by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

It starting raining - hard - in the middle of the night. I’m now trained to hear it through a sound sleep - like I am a cat’s meow or a dog’s whine. I was up and out with the dogs before daylight - anxious to put on a heavy-duty raincoat for the first time in months and feel the cold drops hitting my face. Me and the mutts, taking advantage of the holiday school break, went a few blocks to the school yard to run around and play ball. It was 38 degrees, dark gray and the rain was steadily coming. It was glorious - the best holiday gift I could imagine, after 9 months of drought in NC.

Not much could dampen my joy, even the sound, smell and sight of a huge - I mean, really really big, McMansion-style RV sitting in the what should have been an empty parking lot. I smelled it first - the idling engine rumbling, as it had probably done throughout the night. As the darkness lifted, I noticed that there was a satellite dish sitting on top. Sigh. Never leave home without - um, everything - ?

The dogs noticed nothing, of course - and continued to run in circles, huge dog smiles on their faces. I threw up my arms in surrender. Together, we ran across the road towards a small farm to visit the friendly, grass-fed cows, and bring apples to the new goat in the next pasture. Like the fuzzy cows, we were all pleasantly steamy, my good-mood rescued by standing in the Winter rain, the carbon-emitting, monstrosity all but forgotten. All but forgotten…

I couldn’t help myself, when I returned home, I looked up some emissions statistics on Simple Green Options.

Total Emissions Per Vehicle
SUV (15mpg) – 2.29 lbs/mi
Average Car (25 mpg) – 1.39 lbs/mi
Prius (55 mpg) - .61 lbs/mi
Motorcycle - .57 lbs/mi
RV – 4.58 lbs/mi

Total Emissions Per Person
Average Car/Single Driver – 1.39 lbs/mi
Average Car/Family of 4 - .34 lbs/mi
Train - .32 lbs/mi
Bus - .48 lbs/mi
Plane (250 mi trip) - .85 lbs/mi**
Plane (600 mi) - .69 lbs/mi**
Plane (3500 mi) - .56 lbs/mi**

I’m not against practical RVs or campers. When used responsibly for long-distance travel, they are, by the look of these figures, more environmentally friendly than flying, especially if you are toting along an entire family. And if you’re making your R.V. living a full-time gig, you’re most likely making a smaller environmental footprint than the average household.

Unfortunately, many RVs are bigger - much bigger - than they need to be, equipped with every convenience imaginable, travel with only 2 passengers and are part of a luxury lifestyle that includes another large home and additional vacation or business travel by air. Pretty big “feet”.

It’s Noon and it’s still raining. I’m happy and filled with hope for the new year - a hope that we will all take a more holistic look at how we live and how we affect the planet and the lives of others with our choices. And that we will all feel as grateful as I do right now, for the blessings of nature instead of the blessings of material wealth.

by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC
I do want everyone to buy eco-gifts during this season, and to buy recycled and biodegradable whenever possible and yes, there are companies large and small helping us create healthier goods and it all becomes a way of change that can save us and the planet…

But, even green-minded, biodegradable, post-consumer recycled stuff is still - more stuff. The real question is how much of the stuff do we really need (or even really want) and when will we get to the truth of the matter? Too many people, buying too much stuff wastes dwindling resources and perpetuates a throw-away culture! Remember my post about my online order from Real Goods? Well, I’ve received all of my “good for the planet” stuff - in 7 different boxes! After the third one arrived, I called to point out that this didn’t make much sense to me when the cover of their catalog reads “Reduce Your Carbon Footprint.”

What happens in the days following the gift-giving (ie: “shopping”). MORE SHOPPING! We scoop up all the things on sale and then some. We used up a bunch of fuel driving or flying to see relatives and now we get back in the car and drive, in a frenzy, to the mall for another fix. Because what happens when you get stuff? You want more stuff.

What can we gain when we get off the buy-and-die treadmill? A lot. Things like authenticity, healthier minds and bodies, time, and a long-forgotten thing called, meaning. This visionary photographer explains Post-Consumerism this way:

“Post-Consumerism is the idea that something can have value without having a price tag attached to it. Post-Consumerism revels in the power of the individual: in the belief that a person is not what they buy, own or consume. Post-Consumerism is a re-awakening of humanism; a fatigue of being pushed to the point of purchasing strictly for vanity. Post-Consumerism says that one cannot purchase identity, individuality or self and speaks to those who really should know better.”

– Chip Morton, Adbusters No. 75 January/February

To Read More, go to post-consumerism.com

by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

It’s December and, as you already know, I’m a die-hard lover of anything to do with sleigh rides, silver bells and snowmen. Although I no longer celebrate the Christmas season in a religious way, the magic of the season is not lost on me. In fact, since leaving behind many of the mainstream traditions - such as hours of mall shopping and too many parties - I look forward to this month of goodwill more than ever.

