Eco-Act 022: A bit of sacrifice, with purpose, in hope

Imagine “a social and economic order that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts.” In this system, supplies of goods exceed demand, so tools such as planned obsolescence and advertising must be employed to create demand and sustain economic growth. What would you call this system? It’s consumerism, of course, and it’s linked to climate change. Or, as a June 2019 New Republic article title states succinctly: “Climate Change Is the Symptom. Consumer Culture Is the Disease.” And it’s a disease we need to cure if we’re serious about the health of our world.

But how can one person take on consumerism? The answer is complex—but positive, and urgent. It starts by understanding who that “one person” is in the context of economic power. According to James Dyke, writing in inews.co.uk, ”If [your household has a net annual] income of at least £30,000 [$38,700], you are one of the richest 10 percent of the global population and can row back on your consumerism. It’s those households … that are responsible for 52% of the carbon that was emitted into the atmosphere from between 1990 and 2015.”

fight consumerism

one decision at a time

So not only can we do something, we MUST do something, because we are dealing with a global economic/ecologic imbalance, and we’re on the side with influence. The “10%” described above fuels consumerism and enjoys its benefits, driving carbon emissions. The remaining 90% of the world’s population deals with varying degrees of poverty and enjoys less or none of the consumer lifestyle. To achieve quality-of-life gains, they actually need to consume more. As new Oxfam research states, climate change is associated with growing consumption among the “have’s,” not by poor populations rising out of poverty. It’s we who must act. What to do? In posts 016 and 018 we talked about the circular economy as an earth-friendly alternative to the linear “take/make/dispose” model that contributes to climate change and threatens our world. Our contribution to “circularity” includes recycling, but vital as this act is, even consistent, disciplined recycling cannot by itself compensate for the excesses of consumerism and address climate change. So we humbly offer "5 R’s” to prompt some thought about additional actions each of us might take:

1. Refuse/reduce: do I actually need that? Can I delay buying it, or buy less/fewer? Can I rent or borrow or barter for it? Can I take fewer/longer vacations instead of shorter/more frequent trips? Can I substitute a vegetarian meal for a meat-based meal once a day?

2. Reuse/repurpose/reclaim: can worn-out sheets or draperies become rags, towels or rag rugs? Can I build my deck with reclaimed lumber? Am I doing everything I can to stop wasting food? Can I walk or bike more to reduce driving?

3. Repair: can an item’s life be extended through careful repair? Do I know someone who can reweave a tattered wool blanket, for example?

4. Recycle/return: am I doing everything I can to responsibly recycle? Can I return an item, clothing or electronics, for example, to the seller or through a city program?

5. Relocate: okay, it’s a stretch, but it’s an “r,” and it’s meant to suggest relocating something I own to someone else via sharing or donating.

You get the idea. My small sacrifices joined with your small sacrifices, made with purpose, in hope, can moderate consumerism and make a difference.

A final thought: businesses, especially profitable ones, may not rush to change what works for them just to benefit the environment. We, as consumers, acting responsibly, intentionally, collectively, have to tell them to do so by what we purchase or decline to purchase. We can do this!

Eco-Act 021: Simplicity

Over the course of the last six months, most of us have had to think about organizing our lives differently.

Whether our calendars have been full or empty on Zoom or in other physically distanced social settings, for the most part we’ve become less busy. Working from home — and really doing everything from home — has made for a slower pace of life in a lot of ways. Less commute time, more time with those we live with (for better or worse…mostly for better we think!!), more time to be present to each moment in the form of a meal without scrolling or a prayerful morning cup of coffee. There’s a certain re-balancing and peace that has been found in this period of reorienting and reframing.

