Muffin

Bought a muffin today. For $1.98 I got a napkin, muffin rapper, the thin sheet of paper they use pick up the muffin with, and of course, a bag. The muffin was free I think. Don't think I could have reduced the amount of garbage substantially... I doubt anything came from China... But thats all I bought today. *sigh* And this is the burden for thinking along these lines.

Trash Pick 2

This lamp was left by a dumpster.
Nothing special, but it was in excellent condition, and it fit my needs. Looks pretty good, dont you think? So how is this garbage? Matter of fact, the light bulb that was inside it still worked!

Cellphone

One recurring theme: The biggest difficulty being a conscientious consumer is often being a conscientious disposer. Nobody thinks that everything they buy is destined for a landfill eventually. (Well, I do... what a curse).

I have 2 old phones sitting in a drawer, assuming that some day - I dont know - maybe they'd have value to someone somehow. Why contribute to the 150 million phones containing small amounts precious metals and hazardous chemicals that are ditched each year?

So the EPA has started a cellphone recycling program. You'll soon learn "that recycling cellphones is easy and convenient.” Ooh - there's that word "convenient." Full details at the NYTimes.

Bags: Results

I did not think I'd have such influence so quickly, but banning plastic bags has become HOT! Whole Foods will join in on April 22nd, saving 100 million bags this year alone. And IKEA will start charging a nickle - first step in phasing them out.

Even China - in their desperation to clean up in time for the Olympics - has jumped on board, going so far as to ban even the manufacturing of the flimsiest types of bags.

Actually most countries have some type of legislation to reduce bag usage. So, damn - that was easy. Get used to carrying around canvas. Think I'll prepare my rant on the US auto manufacturers.

Oil Change

You know, I'm not doing this blog because I know all the answers. In fact, I often don't even know what the questions are.

Yesterday I brought the Subaru in for an oil and filter change. Whats the environmentally correct way????

"Hi. I'd like fair-trade, organic, locally-refined oil that was pumped in country with sustainable drilling practices that respects the wishes of the indigenous population."

"Certainly. Anything else?"

"Yes. I'd like a filter that was produced in a unionized factory, using recycled aluminum, with a lead-free drainback valve and a bio-degradable seal gasket."

"Yes sir. That will be $729." hahaha... right...

Well, in reality, I asked sheepishly what happened to the used oil, to which she replied non-committedly that the people who picked it up also recycled it. She thought...

Batteries

The reason I haven't added a photo of the beautiful rug is that the camera batteries died. Ah - consumer opportunity!

I walked to a closeby Camrea store on Ventura, and - not that it would have made a difference - asked the guy there if he had any batteries that werent made in China. He laughed! "You kiddin me? Everything is made in China!"

This developed into a nice chat about how you used to able to drink water from the garden hose and not have to worry about the crappy LA air. We even got into politics and how full of bullshit Mitt Romney is. (Answer: 100%!)

Anyhow, I was glad I supported his local shop instead of buying online like I normally do.

Trash Pick 1

What's this large bundle I see up on the garbage can? There's a note attached: "its clean". Well, seeing as how its in front of a million+ dollar home, I think its worth the risk. Even though its too big to unfold to check it out, I return with the Subaru to pick up the rug.

So, it's 6' x 9', wool, shows no signs of wear, and no stains at all - pretty nice. Probably a few hundred bucks at Ikea. They certainly could have sold it. But man - that would have been a pain... place an ad - setting up appointments to show it - possible haggling. oy... But the bottom line is - no way did this belong in landfill! NO WAY!

It looks great on our porch - it extends the living room. Love it. And we all know that a great rug really ties the room together*.

[photo soon]

So you can see, strolling along the beautiful Studio City hills on trash night can have unintended benefits.

[Big Lebowski - one of the best movies ever]

Garbage

Wealthy people generally make the worst consumers, not just because they buy the most stuff, but because they toss out the most stuff. What some of my neighbors consider to be garbage, I find appalling.

For some background, you should know that Studio City (which is located in a northern part of Los Angeles known as "The Valley") has some fairly upscale residents. In fact, I live equidistant to William Shatner and George Clooney. (Hows that superfluous name dropping?) I also learned that a recent small flood decimated the swimming pool at Eddie Van Halen's Studio City home. (Watch a video of it.)

If I were really cool or had loads of time, I'd make an interactive Google map of my hood. But I'm not or I don't, so this static jpeg will have to do:



I could never afford to buy here. And probably not even rent if the apartment was newer. But what a good location for "trash picks" as you will see...

comments / google account

Its come to my attention that a Google account is now required to comment. darn. Thats lame... I can only hope its a spam prevention machanism.

