#compostable drinking straws

[good2gobags]

Around the world, 400 million tonnes of plastic waste is generated annually. It is a staggering number that should make people realise the brevity of the situation vis-à-vis the pollution it generates.

Fortunately, many are choosing the path of sustainability way, but for those who haven’t, here are five reasons why it is beneficial to switch to eco-friendly products.

Reduce environmental impact

Switching to eco-friendly products significantly diminishes the environmental footprint. Using products like eco-friendly shopping bags, compostable drinking straws and compostable packaging bags reduces the negative impact significantly as opposed to using plastics. Good2Go’s products are game changers in reducing carbon footprint. Given the bio-compostable nature of our products, waste accumulation has become a thing of the past.

Support sustainable practices

Eco-friendly products are often made from renewable resources and designed with sustainability in mind. We at Good2Go manufacture such products. Made from cornstarch, our products are not only, durable, but also eco-friendly. Following strict sustainable methods and advanced machinery we are helping secure the planet’s future.

Boosting brand reputation

Using sustainable products like eco-friendly shopping bags, compostable drinking straws, and compostable packaging bags boost brand image, especially for businesses that have started to embark on a green path. It benefits companies, as they can attract eco-conscious consumers who are looking to reach their goals to save the environment.

Cost savings over time

Although, arguably, eco-friendly products might have a higher cost, they often lead to savings over time. For example, if a company uses compostable packaging bags to export its products, it reduces shipping costs significantly as such kinds of bags are lighter.

Promote healthier choices

Finally, using eco-friendly products is a healthy choice. Since bio-compostable products don’t emit CO2 like their plastic counterparts, which makes it a safer option for both the environment and personal health.

At Good2Go, we prioritize using sustainable materials and eco-conscious manufacturing processes to deliver top-quality products that positively impact the environment. Our commitment to sustainability is more than just a business choice; it’s a pledge to advocate for a greener future.

Every eco-friendly decision is a step towards creating a more sustainable world. By reshaping our shopping habits, we can collectively work towards a healthier planet for future generations. So, the next time you’re at the checkout counter, remember that every small choice counts. Choose Good2Go, choose eco-friendly options, and join us in making a positive difference for our planet. Let’s be part of the solution together!

[teaboot]

One time, I had an English professor tell me I should stop using my inhaler because it was bad for the environment.

Yeah an if you dropped dead it would significantly reduce your carbon footprint too, huh. What if we ALL just stopped breathing. Can’t be throwing fistfuls of plastic fuckin straws directly into the South Pacific when you got a BPM of zilch, can you? What a fuckin innovator. Was he head of your nation’s EPA *directly* before he retired to become world’s youngest baseline edgelord 4chan ass 14 year old boy with tenure, or did he wait for his 3rd consecutive Nobel peace prize before giving someone else a chance? Ask him if his back hurts from carrying the weight of all the world’s most pressing concerns to and from Chuck E Cheese each night or if his tiny spiny propellor hat lightens the load a bit. Did his big red clown nose come standard with his tweed set or he spring for the premium model with the biodegradeable sustainable foam and the super-boosted honk-honk action? Are his size 23 clown bitch oxfords custom? Does he take one off to use as a canoe on his annual vacations to his summer home in the balmy and tropical shit fuck dumbass islands or does he just levitate everywhere he goes by the power of his unparalleled Xmen level intellect. Can you ask him if Magneto is gonna spare the human race to run laps in his hamster wheel electrical generator complex or if he’s just gonna wipe us all the fuck out for the carbon tax credit. Ask him if the weight of his gigantic balls dragging in the ground behind him everywhere he goes adds to the mileage on his Tesla. When he wipes his ass does he use single ply to save the trees or just a fistful of baby ducklings that he can then gently bathe by hand with water collected by the rain barrel in the endangered orchid garden by the solarium on the west side of his sprawling villa, the one he bought when he sold the patent for the perpetual motion motion machine he built out of toothpicks and marshmallows in third grade before the obvious intellectual gap between himself and the rest of us bumbling simpletons weighed him down and killed his passion to create. What other wisdom has he yet to share with the world? What other knowledge that only he and my reiki-healing essential-oil-drinking violet-aura neighbour know that may benefit us all? Holy shit, have I been drinking WATER my whole life? That shit that whales live in? Guess I’ll just go lay in a hole out back and wait for the compost heap to take me. Should I confess my sins to Captain Planet first, so he may redeem my wicked soul in the true Eco Catholic way, or was that recyclable soda can I threw in the trash downtown at last year’s garlic bread festival because there were no recycling bins provided the final straw that made me unworthy of glorious green salvation? BRB, gotta go strip naked and flagellate myself before the begonias so that they may know the depth of my remorse. Don’t worry, I only buy locally-sourced hemp lashes produced by small home businesses at the farmer’s market, they have a three-for-two sale on Sundays if you bring your own reusable bag. Christ on a fucking cupcake

[nehswritesstuffs]

the benefits of a lawn at-sea

Here's something short, sweet, and silly~

1783 words; this is just silly; takes place from post-Enies Lobby to just after the timeskip, with a little post-Wano in there bc Jinbe my dude you took too long to claim your bunk; it’s been a while since I wrote something this short; this is very gen, very tame, and the only cursing is a word heard in old Bugs Bunny cartoons so there you go;

The Thousand Sunny's lawn-deck is pretty nice, right? Well, what if there was an ulterior motive behind the water-guzzling feature of this seafaring craft? [Strawhat genfic]

-_-_-_-_-_-_-

“Oh, Franky, this is so nice!” Nami marveled. Water 7 was just beyond the horizon and she was walking around on the lawn deck in bare feet. The plush, dense grass was soft on her skin and smelled wonderful. “What made you want to do this?”

“Let’s just say I’m being super-thoughtful this week,” the cyborg chuckled. He was watching Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper roll around on the lawn, absolutely giggling at themselves. Sanji came over with a tray of drinks, offering Nami and Robin theirs before handing one to Franky.

“Yeah, super-thoughtful that we now have to worry about grass stains despite being in the middle of the ocean,” he groused. Luffy got tossed towards them and slid, popping up on his feet as one big, green smear. “Oi, jackass, who do you think is going to get that grass stain out?!”

