tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77319261591191829352024-03-12T19:15:08.620-07:00Trying to behave“Being a Humanist means trying to behave decently without expectation of rewards or punishment after you are dead.”
― Kurt VonnegutSaanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772562400414092346noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731926159119182935.post-2671244922417262372015-07-19T03:54:00.001-07:002015-07-19T03:55:07.680-07:00Mukavuusalue ja miten sieltä pääsee poisSana "mukavuusalue" taisi kiivetä aika kärkeen kun inhokkisanoja listattiin. Kovin keinotekoinen se on mutta kuvaava.<br />
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Eri ihmiset viihtyvät eri asioita tekemässä. Minusta ehkä pelottavinta ikinä ovat messut ja karaoke. Molempia olen kokeillut muutamaan otteeseen ja kauheaahan se oli. Joskus pitää ehkä kokeilla sitä karaokea uudelleen mutta messut voivat jäädä sikseen. Messuilla on liikaa väkeä tungeksimassa ja liikaa turhia esitteitä joita tulee kuitenkin keränneeksi kassitolkulla. "Kyllä mua oikeastaan kiinnostaa tämä viiden tähden hotelli Alpeilla.."<br />
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Yritän aktiivisesti ajatella; <b>tee niitä asioita, jotka houkuttavat mutta tuntuvat vähän hurjilta. Palkkiona saa iloa ja kokemuksia.</b> <br />
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Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. - Neale Donald Walsch<br />
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Mukavuusalueelta poistuminen on monesti tarjonnut hupia ja elämyksiä. Uskaltauduin eräiden kemujen jälkimainingeissa ehdottamaan ystävälle, että voisimme perustaa kahden hengen bändin ja soitella yhdessä. Eilen taas kaivoimme nuotit esiin ja puolisot siemailivat vieressä sivistyneesti viiniä kun kompastelimme uusien laulujen parissa. Varsinaisen treenaamisen jälkeen minä hiivin vielä pianon luokse soittamaan nuoteista pari lempibiisiä ja bändikaverini kaivoi esiin mandoliinin improvisoidakseen hiukkasen. Maailman parhaita bänditreenejä ehdottomasti.<br />
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Jatkossa bändimme minua pelottava haaste on siirtyä kokeilemaan yhdessä improvisointia. Omia kappaleita olemme jo tehneet, mutta se taas solahti minun mukavuusalueelleni ihan näppärästi, kunhan ne sai nuotittaa etukäteen. <br />
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<b>Kesän 2015 haasteita</b><br />
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Tänä kesänä olen kävellyt Heinävedellä Lintulan luostarista Valamon luostariin pitkin vaelluspolkua. 18 km retki oli täynnään hyttysiä ja se oli samalla yksi kesän huippukohtia. Ketään en kohdannut noiden tuntien aikana, ja kun perhe odotti minua Valamossa, tuntui teelasi ansaitulta. <br />
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Kesän toiseksi kuumimpana päivänä pyöräilin Valkosta Neuvottomaan. Harhailujen ja reitiltä poikkeamisten myötä siitä tuli 65 km vanhalla retkipyörälläni. Tiesi fillaroineensa, ja taas oli ylpeä fiilis. Pystyin, uskalsin, jaksoin! Puolipysyväksi muistoksi jäi punaiset läikät niihin kohtiin selässä, joihin en ollut ylettänyt aurinkorasvan kanssa. <br />
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Tulossa on myös Prometheus-leirin kokkaus. Hurjasta jännittämisestä huolimatta kokeilin tätä viime vuonna ensimmäistä kertaa ja kivaa oli. Kiirettä, kuumaa ja kivaa. Hienointa oli olla pieni osa nuorten omaa, syvällistä itseensä tutustumisen kokemusta. Protuleirit ovat aikuistumisleirejä, ja 8 päivän aikana nuoret muuttuivat jokainen ainakin vähän. Tänä vuonna siis uudelleen, ja kokkikaveriksi lähtee oma tytär.<br />
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<b> Mikä pelottaa?</b><br />
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Liikuntaan liittyvät haasteet ovat monelle niitä tutuimpia, mutta yhtä hyvin jonkun mukavuusalue voi olla se, ettei juuri poistu kotoa. Kirjasto voi olla pelottava tai yksin kahvilaan meno. Uuden työn hakeminen, ihmisiin tutustuminen, matkustaminen tai puheenvuoron ottaminen kokouksessa ovat toiselle mahdottoman jännittäviä asioita ja toiselle maailman helpoimpia. Uskon tässä siedätyshoitoon ja siihen, että itsensä haastaminen kannattaa. Tietenkään kenenkään ei tarvitse ottaa hämähäkkiä lemmikiksi jos ei halua, mutta liika kahlitseminen sulkee elämänpiiriä. <br />
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Kaikkeen ei tarvitse myöskään sukeltaa pää edellä, vaan voi ottaa mukaan kaverin, käydä kurssin tai lukea ensin aiheesta kirjan. <br />
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Jos punttisalille meno jännittää siksi, että arvelee ettei osaa tai kehtaa mennä yksin, mutta silti kovasti haluaisi mennä, löytyy jostain varmaan kokeneempi kaveri mukaan. Sitten voidaan yhdessä tutustua niihin kidutuslaitteilta näyttäviin vempeleisiin ja jutella samalla rennon oloisesti. Ohimennen voi olla kivaakin. <br />
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Omien rajojen ylityksiäni ovat olleet esimerkiksi sukelluskortin suorittaminen, salsatanssi, juokseminen ensimmäistä kertaa aikuisena, Lapin vaellus, joka-ikinen pohjoissaamen kielitunti ja Porin raveihin osallistuminen katsojana. <br />
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Miksikö? <i>Sukeltaminen on täysin luonnonlakien vastaista, veden alla ei voi hengittää.</i> Osoittautui, että jos käyttää niitä jänskiä laitteita, niin voi hengittää pää pinnan allakin. <br />
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Salsatanssi? <i>Kaikki muut osaavat ja tanssivat tosi kauniisti.</i> Kurssilla oli kiva ope ja minäkin opin. Yllättäen siellä kansalaisopiston alkeiskurssilla muut eivät olleetkaan jo valmiiksi salsan ammattilaisia.<br />
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<i>Juokseminen nyt taas on älytöntä, kaikki hytkyy ja hyllyy enkä jaksa ja tulee hiki. </i>Nähtävästi kun juoksee aluksi maltillisesti, kunto kasvaa ja vähitellen jaksaa juosta yhä pidemmälle ja hyllyy vähemmän. Ystävien kanssa tsemppaamalla jaksaa enemmän ja useammin. Ja sitten sekin on yllättäen jo kivaa.<br />
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Minulle helppoja ja kivoja juttuja taas ovat esimerkiksi erilaiset esiintymiset. Kykenen kyllä laulamaan pianon säestyksellä vaikka karaoke kammottaakin. Tykkään pitää esitelmiä minulle läheisistä aiheista - ihmisille puhuminen on hauskaa. Tuliesiintymiset taas ovat mahtavan hienoja tehdä. Haluan silti tehdä myös vaikeita asioita, koska uskon että rohkeampi ihminen on onnellinen ihminen. Asiat kutsuvat meitä jostakin hyvästä syystä. <br />
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Kaikki haaveet ja tavoitteet eivät onnistu. Minun haaveeni tänä kesänä oli pyöräillä Heinävedeltä Hiidenportille mutta se ei onnistunut. Ehkä sitten joku toinen kesä. <br />
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<b> Miksi?</b><br />
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Siksi, että itseään ei saa kieltää liikaa. Pitää tehdä asioita, jotka ovat kivoja ja vähän jännittäviä. Niitä voi tehdä ihan arkisessa elämässä, sillä ei meistä jokainen haaveile kiipeävänsä maailman korkeimmille vuorille. <b>Elämä on seikkailu.</b>Saanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772562400414092346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731926159119182935.post-44252050002435422962015-04-15T12:22:00.000-07:002015-04-15T13:12:06.336-07:00Miten kohtelemme heikoimpia eli vaaliuurnilla tavataanKuka sen lie sanonut, mutta samaa mieltä olen. Vapaasti mukaillen: yhteiskuntamme sivistyksen taso mitataan sillä, miten kohtelemme heikoimpia jäseniämme.<br />
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Minua ovat kaihertanut pitkään leipäjonot, lapset jotka jäävät paitsi lämmintä ruokaa, nuoret, jotka kokevat ettei elämällä ole mitään heille tarjota, aikuiset, joiden ainoa lohtu on pullo tai piikki, vanhukset, joita kukaan ei käy katsomassa.. kylmät varpaat, pelokkaat sydämet ja toivottomat aamut, loputtomat pimeät yöt. Se kaihertaa ja vaivaa. <br />
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Helsingin Sanomat julkaisi helmikuussa jutun <a href="http://www.hs.fi/elama/a1424838916929">Toimitusjohtajasta tuli leipäjonon jakaja</a><br />
Ote Mari Karttusen artikkelista: <br />
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<i>"Lasten ja nuorten hätä valkeni Backmanille Myllypuron Shellillä.<br />
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Kaksi poikaa laski kolikoitaan. Pojat pohtivat, pitäisikö rahoilla ostaa sämpylöitä. He päättivät kuitenkin ostaa makaroneja, sillä arvelivat nälän pysyvän niillä kauemmin poissa.<br />
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Myöhemmin Backman kuuli tutuilta opettajilta, että lapset tulevat maanantaisin kouluun nälkäisinä. Kotona kun ei ole viikonloppuna kukaan huolehtinut heistä."</i><br />
