Adventures in Sustainable Living Patrick Keith

Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast

Episode 184

Buy It Once, Buy It For Life

 

Whether you like it or not there is a lot of psychological research that goes into the marketing of products. The majority of this research is used to manipulate consumers and get you spend more money. Additionally, convincing consumers to purchase an ever-increasing variety of products, only to discard them after a short period of time, is a fantastic way to stimulate commerce.  

From disposable products to planned obsolescence, our wasteful practices have an ever devastating affect on the environment and on our personal financial well being. Virtually all of the disposable products we use can be replaced with something that you buy only once. 

So join me for episode 184 which is called Buy It Once, Buy It For Life. 

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E184 which is called Buy It Once, Buy It for Life. 

Sustainability Question of the Week

What is greenwashing? 

Good New Story of the Week

This weeks good news story comes from Sydney, Australia. 

In a worlds first, researchers from the University of Australia developed a chemical process that could create a sustainable jet fuel from methane gas emitted from landfills. This has the potential of creating low-carbon aviation industry. If this process becomes cost effective and widespread, all the landfills in the world could actually become a source of energy. 

Even though methane only stays in the atmosphere for about 9 years, scientists say the levels are increasing. Methane is a greenhouse gas that is far more potent that CO2.

On a global scale, landfills are major emitters of greenhouse gases such as CO2 and methane. What is exciting about this technology is that these gasses can be turned into fuel and used to target industry that are difficult to electrify. 

Modern landfills already capture and combust gases for the generation of electricity, this technology creates a more environmentally friendly and commercially valuable product. Although aviation only accounts for approximately 3% of global emissions, this technology could create a “closed loop” fuel based on existent emissions. It would also eliminate the need to produce traditional and sustainable jet fuels. 

If you want to read the whole story I have a direct link in the transcript of this episode. 

Scientists are Making Jet Fuel from Landfill Gas

A round of applause this week for researchers at the University of Sydney.

Now let’s move on to this weeks episode. 

Before we get started though I feel somewhat obligated to give credit to what inspired this episode. There is a website called Buy Me Once, which can be found at buymeonce.com , and a rather inspiring movement called Buy It For Life. Even though I did not take any information from either of these websites I felt the need to at least give credit to what inspired this episode. So, that said, let’s get started. 

In our world as of today, there are roughly 840 billion single-use products. The vast majority of these products could be replaced by something that is reusable. Just 20 companies are responsible for 55% of the plastic throw-away items that we use almost daily. Things such as plastic bottles, bags and food packages are by far the most common discarded items. Despite the devastating affect on the environment, plastic production is set to increase by 30% over the next 5 years. 

But beyond the obvious single use items, as consumers we are also manipulated by what is called planned obsolescence. The concept of planned obsolescence what first conceived in 1928 by a marketer named Justus George Frederick.

Planned obsolescence is a deliberate calculated act of making sure the existing version of a product will become dated or useless within a given amount of time. Then of course you have to go buy another one.

And while this may sound like a ridiculous waste th

Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast

Episode 183

Danger: Comfort Zone

 

There are so many warning signs about the fate of our planet yet the average person is happy to live in comfortable ignorance. Have you ever stopped to ask why people are so complacent about something that truly affects our future? Furthermore, because of this complacency we are loosing some very important life skills. 

But are we really to blame? Or is this the end result of our modern culture? Are we now so comfortable that we feel as if certain life skills don’t even apply any more? Besides, we can always look it up on the internet. 

We are numbly happy to live in our comfort zone yet stepping outside those boundaries is exactly what is needed if we are going to build a sustainable future. And that is the focus of this episode183 Danger: Comfort Zone. 

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E183 which is called Danger: Comfort Zone. 

Sustainability Question of the Week

What is a carbon offset and are they valid?

Good News Story of the Week

This story comes from Australia and it is about the accidental discovery of a small generator that uses greenhouse gases to generate electricity. 

University of Queenslands research officers were working with small generators, which they called nano generators, that ran on a process called ion transport. The project had been going for three years. 

Then one day one of the researchers noticed that the generator was using CO2 to generate electricity. The results were double checked and then the nano generator was sealed in a box and CO2 was pumped into it. The results were confirmed again. 

This small generator was only 4 x 6 cm. But larger devices could be used to power smaller electronics such as office equipment. The research team will continue to refine the technology. So CO2 generators may be in our future and may be another way we can mitigate the effects of CO2 in our atmosphere. 

