Things you should never flush!

Even if they say biodegradable, do not flush!

We now have a federal government that will not protect us from water or air pollution. Many new burdens will fall on our cities to protect its residents. All of us need to do everything we can to keep city resources focused on what is important. By keeping the city sewers from getting plugged we can make a difference. There are many things that should NEVER be flushed down the toilet, and to send them to their death via the toilet drain is to risk significant plumbing problems as well as environmental pollution. The following list is from http://www.care2.com/

1. Bathroom and cleaning wipes – These “moist towelettes” are marketed to be flushed like toilet paper, these wipes are creating clogs and backups in sewer systems around the nation. Read the entire list of things that should NOT go down the toilet here

And read about the problem these wipes are causing to sewer systems . Please throw in the trash, not down the drain!

This is What Democracy Looks Like!

Saturday was an incredible day for democracy! Thank you to everyone in the United States and around the world who marched or just lent their spirit of support!

Women's March on Washington — Women’s March on Washington

From NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council):

..”We will do, Andas our founders called upon us to do, and hold our government to account. For careless words and misguided deeds that undermine our greatest strengths. For callous judgments that turn the engines of national prosperity to the profits of a wealthy few. For reckless policies that put polluter profits first and put the rest of us at risk.”
—NRDC President Rhea Suh.

And from Utah: https://youtu.be/ya-HyxDgh24

Let’s March Forward and Speak Out!

Marching Forward

https://www.womensmarch.com/

Saturday, January 21: March in solidarity for clean air and water, march for the protection of civil rights, women’s rights, and the health of our children. Imagine the world as we want it to be and work for it.

To a find a march location near you, Click here

We Expect Walkable Communities

Every pedestrian who loses to a driver is tragic. (http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-pedestrian-death-spike-illustrates-grim-us-trend/409805035/) Last year, I was knocked down by a car as I crossed 50th Street with the walk light in Minneapolis. By contrast, when I’m crossing busy Tower Avenue in Superior, Wis., cars and trucks from every direction stop and wait for me. Why would drivers in Superior have a different standard? Many of us want and expect walkable communities. Law enforcement and everyone must do better.

This is my letter to the editor published in the Startribune.com on January 9, 2016.

Use writing to make the world better

Fish for dinner? Where was it caught?

To think that people are going to stop eating fish is a heavy lift. Even the vegans I know will eat fish and sushi. Do you purchase fish and shrimp? Some things to consider:

Why would anyone purchase or eat fish caught in Viet Nam or China? I thought this was such an interesting and strange story, and It should be shared to heighten people’s awareness. Most Americans eat fish caught in Asia while fish caught in Massachusetts is exported to Europe. Why would anyone purchase or eat fish caught in Viet Nam or China? Watch the segment on Dog Fish, a sustainable fish, here.

In the United States it is possible to purchase sustainable Gulf caught shrimp and scallops, as well as wild caught cod, salmon and other fish from the Pacific Ocean. Also, fish from the Great Lakes is excellent.

Be a Climatarian, consider the planet when you make all food and fish choices, and buy local and USA products if they are available. And then there is the thought that we shouldn’t be eating fish at all. Read it here from One Green Planet

Use Writing to Make the World Better!

“Imagine a world where humankind lives in harmony, not only with itself but also with other forms of life, in balance with the planet’s resources. Imagine the world as you would like it to be.” Steve Wilbers

Writing coach, Steve Wilbers is imagining the world as he would like it to be. Can you imagine how powerful it would be if everyone held a vision of kindness, and imagined a world of kindness. Powerful!

His suggestions are timely: Write a thank you note, blog, write a letter to a newspaper. Read his article here. Write about your passions, your images of how the world should be. Speak out, write, and make the world a better place!

“You may say I’m a dreamer

But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one”

Imagine, John Lennon

Water Belongs to Us All

My thoughts on kindness continues.

https://health4earth.com/2017/01/01/plunging-into-the-unknown/

Plunging Into the Unknown

The year ahead is impossible to predict. As with every year, many unknowns lie ahead. Most of us like being in control, and the unknowns are scary. What can we control in 2017? How we treat other people, and how we treat the earth are things we can control. What kinds of kindness can we spread?

I hope 2017 fills you with kindness!

Does “climate change” exist in Wisconsin?

Ice on Lake Superior doesn't last long, and the lake is warming! — Ice on Lake Superior doesn’t last long, and the lake is warming!

As Wisconsin and the world have probably just experienced one of the warmest years on record, Scott Walker, governor of Wisconsin, is deleting climate change from existence, or trying anyway. Sorry governor, climate change is not going away!

I have a cabin in Wisconsin, and can rattle off the climate changes I have seen in just the last few years: First I have lived through three very dangerous storms. All three were 100-year events with flooding and loss of many trees. Second, Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, lakes surrounding Wisconsin, are warming at a pace never seen before. Third, good winter snow is a thing of the past. Either it doesn’t snow, or after it snows, it rains or warms up making winter sports icy and dangerous. We experience long droughts, then too much rain at one time. And finally, the night temperatures are rising; it doesn’t get as cold on winter or summer nights. Where I sit in Wisconsin the climate is changing!

The governor must feel the need for some attention, or maybe he is applying for a position in the Trump administration? What is the purpose, to waste taxpayer money?

As a taxpayer in Wisconsin I do not appreciate such a waste of time and resources. Can this be good for the Wisconsin economy? I know people who refuse to spend any money in Wisconsin. They drive through refusing to stop or spend a dollar. Why would businesses want to locate in such a backwards place?

Why should we care about climate change?

What is the future, when we can't accept the reality of the present — What is the future, when we can’t accept the reality of the present?

http://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change-deleted-dnr-website-2166939088.html

Good News! Humans No Longer Caused Climate Change, According to the State of Wisconsin

http://gizmodo.com/good-news-humans-no-longer-caused-climate-change-acco-1790641483

Peace and Good Will to All

“In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship and never in want.” Celtic

“May peace and plenty be the first to lift the latch on your door, and happiness be guided to your home by the candle of Christmas.” Celtic

Holiday blessings and wishes for all; Celtic and Irish blessings for the holiday season:

Six blocks of Christmas luminaries in my neighborhood

“Nollaig Faoi Shean Is Faoi Mhaise Dhuit” (Gaelic)

(pronounced) Knoll-ig f’wee haan ss f’wee shun-ah g-with
(translation) (A Christmas of Happiness and Joy to you)
(old Irish Saying)

“May you be blessed

With the spirit of the season, which is peace,

The gladness of the season, which is hope,

And the heart of the season, which is love.”

Irish blessing.

New Year Celtic Blessing

Slàinte maith, h-uile latha, na chi ‘snach fhaic!
Gun cuireadh do chupa thairis le slainte agus sonas.
A h-uile là sona dhuibh ‘s gun là idir dona dhuib.
Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna mhath ùr!

Good health, every day, whether I see you or not!
May your cup overflow with health and happiness.
May all your days be happy ones.
Happy New Year!

Category: healthy