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Maanantainen nälkä on tuttua monissa kouluissa. Ruokaa varataan maanantain lounaalle enemmän - ja niin on tehty pitkään. Suomalainen lämmin koululounas on hieno asia. Se takaa, että lapset saavat kouluvuoden aikana viisi kertaa viikossa tasapainoista ruokaa. Koululounas on vain yksi, pieni esimerkki siitä, miten yhteiskunta pitää huolta.<br />
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Sydämeni nitkahtaa sijoiltaan, kun ajattelen näitä poikia. Haluan että yhteiskunta huolehtii heikoimmistaan, sekä vanhemmista että lapsista. Että vanhemmilla olisi mahdollisuuksia ja kyky tarjota ruokaa ja huolenpitoa lapsilleen. Meillä ei ole lupaa päästää ihmisiä putoamaan turvaverkon silmukoiden läpi tyhjään, aaltoavaan myrskyyn. <br />
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<b>Yhteiskunta on sitä, mitä me siitä teemme. </b><br />
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Minulla oli ilo kuunnella kahden eduskuntavaaliehdokkaan keskustelua tulevaisuuden työelämästä. Halusin puhua leipäjonoista ja näistä pojista laskemassa roposiaan, mutta hetket pyytää puheenvuoroa olivat vähissä ja keskustelu kulki toiseen suuntaan. Meillä kaikilla oli paljon sanottavaa siitä, miten valtiota pitäisi johtaa. Ainakin näin neljän vuoden välein sana on vapaa ja jokaista kuunnellaan.<br />
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On hienoa, kun ihmisillä on sanottavaa, ja on ensisijaisen tärkeää että he tulevat kuulluiksi. <br />
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Minä nostan hattua eduskuntavaaliehdokkaille, he joutuvat elämään monta kuukautta julkisina eläiminä. Jokaista sanaa tulee punnita, ja mihin vain tulee olla mielipide. Työhaastattelu on pitkä ja monipolvinen, ja ne 200 onnekasta jotka aloittavat unelmiensa työpaikassa, joutuvat tekemään hartiavoimin hommia ja ottamaan vastaan kottikärryittäin kritiikkiä. Voimia heille siihen! <br />
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Vaaliuurnilla tavataan - valitaan hyvät tyypit pitämään huolta meistä. <br />
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</div>Kuva: Reetta GustafssonSaanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772562400414092346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731926159119182935.post-88842614409906839262014-08-31T03:02:00.001-07:002014-08-31T03:02:15.951-07:00Muovimoska Muovi täyttää meriä. Pienet muovinpalaset, mikromuovit keräävät ympäristömyrkkyjä itseensä ja kulkeutuvat ravintoketjussa rikastuen vihdoin myös meidän lautasillemme. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q0oqEfy7nqE/VALxHmoJEFI/AAAAAAAAAcw/WJfAt6_22so/s1600/loppukes%C3%A42014%2B712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q0oqEfy7nqE/VALxHmoJEFI/AAAAAAAAAcw/WJfAt6_22so/s320/loppukes%C3%A42014%2B712.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Merien roska huuhtoutuu rannoille, vajoaa pohjaan tai jää pyörimään merivirtojen mukana. Suurin pyörre on Tyynellämerellä. <br />
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<a href="http://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyynenmeren_j%C3%A4tepy%C3%B6rre">Tyynenmeren jätepyörre</a><br />
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Kokoarviot ovat vaikeita koska muovia ei näy laivoista tai lentokoneista. Se pyörii pinnan alla. Paleface laulaa "Espanjan kokoisesta" roskalautasta, mutta yksi arvioista on "kaksi kertaa Yhdysvaltojen kokoinen". Meri voi näyttää puhtaalta päällepäin, mutta pinnan alle kurkattaessa totuus on aivan toinen.<br />
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Elokuun puolivälissä järjestivät WWF, Metsähallituksen Luontopalvelut ja Suomen ympäristökeskus Syke merentutkimusleirin. Tarkoitus oli tutkia voivatko kansalaiset olla apuna merentutkimuksessa. <br />
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Saimme tutkia pohjanäytteitä, tutkia vieraslajien levinneisyyttä, kartoittaa rakkolevän tilannetta, tutkia veden kirkkautta ja kerätä sekä analysoida roskia. <br />
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Minun roskaryhmäni pääsi Rääntiöön, saarelle jolle maihinnousu on kielletty lintujen pesintärauhan vuoksi. Kyseessä on saari Itäisen Suomenlahden kansallispuistossa, ulkosaaristossa. Tuumin että osuipa meille helppo nakki, ehditään varmaan päivän aikana toiseenkin paikkaan. Olin varsin väärässä.<br />
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Mittasimme 10 x 100 m alueen ja merkkasimme sen koordinaatit. Sitten aloitimme roskien keräilyn. Kaikki kerättiin ja merkittiin muistiin. "Mitä muovia tää on? Onko tää nyt joku lelunosa vai mikä?" Reilussa kahdessa tunnissa keräsimme noin 500 litraa roskia ja suurin osa siitä oli muovia. Lisäksi löytyi pyöränsatula, silmälasin sangat, pulloja sekä täytenä että tyhjänä ja ties mitä muuta. Vanhin tunnistamani esine oli Jaffa-pullon repäisykorkki. Teksti oli vielä tallella. <br />
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Muovi on merissä haitallista eläimille monin tavoin. Merilintu luulee muovinpalasta ruoaksi ja nielaisee sen - vähitellen sulamaton muovi täyttää linnun vatsalaukun. Muovi voi myös kiertyä eläimen kaulaan ja hukuttaa sen. Ei ole myöskään ihan selvää mitä kaikkea muovista voi seurata merissä. Missään tapauksessa se ei sinne kuulu. Helsingin Sanomat kirjoitti muovista merissä tällä viikolla.<br />
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<a href="http://www.hs.fi/tiede/Mihin+uivat+kaatopaikat+katoavat/a1409204350642">Helsingin Sanomat 29.8.2014</a> <br />
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Muovin poistaminen meristä on erittäin vaikeaa. Muovi hankautuu pieniksi paloiksi jota on lähes mahdotonta poistaa. Tärkeää olisi estää lisäroskan päätyminen meriin. Mikromuovia päätyy meriin mm. kosmetiikan kautta ja vaikkapa fleecevaatteiden pesusta. Ja tietysti kun lauantai-illan huumassa viskataan auton ikkunasta tyhjä tupakka-aski, kaljatölkki ja Mäkkärin roskat, ne lennähtävät ties mihin. <br />
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<a href="http://www.hsy.fi/ajankohtaista/uutisarkisto/2013/Sivut/HSY_mukana_mikromuovitutkimuksessa.aspx">HSY ja mikromuovitutkimus 13.9.2013</a><br />
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Viiden päivän aikana leirin roskaryhmät keräsivät yli 20 jätesäkillistä roskaa saarten rannoilta. Suurin osa siitä oli muovia. Roskat kuljetettiin kierrätykseen. <br />
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Meidän oman päivän urakkamme jälkeen oli sekä mahtava että surullinen olo. Tuntui hyvältä että oltiin saatu pois edes osa roskasta, vaikka se kirjaimellisesti olikin vain pisara meressä jonka poistimme. Roskan määrä oli surullista, tuntui toivottomalta että moskaa on niin paljon. Lautaa, lasia, metallia ja muovia on valtavan paljon. <br />
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Lounaan jälkeen siloisella kalliolla jutellessamme pintaan nousi hylje. Se oli varmaankin aikonut nousta loikoilemaan lämpimälle rantakalliolle mutta rannalla olikin tuntemattomia tyyppejä. Hylje tuijotti hetken meitä ja lähti sitten pois, nousi pintaan vähän matkan päässä kuin tarkistamaan että oliko tosiaan ranta miehitetty ja häipyi sitten - ehkä loukkaantuneena meille.<br />
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Jo ihan tuon yhden tapaamisen takia ensi kerralla en taatusti osta vihanneksia muovikassiin. <br />
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The plastic litter is filling vast amounts of oceans - ending up in the fish and unto our own plates. There are several swirls of broken pieces of plastic in our oceans. The biggest is at the Pacific. <br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Pacific_garbage_patch">Great Pacific Garbage Patch at Wikipedia</a><br />
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The estimates vary from 700,000 square kilometres (270,000 sq mi) to more than 15,000,000 square kilometres (5,800,000 sq mi). Trying to put the size into context; they say it is the size of Texas OR the size of Europe OR <b>twice the size of the continental United States</b>. The plastic has ground into tiny pieces and mostly floats underneath the surface, making it very difficult to detect. <br />
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I had the privilege of attending a Marine Research Camp at Baltic. The camp was arranged by WWF, Metsähallituksen Luontopalvelut ja Suomen ympäristökeskus Syke - World Wildlife Fund Finland, Finnish Governmental Department of Forestry and Finnish Environment Institute.<br />
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The aim of the camp was to find out if some Marine Research could be done with the help of citizens or is there always the need for professionals. We got the chance to take samples from the bottom of the Baltic, examine if there is life in the mud that lies in 30 metres, whether there are Invasive Alien Species/ Non-native Species at this area, how clear is the water, if there is bad algae and if the good algae is thriving. <br />