“Uhh… I dunno.” Luffy grinned and grabbed three drinks off the tray, bringing them over to where Usopp and Chopper were on the other side of the deck. Sanji exhaled heavily—only Luffy.

“Has he not noticed you’ve been doing all the boys’ laundry since the East Blue?” Nami wondered. She sipped her drink and kept an eye on the horizon, not liking what was on the way. A storm, maybe? Didn’t feel that imposing…

“Luffy noticing something other than food is sketchy at-best,” Sanji deadpanned. “How did we end up with such an idiot for a captain?”

“Is that you trying to defect next, Curly?” Zoro snarked from the upper deck. Sanji grit his teeth and placed his tray down on the table.

“Pardon ladies—I’ve got a sentient moss to discipline,” he growled before catapulting himself across the ship. Sanji’s foot met with Zoro’s swords and the pair began their bickering in earnest.

“It’s good to see the change in venue hasn’t dampened their spirits,” Robin mentioned. She idly turned the page of her book, not even looking at the chaos that was unfolding—how delightful to have friends like these.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-

It was interesting having a lawn to care for now that the Straw Hats were on the Thousand Sunny. Franky would mow it and toss the clippings in the composter alongside the food scraps that Sanji couldn’t salvage and the various little organic things that they didn’t exactly want to toss over the side of the ship. It took up a lot of water, but that was what the purification system was for, right? It even provided Chopper with a nostalgic snack every once in a while, the grass reminding him of the fresh green shoots that would pop up during Drum Island’s springtime, not to mention the way it was cool in the mornings and not nearly ever as scorching as the lacquered Adam Wood got under the sun…

…except, it really did use up a lot of water, which led to an intricate system of sprinkler rotations. If the sprinkler was moved and subsequently ignored, mud was liable to form, and the only thing worse than Luffy in the presence of grass stains was Luffy in the presence of mud. It was more than a bit irritating for Sanji or Nami when they switched off doing the laundry, but if Franky was going to have one blunder for the design of the ship, they guessed it could be the lawn. In practice. Common consensus was that it was mostly there to be a pain (at worst) or an experiment (at best) and so they endured it, because they had bigger things to deal with.

Take the suddenly dense fog they found themselves in, for one…

-_-_-_-_-_-_-

“Ooooh… this is simply wonderful…” Brook hummed happily. He was splayed out on the lawn, soaking in the sun. Once they had gotten out of the Florian Triangle, a good deal of what he did when he wasn’t playing music or eating involved being outside on the lawn, marveling in the experience. “I would have never guessed that this was how grass felt against my finger bones…”

“You never touched any of the grass at Thriller Bark…?” Usopp wondered. He was fishing with Chopper and Luffy, the trio attempting to catch some extra reserves for the tank. Brook shook his head.

“Technically I did, but I’d rarely call that grass,” he replied. “With how foggy and cloudy it is in the Triangle, it never had the chance to grow properly. This, however,” he dragged his arms up and down the grass for emphasis, “is the real deal. What sort of grass is it? Where’s it from?”

“Uh… there are different kind of grass…?” Luffy wondered. Usopp facepalmed.

“Well, yeah—that’s like asking if there’s different kind of trees,” the sniper replied. He could see his captain’s interest in the subject quickly fading. “You know, when I was little, I helped catalog over seventy types of plants for scientific use! That included twelve grasses!”

“Wait, really?!” Chopper gasped.

“Of course! Why do you think I’m so good at growing things? I’ve got an extra-green thumb!”

“I don’t know, Usopp,” Brook said. “It looks tan and fleshy to me.”

“It’s an expression and you know that,” Usopp deadpanned over the newest crewmate’s giggles. He went to look back over at Chopper and Luffy, only to see a rubbery thumb get jammed in his face.

“See? Mine’s green now too!” It was a wet, gloopy green, clearly having just been ground into the freshly-mown-and-currently-being-watered part of the lawn.

“Luffy, it’s an… wait, you know what? Whatever.” Usopp rolled his eyes and began to return to his fishing, peacefully catching things to go into the tank, that is… until he heard his captain snicker a very tempting order.

“Come on, Usopp! Come play in the sprinkler with us!”

It was Captain’s Orders, after all.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-

The Thousand Sunny surfaced above the ocean, the bubble coating popping as they made it back to their more-typical part of the sea. It was a sunny, cheerful day and everyone delighted at the warmth of the sun on their faces.

“Oh, this feels so good!” Nami squealed. She stretched as she breathed in deeply, allowing the breeze to ruffle her hair. “It feels like there’s a storm coming up soon, so look sharp everyone!”

“I’m so glad we’re above surface,” Usopp shivered, leaning up against the railing.

“It was too scary!” Brook added.

“We almost diiiiiiiied!” Chopper sobbed.

“Oh, quit your bellyaching,” Nami frowned. “Come on; we need to make sure everything’s secure before the storm hits!”

“You were scared too!” Usopp snapped. He and Nami glared at one another—this was not in the best interest of Normie Solidarity. They nearly started a “discussion” between them when Luffy came barreling in onto the scene, hanging off of Nami’s shoulders like a wet cat.

“Naaaamiiii… how long until the storm?” he whined. She grimaced and untangled herself from him, allowing their captain to flop onto the grass.

“Long enough for you to go take a bath—you stink,” she frowned.

“…but Naaaamiiii… it’s not Bath Day!” Luffy pouted. Nami was about to fire back when Franky’s voice cut through the air.

“Hey, Luffy! Sprinkler’s on!” That caught the other Straw Hats’ attention: there, in all its glory, was a lawn sprinkler that was an… interesting-looking cat-head, with noodles coming out of its head that wriggled and flopped about as they spread water everywhere. Luffy gasped in excitement and ran over to it, jumping through the noodly spray with his noodly limbs and generally having a great and noodly time. Brook and Chopper soon joined him, leaving Nami and Usopp to just stare in exasperation.

“You’ll super-thank me later,” Franky smirked as he walked over to his crewmates who seemed… less than impressed.

“For what?” Nami cringed. “A new set of grass stains?”

