Whew, I have a lot of thoughts on this (and to be transparent, I work for a company that builds out EV infrastructure). I share your anxiety around plastics and the individual waste my family creates. BUT -- but -- I don't believe that we are going to buy or recycle ourselves out of the climate crisis. If you're looking at the financial piece of "going green" -- there is so much more than buying a bamboo toothbrush or whatever.
A) Where is your money? And what policies do those banks have? Let's make sure our money isn't tied up in banks that hold fossil fuel investments: https://fossilfreefunds.org/
[NOTE: This is something I am actively working on myself!]
B) How is your home being heated and cooled? What kinda stove are you using? Are you due to replace a boiler soon? Could installing rooftop solar actually make your electric bill cheaper and more predictable? Could you plan on getting an EV for your next car purchase? Could you try out an electric bike?
C) I'd argue it's a better use of ALL of our time to advocate for change at the systemic level rather than worry about what we buy. Yes, you can do both, but time is limited and thinking of the climate crisis on the individual level is futile and uninspiring. How can you spend your time electing politicians who want to make change and then holding those politicians accountable?
I truly believe that leading a "green" life is BETTER and not entirely full of costs. My induction stove is easier to cook on and reduces air pollution inside my home. My EV is more fun to drive and will save me money over time. A local credit union is less likely to fuck me over than a giant multinational bank. While I'm very fortunate to get to make these decisions financially, I also benefit from them.
Suzanne! Thank you for this amazing comment! Ibrahim and I talked about banking, and Laura and I discussed gas stoves, but it was impossible to fit it all in. I really appreciate all this additional information!
I couldn't agree more with C. I try to dedicate an hour each week to do work with Climate Changemakers, which helps people easily and collectively advocate for systemic change in just an hour, once a week. I've met great people and feel a bit less hopeless: https://www.climatechangemakers.org/
Also I work in the clean energy space and the home heating and cooling bit is a huge one. Induction is great! This comment overall covers a lot - thanks Suzanne
I recently returned from a 2-year sail aboard our 44' sailboat across the Pacific Ocean, visiting many island nations such as French Polynesia, Tuvalu, Fiji, Tonga, and the Marshall Islands. Before departure we made huge efforts to minimize our environmental impact including stocking up on shampoo bars (vs. shampoo in plastic bottles), using a bidet (vs. toilet paper), powering our electricity needs with solar (vs. using diesel fuel for the engine to charge batteries). I also made myself insane with reusing ziploc plastic bags (a ridiculous amount of my time was spent washing these effing bags). I was really proud of our efforts and it felt good to be leaving no trace.
Upon arrival at these tiny island nations, though, I'd feel like such an idiot for my efforts. Plastic waste is everywhere on the ocean because these islands have no infrastructure to deal with garbage or recycling. My impact is so small compared to the power of big business and governments. These islands are dealing with plastic waste generated all over the world.
I don't know what the answers are. But my experience has left me jaded about individual efforts. I love the statement in your newsletter that voting is the biggest act we can take to combat climate change. That's reasonable and real. Thanks for that.
Joy, it sounds like an amazing trip. And you shouldn't discount your efforts, even though I totally get why you feel jaded. At least YOU weren't contributing. That's the personal integrity those of us trying shouldn't underestimate.
Lindsey, if you live in Brooklyn, you might be interested in trying Cues recycling service. They collect via bicycle a couple times a month (varies by area--they're based in BedStuy) and will take "anything that's not wet or illegal". I use their service for soft plastics recycling since we can't put those in curbside bins, but sometimes also include electronics recycling or items for donation.
I quote Pete Martell all the time! I definitely say the wrapped in plastic line after shopping at Aldi (great prices, too much plastic!) and the line about all of Iceland being ABOVE THE TIMBERLINE while he drinks a mug full of milk. I watched that show as a kid because my mom was too afraid to watch it alone. We had to rearrange our living room after BOB climbed over the couch in season 2.
We gave up paper towels a couple years ago and it feels good and they aren't missed. Recently a friend cat sat for us and left behind a roll of paper towels. I moved them to the top of the fridge and we have all forgotten about them. It's funny how you get used to things. We bought a house that has never had a dryer so buying one would involve paying for the hookups, so for now we just line dry in the basement or the backyard. Our parents act like we are pioneers and are shocked we have made it seven months without one. It's nothing in the grand scheme of things, but it does feel good to not really need something that everyone in my demographic insists you can't live without.
Not a dumb question! We use cloth napkins for our meals and dish towels for spills and stuff. I have a lot of fabric, so I made some napkins that way along with buying some from Home Goods. It was a little hard at first but if it just our family eating at home, we use the same napkins for all our meals that day, so long as they didn't get too messy.
I am still always testing my Bob tolerance. I think I am good and can handle not closing my eyes when he is on screen but the shots of him are always so long and then I have nightmares for days. What a good show!
Whew, I have a lot of thoughts on this (and to be transparent, I work for a company that builds out EV infrastructure). I share your anxiety around plastics and the individual waste my family creates. BUT -- but -- I don't believe that we are going to buy or recycle ourselves out of the climate crisis. If you're looking at the financial piece of "going green" -- there is so much more than buying a bamboo toothbrush or whatever.
