions.

What is fast fashion?

Fast fashion is an inexpensive way to mass-produce clothing that keeps up with constantly changing fashion trends. Fast fashion concerns the design, manufacture, and marketing of clothes. Fast fashion, in other words, gives rise to two massive clothing problems; mass-production is unsustainable in part due to raw materials that contribute to agricultural waste and dyes that pollute the water; secondly, with the increased production of clothing, there is increased waste which typically ends up in incinerators and landfills.

Because ignoring a problem does not make it go away, global warming is real and the effects of climate change are not going to disappear even with valiant effort for change. The damage that is done is done; it does not have to continue though, we can do better now and create positive changes for future generations.

Cotton is a water-intensive crop

The journey of a finished piece of clothing starts not at the factory but in an agricultural field. Cotton is a water-intensive crop; it takes 5283 gallons of water to yield 2.2 lbs which equate to net-shit. In addition, the pesticides and fertilizers needed to control the crops, contribute to water pollution and soil degradation. Cotton fibers can be prepared into a wide-ranging variety of fabrics, suitable for apparel, home furnishings, and industrial industries.

Toxic dyes harm marine life and destroy our ecosystem

According to Reports and Data, the textile dyes market is aggregated to grow to 10.13 billion by 2026. There are toxins released into the groundwater from the dying process. Some innovative companies are looking for environmentally friendly dyes. One sustainable solution is to increase the utilization of fabric made from recycled clothing which is never redyed. When there is contamination groundwater, freshwater sources are also affected by the released toxins, harming aquatic life, and adding to the degradation of the marine life. A shocking 20 percent of the global wastewater is produced by the textile industry making it the second most water polluting industry.

Drought and the Fashion Industry

Fast fashion is creating a higher demand for cotton. The Pima Cotton Industry of California provides extra-long-staple cotton grown only in California and is used to make only premium quality clothes and bedding. Current drought conditions have farmers planting far less than normal crops, and some farms are not planting at all.

Today, drought is causing severe water rationing for farmers across the U.S. In areas like Oregon-California border water utilization was cut, delivery of water beginning two months later than usual and dispersing at significantly less. In West Texas, one area most devastated by drought, crops are irrigated from canals that pull from the Rio Grande River and Elephant Butte Reservoir to the north in New Mexico. The water-usage agreement provides regional agriculture – mostly Pima cotton, pecan orchards, and alfalfa fields – each growing season water allotment is based on available water levels. Currently, the water levels in the Rio Grande River and Elephant Butte are below normal, this can be contributed to long-term drought conditions throughout the river basins that feed them, the Elephant Butte Irrigation District has projected slim water allotments for farmers.

Photo by Maria Orlova on Pexels.com

The textile industry consumes a lot of water during the manufacturing and dying process, it is estimated that 200 tons of water are needed per ton of yarn. Mass-produced and frequently discarded clothing is becoming a huge contributor to the number of recyclable materials ending up in landfills, and depleting water resources.

Access to donation and clothing recycling bins is few and far between especially in underserved communities. Although recycled cotton can not alone be turned into a new t-shirt, synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester can be returned to their primary state and not lose quality. It is important to reuse, donate, recycle old clothing and other fabrics especially those made from polyester which was once plastic and before that fossil fuel. We all know plastic is a huge problem, and turning it into polyester does not fix the problem especially if the clothing ends up in landfills anyway.

New and innovative companies like Circ are working to make textile recycling more effective through innovative and disruptive technology that is breaking down typical stereotypes and turning blended fabrics back into near virgin equivalents.

Evrnu is turning your old threads into a new sustainable alternative fiber with ground breaking innovative technology that uses repolymerization changing the original fiber molecules into new high performing renewable fibers.

THE TIME IS NOW – MAKE THE CHOICE TO SUPPORT CLIMATE-FRIENDLY BUSINESSES.

July 16, 2021
Healthy Living 10 Tips to Healthier Happier Toxin Free Home
Learn How to Reduce Toxins in Your Home.

Toxins come from everything. Pollution from manufacturing plants and vehicles fills the air we breathe and our day-to-day home and health care products are filled with unknown ingredients including formaldehyde. Our clothing even contains toxins from dyes, antibacterial and odor resistant products. Avoid antibacterial and odor-fighting clothing containing nanosilver and triclosan.
1. Wash new clothes at least once before wearing
2. choose cleaning products made from plants not petroleum
3. Look for local wet cleaners or laundry service over dry cleaning
4. Avoid school products and clothing that claims to fight bacteria and order causing germs
5. Air out baby play and sleeping areas 6 months before due date
6. Don't use vinyl mattress and pillow covers
7. Use laundry detergents free for fragrances, perfumes and dyes
8. Try using castle soap or plant based laundry alternatives
9. Use Wool Balls or wet dryer sheets to fight wrinkles
10. Choose products without flame retardants
Taking time to understand what products we use in our day-to-day lives that have toxins in them and changing to safer, healthier, non-toxic choices allows our bodies to be healthier.
February 2, 2021