“An extra-muddy part of the lawn after that storm Nami was talking about?”

“Nah—haven’t you ever noticed that he smells better after running through the sprinkler?” Franky replied. The other two stopped all thought processes—huh…? “Still doesn’t smell great, mind you, but running a bit of non-toxic lavender extract through the hose and you’ve got yourself a slightly-less-stinky captain!”

Huh… do that’s where that smell was coming from…

“Okay, I’ll give it to you, but does it have to look like that?” Usopp wondered. “It looks like it wants to die.”

“Robin designed it! Isn’t it great?” Franky seemed to beam in pride, whereas Nami and Usopp were… considerably less impressed.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Wano was officially behind the Thousand Sunny as it traveled southeast, wind billowing the sails full and steady as their most recent adventure became a tiny speck over the horizon. Everyone was settling into their normal routines as they readied for the journey ahead of them—for all they knew the next island was weeks away yet—which meant that their newest member was finally able to get his full tour.

“Alright, any questions?” Nami asked. She and Jinbe were standing on the lawn, having already physically gone through the rest of the ship. The helmsman nodded and looked around—everything seemed normal enough...mostly, anyhow.

“Just one: when will Luffy be allowed from his cage?” He pointed towards their captain, who was currently still locked up in an overly-large birdcage that hung near the swing. Luffy perked up at that, only for his hopes to be dashed.

“Only captains who get into a moderate amount of trouble are allowed to roam free,” Nami hissed. Luffy whimpered and slumped against the bars—he was defeated. The navigator then sniffed the air and recognized a particular funk that was growing in the air. “Hey, Usopp!”

“What?!” The aforementioned sniper poked his head out from the upper deck. “I’m a little busy!”

“Hit Luffy with the hose when you get a second! I’d put an air freshener next to him, but he might eat it…”

“I would not!” Luffy protested. Nami, however, was not convinced.

“The sooner the better, Usopp!” she commanded. Her crewmate grumbled and put down his Pop Greens to head down the stairs and head for the hose caddy, turning on the water pump and unraveling the hose just enough so he could aim the nozzle directly for Luffy and wet him down, face deadpan while his captain panicked like a puppy afraid of water.

“Is that… how he always bathes…?” Jinbe wondered cautiously, pointing at Luffy. Nami shook her head.

“This is just a mid-week stopgap. Also a punishment. Depends on how I feel.” She flipped her hair over her shoulder and walked away, headed towards the table where Robin was reading and leaving Jinbe to shudder.

What kind of a crew did he sign up with after all?

[sustain-sphere]

How to Properly Manage Waste: 10 Effective Ways to Protect Our Environment

 Waste management is a critical issue facing our planet today. Improper disposal of waste not only leads to pollution but also wastes valuable resources. The good news is that each of us can make a big difference by adopting simple yet effective waste management practices in our daily lives. Here are 10 ways to properly manage waste and reduce your environmental impact:

1.Reduce Waste at the Source: Reducing waste begins with mindful purchasing and consumption. Choose products with minimal packaging or buy in bulk to decrease plastic waste. Avoid single-use items like straws, plastic cutlery, and bottled drinks whenever possible.

2. Practice Recycling: Separate recyclables like paper, glass, and plastic, follow local recycling guidelines, and clean items necessary to avoid contamination.

3. Composting Organic Waste; Compost organic waste like food scraps and yard trimmings to create nutrient-rich soil and reduce methane emissions. Use a small compost bin or Join community composting programs if you don't have a garden.

4. Avoid Disposable Products: Reduce waste by using reusable items like cloth napkins, towels, and travel mugs instead of disposables like paper towels and plastic cups.

5. Donate Unwanted Items: Donate unwanted clothes, electronics, or furniture to reduce waste and help others. Many organizations offer pick-up services for larger items.

6. Repurpose and Upcycle: Turn old items like jars or clothes into new, useful things to reduce waste and spark creativity.

7. Buy Sustainable Products: Choose eco-friendly products made from recycled materials and support ethical brands.

8. Educate on Waste Management: Share tips and facts about proper waste disposal to raise awareness and promote collective action.

9. Reduce E-Waste: Recycle or donate old electronics to prevent toxic waste and reduce environmental harm.

10. Buy Less, Choose Wisely: Avoid impulse purchases by opting for durable, high-quality items that reduce waste.

[bumblebeeappletree]

Guest presenter, Jude, shares some beginner tips on how anyone can get a garden growing from the ground up.

Jude’s garden is pumping with enough fruit and vegetables to feed the family and share the excess, but it all started with a single row of snow peas. Jude says, “you can build (a garden) anywhere, as long as you've got these magic ingredients: Sunshine, organic materials, cardboard, water and some hard work.”

Jude revisits the first bed he created to transform it into something much better. “I made the beginner’s mistake of planting straight into the soil. I didn’t know about adding extra nutrients and how important soil is,” says Jude. But with this knowledge now in hand, he’s reusing this space to build a new bed from scratch. This is a no-dig method with layers of nutrients that you can plant straight into!

Suppress the weeds:

You’ll want to start a new bed without any weeds. Jude’s method doesn’t require poisoning or even pulling out the weeds! Instead, he smothers them with love.

1. Leave the weeds where they are and trim them down to ground level with sheers or a mower.

2. Give them their last meal by adding a layer of manure - Jude uses pelletised chicken manure.

3. Give them a final drink of water.

4. Cover them in a layer of cardboard and water again.

“Feeding them might seem a bit weird,” says Jude, “but by giving them heaps of nutrients and then smothering them, they’ll die even faster.” Plants need light to live, but the cardboard is thick enough to block the light completely. With added nutrients and water, the weeds will attempt a big growth spurt but without any sunlight, they'll die and break down which adds nutrients back into the soil.

Large cardboard boxes can be found at bike or furniture stores, but even smaller boxes will work. Remove any plastic tape on the cardboard and make sure the pieces overlap completely to ensure there are no gaps to let the light through.