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One of the groups collected debris from the shores and analyzed it. Our group was working on litter on Monday and we had a chance to visit an island that is forbidden from people due to rare bird species nesting there. "Well, there won't be much rubbish there." I thought to myself, since we were in a National Park, on the outer islands of Finland.<br />
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Boy I was wrong. We measured a plot of 10 metres x 100 metres of a small beach and then tooked the coordinates down. The place looked really nice. That was until we started the collecting of rubbish. We collected everything from that area and marked down exactly what it was and what material. <br />
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In a bit over 2 hours our team of four collected about 500 litres of rubbish from that beach. We came across bottles, a bicycle seat, shoes, plastic glasses etc. The oldest thing I recognized was a bottle cap from the 1970´s. And the amount of plastic! It was unbelievable. This little island that has no visitors got ridiculous amounts of plastic washed up to the shores. <br />
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This is a pic of me at the beach. Photo by Anu Akkanen. <br />
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The problem is that plastic collects hard toxics and then the fish eat it. The toxics enrich on their way in the food chain and finally people eat it. The other problem is that wildlife eats it accidentally, mistaking the litter for food. This causes choking and death or slowly starving to death because the "food" does not digest. And of course animals can get entangled into the plastic rings or bags. <br />
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Well - of course we should solve the problem and take the plastic out of the oceans. But there is yet no real means to do it. The plastic is spread to such large areas and it has been grinding to tiny pieces that are very hard to collect.<br />
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One way is prevention. Let's keep the plastic out of the oceans. The plastic bags, cups and stuff like that are obvious. Tossing rubbish out of the car window just takes the wrappers onto a flight to the oceans. One cup breaks up into tremendous amount of tiny pieces that are impossible to find from the sea.<br />
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Tiny pieces are the most difficult; micro plastics can be found in the cosmetics or stuff like some polyester clothes. Every time I wash the cute and fluffy warm shirt I got, I accidentally wash away a lot of tiny plastic particles away. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FSA9ikv7ilE/VALZG5LTwaI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/6SpBt9ime2Y/s1600/roskia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FSA9ikv7ilE/VALZG5LTwaI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/6SpBt9ime2Y/s320/roskia.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Our groups collected in five days about 25 x 200 litres heavy duty carbage bags full of different garbage, mostly plastic and it was then recycled.<br />
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The one day work we did on that small island was rewarded greatly. As we were eating lunch, suddenly there appeared a round head in the sea just a few metres from us. A seal had swam up to us, probably thinking of sunbathing on the smooth rock. Never seen a wild one so close and the wow-factor was way up. <br />
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Yeah I did feel good and bad. I felt great for collecting at least a tiny bit of the rubbish away so this seal and the fishes would not have to suffer from it. And very sad, because there just is so much of it and our effort massed up into what can truly be called a drop in the ocean. <br />
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Next time when going into store, I will definitely bring my canvas bags and I will get my veggies without the flimsy plastic bags. What else? Saanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772562400414092346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731926159119182935.post-57109671893609678452013-11-06T02:17:00.001-08:002013-11-06T02:17:23.840-08:00Why and why not?During my work day I took a break with flipping through these images. <a href=" http://www.boredpanda.com/must-see-powerful-photos/ ">30 of the most powerful photos</a> <br />
Made me all teary. If we all just held out a hand, lent an ear.. why is it so difficult? Why not do it?<br />
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Just why not.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VhHkdRZ8TsY/UnoWSLKI8lI/AAAAAAAAAWM/C_wUNs_tAiY/s1600/kes%C3%A4kukat2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VhHkdRZ8TsY/UnoWSLKI8lI/AAAAAAAAAWM/C_wUNs_tAiY/s320/kes%C3%A4kukat2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Soon it will be Christmas and some presents shall definitely be exchanged. Here are some nice ideas. First link has non material gifts and second is for adopting a piece of forest. <a href="http://www.annajotainmuuta.fi/">Anna jotain muuta</a> ja <a href="http://www.luonnonperintosaatio.fi/lahjoitukset/lahjakirjat">Luonnonperintösäätiö </a>Saanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772562400414092346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731926159119182935.post-28651461972480970312013-10-02T07:10:00.000-07:002013-10-02T07:11:40.315-07:00Meatless October "Meatless October" was started when Leo Stranius was a studio guest at Docventures - a show that presents documents. He challenged the host Riku Rantala to give up eating meat for this October. They have a group on Facebook for this. Nearly 30 000 are participating. Finns eat a whopping 78 kgs meat per year. Producing meat is a big environmental issue and of course it is an ethical one as well.<br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/516481648435327/">Docventuresin Lihaton Lokakuu</a><br />
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Another current trend is commitment to climate. A campaign that asks people to give a promise they will do something. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ilmastolupaus?fref=ts">Ilmastolupaus</a> I promised to ride my bike for as long as I can. Took it home yesterday from work and I was delighted to see the cold had absolutely no effect. The temperature near zero degrees Celsius did demand gloves and a coat but otherwise it was just lovely. Such a shame I did not take it today too. I will hitch hike a ride with my hubby but the weather is gorgeous. It would be lovely and crisp to bicycle home.. *sigh* <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XqD6IWy6Iz0/UkwpNtMAa_I/AAAAAAAAAVc/OYmoRnAsZlc/s1600/tulistelua.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XqD6IWy6Iz0/UkwpNtMAa_I/AAAAAAAAAVc/OYmoRnAsZlc/s320/tulistelua.jpg" /></a></div>Saanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772562400414092346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731926159119182935.post-33120180913040544162013-08-31T02:05:00.000-07:002013-08-31T02:05:03.205-07:00Small changes - big wavesWhen we do know what to do - why don't we just do it? When we know what is the etchical or ecological way of doing things, why not just go ahead with it?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j45P4PfHcBU/UiCD-hDhz5I/AAAAAAAAAUk/-lUhONmfWDw/s1600/Saana+552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j45P4PfHcBU/UiCD-hDhz5I/AAAAAAAAAUk/-lUhONmfWDw/s320/Saana+552.JPG" /></a></div>My lame excuses are stuff like this: when I want to buy something that I don't really need. "Oh, it is so pretty, it will make our home look so much prettier" or "N.N. will be so happy when she gets this." Pretty new thing for the living room is a substitute for time spent leisurely at home. To give someone a gift is a cheap substitute for love. <br />
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What I really would want to do rather than try and delight someone with someTHING is to take my friends out for a picnic. Take my kids to a cafe. Have a massage. Sit down and be at peace at my own home.<br />
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Why don't I do it? Beats me. I think we have somehow gotten engraved into our souls that a good person is a good consumer. <br />
