These are some of the things I remember about my grandparents...

20 Time-Honored Practices Our Grandparents Followed That We Should Bring Back

Story by Jane Andrews, January 15, 2024

Sewing

A practical skill to have is sewing. Instead of throwing out a favorite dress because a button came off, it can just be sewn back on instead. Many families even made their clothes from scratch and Melissa K Norris supports this by writing “A store bought outfit was a big deal to our grandparents.”

Cooking and Baking

Our grandparents usually had no choice but to create meals from scratch. They rarely ate out and microwave meals weren’t a thing back then. Recipes were handed down through generations. Cooking from scratch gives us a sense of gratitude for food and helps us to appreciate hard work.

Being Self Sufficient

It was normal to grow your own produce back in the day, whether that’s veg in the greenhouse or even your own meat. It meant our grandparents also learnt food preservation techniques such as canning and would also save their own garden heirloom seeds each year.

Being Resourceful

Our grandparents would have used what they had instead of purchasing unnecessary consumer goods. Tasks and chores also became activities to enjoy. This is backed up by One Good Thing who says our grandparents even made their own cleaning products and usually out of ordinary kitchen ingredients such as lemons.

Spending Time Outdoors

Outdoor activities such as gardening, hiking or farming were more popular back in our grandparent’s age. They would camp more than people do now and they also knew that the outdoors was more beneficial for a person’s mental health. They appreciated the fresh air that came with nature.

Repairing Instead of Replacing

Babyology writes that grandparents knew “How to sew, how to cook, how to paint a wall, how to fix a broken toy.” They would always try to repair something before having to throw it away and replace it. Learning to repair things not only increased an item’s life expectancy but also helped a person become creative.

Living a Plastic-Free Life

There was less plastic in the world back in our grandparent’s era. Instead of putting groceries in a plastic bag every time they went to the supermarket, they would have a reusable bag. Sustain The Mag supports this by stating products were packaged in “paper bags, newspapers and leftover fabric trimmings.”

Walking More

There were fewer cars in our grandparent’s day. Instead, they opted to walk to most places or if they had to travel far then they would take public transport. It was rare to have their own personal vehicles to rely on. Walking more was beneficial not only for their health but also for the environment.

A Sense of Community

Our grandparents had stronger relationships with those who lived in their town. During this time, towns were usually smaller and there were fewer multi-storey apartment blocks. It was common for our grandparents to be friends with their neighbors. They also participated more in community events such as block parties.

Making Their Own Goods

Off The Grid News writes “Our grandparents’ generation prided itself on self-sufficiency. Many of them made laundry soap, cut firewood, butchered hogs, knitted mittens…” Sometimes they even created their own furniture. Not only did this keep costs down, but it also made them more creative and meant they had more unique belongings.

Hand Washing Clothes

Washing machines are quite a modern appliance, so these were rarely around when our grandparents were younger. They were able to efficiently wash clothes, towels and even bed linens with just their hands. Our grandparents understood the traditional methods of laundry and how best to wash something.

Writing Thank You Letters

They would always express their gratitude through handwritten notes. Grandparents value the personal touch in communication and want to keep up the tradition of acknowledging gifts or gestures. Even nowadays, when people prefer to send a text, just a simple handwritten note to a grandparent would be sure to make their day.

Conserving Energy at Home

Our grandparents were always aware of how much energy they were using in their homes. They would use natural light when they could and tried natural ways of ventilation such as cracking open a window. Energy-saving practices were always incorporated into the home such as air drying clothes and turning the thermostat down.

Home Gardens

As growing their own produce was a huge part of our grandparent’s era, they would usually have their own gardens to grow everything they needed. This could have been a spot in the corner or a huge greenhouse. They would also share this produce with their community so that if a neighbor was growing something they wanted, they could swap veg.

Bartering and Trading

It was normal for our grandparents to use goods to trade for what was needed. They would practice bartering so they could always try and get the best for their money. It emphasized the value of goods and services over monetary transactions.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/20-time-honored-practices-our-grandparents-followed-that-we-should-bring-back/ss-AA1mZi6e?rc=1&ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=6df0f9144bce46cb8dfc990e902bf63b&ei=28#interstitial=1

#Degrowth #Repair #Reuse #SelfSufficiency #Community #LessPlastics #MoreWalking #WalkableCities #DIY #SolarPunk #Degrowth #Anticonsumerism
#Clothes #Handwashing #Mending #Sewing #Cooking #Baking #Leftovers #FoodStorage #Barter #Trading #TimeDollars #HomeGardens #Kindness #AirDryingClothes #Clotheslines #NaturalLight #Outdoors #Nature

I remember this story from last year...