Build the soil in layers:

1. Straw - Jude uses straw from his guinea pig pen which has aged over a few weeks.

2. Compost - Jude uses mushroom compost, a waste product from the mushroom industry.

3. Straw - This final layer will protect the soil from new weeds and moisture loss.

4. Water the bed again - and it’s ready to plant into!

No matter what types of mulches or manures you use, Jude says, “the more diverse your mix, the more diverse the microorganisms living in your soil... As all those layers of organic material breakdown, the soil and vegies will get better and better.”

Jude’s Garden is already packed with produce, but he says, “I’m excited to have this whole new garden to grow... I’ve been wanting to increase my lettuce production and this spot is perfect because it’s so full of nutrients.” We can’t wait to see the never-ending salad supply come from this patch!

Filmed on Dharug & Gundungurra Country | Leura, NSW

[thebamboobae01]

Bamboo vs. Plastic: Why Bamboo is the Superior Eco-Friendly Choice

Choosing Better for a Greener Tomorrow

In today's world, the impact of our daily choices on the environment is really important. One simple way to help is by choosing the right products. Bamboo items are becoming popular because they're better for the environment than plastic.

Let's explore the reasons why bamboo products are better choice for the environment - 

1. Eco-Friendly Production:

Bamboo is a plant that grows super fast. It can grow up to three feet in just one day! This makes bamboo a renewable resource. On the other hand, plastic is made from things like oil, which will eventually run out. By using bamboo, we can reduce how much we depend on these limited resources.

2. Biodegradable and Compostable:

Plastic takes hundreds of years to break down. This leads to pollution in our oceans and landfills. But bamboo is different. When you throw away bamboo products, they break down naturally over time. This means less waste and less harm to the environment.

3. Reduced Carbon Footprint:

Bamboo forests are great at absorbing carbon dioxide, which is a gas that contributes to climate change. They also release more oxygen than regular trees. This helps to make our air cleaner and healthier. Plus, making bamboo products uses less energy compared to making plastic items, which helps reduce pollution.

4. Versatility and Durability:

Bamboo is a versatile material that can be used to make a wide range of products, from utensils to furniture. It's also strong and durable, making it a long-lasting choice compared to single-use plastic items.

Read: What Things in a Stationery Kit?

5. Chemical-Free and Safe:

Bamboo products are often chemical-free and safe for use, making them a healthier option for you and the environment. Plastic, on the other hand, can leach harmful chemicals into food and the environment.

6. Support for Sustainable Practices:

By choosing bamboo products, you're supporting sustainable practices and industries that prioritize the health of the planet. This can help drive positive change towards a more sustainable future.

Check Out some of our Bamboo Products 2024:  

1. Bamboo Cutlery Set: Say goodbye to plastic utensils with our eco-friendly bamboo cutlery set. Perfect for picnics, lunches, and on-the-go meals.

Read: Are You Using the Right Toothbrush for Your Teeth?

3. Bamboo Drinking Straws: Ditch single-use plastic straws for our reusable bamboo drinking straws. They're perfect for smoothies, juices, and cocktails.

4. Bamboo Fiber Lunchbox: Pack your meals in our durable and stylish bamboo fiber lunchbox. It's microwave-safe and great for the environment. 

5. Bamboo Soap Dispenser: Add a touch of eco-friendliness to your bathroom with our bamboo soap dispenser. It's refillable and helps reduce plastic waste.

6. Bamboo Hair Brush: Treat your hair and the environment right with our bamboo hair brush. It's gentle on your hair and the planet, making it a sustainable choice.

At The Bamboo Bae, we take pride in offering a diverse range of bamboo products to cater to your needs. Our collection includes personal care items such as bamboo skincare products, eco-friendly stationery, and candles. We also have a selection of home decor items, kitchen essentials, and gift options made from bamboo and other sustainable materials. Whether you're looking for something for yourself or searching for the perfect corporate gift or hotel amenity, we have something for everyone. 

Explore our collection today at thebamboobae.ae and make a sustainable choice for a greener future!

By choosing bamboo products over plastic, we can make a positive impact on the environment. Whether it's using bamboo utensils instead of plastic ones, every small change adds up to make a big difference. Together, we can help protect our planet for future generations.

[rubinaitoart]

So I want to write some things down cause this blog sorta serves as a little journal for me at times, and this is a pretty major turning point for me. A lot of this rambling might seem a little weird, or overdoing it, or whatever. But it’s important to me. I’ll be putting it under the cut because it’s going to be long and focusing on, of all things, environmental issues and plastic. Stuff I’ve never talked about on here before.

Over the past month or so, I’ve found myself in a state of severe anxiety. (I’m trying to remedy it, but there’s still some residual things that aren’t quite going away just yet.)

During this period of time, my anxiety settled on the state of the world in an ecological context. Namely, the depletion of resources and the impact of microplastics. It’s something I didn’t really consider or focus on for a while but now that I have it hasn’t really left my head.

One of my many coping mechanisms when my anxiety gets this severe is to try and think through solutions. Unfortunately this is on such a large scale that I can’t exactly do anything about it at this moment in time; but for the first time in a very long time, my anxiety did something useful and gave me a direction to take my life. It’s something that I’ve sorely needed for a while now.

This is where I want to take my education, and what I want my career to be focused on.

There’s a lot of thoughts that have been circling around in my head about everything. Lessening our use of plastic is great, but what kind of impact will it actually have on the environment on a large scale? With how the carbon cycle is out of balance and carbon emissions so high, can we afford to turn to paper as an alternative to plastic?

How do we find a solution that is feasible for the average person to commit to?

Plastic is a wonder material. It’s versatile and convenient; it can be whatever we need it to be. Thin and bendable, or solid and sturdy, or a thin wrapping to properly seal things. Bags, boxes, buckets, containers. It lines our aluminum cans to keep the aluminum from leeching into the drink, it makes it easier to distribute food on a larger scale, it means we don’t have to turn in milk bottles like in ye olden days, and it’s cheap to produce.

It’s in our clothes, it contains our food, it holds our water, it dispenses our personal care products.

It turns into microplastics that leeches into our blood and could be even worse than that, it’s a pollutant and cannot be composted nor is it biodegradable, it injures animals and floats in our oceans.

