Think Eco With Me

 I was triggered this summer.

Not by a word, and not in the soul-searing way that crimes against minorities in the US, healthcare disparities and the absolute obtuseness of those who don't care enough about the world to wear a mask. 

More in the sense of a quiet despair. 
And the trigger was the humble baloon.

Kicking around the sand on Fire Island at 6am with my dog @The.Tara should have been absolute fun. It was fun, until I'd stumble upon the daily harvest of 5 to 20 bits of junk. And I'd pick them up to ferry to the garbage bin. Crushed cans, plastic spoons, straws, and plastic toys were part of the daily haul. But every day, there were the balloons! 

Why?! I would shake my fist into the skies. Why do we need all these ridiculous temporary symbols that for one red-hot minute helped mark birthdays, exhortations to get well, baby announcements and graduations. And then they floated away, to choke dolphins and kill seabirds. (See some home truths here.)

Here's a link to my tweet - the thread goes on to reflect: As I walk, I imagine that the post apocalyptic civilization that emerges after our demise will consider the Great Pacific Garbage Patch our version of the pyramids

I've always been a 'light eco-friend"...i.e., where possible, I tried to reduce my plastic footprint. But once we got back in August to NYC, I've tried a little harder:

- I've signed up for a weekly grocery delivery service that reduces wastage by making "ugly" or off-spec product usable, saving as much 139 Million pounds of food to date

- Changing my personal care products to more eco-friendly options

- Shifting to reusables where possible

Since I stopped consulting via Center10, I've not been as prolific as a writer. But COVID-19 has had me reflect on how I use my weekends better. I've started working on a novel that is an homage to my parents. And I'd like to start talking about some of the products that I'm experimenting with. What's working, mostly, and how to access them.

Access is the key. We've been lulled into habits driven by ease. So much easier to pack things into disposable plastic bags, then using a reusable bag that might need to be rinsed and dried later. What if the reusable bag was strong enough to be machine washed and dried? Products exist, and can be found. I'm hoping to be able to direct you to them.

And maybe some fun ideas? How about making it fashionable to celebrate your ailing friend's health with 1 beautiful flower? Maybe one that you've grown? 

Mind.Blown. Eh? 

So, when we're back to visiting each other, don't be shocked if I come bearing a solitary sunflower, or a bag of oranges in a tote. It shows I truly, truly love you! Enough to want you and your children and grandchildren to have a more beautiful earth to live in.