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This summer I have truly found the pleasure of bicycling - thanks go to my colleague who cheered me on and to my husband who got me the wonderful second hand bike. It has taken me around for almost 750 kms through this summer. Pretty good for a person who did not own a bike earlier. Rewards are many; better condition, happier, stronger.. hopefully also leaner new me soon. And quite a few ice creams not bought because the good feeling came without it. Good for the waist, good for the environment, this trading the ice creams for biking. Such a good substitute. I took my bike to work quite a few times. Easy decision; work out AND work commuting done at once. But we will see what happens when the autumn arrives. Most likely the lure of the car will be tempting. Sigh. I will try.<br />
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Saanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772562400414092346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731926159119182935.post-35538727261301489232013-05-26T23:00:00.000-07:002013-05-27T00:01:25.819-07:00Cooking from the cupboards - good for the environment and the wallet"Take what you have" states a recipe in an old cookbook. I love it and today was Sunday, so: <br />
a) I am pro everyone resting at least for one day every week. For religious people because of the sanctity of it and for others, we all need rest and play to balance work and hurry. <br />
b) we try to limit our car usage to as little as possible. We need to drive anyway, so better to try and cut down where we can. <br />
c) not going to the store means utilizing the existing means better; the left overs, the freezer & the dry goods. Plus it does work out way cheaper. It is so easy to think that whilst I am in store I can grab something delish for kids and oh look at those socks! Especially if I wander in on Sunday when there are very little people and I have time.<br />
d) cooking from cupboards means generally more environmental friendly food, because I store stuff like flour, pulses and beans. Dry goods don't require cooling and they stay good for long. Usually they also have very little package around them, which makes them a good choice for the environment too.<br />
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Okay, so I got deep into the cupboards and considered. I felt like some Nepalese..yes I have some red lentils. Now online for a recipe - ahh, here we go. I have most of the stuff needed on the recipe and rest I am sure I can improvise. Pretty certain that not all Nepalese mothers have _everything and everyday_ this recipe demands. And to go with it some full grain rice. <br />
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I had to substitute the fresh tomato with tomato salsa leftovers (scary since the spices are very different in Mexican and Nepalese dishes) and the plain youghurt with vanilla flavoured soya yogurt. Of this I was very wary of, but turned out if one only needs two tablespoons of yoghurt, it might as well be vanilla. It does blend in. Honestly. <br />
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I flavoured rice by first heating up oil and adding whole cardamom seedpots and cinnamonsticks, Somalese style. The full grain rice does not really bring those flavours out but it added a bit zest anyway. Our dog looked at me in awe when come that night she was (among other weird human food leftovers) fed some of that rice. She was like "Are you sure? You know I prefer meat." And I said: "Oh go on, skip those cardamom seeds and you will be fine". So she went: "I guess it is okay, after all it is human food, so it must be good." And so she chomped away.<br />
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We also barbequed some corn on the cob (packed in plastic, although long storage) and some sausages (meat + fresh goods), so these were not so environmentally friendly. Shh. Don't tell anybody. The side salad was another left overs-combined with-take what you got. Fresh from the season cabbage, some pineapple slices from a taco dinner and corn accompanied with cottage cheese.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jdKPKBsQBpg/UaL3N0_0wPI/AAAAAAAAATk/3wZGwa1h6RU/s1600/kukka.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jdKPKBsQBpg/UaL3N0_0wPI/AAAAAAAAATk/3wZGwa1h6RU/s320/kukka.jpg" /></a><br />
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I felt pretty pleased with myself. But later that night the kids again complained they were hungry. Apparently they need to be fed more than once a day. Who knew? I dove into the cupboards and came up with milk powder for rice porridge and decided to bake some bread. No milk, so I was happy to find out there were still some berries in the freezer for some berry soup. Rice - not so good as it requires a lot of water to grow plus the route to Finland is long.<br />
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The bread dough was given some oomph with dried nettles, sun flower seeds, sesame seeds, four grain porridge flakes and rye flour to accompany wheat. Then I thought that if I have to heat up the oven, I should bake something else as well. The result was a veggie quiche with different odds and ends from grated cheese to radiches. Had to look the crust up because I always put way too little margarine in them. Of course I needed to twist the recipe a little to add some sugar beet flakes into it for extra fibre. *sigh* Poor family. But it did work out just fine. It was good too due to all that margarine I had to put in.<br />
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I chopped the veggies into quite fine mix and lightly sauteed them in olive oil. The veggie mix included also onion sprouts and a little cabbage plus a couple fresh mushrooms sliced up. I topped the mix with sourcream and cheese and popped them into oven. <br />
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To wash all the healthy and environmentally friendly food down I luckily had some apple juice my mother in law makes. It is so lovely and the effect of environment is very little since the apples come from her garden and they are freshly pressed, then sealed. No presevatives needed. <br />
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So I managed to feed my family for free. Nothing was bought especially for these two meals. Even if I calculate the total costs it adds up to quite little - around 22 € (27 USD) for 6 people. Not bad for two Sunday meals. The baking cuts the costs effectively plus of course the home made apple juice and some berries I got from my mom, some were bought. Also the fact that most of the proteins come from lentils cuts down the cost. If I compare it to one restaurant dinner, our family does not eat out for less than 60 € anywhere. This would be a cheap pizzeria and a bit better dinner is easily 100 € (123 USD).<br />
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A supply of dry goods is good to have in case of an emergency but it also needs to rotate a bit. What we do, is participate in a buyer circle of organic goods. We get things like dried beans, full grain rice, lentils and such in boxes of 12 packages - 6-10 kgs each. These keep well and buying in bulk works nicely for everyone. It is cheaper and the logistics cut down on fuel usage of both the stores and the consumers. We also get fresh produce once a month from a local farmer. Down side is of course the need of proper storage. We are lucky that we have enough room, but we don't have enough cool space. So we are thinking of a storage cellar that is partly underground.<br />
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Saanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772562400414092346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731926159119182935.post-88152776395499818552013-05-07T15:17:00.001-07:002013-05-07T15:17:16.247-07:00Re-defining coolI was re-reading Ekovuosi Manhattanilla - No Impact Man by Colin Beavan. He gives quite a lot to think about. After reading the book I am thinking mostly of one thing; how are we lead into this consumerism way of life? Why do we believe that buying things gives us happiness? The right shade of lipstick will definitely give me love, the lovely shirt will make my boss like me more. Yeah. Sure.<br />
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I was discussing this with my son, who is 19. He mentioned that what happened in England - I believe a couple of years back - when there were riots and looting. He said people crashed into shops to steal brand name products. <br />
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Most likely they did not need those things desperately. But that is what they took. <br />
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These days downshifting is trendy and people are starting to consider how much they really do need. In my opinion that is good progress. I believe that in Finland we still feel we need to secure ourselves with things. Our last wars were fought so little time ago that people still remember the shortages during and after wars. So it made sense to cling on to what we have and could get. Therefore cutting down, buying less, giving away needs a conscious decision. We need to see what really is necessary for us to be happy and then give up on other stuff. Especially when we think of purchasing new things. <br />
