Pete Alcorn posits that declining population will lead to a bright future in 2200. How do you feel about population and our current state of affairs?
Do you think Alcorn is right about the correlation between a smaller population and a better quality of life? Do you think there should be a push to control population to get to this point sooner? If so, what methods of population control do you think are okay? Education? Tax incentives? Legislation? If not, what are your objections to population control?
We’ve come to romanticize the idea of going “back to the old ways,” of producing food. But the old ways never existed the way we seem to think they do. This talk is on the longer side, but I think it’s worth every minute. When the answers we’re working for aren’t the right answers, we put ourselves in a dangerous spot. We stop pursuing appropriate solutions.
It’s one thing to talk about how bottled water is bad for the environment. It’s another thing to see WHY bottled water is bad for the environment. An upcoming episode of Eco Trip on the Sundance Channel takes a close look at bottled water from all parts of the cycle. Check out this clip about plastic garbage and where it ends up. Then refill your reusable bottle before you head out this weekend.
Beth Terry, aka Fake Plastic Fish is one of the most amazing eco-friendly bloggers out there. Her crusade to eliminate plastic use in her personal life and encourage the rest of us to take at a good hard look at our own plastic use is an inspiration. She got Brita to take back the filter, and now she’s working to chat with Oprah about the ways we can all go above and beyond to fight plastic waste. And, to top it all off, she’s funny, and honest, and finds a way to spread her message without being preachy. What’s not to love?
I carry a titanium backpacking spork around in my purse. I know that sounds kind of weird, but it saves me from using disposable utensils when I eat out, and it’s so light, I never even notice that I’m carrying it.
Before the Industrail Revolution it was common for guests to be expected to bring their own utensils with them when invited to dine, because utensils were expensive, labor intensive items, and most people didn’t own extra sets. Now, when it’s possible to buy a set of 1,000 plastic utensils for under $20, people don’t even think about bringing their own.
But think of the plastic waste that can be saved by slipping a fork from home in your purse on the way out the door. You don’t need anything fancy. Grab one from your kitchen drawer, or if you’re worried about loosing a piece of a set, pick up a few spare utensils the next time you hit a discount store, thrift shop, or yard sale. It’s simple a simple way to cut down waste, and it’s always nicer to eat with real utensils anyway.