So, for this week, hats off to the researchers at the University of Queensland. 

Okay folks, let’s move on to this weeks episode. 

What I want to examine in this episode is why staying in our comfort zone is the worst thing we can do. Living such a life limits our growth, impedes positive change, and delays much needed action to build a sustainable future. I also want to give you some real life examples of how getting out of your comfort zone can help you have a life that is a hundred times better than you could have ever imagined. So, let’s get started.

People in general are resistant to change. I have seen this over and over again in my years of practice. New research is published, new technology emerges, or new medications are developed that can greatly improve patient care. Despite obvious evidence of such, many older practitioners are hesitant to make changes to how they do things. The typical resistance I get is “Well, I’ve been doing this for 30 years and it has always worked.” So, why are we met with such resistance when there is an obvious benefit to changing what we do? 

But I would ask the same question about the fate of our planet. We have multiple warning signs that we need to change how we live. Most studies show that nearly 75% of people know they need to change their lifestyle. Yet there is an enormous gap between what we know we should be doing and the people that are actually doing it. It’s as if we are all speeding alone in a car and we just past a sign that says “Danger, cliff ahead.” And we all look at each other and say, “Well, it hasn’t happened yet.”

Despite the obvious warning signs we exist day-to-day in our comfort zone and refuse to make much needed changes. And this of course is the worst thing we can do. 

You know I have lived in Colorado for many years now. One thing about being here has always been consistent. Colorado is notorious for sudden changes in weather. The saying

Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast

Episode 182

A Critical Review of Amazon Ethics

 

When I get up in the morning I typically sit quietly by the wood stove for about an hour and start my day with some good coffee. I don’t worry about a lot of things during my quiet time but I do put some thought into planning my day.

If I think of something I need at the homestead, if I have time I may browse the internet for the best product and the best price. After all online shopping is a modern conveniences that I enjoy just as much as everyone else. 

It is simply a part of our culture now.  However, in the face of building a sustainable future we do have to strike a balance between consumption and ethics. This week I want to dive into a critical few of Amazon Ethics. 

 

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E181 A Critical Review of Amazon Ethics. 

Sustainability question of the week

Who coined the term “carbon footprint?” 

Good news story of the week

In a recent study focusing on the benefits of regular exercise, researchers found a clear correlation between exercise, reduction of stress and reduced risks of cardiovascular disease. The study revealed that exercising helped reduce the stress-related brain activity that is associate with the development of cardiovascular diseases. 

The study involved 50,000 people that followed workout recommendations of 150 minutes per week, which is about 21 minutes per day. The study included an average of 10 year follow up on patients and concluded that those who followed these recommendations were 23% less likely to develop cardiac disease. Not only that, regular exercise greatly improved the symptoms of depression. 

And you know, one of the best ways to establish a good habit is to make it so easy that you can’t say no. Surely most of us can spare 21 minutes per day. So, that’s yet another case for staying active. And one of the best ways to do that is to live sustainably and grow some of your own food, raise chickens, forage for some of your own food, or turn your yard into a wildlife haven. 

So, let’s get started with this weeks episode because I am going to give you lots to think about. 

While I am sitting quietly having my morning “Zen” time I don’t typically worry about a lot. I do put some thought into planning my day. If I am lucky I have a smooth day. No problems with clients, no emergencies, no ethical issues to deal with. 

Just like most people these days I will spend some time browsing the internet. Typically I am researching various topics and I try to spend some time learning something new. Bu then of course my mind will stray because I start thinking of a way to improve things at the homestead. That of course leads to online shopping. And just like the average person one of the first places I go is Amazon. This company had indeed become the largest global online marketplace where you can find just about anything you need. 

While online shopping is a significant convenience, it is another area in our lives that is fraught with environmental issues, wastefulness, carbon emissions and of course ethics. But few of us really think about that when we are shopping and simply trying to save ourselves a little time and money. 

But I truly believe that if we are going to build a sustainable future we are at the point where we have to question every single thing we do. That is the start of evaluating your habits and making positive changes. But, most importantly you have to question what is normal. 

And the Amazon marketplace has become a normal part of our lives. While Amazon had humble beginnings it has grown into a significant economic force. But many people are starting to question some of the companies practices. And that is the focus of this episode.

Truly I am of the opinion that an important part of transitioning into a sustainable future it taking a strong

Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast

Episode 181

Is It Ethical to Shop at Walmart?