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I am surrounded with things. I am that kind of person that clings on to things I have inherited or gotten as a gift. I remember people by looking at things that their lives have touched in some way. Also I have great difficulties in throwing stuff away. "I could do something with this.." I think and store away that half burnt skirt or those jeans that are filled with holes. This is difficult for me.<br />
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Bottom line is; have what you need and love. Give away. Don't buy more. *sigh* I wish. But I will try. Because I am not a consumer, I am a woman, a mother and a wife. I am human. Who can very well survive without the right shade of lipstick.<br />
<br />
..I was trying to add a picture of my husband snowboarding at the sandpit next to our house. He bought his board secondhand. I think this is very cool. <br />
Saanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772562400414092346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731926159119182935.post-67418840785870414822013-01-16T08:09:00.000-08:002013-01-16T08:15:12.132-08:00Putting things into perspectiveYesterday I spent a whole lotta time at the dentist chair, getting my teeth filed to be readied for a bridge. I felt quite sorry for myself because a) it shall be costly and b) it hurt yesterday and it hurts today.<br />
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At the same time Syrias refugees are struggling at their camps. It is an unusually cold winter and people have very little shelter and food. These people have fled their homes and they do not know what will tomorrow be like.<br />
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Yeah. And here I am, whining about my teeth whilst I am getting taken care of. *sigh* I should be slapped. Hopefully gently, since I am still sore. Oh, and my jaw won't open properly.<br />
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<b>Something should be done</b>, by me and by all others. Meanwhile, take a look at this: <br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/arwaCNN/status/291160769989586945/photo/1">Picture from one of the refugees camps</a>Tweeted by Arwa Damon @arwaCNN<br />
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How can you help? <a href="http://www.supportunicef.org/site/c.dvKUI9OWInJ6H/b.7549291/k.BDF0/Home.htm">Donate to Unicef</a><br />
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And <a href="http://www.unicef.fi/">Unicef Suomi</a>Saanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772562400414092346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731926159119182935.post-39806258255874595292012-12-29T01:37:00.001-08:002012-12-29T01:37:54.569-08:00Compost your waste! My dear husband purchased us a composting toilet. We live in our own house and all the waste water goes into a tank. A huge truck has to come every month to haul our waste away. It felt very silly to a) use all that fresh water to flush and b) to take mostly water away.<br />
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We still kept the old loo, since we are a family of six. But the compost toilet has worked wonderfully. My husband does the dirty work by changing the bags. Toilet has two compartments to separate the poo and the wee :D The watery version goes into the tank and it is flushed onwards with just a cupful of water. The toilet has a fan that keeps the smells away and the whole thing is as easy as a normal water toilet. I totally recommend it. We will also be saving money since the truck won't be needed as often, but that was not the main reason. The very good drinking water was. We have lovely water to drink here and it felt such a waste to use so much of it like this. <br />
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The full bags go into a warm compost (DH has made these himself) and finally it can be returned to ground. We have a food waste compost as well for potato peels and carrot skins etc. and soil from that can be used for growing more food. The toilet waste can't be used for growing beds but it can in the end be returned to ground safe. Well, it _could_ be used for anything if composted for long enough but the thought is not attractive to me. *lol*<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mEo9iKJlr84/UN65tfefyII/AAAAAAAAAR0/FnnMY-3hHZM/s1600/marras%2B2011%2B127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mEo9iKJlr84/UN65tfefyII/AAAAAAAAAR0/FnnMY-3hHZM/s200/marras%2B2011%2B127.jpg" /></a></div><br />
So, compost! Make soil from the different scraps of your daily life :) Saanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772562400414092346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731926159119182935.post-56576782200061502092012-12-20T00:22:00.001-08:002012-12-20T00:22:13.710-08:00December is here! What would you do if you knew this is your last day on earth? I am hoping I would do the things I do anyway - cook for family, hug my kids and kiss my husband. <br />
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I do not know. Probably I would panic and scream. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Q4GXn2oLdE/UNLJN7WTaTI/AAAAAAAAARM/XD5j-ijhxtI/s1600/Saana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Q4GXn2oLdE/UNLJN7WTaTI/AAAAAAAAARM/XD5j-ijhxtI/s200/Saana.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Rest easy; I heard a distinguished Mayan researcher state that the end of Mayan calendar is just as dramatic as the end of our calendar every year. You just gotta go and buy a new one. Merry Christmas/ Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year!<br />
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Saanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772562400414092346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731926159119182935.post-42331683796173156472012-10-23T03:41:00.000-07:002012-10-23T04:40:15.673-07:00Food and warmthWe had a "Homeless Night" at 17th of October. Already quite a cold time of year here in Finland and makes you really think about people who don't have a shelter. <br />
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We organized with friends an one hour -thing with free, hot soup, possibility to donate/ take clothes, a few songs by a man and a guitar -duo and a sing along. Lots of candles outside, coffee and cookies and cinnamon buns as well.<br />
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It warmed my heart when an old lady brought a bag of clothes to give. She did not want<br />
anything and did not stay - she just came to give. She looked like she has had some hard times in her life herself so may be that is exactly why she wanted to help. <br />
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It was easy to see who were in need themselves. They looked from far first and they had to be asked closer and offered the soup, sometimes twice. Very polite, quiet, a bit shagged perhaps. One could almost say they were a bit scared by life. And no wonder. I would too, if I was not born under these lucky stars that have given me education, food, a home and a loving family. I am extremely lucky. And you never know. Like Mellencamp has sung; "I never thought this could happen to me."<br />
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This is not such a good quality version but the song is outstanding <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oO0S-UHf3Wo">John Cougar Mellencamp</a><br />
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Trying to behave - yes, doing something because I think I should, but in the end getting more than giving. Singing with a stranger, who at first was standing alone, singing quietly and then gradually starting to sing out loud when he collected his courage. Such a big moment for me. Or - as the said man with a guitar phrased it: Now I can do some silly and meaningless things for a couple of months again. *g*<br />
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<a href="www.asunnottomienyo.fi">Asunnottomien Yö</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JfyM13R_mHk/UIZz4-UROKI/AAAAAAAAALw/Z6lGXHmxSAk/s1600/asunnottomien%2By%25C3%25B6%2Bjulkka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="149" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JfyM13R_mHk/UIZz4-UROKI/AAAAAAAAALw/Z6lGXHmxSAk/s200/asunnottomien%2By%25C3%25B6%2Bjulkka.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Saanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772562400414092346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731926159119182935.post-75809514017065363282012-09-18T04:56:00.000-07:002012-09-18T04:56:40.708-07:00Saving energyResolution; at least one lapfull of wood into the house each day and also into the wood burning stove. We have an excellent stove that stores heat and would help greatly in cutting the electricity bill. If we remember to use it. Now it is getting a bit colder day by day, so adding wood is definitely going to cut down the costs. We have such luck that we can get fire wood in exchange of a bit of sweat.<br />