‘#Pathogen’ Storm: #VibrioBacteria, #Sargassum and #Plastic Marine Debris

By gisele galoustian | 5/18/2023

"A new study uncovers how the interplay between Sargassum spp., plastic marine debris and Vibrio bacteria creates the perfect 'pathogen' storm that has implications for both marine life and public health. Vibrio bacteria are found in waters around the world and are the dominant cause of death in humans from the marine environment. For example, Vibrio vulnificus, one of more than 100 species of Vibrio, sometimes referred to as flesh-eating bacteria, can cause life-threatening foodborne illnesses from #seafood consumption as well as disease and death from open #wound infections.

"Since 2011, Sargassum, free-living populations of brown macroalga, have been rapidly expanding in the #SargassoSea and other parts of the open ocean such as the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt, including frequent and unprecedented seaweed accumulation events on beaches. Plastic marine debris, first found in surface waters of the Sargasso Sea, has become a worldwide concern, and is known to persist decades longer than natural substrates in the marine environment.

"Currently, little is known about the ecological relationship of vibrios with Sargassum. Moreover, genomic and metagenomic evidence has been lacking as to whether vibrios colonizing plastic marine debris and Sargassum could potentially infect humans. As summer kicks into high gear and efforts are underway to find innovative solutions to repurpose Sargassum, could these substrates pose a triple threat to public health?

"Researchers from Florida Atlantic University and collaborators fully sequenced the genomes of 16 Vibrio cultivars isolated from eel larvae, plastic marine debris, Sargassum, and seawater samples collected from the Caribbean and Sargasso seas of the North Atlantic Ocean. What they discovered is Vibrio pathogens have the unique ability to 'stick' to microplastics and that these microbes might just be adapting to plastic.

“'Plastic is a new element that’s been introduced into marine environments and has only been around for about 50 years,' said Tracy Mincer, Ph.D., corresponding lead author and an assistant professor of biology at FAU’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College. 'Our lab work showed that these Vibrio are extremely aggressive and can seek out and stick to plastic within minutes. We also found that there are attachment factors that microbes use to stick to plastics, and it is the same kind of mechanism that pathogens use.'

"The study, published in the journal Water Research , illustrates that open ocean vibrios represent an up to now undescribed group of microbes, some representing potential new species, possessing a blend of pathogenic and low nutrient acquisition genes, reflecting their pelagic habitat and the substrates and hosts they colonize. Utilizing metagenome-assembled genome (MAG), this study represents the first Vibrio spp. genome assembled from plastic debris.

"The study highlighted vertebrate pathogen genes closely related to cholera and non-cholera bacterial strains. Phenotype testing of cultivars confirmed rapid biofilm formation, hemolytic and lipophospholytic activities, consistent with pathogenic potential.

"Researchers also discovered that zonula occludens toxin or 'zot' genes, first described in Vibrio cholerae, which is a secreted toxin that increases intestinal permeability, were some of the most highly retained and selected genes in the vibrios they found. These vibrios appear to be getting in through the gut, getting stuck in the intestines and infecting that way.

"'Another interesting thing we discovered is a set of genes called ‘zot’ genes, which causes leaky gut syndrome,' said Mincer. 'For instance, if a fish eats a piece of plastic and gets infected by this Vibrio, which then results in a #LeakyGut and diarrhea, it’s going to release waste nutrients such #nitrogen and #phosphate that could stimulate Sargassum growth and other surrounding organisms.'

"Findings show some Vibrio spp. in this environment have an ‘omnivorous’ lifestyle targeting both plant and animal hosts in combination with an ability to persist in oligotrophic conditions. With increased human-Sargassum-plastic marine debris interactions, associated microbial flora of these substrates could harbor potent opportunistic pathogens. Importantly, some cultivation-based data show beached Sargassum appear to harbor high amounts of Vibrio bacteria.

