Comments on: Letter from Will Terry, a “normal guy and not some tree-hugging freak”

By: Jen

Jen — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 02:49:41 +0000

When you are looking to buy something pick the product that has less plastic packaging. If there isn’t an alternative then look for the product that has the plastic that you can recycle (ie: gum wrapped in plastic that can not be recycled vs gum not wrapped in plastic but comes in a blister pack that can be recycled).

Don’t drink bottled water. Bring your own stainless steel container.

Use bars of soap instead of body wash. I promise that the Old Spice dude will not hunt you down.

By: Kat

Kat — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 22:53:40 +0000

I’m just reading this now, but I completely understand the problem and I often feel the same way! After living with environmentally-conscious Germans, I have tried to convince my parents in Texas to use less plastic and the easiest ways I have found:
No plastic bags –> backpacks and canvas bags work great! (And yeah, it IS annoying when the cashiers give you strange looks….but who cares, right?)
Less cosmetic products in plastic bottles –> bar soap, etc.
No plastic water bottles –> metal bottles are fantastic! (I think the same for real coffee mugs, and wish coffee shops would just put a deposit on real mugs instead of always handing over disposable ones.)
It’s a shame things that don’t come in plastic packaging tend to be more expensive and sometimes options are very limited or unrealistic. Maybe one day soon, with the enormous help of this fantastic blog, ways of consumerism will change!
Best of luck!!!

By: Zack Terry

Zack Terry — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 17:13:54 +0000

Well Im Will’s son, so if he’s on the wagon then i guess i kindof am by default… but now i guess i just have 1 more reason to grow a big ego. Im an environmentalist haha!

By: Chantal Plamondon

Chantal Plamondon — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 11:43:12 +0000

Hi Beth,

So sorry for commenting this late in the game but I just wanted to say that I was so urtterly impressed to read about your brother and his absolutely incredible talents. I spent a good chunk of time looking at his website and watching the videos. He is quite an inspiration for young kids. I love how he has brought a passion to amazing levels and living off of it.

Regarding his attitude toward plastic, he seems on the right track! He has generated a great amount of good ideas in your blog which is wonderful! Nothing I could say has not been said.

Chantal Plamondon,
Co-owner, Life Without Plastic

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 03:44:33 +0000

Beth, you are so lucky to have a brother who is at least supportive if not on board. My brother is a right wing, global warming denying, “corporate power is good and war is better” wacko who thinks I’m absolutely off my rocker. (But I guess that feeling is mutual.)

I would offer suggestions, but I think the other readers pretty much have it covered. The only thing I can think to add is to just make the non-plastic choice whenever possible. If there are 2 brands, and one comes in plastic while the other comes in paper… choose paper!

By: Janet

Janet — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 01:10:07 +0000

Thank you for introducing your brother. His Photoshop video is SO amazing…WOW!

By: Kail

Kail — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:50:24 +0000

I would say one very important (and pretty easy) thing to do is to always use reusable bags. Not just at the grocery store, but bring one when you go shopping at other types of stores as well. Also, make or purchase reusable bags to use for fresh produce. These are also extremely useful if you shop at the farmer’s market.

By: Will Terry

Will Terry — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 07:35:55 +0000

WOW! I never thought there would be so many responses to my rambling letter. My sister is really setting a good example isn’t she? I could tell you stories about our childhood -about “pre good example setting” Beth…but this probably isn’t the place….plus I live in a glass house.

After I read my letter on this site I started to regret using the phrase “normal guy and not some tree hugging freak”. I really wanted to get the point across that I have been afraid to make changes in my life – not to tear down others belief systems. Change isn’t usually fun.

When I watch videos that show impoverished people sifting through our garbage I have to start questioning my actions.

Thank you all for your great suggestions – too many to list here but I already know what my first steps will be – that’s a good thing – not too scary. This has all been very helpful and enlightening. I’m looking forward to doing my part.

…and saving the little puppies :)

By: Dmarie

Dmarie — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 20:17:30 +0000

BRILLIANT video…thx
Began my green consciousness with “I don’t litter” too. Besides what others mentioned, here’s what I do to make me greener and what I suggest for you: FREAK OUT about plastics!!
1. Repeatedly remind yourself that buying plastic products IS littering. Find videos of the huge garbage patches in the oceans and graphic illustrations of the mountains of non-biodegradable waste each of us can generate in one year/one lifetime.
2. Repeatedly remind yourself that science has proven plastic is downright harmful to our bodies. If plastics leach into foods from packaging, including BPA can liners, do we really want to raise our kids on foods that have been so tainted, however slightly, with plastics that may accumulate in their little bodies and harm their growing reproductive systems?
3. Repeatedly remind yourself that plastics are harming our fish and wildlife (and eventually ourselves, who eat the fish, etc.).
But wait! What I think will be the NUMBER ONE way to get yourself to use less plastics: collaborate with your sis to write and illustrate a humorous, best-selling children’s book to teach the next generations to steward the earth more responsibly.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 18:36:49 +0000

Good to see your brother getting involved Beth!

Wow Will your really love photoshop! & look how you use it, awesome indeed! I also had a sneek peek at your site, so here are my suggestions for you.

1. For your skiing /boarding gear, hold on to what you´ve got & then once it´s really had it, like really had it! Go second hand for your next lot. (lots of money saved!)

2. For your dog, take newspaper rather than plastic bags to pick up his poop. One more reason you won´t need them.

3. As a family you probably get through plenty of tomatoe ketup, mustard, mayonnaise, brown sauce etc look for glass options of these. “Squeezy” is another word for plastic.

4. While your busy thinking about soap while walking why not also think about shampoo & deodorant. Beth will have other suggestions I´m sure, but for me Lush has sorted out all these things. Think in advance, order it soon so you have it all lined up & ready for when your plastic ones run out.

5. Create a plastic inspired illustration! It will get you thinking (even more!) & once it´s done many people who are “normal & not tree-hugging freaks” will see it & be inspired. Not many people have your skill, use it for plastic prevention! I for one would love to see what you do.

Don´t be daunted Will, it´s often easier than you think. Before you know it you´ll be writing again telling us all how easy it is…

Thanks for writing & sharing your beautiful work with us :-)

ps Do you have any idea when your TEDX talk will be available for all to see?