This time at home has also made it evident that we don’t really need all the stuff that we’ve accumulated. Clothes, junk drawers, shoes, and furniture have been cleaned out (for some, multiple times). We’ve down-sized our stuff and passed it on to find a loving home elsewhere. Hopefully, by trying Ridwell, donating to your local Goodwill, or even redistributing your goods to some community organizations (see our current list here), we have also reduced waste. The circular economy does seem to be alive and well as more of us are at home.

emptying

to find life

Though the last six months have been difficult, there have been some bright spots…living simply being one of them! Though somewhat of an inevitable in quarantine, this principle is one thing that has also been held as one of the positives that many of us hope will stick around after COVID is over. And it’s got spiritual significance too. From the desert mothers and fathers, to St. Francis of Assisi, to even the Amish today, there is precedence for Christians to empty of themselves (kenōsis…see Phil. 2:7) of their “own power and desire on behalf of the other” — very Christ-like and incarnational indeed (Introducing Eco-Theology, 194). We would argue too, that we become more ourselves — more of who God calls us to be — when there are less clutter and distractions, and more love for God and our Beloved Community.

Here are some ideas to practice more simplicity:

• Reflect — breathe and contemplate this Richard Rohr reflection on Wendell Berry…also, check out Fr. Rohr’s series on Simplicity here.

• Relationality is key — in this time of physical distance, check in on neighbors, friends, and family that you haven’t connected with in a while. Phone calls and snail mail are encouraged!

• Take a sabbath — including from screens!

• De-clutter — go through your stuff and find items new homes.

• Support your neighborhood — frequent your local school, butcher, coffee shop, gas station, etc…and invest in relationships there.

• Mindful movement — take a walk outside or do some gentle stretches to simply be present to all that is around you.

So what are some ways you’ve been living more simply, especially in these last six months? We’d love to hear in the comments below!

Eco-Act 020: Combatting future fires and smoke, now

Most people see the link between climate change and the dangerous, tragic wildfires that have engulfed the West Coast this season. The King County Strategic Climate Action Plan (SCAP) specifically names the increased potential for wildfires, along with heavier rains, hotter summers, reduced snowpack, increased flooding and rising sea levels, as climate change features that will impact all of us. Denying this or failing to act aggressively now all but guarantees disastrous consequences for our individual and collective futures.

Fortunately, the SCAP deals with climate change reality on three fronts: reducing greenhouse gases; working for equity across diverse neighborhoods; and realistically preparing for climate change impacts. The plan lays out specific government actions for doing so, including policy changes, tighter regulations, community engagement initiatives, and capital investments. But what can we as individuals do? How can we support the larger-scale efforts undertaken by the government, and for that matter, private business?

The Tacoma Narrows Bridge, which is shrouded by thick haze from wildfires in Washington and Oregon. (Ellen M. Banner / The Seattle Times).

We can start by carefully reviewing our current efforts to see if we’ve missed any opportunities, and then step up our game wherever and whenever possible. To aid this review, we can think through one or more frameworks:

• Daily/regular routines — methodical recycling, careful water use, and avoiding food waste, for example … is there any room for improvement in these or other areas? How about minimizing the plastic in our lives, and properly disposing of what’s unavoidable?

• Occasional, bigger-ticket expenditures — for upcoming major home improvements, can energy-efficient windows, EnergyStar appliances, and reclaimed wood, or “wood” made from plastic, be used? Can electric or solar power replace fossil fuel in the plan? Might the next vehicle be electric?

• Reduce-reuse-recycle — actually, is that next vehicle necessary at all? Can we drive less by biking, walking, taking public transport (when that’s safer again), and by combining multiple errands into a single trip? How about donating, swapping, or repurposing containers, fabrics, furniture, tools, books, … any opportunities here? Eliminating e-waste is another vital action.

• Avoid, reduce, replace, remove/sequester—this framework appears in the SCAP, and the frameworks above cover most of the same ground. What pops up in the SCAP scheme, however, is reforestation efforts and carbon sequestering, which we might contribute to through volunteer tree-planting projects and composting.

  • Other forestry work includes the movement to learn from Native peoples’ land management practices such as controlled burning, as well as allowing Native folks’ access to their land if it’s been taken away. Here are some WA Native perspectives from a Crosscut article from 2019, otherwise come chat about this with Kitchen Table Conversations on Tuesday nights!

