#Eco-Friendly Presents

[anielskaaniela]

Easy Gifts to Make: DIY Christmas Presents That Stand Out

In this post you learn how to make easy gifts for any occasion. Are you looking for some easy gifts to make for your loved ones? Do you enjoy sewing and creating beautiful accessories? If so, you will love this creative trio of sewing tutorials that will show you how to make chic scrunchies, stylish headbands, and eco-friendly wrap gift bags. These are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a…

[wild-at-mind]

You cannot absolve yourself from the fact of your existence in a country that has done horrible things in the past and present by failing to vote. Sorry.

Should you need to absolve your own existence? Some people talk as if you do, but personally I passionately do not think so. Guilt and actions caused by it do not create good activism. The person who convinces themselves that voting is the same as committing war crimes themselves will have a lot of difficulty with basically anything they apply that standard to. That's the problem with society- you can't opt out, not really. Not even with the hyper-anarchist existence I was trying to describe recently. Everything we do, if through enough degrees of separation, harms someone. Anything we need to survive in this world- clothes, food, electronics. We know this. We have to live with this, and not succomb to the type of thinking that most closely resembles OCD with morality fixation. When I see people behaving like this, it blows my mind, like I spent so long trying to unlearn these thought patterns and you're doing it to yourselves?!!

Society is currently set up so that we have to harm people all the time, from living in countries that sanction wars in other countries to damaging the planet. We have to live with that in the here and now, and do what we can when we can. Of course we can ask for better, but I firmly believe the only way to work towards better is to work within society and make connections to others rather than driving them away with this absolutist guilting and hostility to each other. Do not take on a burden of guilt that the person you passed on the street doesn't have. We cannot make society better if we are constantly stumbling under the burden of guilt.

Signed- an OCDer and eco activist

[amorettefranceswrites]

A Writer's Christmas Wishlist

A Writer's Christmas Wishlist; a list of gift ideas for the writer in your life

We are at the start line now for the long run to the big day; do you still have presents to think of? Are you a writer, but can’t think what to say to people when they ask you what you’d like? To help you this season here is list of gift ideas for the writer in your life, and each suggestion is under £20. Don’t forget that everyone has a sale this time of year so sign up for newsletters and…

[coolindianjutebags-blog]

[idea-explorer]

[noisycowboyglitter]

From Laughter to Love: The Endearing Nature of Jack Russell Terriers

"Unleashing Laughter and Love: The Delightful Antics of the Funny Heart-Loving Jack Russell Terrier"

In the realm of Valentine's Day whimsy, one unexpected and utterly charming contender has captured the hearts of gift-givers and pet lovers alike - the "Funny Heart-Loving Jack Russell Terrier." This

Buy now:19.95$

playful pup, with its boundless energy and endearing expressions, seamlessly blends the timeless appeal of canine companionship with the romantic spirit of the holiday.

Imagine a cuddly Jack Russell Terrier figurine, its tail wagging excitedly and a heart-shaped accessory adorning its collar. The mere thought of this comical and heartwarming sight is enough to elicit a smile and a surge of affection. It's a whimsical twist on the traditional Valentine's Day imagery that appeals to the child-like wonder in all of us.

Beyond the visual delight, the "Funny Heart-Loving Jack Russell Terrier" embodies the very essence of love and joy. Its unwavering enthusiasm and loyal devotion serve as a metaphor for the

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unconditional love that can be found in the most unexpected of places. Gifting this adorable creation to a loved one becomes a testament to the power of companionship, laughter, and the ability to find happiness in the simple things.

Whether displayed proudly on a shelf or cuddled close to the heart, the "Funny Heart-Loving Jack Russell Terrier" stands as a heartwarming and humorous celebration of the holiday's spirit, delivering a dose of joy that is sure to melt even the coldest of hearts.

"Celebrating the Spirit of Love on Valentine's Day"

Valentine's Day is a cherished annual tradition that has long been associated with the timeless expression of love and affection. Whether it's the exchange of heartfelt cards, the gifting of thoughtful presents, or the simple act of quality time spent together, this special day offers a unique opportunity to honor the enduring bonds that connect us to our loved ones.