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Also another resolution; to dig up the cord for our car. When the temperature hits +5C and lower, the use of pre-warming (in the lack of a better word) the engine cuts down the petrol usage and also keeps the engine in better condition.<br />
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Let's see if I keep these better after I have said these out loud.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9rdxpUR4Wis/UFhhVqICuVI/AAAAAAAAAKo/uyrL0D_Keg8/s1600/joutsenet.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="118" width="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9rdxpUR4Wis/UFhhVqICuVI/AAAAAAAAAKo/uyrL0D_Keg8/s200/joutsenet.png" /></a></div><br />
The photo; migrating swansSaanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772562400414092346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731926159119182935.post-15802142037377859572012-09-12T06:57:00.000-07:002012-09-12T06:57:03.439-07:00Flu - darn it!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INTLNOjw1c8/UFCTShhkbAI/AAAAAAAAAKU/DsWOzQ6uzcY/s1600/marras%2B2011%2B124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INTLNOjw1c8/UFCTShhkbAI/AAAAAAAAAKU/DsWOzQ6uzcY/s200/marras%2B2011%2B124.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Soon I will need candles since it is autumn time here in Finland. Today was really warm, but greyish. I think it is time to start sprouting again. Right now it is a wonderful time of harvesting and everything is really good and fresh, but pretty soon the real seasonal stuff will be things like potatoes, cabbage and different root vegetables. Tomatoes, cucumber and lettuce will all be produced in the green houses with lots of energy.<br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sprouting">Sprouting</a> I generally make ours with just a glass jar and a thin cloth.<br />
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Right now I have a major flu. I have been fighting it with home made berry juice and lots of warm rooibus tea. Annoying. I have been pottering about the house for two days but obviously it is not fun since all I can do is sleep and read a bit. If I was feeling well, I would totally enjoy the possibility to hang about with my woollen socks on.Saanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772562400414092346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731926159119182935.post-34037916005744589612012-09-08T23:13:00.000-07:002012-09-08T23:13:25.574-07:00Blueberries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2sKGX37wpQY/UEwx9mjHYWI/AAAAAAAAAKA/CBpUo-XKHzs/s1600/sumuinen%2Bmets%25C3%25A4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2sKGX37wpQY/UEwx9mjHYWI/AAAAAAAAAKA/CBpUo-XKHzs/s200/sumuinen%2Bmets%25C3%25A4.JPG" /></a></div><br />
This photo is about looking from our backyard. DH took it. This little forest is heavy with wild blueberries this year. Everyone in Finland has a right to pick wild berries and mushrooms from the forests and every year we (all) feel bad because so much is left in the woods. <br />
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I have picked probably 3 desilitres worth of those this year, I am useless when it comes to picking berries. DH has been picking wild chanterelles and drying them. I picked nettles and dried those. I use them in cooking and baking. Drying wild veggies and mushrooms makes perfect sense to me; they will fit in small spaces and are easy to use.<br />
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So many things speak for utilizing the forest. Free exercise, free food, fresh air. If only I could get my lazy bones out. I am happy to say that both my mother and mother in law are way better with this, I hope I will one day follow their example.<br />
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Saanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772562400414092346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731926159119182935.post-51574030338432223322012-09-04T23:51:00.000-07:002012-09-04T23:51:35.037-07:00Food that feeds your soulMy dear husband took our other daughter to bird watching and fruit foraging whilst the other was at her circus club. They had looked up beforehand where in Helsinki there are fruit trees available for anyone. They found plums, apples and pears. Impressive, I think. They only took enough for everyone in our family to eat one or two so others will get their fruit as well, which I consider responsible. We also have our own apple trees but so far the only harvest has been this year - two apples. But I can see more ripening on the trees!<br />
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So, now we have a mission. We gather the cores and keep the seeds for next year to plant. Hopefully we will finally end up with tiny trees we can then take to different areas. Tending a garden in city - even a small one has grown more and more popular recently. My hubby feels that when the energy crisis will be on, the crofter spirit will raise. Simply because food can not be brought from far then. <br />
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<b>Cooking with happy thoughts</b><br />
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I started cooking by asking the boys what they would like to eat from the following; carrots, cabbage, turnip, beet roots, potatoes, onion, broccoli. "What would you like? we are having falafel and which veggies or roots would you like me to cook?" We had plenty of choice because the organic goodies had arrived through our joint purchase with friends.<br />
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Boys answered: "Pasta." without hesitation. I explained it was not a choice. "So, which veggies did you say, mom, we were not listening?" Obviously, I knew they were just messing with me but still listed the ingredients again. And the answer was "Pasta.". I gave up, cooked som rice, broccoli and carrots. I had misread the falafel recipe and had put in way too much water, so had to mix some "peacrush" with it. It is a Finnish ingredient that is made by milling the dried peas. Lettuce for the salad was home grown and tomatoes from the organic farmer as well.<br />
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To follow, I made pancake in the oven. Instead of milk I used whey left over and frozen from cheese making this summer. I mixed some sliced apples into the mixture. Whey is supposed to be a good source for protein as are the chickpeas and peas I used for the falafel. My other son does not eat meat nor fish so I try to make sure he gets enough protein. Too bad no one actually likes most of my soy experiments. <br />
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<b>Cost for the wallet and the Earth</b><br />
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When the meal was ready, I calculated the cost. I was really happy to note that all had cost me just about 12 € and we are a family of six. This included rice and falafel mix from the shop plus ice cream. The falafel was marked down and the rice bought in bulk but still, I consider it a good value meal with about half of stuff being organic. This makes me double happy - saving money plus eating climate friendly and organic. It was vegetarian with the expection of just milk and some organic eggs. Rice is a minus, but I defend myself by saying that I am not allowed to eat barley (a really good substitute, Finnish grown) and I will save a lot of cooking time today when I can make a stir fry from rice and veggies. <br />
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Of course there will be days when I shall consider oven ready French Fries a proper veggie meal - especially if we have ketchup to go with it. But still, gradually these good for the soul and for the planet -meals will hopefully grow to be the majority of our eating.<br />
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Saanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772562400414092346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731926159119182935.post-21989815352282916922012-08-03T00:40:00.002-07:002012-08-03T00:40:55.162-07:00Flea markets and free parks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ba2NuEbyTjA/UBt5bkulXHI/AAAAAAAAAI4/TGcPMnQBa5Y/s1600/Saana%2B755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ba2NuEbyTjA/UBt5bkulXHI/AAAAAAAAAI4/TGcPMnQBa5Y/s200/Saana%2B755.JPG" /></a></div><br />