As I create and recreate my “alternative” traditions each year, it’s been more than joyful. Each year, I look forward to coming up with new and natural ways to decorate, give/wrap and spend quality time with the people in my life. My greening of the holidays did not go over so well at the family dinner table at first, but things are improving.

When it comes to holidays and gift and card giving, I don’t find anything merry about the extravagant waste involved in most of what is now more habit than heartfelt. And judging by yesterday’s NY Times article, “Jolly and Green, With An Agenda”, I’m not the only person stuffing CFLs in stockings. Right here, on the front page of the Sunday Styles section, more than one person speaks out, who wants to give gifts, but “also wanted to communicate my own deeply-felt environmental conviction.” What? I’m allowed to do that?

It might initially be easier said than done, but I”ll bet you didn’t let that stop you from approaching touchy subjects with parents or siblings in earlier years. Including fact-filled information can go a long way and, if you don’t know how to start a dialogue, you can go to Sierra Club’s Web Site and look at a kind of working “script”.

Worry more about the wrath of Grandpa than the kids. Kids are like sponges - they soak up anything new given with love and meaning. And when it comes to saving the planet, they get it and can roll with changes if done in steps and communication. After all, the memories I most cherish from childhood are more about building snowmen, making popcorn over a roaring fire, caroling in the neighborhood, decorating sugar cookies and listening to holiday music than collecting my haul. I remember some truly usuable gifts - like the long-awaited snow skis, but overall, I remember laughter and fun. Note to parents: There’s a fine line between what they want and what they need. Let Santa be the fall guy.

If all else fails, practice rather than preach. You may light up something more than an efficient bulb.

Have you re-discovered coconut oil yet? If not, you’re missing out on something really healthy and tasty! Yep, coconut oil is mostly saturated fat, but get caught up on your health facts before you put it on the black list. Studies done on fats in the 1950’s did not distinguish between different types of fats, processed fats and/or hydrogenated fats. Certain fats are essential to good health and can even prevent disease. The truth is, we need a healthy source of saturated fat in our diet to experience optimal health.

Extra virgin coconut oil is a healthy saturated fat that can prevent digestive disorders, improve cholesterol ratios and support the immune system. It contains caprylic and lauric acids, both anti-microbials that can help prevent bacterial, viral and fungal infections. It is made up of 55% MCTs (Medium Chain Triglycerides) - an optimal source of energy. The regular consumption of coconut oil can help balance the thyroid gland, raise metabolism and reduce the symptoms of hypoglycemia and menopause.

All this and taste, too! If you’ve ever had fresh coconut (I’m talking about right out of the shell), you’ll know what I mean because a spoonful of the oil tastes much like it. Try mixing it with a bit of raw honey for a real treat. I eat this combo every morning. Traditionalists who prefer cooking with their oils will be happy to know that coconut oil is one of the few oils that withstands high heat without oxidation damage and is perfect for cooking vegetables or adding to whole grains.

Your local health food markets and co-ops will carry good extra virgin, organic coconut oil. I eat so much of it that I buy mine in 1/2 or 1 gallon jars from a family-owned distributor in Minnesota called, Wilderness Family Naturals. They are easy to reach by phone and will gladly and thoroughly answer all your questions.

Here’s a snack recipe from my sister - I’ll call ‘em Coco-Nut bars:

Melt 1/2 coconut oil and 1/2 cup rice syrup in a pan. Remove from heat and add 1 cup Granola or cereal, 1 cup raw nuts and/or seeds and one cup whole, raw oats. Add raisins or chocolate chips if desired. Press into pan, let it reset and eat.

Remember you will increase the health value of this treat if your ingredients are organic. Enjoy!

There’s a restaurant in Berkeley, CA called, Cafe Gratitude. The food is fabulously wholesome, organic, local and raw. But it was the feeling behind the food that sent me back there 10 days straight during last Summer’s visit. Before taking my order, my server asked me what I was grateful for. I casually rattled off a few things and then spent the next days preparing my answers for each visit. I came up with a long list and found out that most of what I feel grateful for today has been birthed by the “change that’s a-foot”. Here’s some of the things that showed up in my Gratitude List.

I am grateful for local and organic food from small farms.

I am grateful for rain.

I am grateful for bicycles and scooters.

I am grateful for people who are willing to do the work.

I am grateful for writers and other artists who keep us thinking and learning.

I am grateful for the activists who speak out and act for what is true.

I am grateful for hiking trails.

I am grateful for hybrid, electric and vegie-diesel transportation.

I am grateful for scientists who are finding ways to help the planet.

I am grateful for animals who love us anyway.

I am grateful for information and creativity.

I am grateful for music that moves people towards the truth.

I am grateful for yoga that makes us aware.

I am grateful for quiet holidays spent at home, without buying stuff.