 

Top of the list for most consumers is price and convenience. However, in our pursuit of such convenience we often sacrifice our money, our physical health, our mental health, the environment as well as the rights of all the workers upstream from where our purchase actually occurs. 

 

One of the challenges is that due to our current market place, there is an over abundance of choices. Consequently, most consumers tend to purchase from a huge conglomerate because we can easily find everything we need all in one place and it saves us time and money.  

 

But when it comes to best practices for sustainability, what about the little guy, the small business that cannot possibly compete with an international company? In our rush for convenience are we really making ethical choices? 

In this episode I am going to focus on one company, and that is Walmart. 

 

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E181 Is It Ethical to Shop at Walmart.?

 

Sustainability question of the week

 

Is it expensive to live sustainably? 

 

Good news story of the week

 

The US Unveils the First-ever regulations to remove forever chemicals from drinking water

 

Our environment is widely contaminated with what is called forever-chemicals. These are a class of chemicals that will take hundreds to thousands of years to break down. The challenges is that these chemicals are widely used and are found in oils, stains, food packaging, waterproof clothing, adhesives, stain resistant furniture, fire retardants, and even non-stick cooking surfaces. 

 

These chemicals has been connected to a wide range of health problems depending on the class of chemical and the level of exposure. But common disorders are immune disfunction, various types of cancer, endocrine disruption, thyroid disease, developmental disorders, asthma, liver toxicity, and many others. 

 

But the EPA recently unveiled legislation that would remove these chemicals from drinking water. There are 66,000 water utility operators across the country. There is a 5 year plan to test for these chemicals and install the new technology needed for their removal. 

 

Records show that many companies knew about the toxicity of these chemicals but did nothing about it. Finally the Environmental Protection Agency has passed legislation to limit the exposure despite huge opposition. 

 

So, the round of applause this week goes to the EPA for helping to clean up the world. 

 

 

 

 

So, let’s get started with this weeks episode. 

 

First of all I want to make something very clear. The point of this episode is the same for many other things that I do. I want to make you question how you live, what you do, and the choices that you make. Then I want to give you some sustainable alternatives. I will make every attempt to provide you with accurate information. I am not going to say that businesses such as Walmart are part of the evil empire. Although, there are many who would disagree. But I am going to give you some things to think about. 

 

Most of you know by now that I spent years building a self sustaining homestead in the middle of the forest. It was the accomplishment of a life-long dream. 

 

However, I will be the first to admit that initially I was not focused on sustainability. To a great degree by default I was actually being sustainable. I focused on using as few resources as possible. I purposely built the cabins for maximum energy efficiency. I made attempts to provide as much for myself as I could from the land where I lived. But my focus was on self sufficiency. 

 

Over time, I began to focus more and more on sustainability by gardening, producing much of my own meat, and living solely on renewable energy. That said, I still have to take advantage of various businesses to purchase

Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast

Episode 180

Is Honey Really Bee Vomit?…and Other Funny Food Facts

 

In case you haven’t noticed, life has no standardized rules. How we are prepared to meet the world as adults depends mostly on how we are raised as kids and our family background. 

But at least we have certain basic skills such as how to drive, where to get food and how to find and pay for the various services needed to meet our daily needs. But what we are taught changes over time because societal norms change. What children are taught today is totally different from 50 years ago.

And one good example is where your food comes from and how it is produced. So, if you want to know some interesting and funny facts, then join me for E180 Is Honey Really Bee Vomit?..and Other Funny Food Facts. 

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E180 Is  Honey Really Bee Vomit?… and Other Interesting Food Facts. 

First on the agenda is the sustainability question of the week.

Sustainability question of the week

Can you list at least 6 common sustainability practices that you can start today? 

Good news story of the week

I think most people are aware of the impact on the environment of our meat production. And part of the impact is related to the grain that is fed to livestock. Nearly 40% of the grain produced globally is fed to livestock. The grain in the US alone that is fed to livestock is sufficient to feed 800 million people. But, one company in the UK may have found at least a partial solution to that. 

You have heard me talk before about the benefits of insect proteins either used as a replacement for meat, or used in protein bars or otherwise processed into snack foods. But, one UK start up has come up with a way to integrate insect proteins into feeding livestock. 

The company Entocycle uses bugs to replace corn, soy, and fishmeal as a high-quality animal feed to pigs and chickens. This works simply because they have a different digestive system relative to cows. And if foraging naturally, insects likely would have made up a good portion of their diet anyway. 