"'I don’t think at this point, anyone has really considered these microbes and their capability to cause infections,' said Mincer. 'We really want to make the public aware of these associated risks. In particular, caution should be exercised regarding the harvest and processing of Sargassum biomass until the risks are explored more thoroughly.'"

https://www.fau.edu/newsdesk/articles/perfect-pathogen-storm.php

#WaterIsLife #Microplastics #PlasticPollution #Anticonsumerism #Degrowth
#PlasticAlternatives #CleanUpYourMess #BigCorporations #Consumerism #Advertising

Researchers sound alarm after making concerning connection between #plastic and the spread of #pathogens: ‘Urgent need for intensified monitoring’

Story by Juliana Marino
January 28, 2024

"New studies have revealed the dangers of microplastics. These tiny plastic particles are not only a major #environmental threat but also a serious health risk.

"A recent study in the 2023 Volume 2 issue of Eco-Environment & Health has identified the hidden dangers of microplastics spreading in bodies of water.

What’s happening?

"Microplastics are tiny plastic particles — no bigger than 5 millimeters — that come from industrial materials and the breakdown of plastic products. They have become a growing environmental concern due to their widespread presence throughout marine and freshwater ecosystems worldwide.

"The new study reveals the alarming health risks associated with the spread of microplastics. According to the research findings, pathogens can adhere to microplastics, using plastic waste particles as a medium for transmission.

"Researchers who worked on the study underscored the 'urgent need for intensified monitoring of microplastic contamination.' The study also calls for additional research investigations examining the 'role of microplastics in pathogen transmission, along with the health risks that ensure.''

Why are microplastics concerning?

"Microplastics pose severe health risks to living organisms. Scientists have found microplastics in the stomachs of a variety of organisms, from small invertebrates to large mammals like bears, whales, and deer. When organisms ingest microplastics, the plastic waste particles build up and can cause #inflammation, #neurotoxicity, and #GutImbalances.

"From an environmental standpoint, microplastics leach toxic substances into the #soil, #air, and #water. Since microplastics are made of synthetic materials, they do not break down, remaining in the environment and our bodies indefinitely.

"Plastic pollution threatens the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems especially, as scientists have already identified 24.4 trillion pieces of microplastics in the ocean. However, the total number of microplastics floating through the ocean is estimated to be much higher.

What’s being done about microplastic pollution?

"Countries across the globe are taking action by developing policies to prevent further plastic leakage into soil and water sources.

"Scientists are also developing methods for effectively removing existing microplastics from contaminated bodies of water. One promising technique uses a magnetic nano-pillared absorbent to extract tiny plastic particles. This approach removes microplastics at a much faster rate than previous methods.

"Individually, we can stop adding to plastic pollution by changing small habits that make a big difference."

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/researchers-sound-alarm-after-making-concerning-connection-between-plastic-and-the-spread-of-pathogens-urgent-need-for-intensified-monitoring/ar-BB1hpeJB?rc=1&ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=775a873f9cfb4e13921f2e82444cd078&ei=35

I've made this with leftover soap scraps (we sometimes make our own soap). If one buys soap wrapped in paper (or make their own), the borax and washing soda come in cardboard boxes -- no plastic involved! As for essentials oils, one could make a lavender or rosemary "tea" using dried leaves. Also, I use lemon juice and apple cider vinegar in the final rinse, which helps remove soap residue.

How to Make Your Own #LaundryDetergent

It’s cheap, easy, and quick. Did we mention cheap? (And doesn't involve plastic containers! Though one could store the home-made detergent in old containers, which is what I do)

by Sandra Gutierrez G.

Everyone wears clothes, everybody’s clothes get dirty, and even though you hate it, everyone needs to do laundry. And unless you’re fortunate enough to have a washer and dryer at home, washing your clothes may be more than annoying—it can also be expensive.

If this is your situation, or you simply enjoy making things from scratch—because why not—you can try making your own laundry detergent. Just as effective with your dirty socks as whatever you buy in stores, it is not only easy to make and incredibly cheap, but can also be hypoallergenic, custom-scented, and environmentally friendly.

It’s important to note that you’ll need a lot of containers for the finished product. DIY laundry detergent is a go-big-or-go-home kind of deal, yielding up to 2 gallons per batch. You said you wanted some savings, right?

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

- ½ cup borax
- 1 bar of soap
- ½ cup sodium carbonate
- 2 gallons of water
- 1 ounce of essential oils (optional)

Tools
- Large bucket (must hold more than 2 gallons)

Preparation time
- About 20 minutes (plus 24 hours of resting)

Read more:
https://getpocket.com/explore/item/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent?utm_source=pocket-newtab-en-us

#DIY #LaundryDetergent #Degrowth #Anticonsumerism #Clothes