Happy Thanksgiving, 2007

Tao

In the Bathroom: Less is More. Don’t buy into advertising claims about the thousands of body care and bathroom products you hear about. Although  organic body care can enhance the health and appearance of skin and hair, what you put INTO your body will have a larger effect than what you put ON it. (Think EFA’s, other healthy fats, whole foods and hydration.)

So, keep it simple. When it comes to products for face and body, Alaffia Sustainable Skin Care is the cream of the crop in quality and on every other level. Their handcrafted products are made with shea butter and other natural ingredients indigenous to Africa. The founder, born in poverty-stricken Togo and now residing in Washington state, has dedicated his life’s work to supporting African and American communities by promoting fairly traded natural resources that are “culturally, spiritually, economically and ecologically sustainable.” Check out the full Alaffia story here.

Preserve toothbrushes and razors are made from recycled materials and you can send them back to the company (postage paid) to be recycled again. There are plenty of chemical-free toothpastes out there, but if you are tired of throwing out non-recyclable tubes, you can make your own.

Expensive bath salts? Forget it! Baths are so yesterday - just like our water supply. But, if you really need to use a tub full of tap water for a soak, invite a friend and use whole sea salt. The purest salt we know is from our friends at Himala Salts or try reasonably-priced Burt’s Bees Therapeutic Bath Crystals, instead of overrated luxury salts.

I’m keeping my ancient bath towels and wash cloths around until they fall apart, but when (IF) they ever wear out, I’ll go to Rawganique for luxurious organic cotton or hemp replacements.

Recycled TP may not be “squeezeably soft” but, hell, it’s toilet paper. I’d rather keep chemicals, bleach and artificial scents away from those vulnerable places and save some trees while I’m at it.

Conventional shower curtains are full of PVCs and other chemicals. Hemp has natural anti-bacterial properties; these and other alternatives have been around for awhile - see this past post.

For scrubbing the toilet and shower, I like the same natural products I use in the kitchen. Bon Ami for basic scouring or Mrs. Meyers for added cleaning power and scent from natural essential oils.

For Girls Only: You haven’t yet discovered The Diva Cup or The Keeper? Go here now!

Done so soon? That’s the surprising truth. We really don’t need all those bathroom products you see advertised. Get back to basics, save some bucks and stay healthy.

by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

Most people spend up to 3,000 hours per year in bed. This certainly warrants some serious “Greening” for your health as well as your planet. Sheets, blankets and PJ’s - spend a lot of time next to your skin - going organic is wildly worth the investment. And your conventional mattress? It contains a nightmare of petrochemicals, pesticides, flame retardants, dyes and any other number of toxins. If you want to know more, go here.

I have hung my bedroom hat with Lifekind - they offer me everything sleepworthy and then some, including organic GreenGuard certified mattresses. All stages of production are done at the only North American Eco-Factory and they support American organic farmers as well as other local producers. I’ve been longing for a mattress like this for years. One day soon I will solve my dilemma of how to switch up my mattress without adding my old conventional one to the landfill…any ideas out there?

Pillows are personal. I’ve had my feather pillows about 15 years now and am rather attached. But, when I’m ready to move on, I met some sheep-loving women at the Mpls Farmers Market this Summer who make pillows out of home-grown and sheared wool (Azariah Acres Farm 320-355-2980). They felt wonderful and I’ve been, uh, lusting after one since.

Are you sleeping with the enemy? The cotton industry accounts for 25 percent of pesticides used on crops. Those really old t-shirts and thrift store flannels will do for now, but when you are ready for new stuff, skip Victoria’s Secret (negligees are highly over-rated) and check out The Green Guide’s guide to a natural sleep here. You can find sustainable comfort in organic cotton, hemp, extra-soft bamboo and even humane silk.

Like a little mood lighting before retiring? No, I’m not referring to the glow from your television set. Cfls can now meet bedroom standards with the new shapes and softer glow. The ultimate mood enhancer comes from candle light, of course. Use them responsibly by choosing petroleum- and lead-free beeswax.

Now you can get a REALLY good night’s sleep.

by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

I can go back to being thrilled about compostable trash bags! I don’t know how I missed this news, but BioBag USA makes biodegradable and compostable bags from certified NON-GMO corn. Certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute, they are shelf-stable, have no additional chemicals, yet will break down in a controlled composting environment in 10 - 45 days.

As the nation’s best selling brand, they were chosen for this San Francisco initiative:

The city of San Francisco selected BioBag to promote their residential food waste collection program. The city is sending 100,000 rolls of BioBags to residents within the county to help educate consumers on the importance of diverting food and other biodegradable waste from entering landfills. San Francisco residents can now purchase additional supplies at over 100 outlets in the bay area.

San Francisco on the leading edge again! Anyone getting any ideas? I’m going to send this to my local leaders tomorrow - what a great way to participate in Step It Up call to action, happening all over the country tomorrow. Go here to find an event near you.