Many or all the actions noted above and more have been covered in other of our Eco-Faith blog posts. What’s a little frustrating about all of them—and human-scale acts in general—is that they all feel so small, so futile, so laughably undersized compared to fires that consume millions of wooded acres, and smoke visible from space, blanketing whole states. How are we supposed to find hope and a sense of purpose in our tiny gestures? One way is to remember that we do not perform these acts alone. We merge them with the acts of a community that includes everyone touched by the fires and smoke, everyone capable of empathy, everyone concerned for our environment, and our neighbors first/most impacted by climate change (people who are unhoused, BIPOC communities, folks incarcerated, farmworkers). Our small individual actions on behalf of the environment become community acts of faith.

small acts

are communal

Collectively, could these actions yield a fire-and-smoke-free 2021? Not likely. But our actions performed intentionally and consistently in community, and in conjunction with government and business, might begin a process of correction and restoration. We need to do what we can, with hope. And really, whoever seriously thought that five loaves and two fish could feed five thousand people?

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Both art collages are by Miriam / @vientoxsol on Instagram (link to post by clicking on the photo). The second collage depicts a CDCR prisoner firefighter, flames, and butterflies. In the wake of the fires in CA, the state has been severely understaffed as a large number of their crews come from CA prisons that are currently battling COVID-19. As these crews are only paid $2-5 per day, many have called for rightful pay. Recently, CA Gov. Gavin Newsom overturned a law that barred prison firefighters from joining CALFIRE, even though they had direct experience in the field.

The top collage depicts the hands of farmworkers surrounded by tomato plants, flames, and butterflies. Farmworkers work throughout the seasons and have continued working even with fires nearby and smoke dampening air quality in CA and the PNW. Learn more from United Farm Workers.

Eco-Act 016: Joining the Circular Economy

In past weeks, we’ve focused attention on recycling as a way we all can help protect and restore our environment. This week, we look at how recycling actually fits into a much larger picture.

Our existing economic model is often referred to as linear, characterized in this CNBC article as “take—make—dispose.” We all know this model can cause environmental damage in all three phases: destructive raw material acquisition methods … manufacturing processes that create air, land and water pollution … and the mountains of waste that we as consumers create when we dispose of our purchases as they wear out, break or no longer meet our needs. Our recycling efforts help moderate this third phase of the linear economy …. But what can we do about the “take” and “make” phases?

enjoy it

& pass it on (or not!)

We can migrate toward a different kind of economy—a circular economy—that addresses all three phases.

In a circular economy, producers of goods TAKE less: they use recycled/reclaimed/repurposed materials to the greatest extent possible. This behavior can reduce raw materials mined, milled, extracted, harvested, etc. And it can reduce deforestation, ruined landscapes and global resource depletion.

Manufacturers in a circular economy MAKE increased use of recycled materials. They make things that last longer. And—very important— they take back their products when we’re done with them (think of your smartphone). And note that returned products become raw materials in the next “make” cycle.

All of our efforts to properly recycle help in the DISPOSE component of the circular economy. But we can do more if we’re up to it. For example:

• Instead of buying a product, we can intentionally rent, lease or borrow it—and avoid the disposal problem altogether. For inspiration, check out what’s on the horizon at Philips.

• We can consciously buy from companies like Patagonia or Girlfriend Collective that use recycled/reclaimed/repurposed materials and repair their products for us when we damage them.

• We can choose companies like H&M that take their products back when they’ve served their purpose or no longer work—in other words, companies that follow a make/use/return model.

• We can buy used items, and share, sell, or donate things we no longer need.

How close are we to converting the old linear economy to a more earth-friendly circular economy? Judging from the wealth of articles and videos available online, we can be sure that the concept is wellestablished. And the links above demonstrate that the world is actually moving from theory into practice. In fact, real progress is being made in countries such as Sweden. But here’s where we come in: companies will behave the way we motivate them to through our actions. If we want less “take— make—dispose” and more earth-friendly circularity, we can be intentional, eco-conscious consumers. We have the power to move this migration along!

