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Adventures in Sustainable Living

Patrick Keith
Adventures in Sustainable Living
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  • 237_How to Protect Yourself From the Invisible Affects of Air Pollution
    Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast Episode 237 How to Protect Yourself From the Invisible Affects of Air Pollution To say that our society is toxic would be a gross understatement. It is truly impossible to avoid exposure to some sort of toxic substance. We have pesticides in our foods. We clean our homes with toxic compounds. We routinely place toxic chemicals on our lawns. We breath in microplastics and even eat them. Even our health care products contain synthetic compounds. Based on this it should not be any great surprise that chronic disease are on the rise. While the toxic products mentioned above may be easy to recognize and avoid, one thing we cannot avoid is the air we breath. But unfortunately, that is toxic as well. So stick around for this week’s episode and learn how to protect yourself from the invisible affects of air pollution. Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E237 How to Protect Yourself from the Invisible Affects of Air Pollution. What I want to accomplish in this episode is to first emphasize how air pollution is one of the least recognized sources of long-term health problems. But then I want to follow that up with giving you some pointers on how to protect yourself from such health risks because it is only going to get worse. Good news story of the week. But before we do that, let’s first talk about the good news story of the week. And this week’s good news story is a perfect fit to this week’s topic. It is about a new study that reveals a direct correlation to a healthy diet and reduced incidence of dementia. This study involved 90,000 adults and what is called the MIND diet, which stands for Mediterranean Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay. This dietary pattern is a combination of the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet which is aimed at lowering blood pressure. It includes proven “brain-healthy” foods such as leafy green vegetables, berries, nuts, fish, and olive oil. This study showed that the MIND diet had a stronger and much more consistent reduction relationship with dementia than other healthy diets. Data collection on this diet started in the 1990s. Results showed that people who improved their adherence to the MIND diet over 10 years, including those who not strictly adhere to the diet, had a 25% lower risk of dementia compared to those whose adherence declined over time. So, I guess this is yet another study that reveals that we are truly what we eat. Now let’s move on to this weeks episode. Quite often I find myself sitting on the back deck of the cabin simply enjoying the peace and quiet and the long-range mountain views. This is augmented by the chirping birds, clear blue skies and fresh mountain air. If I do this early in the morning with a good cup of coffee in hand, it is easy for me to lapse into a meditative state, especially if I go down the hill and sit by the creek. But while I sit and enjoy my little slice of paradise, it is so easy to allow all the challenges that we have in our present world to fade from my thoughts. And unless I manage myself carefully, it is quite possible for these local and global issues to have an impact on my daily lifestyle. That said, it is truly impossible for me to completely avoid the influences of the outside world. One thing that has just as much of an impact on me as it does with everyone else is all the toxins we are exposed to every single day. Such on-going exposure undoubtedly has some bearing on the rise in chronic disease that we now see. Recent studies have shown that the number of chronic diseases in working-age adults has increased by 25% in the last decade. Additionally, the prevalence of chronic disease in young people aged 5 to 25 years has risen nearly 30% over the past twenty years. Chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and respiratory diseases were either the direct cause of or at least a contributing factor in 75% of global deaths in 2010. That percentage rose to 79% in 2020 and is expected to increase to 84% by 2030. But of all the things we are exposed to there is one thing that flies under the radar far too often and that is air quality. Despite significant improvements in air quality over the past few decades, air pollution remains a substantial threat to public health and welfare. According to the American Lung Association's 2025 State of the Air report, nearly half of Americans—156 million people—are still living in areas with unhealthy levels of ozone or particulate pollution. This represents an increase of nearly 25 million people compared to the previous year's report, marking the highest number in the last ten years. Climate change is also exacerbating air quality issues by increasing the frequency of extreme weather conditions such as heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires, which also contributes to higher levels of ozone and particulate matter. The rising temperatures that we are now seeing is directly associated with the formation of ground-level ozone, which is also known as tropospheric ozone. Unlike stratospheric ozone, which protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation, ground-level ozone is a major component of smog and can cause respiratory issues in humans. Ground-level ozone is not emitted directly into the air but is created through chemical reactions between NOx and VOCs. Major sources of these pollutants include vehicle emissions, industrial facilities, power plants, and solvents. Levels of ground-level ozone tend to be highest near urban centers due to higher concentrations of these pollutants. Now it is unfortunate to note that this is all happening at the time when the Environmental Protection Agency, known as the EPA, has been tasked with dismantling air quality protections. For example, some of the deregulations that the EPA is working on include: -Loosening regulations on oil and gas industry -Changing mercury and air toxin standards that target coal-fired power plants -Reconsideration of multiple national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants. Potential Health Problems Related to Pollution What