But it’s a wonder material, and for all the bad it’s doing, it’s difficult to stop using it. Because it’s convenient and easy to make, we’ve integrated it into our way of life to make things easier. It’s no wonder that trying to outright ban plastics doesn’t go very far. We might be able to get away with taxing plastic bags or banning plastic straws, but there’s so much more that’s still being used and discarded.

Plastic is not a disposable resource.

All of this to say, I want to find reasonable solutions to ecological problems, starting with plastic. There are many plastic alternatives that, in the long run, will cause far more environmental damage. Rapidly depleting resources for a massive population isn’t how we fix the problem; so we need to find a sustainable and renewable resources. Plant based solutions are a great start.

Like straws. There’s a company that produces straws made of sugarcane; specifically a byproduct of the sugar production process, the fibers that are stripped away.

Things like this make me optimistic that we can find more solutions to a plastic problem. And even if we only reduce plastic consumption by 50%, I’d be happy. I recognize that there are many situations where plastic is a good thing to use, such as evidence collection in forensics or necessary medical equipment like IV bags. We just need to find a way to reduce our usage of these plastic items to a less wasteful level.

So that’s what I’m going to get my degree for. I might not make much of a difference but I’d like to at least try and do something; and I’m a little excited that I finally have an idea of where I want to go in life.

[disabilityhorizons]

20 Bamboo Drinking Straws Set with Carry Bag & Cleaning Brush

Introducing our 20cm Bamboo Straw Set, the perfect eco-friendly alternative to plastic straws. This set includes 20 reusable bamboo straws, a convenient carry bag, and a coconut husk cleaning brush. Say goodbye to single-use plastics and join the sustainable movement!

Made from natural bamboo, these straws offer a smooth sipping experience while being kind to the environment. With a length of 20cm, they fit various drinkware, ensuring you can enjoy your favourite beverages hassle-free.

The included carry bag makes it easy to take your bamboo straws with you wherever you go. Whether it's a picnic, a coffee shop, or a family gathering, you'll always have your eco-friendly straws on hand.

Cleaning the straws is a breeze with our coconut husk cleaning brush. It effortlessly removes any residue, ensuring your straws remain fresh and hygienic. These straws are reusable and can last up to a year with proper care.

When it's time to dispose of them, you can rest assured knowing that bamboo is a naturally biodegradable material. Simply compost them, and they will break down naturally, leaving no harmful traces behind.

Make a small change that has a big impact with our Bamboo Straw Set. Join the movement towards a greener future and enjoy guilt-free sipping.

[be11atrixthestrange]

Hi, I’m reading Waking Up In Vegas and wanted to know if the whole straw issue has to do with Ron asking about the house-elves in canon? (Sorry I’m a bit slow on comments but I will do it 🫡)

Like at first he didn’t really care about the elves because he grew up Pureblood but also it never really occurred to him the severity of the situation. Then again the elves, were in a way conditioned to believe they were born to serve and obey their “masters”. Later on he did realize that the elves deserve to be free and not under control of anyone.

Ex: the way he treats and respects Dobby, and the pivotal moment during the battle when he asks about the house elves that flipped the switch in Hermione’s mind. Not just the man of her dreams remembers the elves are in danger but also she realizes it’s now or never to finally be free herself from hiding her feelings for Ron Weasley. (I’d like to believe that the KISS wasn’t their first kiss, because it was described with such practiced ease that I just know they shared a kiss before, heck even an accidental kiss during their time in the Burrow/Grimmauld place. Maybe even while patrolling the halls in Hogwarts?)

In Waking Up In Vegas, Ron orders a drink from Rosmerta without a straw and that sorta clicked into my mind with canon events. Not sure if that was intentional or not but I find it fascinating. It’s better than canon and so in character for Hermione to fling herself at Ron. Also, it’s canon for Ron to remember such a small fact about a woman whom he thought was a complete nightmare and insufferable. Talk about a turn around of events!

Also, do you use straws or go for the drinking out of the glass? I’ve always wanted to stop using straws after visiting Glyfada, Greece in 2015 and trying to help cure a horrible gash between that and large sea turtle had due to injuries and also help remove plastic they’ve consumed. Yeah it was heartbreaking 😭 (It didn’t help that after helping the turtles I went on a ferry to go to Italy 😕).

Anyways I hope you’re having a great day/night ❤️ I hope to leave comments but sometimes it’s difficult for me to not get interrupted and actually sit down to drop some comments. Also it doesn’t help that my laptop is freezing up so much. But just want you to know I admire your writing and the humor you have in your stories

Hi friend!

You’re so sweet for sending this and reading Waking up in Vegas! 🥹

And also you’re spot on. My whole intention behind the moment with the straws was that it mirrored the house elves comment in canon that inspired their first kiss. But in a muggle au, I had to pick something non magical. There are a few running environmental themes in that fic so I figured that would fit nicely :).

To answer your question about straws, I try not to use them because personally I think they’re pointless. I do have a few stainless steel straws for when I make to-go smoothies though. And I keep one in my purse handy too 😅

I appreciate the effort restaurants are making to use compostable straws, but honestly they tend to disintegrate and lose their function pretty quick so I just try bring my own. Other times I totally forget and then shrug it off because we can’t be always perfect.

Thanks again for the message and comment. I’m so happy you enjoy my stories ❤️❤️

[alishavisualdiary]

Module 1 Post 3: Compostable Straw

This is a compostable straw — not the annoying paper straws that get soggy halfway through drinking a beverage, but a straw that feels almost like plastic but is miraculously compostable. Where I live, there is a ban against plastic straws. For a while, coffee shops and boba tea shops in my state were struggling because they couldn't give out straws for their drinks. They started giving paper straws, but customers complained so much due to how fragile the straws were. Sturdy, compostable straws became a desideratum in my state — eventually, these straws were created and changed the straw game. I don't even quite understand the technology that goes into creating this straw (how is it compostable even though it feels so sturdy and plastic-like?). However, I do know that the inventors must have thought boldly and pushed the bounds of their thinking to be able to come up with this straw when for so long, paper straws had been the only solution anyone else could come up with. This is why I believe this simple, human-centered design product is an example of design leadership. In the grand scheme of things, a straw is very small. However, I know that this invention had a huge impact on my state's local businesses and essentially revolutionized disposable straws in my state — now, these are everywhere, and it is widely considered the straw norm. Sometimes the smallest things carry such a great impact!