Entocycle’s London facility raises thousands of black soldier fly larvae that are turned into feed for pigs and chickens. This species of fly will eat almost any wasted food which is another bonus for environmental waste management. There is the potential to divert food scraps from going to the landfill and instead becoming food for the flies.

Additionally, several studies have proven that the supplementation of black soldier fly larvae to pigs improvement growth performance and meat quality. 

Fly larvae production is quick and cheap. Additional, black soldier flies are a non-disease, non-pest species found all over the world. 

So, a round of applause this week to Entocycle to making another sustainable step forward.  

Now let’s jump right into this weeks episode. 

When I first graduated veterinary school I truly had limited experience and exposure in this field because I had only worked in one hospital. A few years after graduation I realized I needed to broaden my perspective. I gave up full time employment and  I started doing locum work around Colorado, which meant taking shorter term jobs with different hospitals. Eventually that transitioned into working between multiple states and countries. 

At the height of trying to broaden my perspective, I was on a plane 57 times in one year. This was when I realized that getting on a plane had become akin to doing laundry. It was routine, mundane, and just another thing I had to do to get by in life. Making small talk while sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with a stranger was more annoying than not. And I got to the point where I never admitted what I did for a living. 

However, this boredom was occasionally punctuated by a very interesting person or just an entertaining experience. On one trip I sat next to an o

Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast 
Episode 179 
After Sustainable Habits, What’s Next?
 

Episode link

After Sustainable Habits, What’s Next?

20 minutes listen

Website:

adventuresinsustainableliving.com

 

My veterinary career has truly been quite varied. Upon entering veterinary school I only had experience in one hospital. Upon graduation, I was determine to broaden my focus. After years in practice I am happy that I’ve had the opportunity to live in work in multiple different countries. 

 

The result has been a much broader perspective on the world and a much greater appreciation for other cultures. Lessons learned abroad have been brought back home which in turn has shaped my habits and values. 

 

I believe that true progress only comes through  growth. But once our habits and values mature into something that is focused more outward, instead of only on ourselves, what is the next step? 

 

 

So join me for E179 After Sustainable Habits, What’s Next? 

 

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E179 After Sustainable Habits, What’s Next? 

 

Sustainability question of the week 

 

What are non-renewable resources?

Good News Story of the Week

 

Okay, the good news story of the week is actually about bumble bees. But it is really more a story of interest because it actually fits right into this episode. 

 

As most of you know, bees are very social creatures. But as it turns out, they are capable of acquiring non-natural behaviors and teaching those skills to other bees. By doing so, the other bees learn behaviors that would be too complex for them to learn alone. This at least suggests that humans and bees share knowledge in exactly the same way. 

 

One of the most remarkable attributes of the human species is our ability to progressively improve our skills and technologies. Then we take that knowledge and build on it to produce new innovations. 

 

In this particular study, a bee was taught to solve a puzzle for a reward. It was a two step puzzle box in which the bee first had to move an obstacle to allow a rotating lid to open in order to access a sugary reward. 

 

In the second step of the study, members from three separate colonies were given 24 days to independently solve the same puzzle. Not a single one succeeded. The third step was to use the trained bees to demonstrate this skill to other bees. In which case, they quickly learned the new behavior. 

 

Interestingly enough this study provides evidence that bees can socially learn and pass on that learning on a level of complexity thought to be unique to humans and our ancestors. This suggest social learning and cultural transmission. 

 

 

Now, culture is a word that we hear a lot. Culture is loosely defined as “the way of life for an entire society.” So, culture includes our dress, language, religion, rituals, laws, morality, manners, systems of belief and our values. 

 

But at the root of our culture is the designation of a particular behavior that is socially learned and persists over time. And I think in that last statement lies the very reason that people find it difficult to change or perhaps never change. Many people never travel, are never exposed to new and different ideas, thoughts or values. Consequently they never realize that there just might be a different way to live. There might be different values and behaviors that are more socially productive.

 

This was exactly how I grew up. I was raised in a culturally narrow minded environment. We never traveled. We were never exposed to other cultures. In fact, I was taught that other cultures were insignificant and even lesser humans as compared to white people. It was not until I moved to Colorado that I realized just what I was taught was completely wrong and inappropriate. 

 

Now, when I go back and visit people in the part of the country where I