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Beyond the grand gestures of flowers and candlelit dinners, Valentine's Day is a celebration of the human experience, reminding us of the power of love to inspire, uplift, and bring us closer together. It is a day that transcends the boundaries of age, gender, and relationship status, uniting us in the universal language of the heart.

"Celebrating the Joyful Connection Between Humans and Their Furry, Feathered, and Finned Companions"

For animal lovers, every day is an opportunity to revel in the unconditional love, unwavering loyalty, and boundless joy that their beloved companions bring into their lives. These special individuals cherish the deep, emotional bonds they share with their furry, feathered, and finned friends, seeing them not merely as pets, but as integral members of their families.

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Animal lovers find endless delight in the simple pleasures of cuddling, playing, and exploring the world alongside their animal partners. The ability to empathize, nurture, and advocate for the well-being of all creatures great and small is a hallmark of their compassionate spirit, making them a shining example of the transformative power of the human-animal connection.

[chevaliermalfets]

i hate grad school (don't wanna do my candidacy exam) but I also love grad school (got 4 out of my 12 required credits by attending a 2 week class and then taking an exam where I just had to talk for 15 minutes about the exact topic I've been working for a year)

[healthyboom]

Eco-Friendly Celebration: Embrace a sustainable and planet-conscious approach to your festivities with our eco-friendly celebration guide. From eco-friendly party favors and decorations to biodegradable tableware and compostable utensils, we offer a wide range of eco-conscious options to make your event memorable and environmentally responsible. Choose from a selection of organic, fair-trade, and locally sourced foods for your menu, and serve refreshing drinks in reusable glassware or stainless steel containers. Our eco-friendly celebration ideas promote conscious choices that reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimize your carbon footprint, allowing you to revel in the joy of celebration while taking meaningful steps toward a greener and more sustainable future.

[m8103]

scrubber

[astrocafecoffee]

💫Your future spouse's career based on your Juno persona chart 💫

✨ For entertainment purposes only. Enjoy.✨

🌜what to check?

- just check your Industria (389) asteroid in your Juno persona chart.Find out in which house it falls in!!

Why this asteroid?

- Juno persona chart tells about your future spouse and Industria(389) asteroid is a long term career related asteroid. So this asteroid in your juno persona chart can give a insight about your future spouse's career.

🌜SOME SHORT TERMS I USED HERE :

- FS = FUTURE SPOUSE

-JPC = JUNO PERSONA CHART

Leshh go!

🌆 Industria in 1st house of JPC : 1st house represent one's identity, personality and how they present themselves to the world.This asteroid in 1st house suggests that their career may be tied to their personal identity and innovative spirit. Now some possible career of your fs-

*Entrepreneurial scientist - they may excel in entrepreneurial pursuits within the scientific community. They may innovate new technologies, products that have a significant impact in their field.

* Industry leader - they maybe known for their innovative idea and proactive attitude to their work. They can easily be a leader of their respective industry.

* visionary consultant - they may excel in their field as a respectful advisor, who offers solutions to businesses or individuals seeking guidance.

* Creative director- career in creative leadership such as creative director in advising, film, fashion, or design.

* makeup artist

* Model

* engeneering

* design/ work in media.

🌆 Industria in 2nd house of JPC : Their career may be closely related to their values resources, managing or utilising assets and their sense of stability. Some possible career of your fs -

* wealth management specialist - they helps individuals or organizations maximize their financial resources and investments through innovative and strategic approach.

* Creative Financial analyst - specialised in creative or innovative analysis methods.

* Financial innovator- innovates new financial products, services or strategies.

* asset manager

* Entrepreneurial investor

* can sing well

* accountant

🌆 Industria in 3rd house of JPC : 3rd house represents one's communication style, mental persuits, and interaction within immediate environment. When this asteroid in your 3rd house this can indicate that your fs may excel in the career of innovative communication methods or technologies. Some possible career of your fs -

* They may into journalism, media, broadcasting, or public relations where someone uses their creative ideas.

* technology writer/ blogger: their career path may involve writing / blogging about technologies or industry trends or sharing their ideas with wide audience.

* Workshop/ educational outreach programs.

* small business owner

* excel in troubleshooting skills, problem solving abilities, explaining complex concepts in simple terms.

🌆 Industria in 4th house of JPC : their career tied to their home , family roots, and emotional well-being.some possible career of your fs -

* career in real estate - specialize in designing sustainable, eco friendly, or technologically advanced buildings.