[bates--boy]

See, Peter knew better than to have a heavy snack before the show, especially one made by a pizza-faced teenager who obviously lied about her age and work history on her application, but that stainless steel commercial drink mixer looked sleek as fuck, and a malted chocolate shake with fudge and peanut butter chunks sounded tempting as hell.

Though he could have gotten the drink for free, Peter still slipped a few krona in the cute tip jar shaped like a calico waving cat -- it even waved when he shoved the bank notes into the slot! How precious!

Taking slow pulls of the drink through the large, compostable straw, Peter checked his phone's clock. Just a couple hours before opening. Which meant enough time to wander around. He drifted through the lobby, passing the bars stacked high with snacks and mixing ingredients, looking up at the walls where paintings hung, created by the art students of his alma mater (his favorite was the one of the Erykah Badu-looking singer in front of a mic; the subtle verdant and hints of gold spoke "soulful" and "hip hop". In the house, Peter walked along the back of the furthest seats, running his free fingers along the plush black velvet backs, glancing at the technicians doing sound check and examining the mix boards.

He found his way back to the front entrance, stepping outside and to the sidewalk. Moving out of the way of the pre-sale ticket buyers gathering to line up at the doors, Peter looked up.

It was beautiful, set against the pink sky of the setting sun. Set between the jutting twin marquees, built vertical into the space and flashing with seashell-shaped lights, was the beautiful sign that Peter specially ordered.

The Sadaf House.

[good2gobags]

Compostable straws and bags made by Good2Go set the green standard

As the world increasingly prioritizes environmental sustainability, there’s a notable shift towards eco-friendly consumer products. One of the most promising advancements in this area is the emergence of compostable plastic straws, eco-friendly t-shirt bags, and eco-friendly plastic bags, offering sustainable alternatives to their polluting counterparts.

Conventional plastic straws and bags have long raised concerns among environmentalists and conscious consumers due to their persistence in landfills, oceans, and natural environments, taking several centuries to decompose, if at all. This accumulation of plastic waste has compromised the marine life, ecosystems, and the overall health of our planet.

However, with Good2Go, these worries can end instantly. It is an organisation committed to meeting customer demands for sustainability and combating plastic pollution at the same time. Good2Go’s compostable plastic straws, eco-friendly t-shirt bags, and eco-friendly plastic bags are crafted from natural materials like cornstarch, PLA, or biodegradable polymers.

Moreover, the adoption of compostable alternatives brings several benefits:

1. Reduced Environmental Impact: Compostable plastics can be broken down by microorganisms, leaving behind only water, carbon dioxide, and organic matter, significantly reducing plastic waste in landfills and oceans.

2. Sustainable Resource Use: Made from renewable, plant-based sources, compostable plastics lessen reliance on fossil fuels and non-renewable resources used in traditional plastic production.

3. Improved Waste Management: Compostable plastics easily integrate into existing composting programs, providing an eco-friendly disposal option.

4. Consumer Empowerment: By opting for compostable plastic straws and bags, consumers actively contribute to a more sustainable future, making a tangible difference in their daily lives.

As consumer awareness of environmental impacts grows, so does the demand for compostable plastic alternatives. Businesses and individuals are embracing this shift, acknowledging the importance of sustainable consumption in creating a greener future.

By transitioning to compostable drinking straws and bags, consumers take a significant step towards reducing their carbon footprint and supporting an eco-friendly lifestyle. This simple change can inspire others, fostering a ripple effect of positive environmental change.

In conclusion, the rise of compostable plastic straws and bags signifies a promising stride toward a more sustainable future. Embracing these eco-conscious consumer products enables us to collectively work towards a cleaner, greener world for future generations.

[the-rushit-mind]

Eco-Friendly Products and Practices: How to Go Green in 2023

Eco-friendly products and practices are those that have a minimal or positive impact on the environment. They help conserve natural resources, reduce waste, prevent pollution, and protect biodiversity. Eco-friendly products and practices are not only good for the planet, but also for your health, well-being, and wallet. By going green, you can improve your quality of life, save money, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

But how can you go green in 2023? What are some of the best eco-friendly products and practices that you can adopt in your daily life? In this blog post, we will share some tips and ideas on how to become more eco-friendly in 2023. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert in green living, there’s something here for you. Let’s get started!

Eco-Friendly Products: What to Buy and What to Avoid

One of the easiest ways to go green is to choose eco-friendly products over conventional ones. Eco-friendly products are those that are made from natural, organic, recycled, or biodegradable materials. They are also designed to last longer, use less energy, and produce less waste. Eco-friendly products can help you reduce your environmental footprint and save money in the long run.

Here are some examples of eco-friendly products that you can buy in 2023:

- Reusable bags: Instead of using plastic bags that end up in landfills or oceans, use reusable bags made from cotton, hemp, or bamboo. These bags are durable, washable, and stylish. You can use them for grocery shopping, carrying your lunch, or storing your belongings.

- Reusable water bottles: Instead of buying bottled water that generates plastic waste and greenhouse gas emissions, use reusable water bottles made from stainless steel, glass, or silicone. These bottles are safe, hygienic, and leak-proof. You can fill them with tap water or filtered water and enjoy fresh and clean water anytime, anywhere.

- Reusable straws: Instead of using plastic straws that harm wildlife and pollute the environment, use reusable straws made from metal, silicone, or bamboo. These straws are easy to clean, carry, and use. You can sip your favorite drinks without worrying about ingesting harmful chemicals or hurting the planet.

- Bamboo toothbrushes: Instead of using plastic toothbrushes that take centuries to decompose, use bamboo toothbrushes that are biodegradable and compostable. Bamboo toothbrushes have natural antibacterial properties and soft bristles that are gentle on your teeth and gums. You can also find bamboo toothbrushes with charcoal-infused bristles that help whiten your teeth naturally.

- Organic cotton bedding: Instead of using synthetic bedding that contains harmful chemicals and dyes, use organic cotton bedding that is soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic. Organic cotton bedding is made from cotton that is grown without pesticides or fertilizers. It is also dyed with natural or low-impact dyes that are safe for your skin and the environment.