Eco-Act 015: Everyday Swaps

As we shared in last week’s post, there are a few strategies to reduce our waste, tread more lightly on the earth, and be better neighbors to those affected by climate change disproportionately (the Global South, communities of color). One of the ideas brought up was purchasing behavior. Following last week’s list of sustainable gifts to consider, we invite you this week to swap out some everyday items that are little-zero waste.

accessible alternatives

swap for zero-waste

One local shop that has made a lower waste lifestyle more accessible is the Eco-Collective. Located in Ballard and founded by a group of women, there are many reasons to support this little zero waste shop. Their website has lots of great resources (blogs, videos, social media links, very informative product instructions about use and end of life disposal). They are not currently open for retail shopping but you can order everything online, choosing from local pick up (11am-2pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays), local delivery ($8 fee for over $25 order), or shipping 100% plastic-free and carbon-neutral nationally.

Additionally, they have a fabulous bulk bar that features everything from dish soap to gummy vitamins. In these covid times when many bulk bars are closed and you cannot use your own containers to reduce single-use plastic, they have a $2 deposit program to reuse the glass jars that most of their bulk items are packaged in. The hand soap, mango curl conditioner, and dish soap have been great!

Here are some of Adrienne’s other favorite products:

• The Stasher Silicone Sandwich Bag: “these durable and reusable silicone bags stand the test of time, and are microwave safe, dishwasher safe, sous vide ready, oven strong, and fridge and freezer friendly.” Fun colors, great to organize things, and a way to say goodbye to plastic baggies! (Hint, Ballard Market had a sale on this size and the “snack bag” size…worth checking out!).

• Refillable Dental Floss: this is a super easy one! Kept in a small glass vial, simply refill the floss when it runs out and viola!

• Charcoal Water Filter: this nifty activated charcoal Japanese oak does a lot of good. “The stick of charcoal bonds with the toxins in tap water and absorbs impurities, while also imparting healthy minerals like calcium and magnesium.” I have loved the water bottle size and am on my 3rd one (though it does clank around in there). The used ones get broken up and used as filtration in my potted plants!

These are a few of the things I’ve tried…all of which I have had great experiences with. Purchasing from this little store is easy, convenient, and local. It has also piqued my interest in other zero-waste alternatives to everyday items.

Have another store or low-waste alternative that you recommend? Let us know in the comments!

Eco-Act 014: Being Part of the Change

Last week, we proposed a challenge: adopt one new behavior in August that will reduce plastic waste. 

One way to think about this challenge is to divide it into 3 separate approaches:

• properly disposing of plastic;  Seattle Public Utilities helps with this approach, and urges us to make sure our recycled plastic items are empty, clean and dry. Companies such as Ridwell help with more difficult-to-recycle items. And sites such as TerraCycle and Where Seattle Recycles identify additional recycling resources we can make use of.

• avoiding plastic in the first place; our “one-new-behavior” goal can be achieved in the grocery store by consciously and consistently choosing metal/glass/paper packaging over plastic, making bulk buys that allow us to (re)use our own containers, or by refusing to purchase single-use plastic beverage containers.

• repurposing plastic that’s already out there; we know that vast quantities of plastic have been and continue to be dumped into the world’s oceans, creating massive floating garbage patches, or gyres that endanger sea life, the earth—and ultimately humans. But what modest step can any of us, as mere individuals, take to counter this despair-inducing situation? How about … buying a bracelet?

shopping with intention

Shops like 4Ocean recycle and repurpose plastics

Next time you need a gift for someone, or just want to treat yourself, check out 4Ocean, where you can pick up a bracelet made from plastic recovered from an ocean, river or coastline. According to the company’s website, 4Ocean recovers a pound of plastic for every item purchased.

Actually, it turns out that today an encouraging number of products incorporate recycled plastic (and other recycled materials, such as wool). Visit World Wildlife Fund for one list of such items, which include sportwear, sneakers, rugs, yoga mats, dog collars, blankets, building materials, backpacks, and more. Some other products? How about Nike and Adidas shoes, Allbird shoes (a favorite of Barack Obama), Bionic Yarn, cutting boards, outdoor furniture—even Pilot pens. 

The take-away? There really are things we can do—a lot of them. Can we make plastic disappear from the environment tomorrow? Will any one of us be the tipping point that triggers this rescue? No, of course not. But could we see positive changes, worthwhile improvements, in our lifetimes, or even sooner? With hope, we say yes. And with purpose, intention and commitment, we act.