* e- commerce, consulting, freelance work.

* Family councillor or therapist - they may help individuals and families navigate challenges, fostering harmony and growth within te hone environment.

* interior designer

* Home renovation specialist

* Family owned business owner.

* childcare provider

🌆 Industria in 5th house of JPC : 5th house is associated with creativity,joy, children and hobbies. It governs one's individual approach to work, self expression and personal fulfillment. So your fs career strongly related to this area of life. Possible careers -

* creative artist/ entertainer - Excels in creative profession like music , theater , film, writing etc.

* event planer- organizing wedding, festivals or social gathering.

* teacher/ coach - inspiring or guiding others in academic subject/ sports.

* youth councillor - natural affinity to work with young people and helping them to discover their talents.

* atrs nd crafts business owner.

* fitness instructor

* dance teacher

* entertainment industry professional.

🌆 Industria in 6th house of JPC : 6th house is associated with employment, daily task, health and service to others. So possible career of your fs -

* health care professionals - career related to healthcare, nursing, doctor, medicine, and pharmacy.

* nutritionist/ dietician - helping others to improve their dietary habits , manage health condition.

* fitness trainer/ coach - motivates others to adopt healthy lifestyle.

* administrative professional - may indicate talent for efficiency, attention to detail, making career in administrative or office management appealing.

* environmental scientist

* social worker

* reasearch assistant

🌆 Industria in 7th house of JPC : 7th house is related to marriage, buisness partnership, legal matters, and one-on-one interactions. Possible career domains of your fs-

*legal professional - career related as mediators, legal consultant, specialization in areas such as contrat law , family law or dispute resolution.

* business consultant - expertise in the area of strategy, negotiation, and partnership development.

* marriage and family therapist - helping couples navigate challenges, improve communication and strengthen their bonds through therapy or councilling sessions.

* international business manager

* foreign affair specialist

* event coordinator

*public relation specialist

* human resources manager

🌆 Industria in 8th house of JPC : 8th house is associated with themes such as mysteries, psychology, healing, emotional connection. So possible careers of your fs -

* psychologist/ psychotherapist - your fs may excel in trauma therapy, helping others to navigate profound emotional experiences , uncover hidden truth.

* forensic investigator/ crime analyst- they may be focused on uncovering hidden truths and solving mysteries.

*massage therapist - specialize in modalities such as deep tissue massage, craniosacral therapy or helping clients release emotional/ physical tension through healing.

* reasearch scientist - may excel in fields such as psychology, quantum physics, or consciousness studies.

* occultist - astrologer, tarot reader, or spiritual councillors.

* healer/ energy worker

* heal others through their respective fields. Can be. Singer too .

🌆 Industria in 9th house of JPC: 9th house is associated with themes such as higher learning, expansion of horizons , seeking truth, broadening one's perspective through travel/ exploration. Possible careers of your fs -

* international relations specialist - involve promoting international cooperation, resolving conflicts, forming mutual understanding between nations and cultures.

* spiritual teacher/ guru- your fs may pursue careers as spiritual teachers, gurus, mentors, guiding others on their spiritual journey.

* tour guide

* philosopher

* religious leader - may pursue careers as priests, ministers, guiding and supporting communities in matters of faith and spiritual growth.

* global NGO worker

* foreign language teacher

🌆 Industria in 10th house of JPC: 10th house is associated with themes such as career aspirations, social status, reputation, and professional achievements. This asteroid influences the individual's approach to career, public image, authority, ambition. So possible careers of your fs -

* media personality/ influencer - television hosts , journalist, bloggers, social media influencer , reaching a wide audience.

* creative director/ artist - artist, designer, performers.

* CEO

* startup founder, business owner, or self employed professionals.

* legal professional/ lawyer

* educational administrator

🌆 Industria in 11th house of JPC: when your industria asteroid in this house your fs may excel in the career of social network, group affiliation, humanitarian causes, collaboration etc. So possible careers of your fs -

* social entrepreneur - creates innovative solutions to adress social challenges.

* Tech entrepreneur, start-up founder.

* content creator - social media influencers, bloggers, using their platforms to inspire/ educate peoples.