- LED light bulbs: Instead of using incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs that consume a lot of energy and emit heat and mercury, use LED light bulbs that are energy-efficient and long-lasting. LED light bulbs use up to 80% less energy than conventional light bulbs and last up to 25 times longer. They also produce a bright and natural light that is easy on your eyes.

These are just some of the eco-friendly products that you can buy in 2023. There are many more options available in the market for every aspect of your life. When buying eco-friendly products,

By - the_rushit_mind

[abookishdreamer]

Character Intro: Physis (Kingdom of Ichor)

The Green Godling by the people of Olympius

Chipmunk by her mom

Hummingbird by her father

Age- 8 (immortal)

Location- Hearthwood neighborhood, New Olympus

Personality- She's a sweet gentle girl with a shy temperament. She loves enjoying the simplest aspects of nature like walking bare foot on grass or jumping in puddles after a rainstorm.

She has the standard abilities of a goddess. With her current age her powers/abilities are honey generation/manipulation, geokinesis (as of now can only control leaves, mud, dirt, rocks, & pebbles), limited hydrokinesis (as it pertains to lakes, streams, & puddles), limited photokinesis, being able to communicate with woodland animals (is able to shapeshift into a beaver, squirrel, chipmunk, deer, & several small birds), limited vitakinesis (healing), and even limited atmokinesis (as it relates to her mood; for example if she's feeling intense sadness, a raining cloud appears over her head).

Physis is the daughter of a naiad nymph named Syrinx and Pan (god of the wild, satyrs, shepherds, & rustic music).

She lives with her mother in a lakehouse on their private property on the outskirts of the Hearthwood neighborhood of New Olympus. They have an expansive backyard & garden, a few acres of woodland, and a small pond. Physis' bedroom is her oasis painted in cool shades of eggshell, teal, blue, yellow, & green. Decorative branches, chrome butterfly cranes, and a birdhouse-style bedframe is there too along with her favorite humidifier! She has a growing number of small pets like gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, & new white tree frogs named Hoppy, Jelly, Daphne, and Jojo.

Her favorite flower is the daisy. She also likes dandelions- especially blowing away the soft white puffs!

Physis & her parents are proud eco friendly vegans. She loves helping her mom at home with their compost pile. They also use reusable cloth bags when they go grocery shopping, have glass & silicone storage containers, and use metal & bamboo straws.

A go-to drink for her is aloe vera juice. She also likes ginger ale, carrot juice, coconut water, lychee nectar juice, water, orange juice, apple juice, the apple-kiwi-spinach smoothies her mom makes, and watermelon juice. When her & her mom stop by at a Roasted Bean, Physis will usually get the small peach sweet tea.

She loves when her mom makes oatmeal topped with chocolate chips & almond butter for breakfast. She also likes the whole wheat banana pancakes drizzled in maple syrup and the Earthly Harvest fruit crystals cereal (with cold oatmilk).

Even though her father's been around since she was born, Physis was technically introduced to him when he came to her fifth birthday party- an outdoor affair at a public park in the state of Arcadia. Physis saw him walk in holding a wrapped gift and she instantly recognized him! She remembered seeing photos of him holding her as a baby and small toddler in a tucked away photo album hidden in her mom's drawer. She remained sitting atop her father's shoulders for the rest of the party- mesmerized & constantly touching his large curved glossy brown horns. He even performed an original song he wrote for her! Their relationship is still going strong with her mom allowing her visits & overnight stays with him biweekly and some weekends. They communicate often through letters.

Her favorite snacks are pear-applesauce & prickly pear flavored gummy bears.

Physis attends an esteemed private school in the city. She's a third grader with other godly kids in her grade like Hebe (goddess of youth), Paidia (goddess of play & amusement), Caerus (god of opportunity & luck); she thinks he's too much of a jokester, Prophasis (goddess of excuses), and Myrízei (god of smell & gases); who she says hi to. Her best friends are Aceso (goddess of healing) & Mneme (goddess of remembrance). Physis is also friendly with Xenia (goddess of hospitality) who's in the fourth grade. She's aware of the godly fifth graders like Aidos (goddess of shame, modesty, humility, & respect), Ersa (goddess of morning dew), Melete (goddess of thought & meditation), Calleis (goddess of allurement), and Eulabeia (goddess of caution).

At school she also likes art, gym, & literature.

Her favorite class is science and she really enjoyed the class trip to the New Olympus Zoo- her favorite part being the panda exhibit! She even bought a stuffed panda at the zoo's gift shop.

For her seventh birthday, Physis got a silver necklace with a pan flute charm from her father which she wears all the time.

Her favorite guilty pleasure are tortilla chips with guacamole!

Physis doesn't know and haven't met any of her older half siblings.

In the pantheon she really admires Iris (goddess of the rainbow), Eikono (goddess of iconography & literature), Méli (goddess of bees & honey), Demeter (goddess of the harvest & agriculture), Thalia (muse of comedy), Gaia (goddess of the earth), and Tithonus (god of insects) who Physis has started developing a little crush on.

Her favorite frozen treat are carrot-ginger ice pops! She likes when Aceso's mom Epione (goddess of soothing pain) makes them!

Physis & her mom have a close bond. She loves cuddling up with her on the couch watching it rain from the window & she's even being taught archery by her! They also build birdhouses. Hair day is also a great bonding moment for them. When Physis gets older she wants to get dreadlocks just like her parents, but for now her thick curly brown hair is kept natural. Go-to products are the Hairology soap free sweet sandalwood shampoo & conditioner bars and the Glory's Crown bamboo ginseng curling elixir.

Her favorite dessert from Hollyhock's Bakery is the lemon olive oil cake. She also likes her mom's oatmeal peanut butter-chocolate chip granola squares.

She doesn't eat fast food often so when she does, it's a welcome treat. Her favorite thing to get from Olympic Chef is the spicy black bean burger with small sweet potato fries and tofu nuggets (with sweet & sour dipping sauce).

Some of her favorite meals include spicy chickpea chili, sticky & spicy baked cauliflower with white rice, sweet plantains (fried in peanut oil), and curried tofu collard green wraps (with spicy peanut sauce).