we already know is that air pollution levels in many parts of the US already exceed air quality standards for pollutants such as fine particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ground level ozone. But, what does this all really mean and what type of health problems do we have to worry about? Chronic exposure to air pollution has been associated with stroke, high blood pressure, dementia, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, mental health issues, premature birth, kidney disease and reduction in life expectancy. Fine particulate matter is a cause for even greater concern. It is commonly found in smoke, such as from wildfires. But it is also found in motor vehicle and power plant emissions which means it is impossible to avoid. What Can We Do? That begs the question of course of what can we do to avoid all the detrimental affects of the very air we breath? While it is impossible to completely avoid breathing polluted air, there are things we can do to to help our bodies be prepared for what we will inevitable inhale. Common sense things we can do is eat a nutrient-dense diet that is rich in antioxidants. We should avoid highly processed foods which tend to promote chronic inflammation. We should also avoid being outside when air quality is particularly poor. But there are also dietary considerations and supplements we can include in our diet to add an extra layer of protection. Much of the harm to our bodies due to air pollution has to do with increased oxidative damage which which is another source of chronic inflammation. Dietary changes and supplements are geared toward reducing those inflammatory processes. The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are well known for their anti-inflammatory effects. One study published in the Journal of Neurology in 2020 focused on the effects of omega-3 on brain size. Researchers found that exposure to particulate matter in air pollution reduced brain size. However, those effects were mitigated in patients that had high blood levels and dietary intake of EPA and DHA. In a different study on asthma patients ranging in age from 5 to 12 years, researchers noted that asthma symptoms were reduced in patients with higher omega-3 fat intake. Other research has shown that increased intake of the B vitamins folate, B6 and B12 can decrease the effects of air pollution on cardiovascular function. Another study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that folic acid, B6 and B12 can prevent the negative effects that fine particulate matter has on DNA. Vitamins C and E also have some powerful protective properties. Since air pollution causes increased oxidative damage these two vitamins are especially important when it comes to protecting the lungs. There have been a number of studies that demonstrated supplementation with vitamin C and E protects normal lung function in children and adults, with and without asthma, when exposed to acute and long-term air pollution. In addition to these vitamins, there are also certain phytonutrients that have proven detoxification effects. Best sources of all these vital nutrients Then of course the next question is what are the best sources of all these vital nutrients. While it is possible to take dietary supplements in order to obtain all these vital nutrients, a more holistic approach would be to include whole foods that contain the same nutrients. Omega-3s The best sources include fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and anchovies. Although herring, whitefish and tuna also contain significant amounts of the omega-3s. Plant bases sources of the omega-3s include flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and soybeans. However, the biological availability of these fatty acids from plant based sources is limited. Because of this it is recommended to include animal and plant based sources of EPA and DHA. Additionally fortified foods such as eggs, milk, and yogurt can also provide the needed omega-3s. Oils such as canola oil, soybean and walnut oil are good sources as well. For those who do not consume fish, algae oil is a good vegetarian alternative. Folate, B6 and B12 The best sources of folate, B6 and B12 include a wide variety of animal and plant based foods. Things such as beef liver, spinach, black-eyes peas and fortified cereals are good choices. Chickpeas, salmon, potatoes, and bananas are good sources of B6. Good sources of B12 include sardines, trout, salmon, beef, tuna, milk, yogurt, eggs, chicken, turkey, and fortified cereals. A great vegetarian alternative is nutritional yeast. Vitamin C and E The best sources of vitamin C includes oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, and tomatoes. You can get plenty of vitamin E from sunflower seeds, almonds, peanuts, wheat germ oil, sweet peppers, spinach, beet greens and butternut squash. Phytonutrients And finally, as far as the phytonutrients are concerned, the best sources are leafy green, tomatoes, citrus fruit, garlic, onions, broccoli, cabbage, berries, and green tea. The Key Takeaway Exposure to air pollution, especially fine particulate matter, is nearly impossible to avoid. It is truly one of the most under appreciate sources of a myriad of health concerns. This includes a long list of chronic health problems, which are increasingly becoming a leading cause of death. Long-term exposure to air pollution causes inflammation and oxidative damage to a number of different tissues in our bodies. As if that is not enough, all the highly processed foods that are a regular part of our diets, is another source of chronic inflammation. The bottom line is that this makes us more susceptible to chronic diseases and early death. Interestingly enough, the best way to mitigate all of this is simply through a healthy diet with a wide variety of nuts, fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains, legumes and lean meat. All the processed foods, restaurant food and fast foods we consume may be somewhat more convenient, but we are literally eating ourselves to death. As it turns out, the best diet for us is not only healthier but it is also sustainable. Truthfully, we should have stayed with the more basic diet of whole foods that used to be the norm. As the old saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. This is your host Patrick signing off. Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future.