This summer we have taken up a bit more sports than before. That said - my family is actually pretty active but I am not. But this summer we utilized the neighbourhood free tennis courts and their running track with my husband and one of the kids. We had quite fun, and hopefully I will see some results too. I have taken on the habit of wearing the walk-o-meter to tell me how many steps I take daily. The addicting part is the little guy that waves his hands if I pass the 10 000 steps per day -limit. So the dog might get an extra walk if there is no little guy. Win-win, I think.<br />
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For free summer fun we took a table at street flea market with my girls one Wednesday. They collected their old toys and I looked up something I no longer need. I sold nothing, but the girls rustled up 14 € with stuffed animals. They were impressed enough. The closets were emptier and they got some spending money. My girls get 15 € from us per month so actually they got a fortnight worth of money each. Looked that way; I would be happy too if someone changed my old clothes into a two week pay check.<br />
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Girls also changed their room to more teen-agish. They now have a really good study table, given to us from an office make over. Come to think of it, we have quite a few hand me down -furnitures. Why not?Saanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772562400414092346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731926159119182935.post-82269401691465361212012-08-02T23:58:00.002-07:002012-08-03T00:42:58.170-07:00What makes you happy?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_sJh7uNbq4/UBuAq_bsI9I/AAAAAAAAAJM/815Y37NRwS0/s1600/Saana%2B008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_sJh7uNbq4/UBuAq_bsI9I/AAAAAAAAAJM/815Y37NRwS0/s200/Saana%2B008.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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The obvious answer is "small things". This is what you are supposed to say. And hey, it is true too. Things that yesterday made me happy were the fact that I was given a lift to a meeting and back by my dear mother in law. We had good time to set the world in order whilst driving. I would have had to choose a car at least for 20+ kms if it was not for her. I added a subway trip to the car pool and so we saved a bit of environment with our choice too. <br />
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The second thing was that the meeting had some left over treats and I was offered to take them to my kids. So, I was heading home happy and with a box full of goodies. On my way I met a girl selling the Big Issue (the Finnish version). I said that absolutely I will buy the magazine if I have any money with me. She said that she will give me discount :) I found my wallet and there was no need for a discount. We parted, both happy.<br />
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Amazing; I got a really good kick out of a free ride and free treats for my family, both for not spending money and saving a bit of environmental resources (the treats were to be binned if I did not take them) and an even better by using my money for something worthwhile. <br />
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A good day was rounded up with a nice movie and a small drop of good Scotch with my dear husband. These choices drowned the small sorrows of yesterday; a bit of toothache and an ahcing shoulder. Small things make all the difference in life. <b>What makes you happy?</b>Saanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772562400414092346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731926159119182935.post-61819961465574661622012-06-04T04:37:00.001-07:002012-06-04T05:51:00.198-07:00Small commandments/ the dos and do nots of everydayToday I want to share some random thoughts about being ecological and being kind to yourself. Just something, nothing fancy. <br />
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1) turn off the lights and computers, televisions and all other gadgets when not in use. Turn them off, don't just let them hibernate. Take out the phone chargers. Extension cords with a switch are handy.<br />
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2) don't waste water. Rinse the coffee pot with the excess water from the electric kettle<br />
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3) don't waste water, coffee beans or electricity. Try to estimate as good as possible the amount you are going to consume. Don't let the coffee sit in the coffee maker. It tastes bad and wastes electricity. You also risk the chance of forgetting to switch the things off. Put the coffee into a thermos if not drank immediately<br />
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4) drink good, fairtrade coffee. It can be a bit more expensive, so you will appreciate it more.<br />
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5) keep drinking water in a can or thermos flask. Don't let the tap run. In the sink you can keep pots that need soaking so the excess water will help the process.<br />
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6) when you finish cooking, put some water into the empty pan. It will start softening the food remains and helps the washing up later on.<br />
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7) a little cleaning up here and there, now and then will save a lot of time, energy and detergents later on. (With this I have a lot of learning to do)<br />
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8) be happy! Get off your chair/ sofa pretty often. You will save a lot on hospital bills later!<br />
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9) allow yourself some me-time every day. Yes, every day. Put on your walking shoes and go grab some fresh air, read a book, knit something. All good things for your over all happiness, your health and general well being of the globe. No, honestly.<br />
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10) love yourself<br />
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<br />Saanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772562400414092346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731926159119182935.post-12123574013009770102012-05-02T02:40:00.000-07:002012-05-02T02:42:37.955-07:00Small steps by Simon DaleThe wonderful low impact home by Simon Dale takes my breath away <a href="http://www.simondale.net/">Simon Dale</a>
He has built a "hobbit house" and is working on another, very beautiful project now. But here are his <a href="http://www.simondale.net/house/things.htm">Some things we all can do</a> His thoughts are very much worth considering and pondering over. Please do read.
I had a lovely break in Lapland with DH and our girls. They had gone sledding with huskies.
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Plussides in my holiday were:
- overnight train to Kolari
- cross country skiing as a sport
- wood heated sauna, heated with sustainably forested wood
- mainly vegetarian food with local fish to accompany
- cooking with an "extended family" of friends; 5 adults, 7 kids. More people eating from the same pot equals less energy used whilst cooking
- on route had locally fished white fish for lunch, and we also prepared sandwiches ourselves
Minuses:
- took the car down south with family and used the car for transport around. No real possibilities to travel by bus or train but we kept it to the minimum
- had dairy
- fell for purchasing a plush toy, a Very Pretty Otter from the naturecenter.Saanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772562400414092346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731926159119182935.post-16285385843873641762012-04-26T03:41:00.000-07:002012-04-26T04:17:05.122-07:00Making the world a greener placeToday I planted some Chlorophytum comosum or as in Finnish; rönsylilja at work. I have an old plant growing and had taken off some tiny offsprings and put them into water. They first grew some roots and now they were planted, sitting quite happily on the top of my filing cabinet. Besides using up carbon dioxide, this particular plant also cleans the air. And it even helps with removing the mold particles (for the lack of better word) from the air. I was really pleased with myself for the effort. Okay, not too big an effort, but at least I finished my mission of planting a new plant. I have now three plants that clear the air in office, and then also aloe vera and some African Violets as well. The cleanse the air but also bring a bit of nature inside the building. This reduces blood pressure and calms the heart beat.