* environment activist

* advocate

* community organizer

* designing educational platforms , or promoting digital literacy.

🌆 Industria in 12th house of JPC: 12th house is often associated with hidden strengths, spirituality, and working behind the scenes. So possible careers of your fs -

* they might work in reserch and development, data analysis or logistical planning behind the scenes.

* astro- spiritual researcher

* music industry

* astrologer

*song writer.

* mystical or spiritual advisor.

* environmental conservationist.

⚡ Note : these are only some possibilities of careers of your fs. And guys check the degrees to , it's like cheery on top 💌

🌜Don't forget to check my other observations too 👀

That's it guys , see you soon 💝

- piko 💖

[sleepy-writes-stuff]

DP X DC PROMPT #28

(#) = Notes at the end of post

✦

Chartreuse

Due to the high levels of ambient ectoplasm, all the citizens of Amity Park gained a permanent change in eye color. They don't glow or flare in response to rampant emotions like true ghosts or the halfas though. They're just an unnaturally bright yellow-green.

The thing is, nobody else on Earth has this eye color, and it's never been seen in the human race until the recently graduated Amity Parkers started branching out to other cities to find jobs.

Nobody paid this any mind at first, though. Many just thought the individuals liked strangely colored contacts or it was a trick of the light. It's not until Danny and Tucker are both hired for positions in Wayne Enterprises that questions start popping up.

At first, the other employees thought the two might be related. It could happen, it's not that strange. However, when both of them said they're nowhere near related, just childhood best friends, it left everyone confused. If they aren't related and they aren't wearing colored contacts, then what are the odds of too completely unrelated people having the exact same strange and unseen eye color?

After a while, everyone just stops asking questions. After all, both men are easy to get along with and are excellent at their jobs, so a strange eye color isn't really something to complain about. Their stares were just a bit more intense than most people, and honestly, they've seen stranger things.

It helps that they've started seeing other people with the same eye color popping up in celebrity, sports, and activist circles. (1)

However, It's not until the power goes out during a late meeting/presentation, and Tim Drake accidentally turns on and shines his cell phone light into Tuckers eyes, that he starts seriously digging.

Needless to say, the animal-like green shine of his pupils scared the shit out of him and got him wondering if two of his new employees were part of a previously unknown alien race that'd recently settled on Earth without anyone noticing. When he looks into the middle of nowhere town they came from, this idea is even further cemented when he sees every person he finds a photo of have the exact same shade of chartreuse eyes. Ignoring the ghost rumors and "sightings" as just a strange tourist trap for the strange little town to make extra income, he brings the info he found to the other bats and birds.

They aren't exactly welcomed when they go snooping around Amity Park, unfortunately... (2 & 3)

✦

Now. To make this a bit more cracky, when confronted, do Danny and Tucker just come clean or do they milk the idea of them being aliens for all it's worth? (4) Add in a few strange, but perfectly normal for them, things they do that have people scratching their heads and make the assumption even worse/more irrefutable. This includes the unexplainable eye shine Tim discovered.

✦

(1) Paulina became a supermodel and is coveted for her striking eye color and beautiful complexion. Dash became a coach for a well known college in Metropolis, while Kwan became a fitness trainer and sponsor for health related items that actually work, also partnered with the college Dash coaches at. Sam became a notorious environmental activist and is the enemy of many companys who are determined to turn the world into a toxic wasteland. With the help of Danny's parents, she's found many eco-friendly chemical compounds that dissolve many of the toxic substances damaging ecosystems around the world. Etc, etc.

(2) Ectoplasm exposure has made everyone a bit more territorial over the town, including their protectors. They don't need outside heroes/organizations interfering with their work and don't/won't take kindly to the sudden interest hero organizations gain over them and their strange little town. That hasn't worked out too well with other government sanctioned organizations in the past and they don't want a repeat, thank you.

(3) Maybe Team Phantom even established themselves right around the same time or even before the Justice League was formed and they just flew under the radar until now. Maybe Amity Parkers feel a bit superior due to their seniority in having an excellent team in the know about the supernatural/non-human side of the world/universe? Who knows? You pick! Amity Park has been through a lot by themselves, so it's no shocker if they have an extreme amount of solidarity towards those they call their own.