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  • 236_Eleven Ways to Become Self Sufficient
    Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast Episode 236 11 Ways to Become Self Sufficient I have often said that self sufficiency is the best security blanket. But I see fewer and fewer people that truly appreciate the value in being able to take care of yourself with little or no outside help. I think this attitude prevails in our current culture because the average person no longer sees the need to have such skills. However, our world is constantly changing, sometimes over night. Consequently, I think self sufficiency is more important than ever before. The problem is that most people do not know where to begin because our modern culture has deprived us of some very basic skills. In this episode I am going to outline 11 ways to become self sufficient and live your life that way you want. Welcome back every one to the Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E236 Eleven Ways to Become Self Sufficient and Live Your Life the Way You Want. In this episode I want to outline eleven ways to be more self sufficient that is easily within the reach of everyone of us. Additionally I want to point out the importance of developing some level of self sufficiency even though most of us think that in our modern world this is completely unnecessary. Good News Story of the Week But before we get to that I first want to talk about the good news story of the week. And this week it is about coral. Most likely you have heard me talk before about the importance of coral as a keystone species. Coral reefs support an enormous amount of sea life and are being lost at an enormous rate due to pollution, acidification of our oceans and due to global warming. Consequently, a lot of research has been conducted on how best to regenerate coral reefs. One research group have discovered that a bio-ink coating derived from algae can boost the settlement of coral larva by as much as 20 times. Most restoration projects have focused on building coral nurseries and of course plant genetically identical coral colonies that are susceptible to the same destructive events. The point of the recent research was to help build genetic diversity. Scientist recently discovered that a certain pink algae plays an important role in attracting coral larvae. The scientist quickly developed their own version of this special ink containing specific metabolites and chemical signals. Early experiments were very successful. They are now starting new work to tweak there special ink in order to work with different coral species. This of course is great news about rebuilding coral reefs around the world. And being an active scuba diver, this is great news to me because I get to see these things first hand. Now let’s move on to this weeks episode. Whenever I talk about self sufficiency most people look at me like a deer in the headlights. Because the vast majority of people now live in urban areas, taking care of yourself and being outside of mainstream is a foreign concept. Furthermore, most people look at me and tend to ask “Why?” In my early childhood years I spent a lot of time on the two working farms that were in the family. We were constantly doing something in order to provide for ourselves. I remember numerous fishing trips, picking fresh apples, foraging for blackberries and raspberries, helping tend the garden and take care of all the animals we we raised for food. And of course, being a kid, I complained relentlessly about always having to do the chores. Consequently, I find it quite humorous that decades later I am living the same type of lifestyle. What I did not realize nor appreciate at the time is that I was being taught the skills needed for self sufficiency. I was being taught how to take care of myself when no one else was around. I was being taught self resiliency. Sometimes it is difficult for me to believe that I’ve lived on the cabin homestead for 29 years as of this summer. I think a lot about my early struggles and what it took for me to get where I am today. I also think about how little I really knew in the beginning and the endless list of skills I had to learn. It is no big surprise that living in a culture propped up by instant gratification that most people view self sufficiency as simply being able to go to the supermarket on their own. In today’s modern culture we tend to congratulate ourselves for our intelligence and our technological advances. Such things have made our lives tremendously easier but it has also made up complacent. You must know that I am not a gloom and doom kind of guy. I am not a pepper and I do not even think about the apocalypse. However, I would like to point out something quiet obvious. Our world is changing so rapidly and it often makes it difficult for even the most stable minded person to feel some sense of personal security. In the unlikely event that we were to truly have a national emergency, the government is never going to worry about the average citizen. They are going to focus on protecting the people in power, protecting important infrastructure and vital resources. The average person is going to be completely on their own. With that in mind, that is not the reason I developed my homestead the way I did. I did what I did because I am independently minded. I realized long ago that self sufficiency enabled me to live outside of mainstream, take care of myself and not be sucked in by many of the trappings of modern society, especially the money. Additionally, being self sufficient gave me a nice security blanket. Being self employed, if something happened to me and I was disabled and unable to work, at least I had the resources needed to take care of myself for a prolonged period of time. All that being said, what exactly am I talking about? What exactly does it mean to be self sufficient? Well, the basic definition