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The pretty amaryllis we all had for Christmas last year for our office windows.</i>
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Another plus today;</b> I will take the night train to Lapland for a few day holiday. Train is eco efficient way of travelling but I also like travelling in the lulling of train. I can stretch out, with nothing to do besides read, knit or sleep. When I have arrived, I will so some cross country skiing and perhaps take part in our annual ice fishing competition of two families.
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The minus side is</b> that we will take the car down. But DH has been good about this, he has combined his work thing (that needed the usage of car) with our little holiday, so no extra kilometres will come of it.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I hope to see some Aurora Borealis. My DH took this photo last time he was there, in March.</i>Saanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772562400414092346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731926159119182935.post-15568912650442371422012-04-18T01:28:00.005-07:002012-04-18T01:47:38.229-07:00Good morning!Oh well, it was not too good a morning. I have a flu and am really easily irritated. My small good thing for this morning was to make only instant coffee. The minus is short and intense energy peak of the electric kettle and on the peak hour of morning rush. Plus side is the exact amount of coffee, no waste water nor waste coffee. The energy efficient way is to purchase and prepare food and drinks only so much what you are going to consume. This is one of my favourite topics and I will dig into it another day. <br /><br />I have tried to find out the environmental costs of a cup of coffee and come to the conclusion that if we only make up to two cups the right way is instant. It is produced further, but the packaging is small. Also Fair Trade instant coffees are better for the farmers because they get the benefits of the further "handling" in the lack of better word. This is of course putting things simply but this is how I have understood it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Point to consider</span>; use your devices at off peak hours. These hours are said to be at 7-9 a.m. and 4-7 p.m. Many electric companies make deals that sell cheaper energy on those off peak hours, like ours that offers cheaper electricity after 10 p.m. until morning. They can do this because the power plants produce energy by the same amount all the time AND it has to be produced by the amount that is the biggest need. Australian energy companies hav a bit similar deals with customers - they for example give out cheaper deals if the customer won´t use air conditioning on the peak hours.<br /><br />I read once that one nuclear power plant is needed in Great Britain to produce the energy of kettles being turned on at the half time of footy. So many cups of tea are being prepared whilst watching the football game from tv.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.green-energy-efficient-homes.com/energy-saving-kettles.html">About energy efficient kettles</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The commands for me this morning:</span><br />- buy Fair Trade<br />- buy sustainable produced<br />- use off peak hours to wash clothes, dishes etc.<br />- cook only what you will eat or drink<br />- try to be nice to the family (Mission Impossible? Hope not)Saanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772562400414092346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731926159119182935.post-41352144736654439162012-04-10T00:49:00.005-07:002012-04-10T09:47:49.323-07:00ShowerGood morning! After a really short night´s sleep I am totally not ready for the world. I stumble into kitchen to make coffee, oatmeal and then it is showertime.<br /><br />Choices;<br />- short shower in intervals<br />- non brand bar soap instead of shower gel (when possible, we have hand made ones)<br />- towels used until they do need to be washed, not tossed into the laundry after one use<br /><br />We happen to live in a really lovely area where we have amazing water. We have our own well and don´t have to pay for the water we use. We do pay for waste water. But I consider us very lucky. Most people, it seems, have to drink water that has travelled either in pipes or in bottles for a long way. Water has been said to become the next reason for world wide conflicts and I for myself don´t doubt it for a second. <br /><br />Using a search engine it took 0,16 seconds to come up with over 81 million hits for texas imports water. For an example.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Where-s-tomorrow-s-water-2266277.php">Houston, we have a problem..</a><br /><br />The water crisis are real in many countries around the globe, now already.<br /><a href="http://www.treehugger.com/clean-water/more-expensive-water-experts-say-a-price-hike-is-a-must.html">What Treehugger has to say about it?</a><br /><br />We, in our Finnish household try to minimize our water usage simply because using water uses energy. Using heated water uses more energy. When our waste is taken away it uses energy. When we are travelling in countries that are struggling with clean water, we try to be even more considerate. When lathering with soap, we turn off the water. And why a soap bar - that is another story :D<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Udaoyjvgx8w/T4P52rck0gI/AAAAAAAAAGk/wRf_koDNpwQ/s1600/hinchinbrook%2Bisland2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Udaoyjvgx8w/T4P52rck0gI/AAAAAAAAAGk/wRf_koDNpwQ/s320/hinchinbrook%2Bisland2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729697868716233218" />Hinchinbrook Island, Qld, Australia</a>Saanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772562400414092346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731926159119182935.post-79042701432208468202012-04-06T09:03:00.005-07:002012-04-10T02:19:52.285-07:00First real post.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Xo7MddIbLY/T4P7C5xPtJI/AAAAAAAAAGw/b--_jlGprBk/s1600/ruusu2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Xo7MddIbLY/T4P7C5xPtJI/AAAAAAAAAGw/b--_jlGprBk/s320/ruusu2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729699178231084178" /></a><br />I am starting this blog feeling very raw and emotional. I learned this morning that I have lost a friend to lung cancer. Thinking of you, Karen. Missing you, big and gentle hugs to you girl.<br /><br />My aim is in this blog to look at choices I make and ponder if they have been ethical, environmentally sustainable and/ or kind. I will look at one thing at a time and try to figure out if I made a good deed or not. Kind of put my life under a looking glass.<br /><br />My choice for today is bread. As I look at the idea of bread, there are the questions of environment, health, the cost and tradition. My Dear Husband, later referred to as DH baked two kinds of bread today. The other was sourdough, naturally leavened. The "root" is originally from DH´s birth home. We know it is at least a hundred years old. What you do is leave a bit of the dough to the rims of the bowl the dough was made in and let it dry. Next time you wake it up with a bit of warm water. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sourdough">Wikipedia for sourdough</a><br /><br />Plus sides are<br />- 100% rye bread, very healthy<br />- home made (love the smell!) <br />- much smaller cost on the environment since the flour is only brought from outside. DH bakes a big bunch of rye bread from a 5 kg of flour.<br />- little salt, no additives<br />- inexpensive to make<br />- passing on the tradition of baking your own, and especially with the same "root" as the family years back has done.<br /><br />Minus sides.. can´t really think of any. Rye bread is high in fibre and rye is proved to have big health benefits. <br /><br />DH also baked bread for me. I have a coeliac disease and can´t eat wheat, rye or barley. So he chose a gluten free flour mix and spiced it up with cashew nuts and raisins. Oh the bread was lovely! <br /><br />This bread had the same plus sides as rye, but the rye has more health benefits.<br />- gluten free bread is quite expensive <br /><br />Minus<br />- gluten free bread is low on fibre<br />- I ate way too much of the bread! It was so lovely when it was warm.<br /><br />Definitely worth baking your own, I think. Especially when DH makes it. Good for the globe, good for the wallet, good for the body and definitely good for the soul. Bad for the waist line if you eat too much and if you go for the low carb diet, then you would skip it.Saanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772562400414092346noreply@blogger.com0