(3 cont'd) Also! Since Amity Park has become so rich and saturated in ectoplasm over the years, they were eventually annexed/became an outside part of the Ghost Zone. Jack and Maddy are border patrol and any ghosts coming through need a passport now. Amity Park is basically a vacation hub for ghosts? Ghosts can freely roam the streets, they just don't wreak havoc anymore. That'd basically be terrorizing their fellow citizens at this point anyway and that's a no no. That means jail time with Walker. Amity Parkers also aren't afraid anymore and in fact CAN hit back now. This does not stop the Bat Clan and eventually the Justice League from thinking they're a town full of aliens tho. Some are just more human looking than others. Or they've been on Earth and procreating long enough with humans that their hybrid offspring have also started looking more human, is the ongoing conclusion.

(4) The Anti-Ecto Acts are not an issue here! Team Phantom already dismantled and annihilated the GIW years before they even thought of leaving Amity Park on its own. Before graduating highschool even. Yes, Team Phantom is perfectly self-sufficient and able to handle their own problems and have kept the city-wide ghost infestation pretty isolated outside a few events that were handled quickly and with the world none the wiser. So the world is still pretty ignorant of the existence of ghosts/the Ghost Zone. Would Team Phantom and Amity Park prefer to keep it that way though?

[acti-veg]

Leather vs. Pleather: 8 Myths Debunked

Since we are all beyond tired of seeing the same regurgitated leather posts every day, I've compiled and briefly debunked some of the most common myths peddled about leather and pleather… So hopefully we can all move on to talk about literally anything else.

1) Leather is not sustainable.

Approximately 85% of all leather (almost all leather you'll find in stores) is tanned using chromium. During the chrome tanning process, 40% of unused chromium salts are discharged in the final effluents, which makes it's way into waterways and poses a serious threat to wildlife and humans. There are also significant GHG emissions from the sheer amount of energy required to produce and tan leather.

Before we even get the cow's hide, you first need to get them to slaughter weight, which is a hugely resource-intensive process. Livestock accounts for 80% of all agricultural land use, and grazing land for cattle likely represents the majority of that figure. To produce 1 pound of beef (and the subsequent hide), 6-8 pounds of feed are required. An estimated 86% of the grain used to feed cattle is unfit for human consumption, but 14% alone represents enough food to feed millions of people. On top of that, one-third of the global water footprint of animal production is related to cattle alone. The leather industry uses greenwashing to promote leather as an eco-friendly material. Leather is often marketed as an eco-friendly product, for example, fashion brands often use the Leather Working Group (LWG) certificate to present their leather as sustainable. However, this certification (rather conveniently) does not include farm-level impacts, which constitute the majority of the negative environmental harm caused by leather.

2) Leather is not just a byproduct.

Some cows are raised speciifically for leather, but this a minority and usually represents the most expensive forms of leather. This does not mean that leather is just a waste product of beef and dairy, or that it is a completely incidental byproduct; it is more accurate to call leather a tertiary product of the beef and dairy industries. Hides used to fetch up to 50% of the total value of the carcass, this has dropped significantly since COVID-19 to only about 5-10%, but this is recovering, and still represents a significant profit margin. Globally, leather accounts for up to 26% of major slaughterhouses’ earnings. Leather is inextricably linked to the production of beef and dairy, and buying leather helps make the breeding, exploitation and slaughter of cows and steers a profitable enterprise.

3) Leather is not as biodegradable as you think.

Natural animal hides are biodegradable, and this is often the misleading way leather that sellers word it. "Cow hide is fully biodegradable" is absolutely true, it just purposely leaves out the fact that the tanning process means that the hide means that leather takes between 25 and 40 years to break down. Even the much-touted (despite it being a tiny portion of the market) vegetable-tanned leather is not readily biodegradable. Since leather is not recyclable either, most ends up incinerated, or at landfill. The end-of-life cycle and how it relates to sustainability is often massively overstated by leather sellers, when in fact, it is in the production process that most of the damage is done.

4) Leather is not humane.