So, here is comment I received from a North Hollhywood reader, reprinted by permission:

1) Cool for writing a blog - I like it!
2) Slippers - Next time ask and I will knit you some. I just finished a pair for Ben and they are really nice, although a bit delicate.
3) Burt's Bees - Have always loved the lip balm but now that I have read the story I feel like the woman was a manipulative schemer but also very business savvy. I'm suspicious but I'll still buy my one tube of balm every 2 years or so. How much lip stuff can a person really use? Another moral of that story, all good things come from North Carolina. I love it there - you probably would too.
4) Canvas bags - I have a ton that were donated for my now-defunct Schools Attuned job. If you or anyone you know needs some awesome canvas bags with a water resistant lining, let me know....


There you go people. Anyone need a canvas bag?

Wallet

I need a new wallet simply because I lost my old one. That was actually a few weeks ago. I've been taking my time on it because, well, just to see what its like to not have a carry around the bulky thing all the time. And since I dont drive around hardly at all, its pretty nice. When I go out, just put a credit card or some cash in my pocket. A small burden removed...

Anyhow, Urban Outfitters had an okay selection, including several that were made in America, and even one - a duct tape model - made in LA! Talk about buying local. However, it was kinda ugly, so... the quest continues...

RANT: bags

You're at the Quickie Mart, or CVS or whatever to buy, oh, a couple of batteries and a quart of OJ... Now to get these items from the cash register to your car, DO YOU REALLY NEED A DAMN BAG?!? ;-) Every store America basically says: Hey - this will probably only get used just once and then end up in a landfill, but have as many as you want for free! [jeez - I feel like Lou Black].

Did you know San Francisco has banned plastic bags? Its true. Bravo to the greatest city in America!

But even paper bags... dont you already have enough stuffed next your fridge?

It's not hard to start bringing canvas bags with you to the grocery store. At Whole Foods they even take a nickle off your tab for each bag. At Trader Joes you fill a coupon to win a gift certificate. Big deal... Canvas bags can hold more items and are easier to carry, reducing trips from wherever your car is parked to your kitchen. [oy - now I feel like Martha Stewart]

Cant wait til Walmart starts charging for bags. (Actually, I never shop at Walmart, even when we had one in walking distance in Dallas...)

Burt's Bees

Now that every company in America recognizes a demand for green products, one huge difficulty is getting real information validating claims of "all-natural, eco-friendly, zero-carbon..." etc. Much of my understanding comes from the NY Times - a new article addresses this topic.

So, if you're in the market for a fancy new tube of lip balm, you should support Burt's Bees www.burtsbees.com (even though were bought by Clorox). It costs a bit more, but chances are, if you're reading this, you can afford it.

Here's the very interesting article regarding Burt's Bees and Clorox's attempt to do the right thing: www.nytimes.com/2008/01/06/business/06bees.html

Food

hmm... How far do you want to take it with food? Tricky category... not gonna dwell on it.

I've always been a Whole Foods fan - orgainic, free range, alternative, etc... We LOVED the Whole Foods in Dallas, but the nearest one here (Sherman Oaks) is relatively lame. Fortunately, Studio City has a farmers market every Sunday, and its easy walking distance! There's a no-brainer. Fresh produce - much of it organic - supporting local farmers...

What's not to love about a farmers market? The best in comestible consumerism. Lets sing it out: Come on people now, smile on your brother, everybody get together, try to love [farmers market] right now.... right now... right now.....

Well, that felt good.

Next: I need a wallet.

Slippers

Man, its been cold here... at least for L.A.. (The East Coasters would justifiably scoff...) But still... low 40s? I NEED SOME DAMN SLIPPERS.

So, this is great - my first consumer decision... something to write about! First, I walk down to Ventura Blvd to Urban Outfitters (strong start - zero emissions - looking good) . But, I notice that all the slippers in stock are made in China. hmm - Do I care? Should I??? Ooh - but I see something I like - a booty-over-the-sock thang. $20 - perfect.

The problems with China are sweatshops and long transport (theres goes my carbon savings). Most importantly, have you read about the pollution there?!? Out of control. Maybe best to avoid Made in China til they clean up their act so to speak. Then should I only buy American? That would sure make shopping really difficult...

Oh, but wait... Look at the sign: "All Mens Slippers - $10" Deal, baby!!!

Shoot. Caved my first time out.... oh well. I mean, come on! Ten bucks? For just what I had in mind? [insert religious sterotype joke here].

It won't be easy...

Life in America

What if you really made the effort to be a good consumer all the time? What if you tried to take into account all the social, economic and environmental factors in every purchase you made? hmmm... What a pain in the ass! Well, if I'm going to attempt to be the worlds most conscientious consumer then I may just as well get some stories out of it.

So, for 2008 lets see what's like to do the right thing, reduce my carbon footprint, and rag on the neighbors in my affluent LA suburb. This could be painful... but hopefully entertaining, and maybe even educational.

It would be great to write about something major like buying a new car this year, but first on my list: slippers.