In her free time Physis enjoys climbing trees, swimming, reading, bike riding, jump rope, lanyard, knitting, gardening, indoor rock climbing, going to the park, horseback riding, drawing, kite flying, surfing, football (soccer), & basketball.

"Sometimes, nature is all someone needs."

[recently-reanimated]

I know straws are made of plastic but you know what else is made of plastic? Bags for IV fluids. If someone can't drink without a straw they are going to end up using plastic one way or another.

Also don't get me started on reusable straws. I myself am able to use them but if you can't properly clean them you're going to get food borne illness which is going to cause dehydration which is going to require * pause for drumroll* IV fluids!

Many disabled people are either going to use the plastic in their home or in the hospital so if you care about sustainability this is not the hill you want to die on. Mind your buisness and work on your compost, that's what I'm trying to do.

Some people don’t want to hear this but sometimes accessibility is not sustainable or eco-friendly. Disabled people sometimes need straws, or pre-made meals in plastic containers, or single-use items. Just because you can work with your foods in their least processed and packaged form doesn’t mean everyone else can.

[bethestaryouareradio]

Gardne Life in 2025

“The time to relax is when you don't have time for it.” ~ Sydney J. Harris

January, the month of winter sleep, offers gardeners the opportunity to dream, plan, and imagine. There is not much work to be done in our gardens, but we can still begin to chart the days ahead so that we’ll be able to share the bounty from our efforts.  The new year is a time to re-evaluate everything we do. As gardeners, we can begin anew, too.

Although you may feel like you have too much to do, make time to relax and refresh. Curl up with a cup of tea brewed from your homegrown Meyer lemon and spearmint, grab your favorite seed catalogs or garden books, and discover new water-conserving cultivars for the year.  You can plan patio hardscapes incorporating rocks, bricks, and cobbles instead of flower beds. If you have the space, design a meditative maze in your garden. Prune a few budding branches from your peach or crab apple tree and put them in a vase to watch their blossoms unfurl. For a scent-filled room of sweetness, cut a bouquet of narcissus to place by your bedside for the deepest tranquil rest. For kindness to our fine-feathered friends, design a “Bird Branch” on a deciduous tree or an old stump, hanging feeders, and nests for those cold winter nights. 

Every new year, I ask myself, “Why do I love to garden?” I know my reasons. Ask any gardener, and you’ll get a multitude of various answers, but a few are universal. We garden because it feeds our bodies, minds, and souls. Gardening offers us a way to connect, to remember, and to share.

January offers us the chance for a new beginning. To your list of resolutions, include spending more time in nature while you drink in the beauty. Decide to compost, recycle, collect rainwater for watering, and grow organic vegetables, herbs, and fruits.  Exercise your body, mind, and soul by digging deep.  Be grateful for what we already have.  Relating to the earth reminds us that despite turbulent times, we can survive and thrive. Go into the garden to be nurtured by nature.

Perform the necessary chores, then take the time to chill out! It’s winter. Nature is sleeping and you need to take a break, too.

Hello 2025!

 Cynthia Brian’s Goddess Gardener Garden Guide for January

FERTILIZE the entire landscape with a slow-release all-natural fertilizer. 

ADD better drainage to any potted plants you received as holiday

gifts by removing the wrapping paper. Trim the spent blossoms,

water deeply and fertilize.

BRING budding cymbidium orchids indoors to display.

APPLY elemental sulfur to the soil around your acid-loving plants such as the

azaleas, citrus, and camellias. This will break down slowly over the next year and

will help keep the soil in these areas at the optimal PH for plant color and health.

PRUNE roses, crape myrtles, and deciduous fruit trees by the end

of the month. 

BUY bare-root rose bushes. Soak in water for a day before planting.

Cut off any damaged or broken roots. Plant the bud union three

inches above the ground. 

TREAT houseplants with a warm shower and shake. Indoor heat dries

the roots, leaves, and fronds, especially those of ferns.

PICK ripe and tangy navel oranges, Meyer lemons, and tangelos,

and use the rest of your persimmons.

WATCH for snow plants to sprout in the Sierras.

PERUSE seed catalogs available now to determine what you want to plant in spring.

ADD a bowl of freshly picked Meyer lemons to your countertop as a useful culinary display.

REMOVE the longer canes from wisteria.

COVER frost-tender plants with burlap, sheets, newspaper, or straw. Be on the alert for swift temperature swings.

FEED the birds. Baby, it’s cold outside and our birds need food and shelter. Make sure to clean your birdhouses and feeders regularly.

WATCH for rats and mice. As the cold weather begins, vermin seek a warm bed and easy-to-find food. 

CHECK plants that you’ve brought inside for the winter for any insect infestation.

APPLY organic snail and slug bait (Sluggo), as these mollusks are active during winter.

CLEAN the dead leaves from the bearded iris to prevent rot and insect hideouts.

PLANT a cover crop to increase nitrogen and protect again winter erosion. Fava beans, clover, vetch, and mustard are excellent choices. To find seeds visit www.rareseeds.com or www.sowtrueseed.com.

GIVE the gift of my book, Growing with the Goddess Gardener, twelve months of inspiration and gardening tips to sustain your inner gardener with a full year of kindness and happiness in nature. Buy directly from www.cynthiabrian.com/online-storewith proceeds benefiting charity PLUS you’ll receive extra goodies and an autographed copy.

Happy Gardening. Happy Growing. Happy New Year!

See photos at Substack: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/p/welcome-to-2025-gardening-life?

For more gardening advice for all seasons, check out Growing with the Goddess Gardener at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/books. Raised in the vineyards of Napa County, Cynthia Brian is a New York Times best-selling author, actor, radio personality, speaker, media and writing coach, as well as the Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3, which was just honored as the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year by the Moraga Chamber of Commerce. https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org . Tune into Cynthia’s StarStyle® Radio Broadcast at https://www.StarStyleRadio.com. Her newest children’s picture book, Books in the Barnyard: Oh Deer!, from the series Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures is available at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store. Hire Cynthia for writing projects, garden consults, and inspirational lectures. Cynthia@GoddessGardener.com  https://www.CynthiaBrian.com