The idea that leather represents some sort of morally neutral alternative to the evils of plastic is frankly laughable, at least to anyone who has done even a little bit of research into this exploitative and incredibly harmful industry. Cows, when properly cared for, can live more than fifteen years. However, most cows are usually slaughtered somewhere around 2-3 years old, and the softest leather, most luxurious leather comes from the hide of cows who are less than a year old. Some cows are not even born before they become victim to the industry. Estimates vary, but according to an EFSA report, on average 3% of dairy cows and 1.5 % of beef cattle, are in their third-trimester of pregnancy when they are slaughtered.

Slaughter procedures vary slightly by country, but a captive bolt pistol shot to the head followed by having their throats slit, while still alive, is standard industry practice. This represents the “best” a slaughtered cow can hope for, but many reports and videos exist that suggest that cows still being alive and conscious while being skinned or dismembered on the production line is not uncommon, some of these reports come from slaughterhouse workers themselves.

5) Leather often involves human exploitation.

The chemicals used to tan leather, and the toxic water that is a byproduct of tanning, affect workers as well as the environment; illness and death due to toxic tanning chemicals is extremely common. Workers across the sector have significantly higher morbidity, largely due to respiratory diseases linked to the chemicals used in the tanning process. Exposure to chromium (for workers and local communities), pentachlorophenol and other toxic pollutants increase the risk of dermatitis, ulcer nasal septum perforation and lung cancer.

Open Democracies report for the Child Labour Action Research Programme shows that there is a startlingly high prevalence of the worst forms of child labour across the entire leather supply chain. Children as young as seven have been found in thousands of small businesses processing leather. This problem is endemic throughout multiple countries supplying the global leather market.

6) Pleather is not a ‘vegan thing’.

Plastic clothing is ubiquitous in fast fashion, and it certainly wasn’t invented for vegans. Plastic leather jackets have been around since before anyone even knew what the word vegan meant, marketing department have begun describing it as ‘vegan leather’ but it’s really no more a vegan thing than polyester is. Most people who wear pleather are not vegan, they just can’t afford to buy cow’s leather, which remains extremely expensive compared to comparable fabrics.

It is striking how anti-vegans consistently talk about how ‘not everyone can afford to eat plant-based’ and criticise vegans for advocating for veganism on that basis, yet none of them seem to mind criticisms directed at people for wearing a far cheaper alternative than leather. You can obviously both be vegan and reduce plastic (as we all should), but vegans wear plastic clothing for the same reason everyone else does: It is cheaper.

7) Plastic is not the only alternative.

When engaging in criticism of pleather, the favourite tactic seems to be drawing a false dilemma where we pretend the only options are plastic and leather. Of course, this is a transparent attempt to draw the debate on lines favourable to advocates of leather, by omitting the fact that you can quite easily just buy neither one.

Alternatives include denim, hemp, cork, fiber, mushroom fiber, cotton, linen, bamboo, recycled plastic, and pinatex, to name a few. Alternatives exist for everything from materials designed to ensure sub-zero temperatures and specialist motorcycle equipment. There are exceptions in professions like welding, where an alternative can be difficult to source, but nobody needs a jacket, shoes or a bag that looks like leather. For most of us, leather is a luxury item that doesn’t even need to be replaced at all.

8) Leather is not uniquely long-lasting.

The longevity of leather is really the only thing it has going for it, environmentally speaking. Replacing an item less often means fewer purchases, and will likely have a lower environmental impact than one you have to replace regularly. Leather is not unique in this respect, however, and the idea that it is, is mostly just effective marketing.

As your parents will tell you, a well-made denim jacket can last a lifetime. Hemp and bamboo can both last for decades, as can cork and pinatex. Even cotton and linen can last for many years when items are looked after well. While some materials are more hard wearing than others, how long an item will last is mostly the result of how well made the product is and how well it is maintained, not whether or not the item is leather.

[theprongspotter]

Impulse - Jegulus - @stag-microfic - Day 30 - 504 words

“James.” Regulus blinks, staring at the scene before him as if he’s stepped into some sort of bizarre alternate reality. There, in the middle of their kitchen, stands James Potter, cradling a brown hen in his arms as if it’s the most natural thing in the world. “There’s no way this is real,” Regulus mutters to himself.

“Yes, jaanu?” James replies, his tone entirely too innocent as he beams at Regulus, the endearing nickname slipping from his lips with practiced ease.

Regulus narrows his eyes, disbelief still etched across his features. “Tell me that you didn’t impulse buy a chicken.”