is to be able to provide for your own needs without relying heavily on outside help or resources. It is about being independent and sustainable. It is about resilience. Now there are some key aspects to being self sufficient. Things such as producing your own food, your own energy, having a water supply, having some basic medical skills and even home repair skills. Then of course there is financial independence and even emotional resilience which makes you confident under stress and while dealing with some unexpected challenges. While that may seem like a lot to try and accomplish for yourself, it is not as difficult as it sounds. You just have to keep in mind that it does not all have to be done at once. After all, I have been on the cabin homestead for many years. However, there are certain key aspects to being self sufficient. So, let’s go through each of 11 vital skills keeping in mind these do not have to be accomplished in any specific order. Even if you only achieve half of these, you are still far more ahead of the game than the average person. Eleven Key Skills for Being Self Sufficient Once again, these do not have to be achieved in any specific order. I would suggest choosing something that is easy, then move along to something more difficult. But, here are 11 vital skills for self sufficiency. #1 Growing your own food This is something that can be accomplished very easily even if you live in a small apartment or flat. I’ve seen some people grow a considerable amount of their own vegetables on a 10 square foot balcony. But even if you only have a few square feet you can have an herb garden. Window sills are perfect for hydroponics projects. If you have a porch then set up a container garden or a vertical garden. These things are perfect for small spaces. There are varieties of most vegetables that produce smaller plants that are perfect for this type of set up. If you have yard space, do a traditional garden and set up raised beds. Use techniques such as square foot gardening. Leave part of your yard as natural as possible and cultivate flowering plants to encourage pollinators. Additionally, you can learn about composting and even natural pest control to avoid using any sort of pesticides. #2 Raising animals While this may be a little advanced for most people, you can still do a lot of this even in an urban area. You just have to consider local regulations before starting. Raising chickens for eggs and meat are one of the simplest things to do. We have been doing this for years. Raising rabbits for meat is also a good choice. Rabbits have a high feed to body weight conversion. They mature to butchering weight very rapidly. They take up little space and are easy to care for. One buck and a couple of does would provide a significant amount of meat over the course of a year. Rabbits even have less of an environmental footprint than chickens. #3 Preserving and storing your own food This can be as simple as keeping extra dry goods and basic supplies at home. Another easy choice is to purchase bulk goods at a local warehouse grocery outlet. Bulk dry goods, canned goods, spices and basic cooking supplies are a good place to start. Take it a step further by learning the basics of canning your own food. Purchase a food dehydrator and preserve extra fruits and vegetables during peak season. Fermenting foods is another great choice and it is super easy to do. But the ultimate easy way to preserve your own food is freezing. Properly freezing foods has a very short learning curve and can be achieved in less than a couple of days. Preserving my own food is something I have done for most of my life. I have home dried fruits that have been in my cellar for 8 to 10 years and they are still good. Once you learn to preserve your own food the sky is truly the limit. Preserving your own food not only reduces waste but it also provides a great deal of food security. #4 Generating your own energy Generating your own energy is the ultimate in self sufficiency. Our entire homestead is run off of solar and I never regret that choice. However, it was not always that way. We started out small and built it up over time. Generating your own energy can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Solar can be used for electricity and heating water. Small wind turbines and even mini hydroelectric power stations can be set up if your living conditions are appropriate. Even using wood stoves and passive solar for heating is a great place to start. While this may sound challenging, it truly is not difficult at all. Plug and play solar electric systems are easy to find and a total no-brainer to set up. Even if all you have is a couple of solar panels that charge a solar generator that is a great place to start. In case of a prolong power outage, that can be used to charge phones, iPads, computers, emergency radios, and basic lighting. If you live in an area where the power grid commonly goes down, set up a few solar panels with battery back up and use that to power your refrigerator, freezer, or dedicated circuits in your home. There are so many options with renewable energy these days that you can start as simple or complicated as you want. And the best part is that it is super easy. #5 Harvest and purify your own water Water is of course vital to being alive. We can go far more time without food than without water. Water security is possible even if you live in suburbia. You just have to store extra water in appropriate containers. Keep a nice supply of water purification tablets around in the event of an emergency and the local water supply becomes contaminated. Gravity fed water purification systems can easily be purchased online. We have been using Life Straw products for years. Other purification systems are also available such as charcoal, UV, and ceramic. Portable filtration straws are also commonly available. Depending on where you live, rain water