A) Where is your money? And what policies do those banks have? Let's make sure our money isn't tied up in banks that hold fossil fuel investments: https://fossilfreefunds.org/
[NOTE: This is something I am actively working on myself!]
B) How is your home being heated and cooled? What kinda stove are you using? Are you due to replace a boiler soon? Could installing rooftop solar actually make your electric bill cheaper and more predictable? Could you plan on getting an EV for your next car purchase? Could you try out an electric bike?
C) I'd argue it's a better use of ALL of our time to advocate for change at the systemic level rather than worry about what we buy. Yes, you can do both, but time is limited and thinking of the climate crisis on the individual level is futile and uninspiring. How can you spend your time electing politicians who want to make change and then holding those politicians accountable?
I truly believe that leading a "green" life is BETTER and not entirely full of costs. My induction stove is easier to cook on and reduces air pollution inside my home. My EV is more fun to drive and will save me money over time. A local credit union is less likely to fuck me over than a giant multinational bank. While I'm very fortunate to get to make these decisions financially, I also benefit from them.
Suzanne! Thank you for this amazing comment! Ibrahim and I talked about banking, and Laura and I discussed gas stoves, but it was impossible to fit it all in. I really appreciate all this additional information!
And I recognize you flag the impact of political action and thank you for making that point!
I couldn't agree more with C. I try to dedicate an hour each week to do work with Climate Changemakers, which helps people easily and collectively advocate for systemic change in just an hour, once a week. I've met great people and feel a bit less hopeless: https://www.climatechangemakers.org/
Also I work in the clean energy space and the home heating and cooling bit is a huge one. Induction is great! This comment overall covers a lot - thanks Suzanne
I recently returned from a 2-year sail aboard our 44' sailboat across the Pacific Ocean, visiting many island nations such as French Polynesia, Tuvalu, Fiji, Tonga, and the Marshall Islands. Before departure we made huge efforts to minimize our environmental impact including stocking up on shampoo bars (vs. shampoo in plastic bottles), using a bidet (vs. toilet paper), powering our electricity needs with solar (vs. using diesel fuel for the engine to charge batteries). I also made myself insane with reusing ziploc plastic bags (a ridiculous amount of my time was spent washing these effing bags). I was really proud of our efforts and it felt good to be leaving no trace.
Upon arrival at these tiny island nations, though, I'd feel like such an idiot for my efforts. Plastic waste is everywhere on the ocean because these islands have no infrastructure to deal with garbage or recycling. My impact is so small compared to the power of big business and governments. These islands are dealing with plastic waste generated all over the world.
I don't know what the answers are. But my experience has left me jaded about individual efforts. I love the statement in your newsletter that voting is the biggest act we can take to combat climate change. That's reasonable and real. Thanks for that.
Joy, it sounds like an amazing trip. And you shouldn't discount your efforts, even though I totally get why you feel jaded. At least YOU weren't contributing. That's the personal integrity those of us trying shouldn't underestimate.
Thank you for including me in this!
Thank you for always listening to my rants!
Lindsey, if you live in Brooklyn, you might be interested in trying Cues recycling service. They collect via bicycle a couple times a month (varies by area--they're based in BedStuy) and will take "anything that's not wet or illegal". I use their service for soft plastics recycling since we can't put those in curbside bins, but sometimes also include electronics recycling or items for donation.
Oh interesting! I will check them out!
I quote Pete Martell all the time! I definitely say the wrapped in plastic line after shopping at Aldi (great prices, too much plastic!) and the line about all of Iceland being ABOVE THE TIMBERLINE while he drinks a mug full of milk. I watched that show as a kid because my mom was too afraid to watch it alone. We had to rearrange our living room after BOB climbed over the couch in season 2.
We gave up paper towels a couple years ago and it feels good and they aren't missed. Recently a friend cat sat for us and left behind a roll of paper towels. I moved them to the top of the fridge and we have all forgotten about them. It's funny how you get used to things. We bought a house that has never had a dryer so buying one would involve paying for the hookups, so for now we just line dry in the basement or the backyard. Our parents act like we are pioneers and are shocked we have made it seven months without one. It's nothing in the grand scheme of things, but it does feel good to not really need something that everyone in my demographic insists you can't live without.
Ha, that's so funny about rearranging the furniture. Bob is TERRIFYING!
I know this is a dumb question, but what do you use instead of paper towels?
And I love that you're living without a dryer! I do think we can do without certain things—it's just an adjustment process.
Not a dumb question! We use cloth napkins for our meals and dish towels for spills and stuff. I have a lot of fabric, so I made some napkins that way along with buying some from Home Goods. It was a little hard at first but if it just our family eating at home, we use the same napkins for all our meals that day, so long as they didn't get too messy.
I am still always testing my Bob tolerance. I think I am good and can handle not closing my eyes when he is on screen but the shots of him are always so long and then I have nightmares for days. What a good show!