James scoffs, as if the very idea is preposterous. “First of all, her name is Henrietta,” he corrects, holding the hen a little closer to his chest as if to shield her from any further insult. He runs a soothing hand over Henrietta’s head, her soft feathers ruffling under his touch. “Second of all, Remus grew up on a farm, so I basically know everything about chickens.”

Regulus isn’t moved by James’ logic; if anything, his expression hardens as he crosses his arms over his chest, a clear sign of his mounting exasperation. “I sent you to the store for eggs,” he points out, his voice laced with a mix of annoyance and disbelief that James could’ve possibly misunderstood such a simple task.

James, ever the optimist, is unfazed. His eyes light up with enthusiasm as he presents his argument, cradling Henrietta like a prized possession. “Henrietta is a lifetime supply of eggs!” he declares triumphantly, as if this is the most brilliant solution to Regulus’ request.

Regulus’ gaze shifts from James to the hen, who seems perfectly content nestled in James’ arms. He pinches the bridge of his nose, trying to ward off the headache that’s threatening to form. “James,” he begins slowly, trying to keep his tone calm, “a lifetime supply of eggs is not what I meant when I asked you to pick up a dozen.”

“But think about it,” James continues, undeterred by Regulus’ lack of enthusiasm. “She’s eco-friendly, and we’ll never have to worry about running out of eggs again! Plus,” he adds with a mischievous grin, “she’s kind of cute, right?”

Regulus can’t help the small, begrudging smile that tugs at the corners of his lips as he looks at the ridiculous scene in front of him. “You’re impossible,” he mutters, but there’s no real bite to his words.

James’ grin widens, sensing victory. “So… can we keep her?”

Regulus sighs, already knowing he’s lost this battle. “Fine,” he concedes, rolling his eyes. “But you’re cleaning up after her, and don’t think this means you’re off the hook for getting those eggs next time.”

James cheers, pressing a quick kiss to Regulus’ cheek before turning his attention back to Henrietta. “Hear that, Henrietta? You’re part of the family now!”

Regulus shakes his head, but there’s a warmth in his chest that he can’t quite deny. Living with James was never going to be boring, that much is clear.

[olowan-waphiya]

of fucking course.....they fucking coated paper straws with pfas......its a fucking nightmare

--

Long-lasting 'forever chemicals', which can cause damaging health issues, found in 18/20 brands of paper straws

In the first analysis of its kind in Europe, and only the second in the world, Belgian researchers tested 39 brands of straws for the group of synthetic chemicals known as poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

PFAS were found in the majority of the straws tested and were most common in those made from paper and bamboo, the study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Food Additives and Contaminants, found.

PFAS are used to make everyday products, from outdoor clothing to non-stick pans, resistant to water, heat and stains. They are, however, potentially harmful to people, wildlife and the environment.

They break down very slowly over time and can persist over thousands of years in the environment, a property that has led to them being known as "forever chemicals."

They have been associated with a number of health problems, including lower response to vaccines, lower birth weight, thyroid disease, increased cholesterol levels, liver damage, kidney cancer and testicular cancer.

"Straws made from plant-based materials, such as paper and bamboo, are often advertised as being more sustainable and eco-friendly than those made from plastic," says researcher Dr Thimo Groffen, an environmental scientist at the University of Antwerp, who is involved in this study.

"However, the presence of PFAS in these straws means that's not necessarily true."

A growing number of countries, including the UK and Belgium, have banned sale of single-use plastic products, including drinking straws, and plant-based versions have become popular alternatives.

A recent study found PFAS in plant-based drinking straws in the US. Dr Groffen and colleagues wanted to find out if the same was true of those on sale in Belgium.

To explore this further, the research team purchased 39 different brands of drinking straw made from five materials -- paper, bamboo, glass, stainless steel and plastic.

The straws, which were mainly obtained from shops, supermarkets and fast-food restaurants, then underwent two rounds of testing for PFAS.

The majority of the brands (27/39, 69%) contained PFAS, with 18 different PFAS detected in total.

The paper straws were most likely to contain PFAS, with the chemicals detected in 18/20 (90%) of the brands tested. PFAS were also detected in 4/5 (80%) brands of bamboo straw, 3/4 (75%) of the plastic straw brands and 2/5 (40%) brands of glass straw. They were not detected in any of the five types of steel straw tested.

