Have you ever thought about what your toilet paper is made of?
Americans, just 4 percent of the world’s population, are responsible for 20 percent of global toilet paper (TP) consumption. This is about 36 billions rolls per year. And yet, we often don’t discuss, care, or think about what toilet paper is actually made of.
Though I’m sure most of us have seen those Charmin toilet paper commercials where cartoon bears are using extra soft TP so that it feels nice on their hairy bums? These nonsensical commercials make it seem like TP is so trivial but in reality, conventional TP is very harmful to you and the planet.
Breaking a sweat over chemicals in clothing?!
I love when a comfy fashion trend - like Birkenstocks, baggie jeans, Hill House Home dresses - takes off. Like the trend of athleisure: wearing activewear, which as Vogue put it, is “[n]o longer reserved for time solely at the gym…[but can] blend the lines between fashion and function, offering longevity and stylish versatility outside of just a sweaty workout.” However, there is a dark side to this trend…
How to mindfully party.
I have always loved hosting parties. When I was 10, I created a "business" called "B.O.P.: babysitting and the organization of parties" - though I got babysitting jobs, the only parties I organized were my own (lol).
Oh put a cork in it!
…that's how I feel when I hear myself telling people about waste and recycling: that people want me to shut up. Sometimes I think it’s because they aren’t interested, but sometimes, it’s because they feel guilty that aren’t also aware of these issues.
A conversation with the passionately curious Dr. Gero Leson about his latest book, "Honor Thy Label"
“All-One,” the credo of the famous soap company, Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, not only describes the versatility of the classic liquid soap, but also the founding principles of the company that on this planet, we are all one.
What's the cost of cut flowers?
I know it's seems crazy that something as 'natural' as flowers could be so bad for people and for the planet...but sadly it's true. The entire process of picking, arranging, and getting flowers delivered leaves a pretty big carbon footprint and moral stain.
Are compostable bio-plastic cups any better for the environment than regular plastic cups?
Not really. When bio-plastic - plastic made from plants not petroleum - first came out, many thought this was the solution to the single use oil-based plastic problem; however, it just creates another set of problems.
Down to basics: the importance of compost.
It's truly scary how much waste we produce. Just watch "The Story of Stuff" to learn more about the underside of our production and consumption patterns. It shows you how "throwing something away" does not mean it disappears.
What does it mean to be ethical consumer?
One of the main reasons I started this blog was because I felt very existential during quarantine. Buying things like toilet paper seemed so unimportant and yet simultaneously the main event of the week.