collection is also a possibility. #6 DIY Household Repairs While this may not seem all that important, I have saved myself tens of thousands of dollars by doing things myself. I have gutted kitchens, finished out garages, installed solar, water cisterns, plumbing, built greenhouses and chicken barns. The best part is that you can learn all these skills yourself. It is entirely possible to take online classes, take a hands on class at your local hardware store, read a book or even help a friend that is doing a remodeling project. I have literally gotten quotes for refinishing jobs for up to $25K, decided to do it myself and finished it for less than $5K. Most of this stuff is not brain surgery. You may need a little guidance and it may take you a bit longer at first. But every time you do something, you learn a new skill. After a few years you will be pleasantly surprised at what you have accomplished. #7 Learn Basic Medical Skills Basic medical skills is one of those things that are greatly undervalued. However, I can point to numerous occasions when I have used these skills from something minor to urgent and even lifesaving situations. Learn CPR. Learn how to treat common injuries and illnesses at home. Organize and maintain a comprehensive first aid and emergency kit. Classes are easily available through the Red Cross, local fire departments, and even online. The information is there you just need to take advantage of all the opportunities. Having these basic skills will not only build your confidence it may actually save you life. At a minimum, if you get injured you may be able to treat yourself or at least prevent further injury by stabilizing yourself until you can seek proper medical attention. Trust me when I say, one of the most valuable things you can do for yourself and your family is to learn basic medical skills. #8 Learn to minimize your waste and reuse materials This is another area where most people have a lot to learn. For example, repurposing food scraps into other recipes can save you a considerable amount of money. Composting wasted food and yard waste can be used as a natural fertilizer instead of using commercial products. Repurposing jars, wood, fabric, and metal for home projects can also save you money. Practicing zero waste shopping, minimizing what you buy helps to reduce your use of resources and is more planet friendly. Developing these kinds of personal habits can save you time, money, and resources. #9 Master essential life skills This of course is a very broad category that contains skills that are often overlooked. Things such as cooking from scratch using only basic ingredients is invaluable and will save you a considerable amount of money. Learn basic sewing and knitting in order to mend clothes will keep you from unnecessarily buying new items. Knowing how to use basic hand tools. Learning how to perform basic maintenance inspections on your vehicles can prevent some very expensive problems. Beyond that, mastering simple communication skills is invaluable. This is something that is quickly being lost in our ever increasingly digital world. Knowing how to be a critical thinker and problem solver will serve you well your entire life. Problem solving and conflict management is another skill and is grossly under valued. And of course, proper stress management will go a long way towards keeping you healthy. #10 Develop some independent sources of income I cannot over emphasize the importance of being in control of your own money including where that money comes from. I have been self employed for over 25 years and during that time I have kept multiple sources of income. Consequently, if any one thing falls through it makes no difference. Even if you have a full time job, take the time to develop a side hustle. Start a small business or even set up a small online business. This may take some time. But by doing so will you give yourself some extra income and some extra financial security. #11 Build a local support network When most people think about having a self sufficient life their thoughts usually lean toward living rurally, having few to no neighbors and maybe even living in isolation to some degree. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Although we do live in a rather isolated area, we still have a close set of friends that are literally available to help anytime we need it. And sometimes that has been in the middle of the night. Having such a network helps when it comes to exchanging skills, exchanging and bartering for goods, helping each other with projects, and sometimes just exchanging thoughts and ideas. Not to mention the social aspect. Having a community makes self sufficiency much more achievable, less isolating and makes it much more fun. As I like to always say, the best time to make a friend is when you don’t need one. Conclusion As you can see, each of the skills that I mentioned here is something that is attainable for every one of us. Self sufficiency is not a lost skill. Personally, I think it is as important and vital now more than ever. Its just that our modern culture convinces us otherwise because everything is easily available, that is until something goes wrong. If you want to learn to be more self sufficient, start small and build your skills one at a time. Yes, self sufficiency is a lifestyle. But it is also a mindset of empowerment, resilience and being in harmony with the world around you. In my opinion, if you take the time and effort to build a self sufficient lifestyle, you can create something that aligns with your personal values. You can create self confidence and a great deal of personal freedom. Before you know it you will be living your life exactly the way you want to. Management guru Peter Drucker once said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” Consequently, it naturally follows that is you want to live your life the way you want, create it.