The most commonly found PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), has been banned globally since 2020.

Also detected were trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMS), "ultra-short chain" PFAS which are highly water soluble and so might leach out of straws into drinks.

The PFAS concentrations were low and, bearing in mind that most people tend to only use straws occasionally, pose a limited risk to human health. However, PFAS can remain in the body for many years and concentrations can build up over time.

"Small amounts of PFAS, while not harmful in themselves, can add to the chemical load already present in the body," says Dr Groffen.

It isn't known whether the PFAS were added to the straws by the manufacturers for waterproofing or whether were the result of contamination. Potential sources of contamination include the soil the plant-based materials were grown in and the water used in the manufacturing process.

However, the presence of the chemicals in almost every brand of paper straw means it is likely that it was, in some cases, being used as a water-repellent coating, say the researchers.

The study's other limitations include not looking at whether the PFAS would leach out of the straws into liquids.

Dr Groffen concludes: "The presence of PFAS in paper and bamboo straws shows they are not necessarily biodegradable.

"We did not detect any PFAS in stainless steel straws, so I would advise consumers to use this type of straw -- or just avoid using straws at all."

[attorneyologies]

Ace Attorney Headcanons - Holiday Gift-Wrapping 🎄🎁🎄🎁

🎁 Phoenix likes to keep his holiday gift-wrapping simple - he buys a case of “grape juice” and wraps the bottles in the fanciest gift bags he can find at Dollar Tree. Done and done.

🎁 Miles does not enjoy gift-wrapping, or paper-folding of any kind, actually (due to the origami-crane incident), so he gets all his presents done at the charity gift-wrapping booth in the mall, and he always donates generously.

🎁 Franziska, on the other hand, adores gift-wrapping. She refuses to entrust her packages to the mall employees - “If you want something done perfectly, do it yourself,” she says. She takes pride in her color coordinations; the ribbons and bows must complement the paper exactly. If the department store runs out of her favorite tissue paper, Franzy will call the manager to complain.

🎁 Larry - OK, so this one time, years ago, when Larry was working for KB Security, he was assigned to guard a Tiffany store. Somehow, Larry managed to “acquire” a small stash of blue Tiffany gift bags without anyone noticing. Now, whenever he buys his latest girlfriend a present, he always puts it in a Tiffany bag to impress her.

🎁 Gumshoe likes cloth gift-wrap: reusable, eco-friendly, and most importantly, easy on the budget. He’ll bake a batch of homemade sugar cookies and wrap the cookie box in a big red and green tea towel, knotted at the top, Japanese-style.

🎁 Klavier has his own Gavinners wrapping paper: purple with silver G’s, of course. He won’t wrap gifts himself, though; he saves his hands for guitar-playing and doesn’t want to get any paper cuts. So he asks one of the junior clerks at the prosecutor’s office to help him.

🎁 Ema works long hours in the forensics lab, and she doesn’t really have time to shop for gifts, let alone wrap them. So she orders gifts from Amazon on her work computer, during her snack break, and she checks the “Gift Wrap” box on every single item - boom, boom, boom, done! “Work smarter, not harder,” says Ema as she goes back to munching her Snackoos.

🎁 Maya lovvvves gift-wrapping, and so does Pearl. It’s one of their favorite activities to do together for the holidays. Maya wraps all her presents in plain white paper and then she and Pearl have fun decorating the parcels with ribbons, stickers, stamps, and markers.

🎁 Trucy is a bit of a prankster when it comes to gift-wrapping. The first Christmas that Apollo was at the Agency, Trucy did the whole “box inside a box inside a box” thing for Apollo’s gift. So poor Polly had to spend like 15 minutes unwrapping a refrigerator-sized cardboard box with about seven or eight more boxes nested inside, weighted down with rocks and bricks, while Trucy looked on with devilish glee. Finally, Polly opened the last box, and inside it was … an expired coupon for Eldoon’s. Naturally, he was furious! But before he could say anything, Trucy whipped out the Magic Panties (TM) and revealed his actual gift - TA-DA! (It was a Blu-ray box set of his favorite TV show, that Trucy had saved up her allowance to buy for him!) so Apollo couldn’t really stay mad at her after that.