Comments on: Kiyomi, Week 1

By: Andrea

Andrea — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:16:36 +0000

Wow! You are a brave soul for taking this challenge on and posting the results.

I read a story about the “Park Spark” this morning. It suggests using biodegradeable bags for picking up your dogs poop and then depositing the poop into a “Park Spark” recycling device. Read more here http://www.kitv.com/irresistible/25111880/detail.html. The designer of the product hasn’t decided to go live with the business, but if he does, these devices would be a great tool.

The previous commenter also made mention of containers you can use to compost dog waste, but it is NOT something you would want to mix with your existing garden compost.

Lastly, be very careful when making your own dog food at home. There are lots of food items that seem healthy, but are dangerous for dogs (avocado, grapes, raisins, garlic, onions, etc.)

By: amanda a.

amanda a. — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 17:15:31 +0000

It looks like you’re doing a pretty great job so far! A few suggestions:
1. try a diva cup or glad rags instead of disposable feminine products. You’ll be happy you made the switch! http://www.divacup.com/ and http://www.gladrags.com/
2. I haven’t found ketchup in glass, but there are abundant recipes to make your own. It won’t be the same as Heinz, but it’s pretty darn tasty! Here’s a good one: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Homemade-Ketchup-109037
3. I like to use shower caps (yeah, shower caps!) as reusable alternatives to plastic wrap. Though shower caps are still made of plastic, they’re durable and washable and way easier to use than those finicky plastic wrap boxes. I also just stopped buying plastic wrap and now, when I would have used plastic, I turn to parchment paper (great for cheeses) or aluminum foil (recyclable, depending on your area).
4. About meat: have you asked at your farmers market about anyone selling meat? My local market sells many different varieties of pastured meat (anything from beef and bison to rabbit and goat). Their prices are competitive with Whole Foods and you’re typically getting a better product while simultaneously supporting a local farmer (and new friend!)

Good luck!

By: Eve

Eve — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 14:28:57 +0000

Hi Kyomi! I too have started to eliminate plastic as much as possible and it’s surprising what you CAN do!

I made my own cotton drawstring bags for veggies, fruits & the like, and discovered that when I took one to the bakery dept. of Whole Foods, they were happy to put the bread in it for me. And guess what – it stayed crusty for 4 days without getting rock hard!

Keep us posted on the henna hair dye – I’ve been researching on doing it myself and am curious how it works out. My stylist says it’s terrific for hair, but her salon won’t let her, so I’m stuck DYI…and working up my courage.

Good luck!

By: Beth Terry

Beth Terry — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 18:38:35 +0000

Hi Kiyomi. Thanks for taking the challenge. Here are a few suggestions.

1) Some people pick up dog poop with pieces of old newspaper. Some people use plastic packaging and bags that they end up with anyway. There is also a dog poop composter you can get so you can avoid the question entirely.

2) I don’t know what the rules are in your neighborhood, but if they don’t require a garbage bag, then no need. Here is my post about garbage bags:

http://fakeplasticfish.com/2010/02/collecting-garbage-without-plastic-trash-bags/