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  • 235_The Dangers of Microplastics and How to Avoid Them
    Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast Episode 235 The Dangers of Microplastics and How to Avoid Them There is so much talk these days about going plastic free. Plastics are everywhere and in every part of our lives. It is nearly impossible to get through an entire day without utilizing something made of plastic. But the challenge we now have is that plastic is becoming the bane of our existence.Because plastic production continues to increase and degradation is long-term, microplastics are virtually everywhere. Furthermore, no one really knows the long-term health affects of exposure because this is a relatively new health concern. One thing is for certain, microplastics are not going away any time soon. Our only option may be to limit exposure. So join me for E235 The Dangers of Microplastics and How to Avoid Them Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E235 The Dangers of Microplastics and How to Avoid Them In this episode I want to first discuss the source of microplastics, then follow that with the potential health concerns of exposure. Finally I want to finish up with how we can avoid them as well as what we all can do to reduce the prevalence of microplastics. But before we get started let’s start with the good news story of the week. Good News Story of the Week This week’s story is about sea turtles and CT scans. Every year numerous sea turtles are struck by boats producing significant injuries. Such was the case when a 302 pound loggerhead sea turtle was hit by a boat and taken to a veterinary hospital in Florida. The veterinarians needed to access her injuries by performing a CT scan. But, their machines was too small for this massive turtle. The team from the Loggerhead Marinelife Center then took the turtle to Palm Beach Equine Center in Wellington. They gained permission to use the horse CT scanner to further examine the turtle. But they also found she was carrying a clutch of eggs. CT scans for turtles suffering from boat related injuries is a recent veterinary innovation. The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) London helped pioneer the process under the direction of a Floridian student who was interested in using CT scans for diagnoses. CT scans of injured sea turtles is now a common occurrence. And in the case of the loggerhead, it helps to return some of the them to their natural habitat in order to protect this threatened species. And now let’s move on to this week’s episode. Micro-plastics The development of plastics began with natural materials and exhibited plastic properties. The first synthetic plastic was invented by a Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland in 1907. The product was called Bakelite and was literally a game changer due to its heat-resistant properties, electrical non-conductivity, and ability to be shaped into almost anything, making it incredibly popular through World War II. The very quick rise in the popularity of plastics is due to all of the advantages of using this material. Pros: Durability and Versatility: Plastics are durable and can be molded into a wide variety of shapes and sizes, making them suitable for numerous applications from packaging to construction materials. Cost-Effectiveness: Plastics are relatively inexpensive to produce and can be manufactured in large quantities, making them an affordable option for businesses and consumers. Preservation: Plastic packaging helps preserve products for longer periods, reducing waste and extending the shelf life of food and other items. Health and Safety: Plastics are used in medical equipment and packaging due to their ability to maintain sterility and protect against contamination. Resource Efficiency: Lightweight plastics reduce transportation costs and fuel consumption, contributing to resource efficiency. Cons: Environmental Impact: Plastics are non-biodegradable and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. Health Risks: Certain plastics can release harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates, which may have negative health effects on humans. Recycling Challenges: While recycling is promoted, the reality is that a tremendous amount of plastic waste ends up in landfills or the ocean. Recycling rates are often low. Additionally, the melting point of many plastics are extremely variable making it difficult to mass recycle different plastics at the same time. Resource Depletion: The production of plastics relies heavily on non-renewable resources like oil and gas, contributing to resource depletion and environmental degradation. Toxicity: The chemicals used in the production of plastics can be toxic and pose risks to human health and the environment. Now I am sure there are numerous other pros and cons to plastics. However, even the points listed above highlights the complex nature of the issues with plastics in that we need to balance their utility and benefits against the environmental and health concerns. Why Should We Be Concerned? The question of course is why should we be concerned. Globally we produce 450 million metric tons of plastic annually and production is expected to triple by 2060 to potentially 1 billion metric tons annually. The true long lasting problem with plastics is that they never truly go away. Degradation time depends on the type of plastic. Some plastic bags break down in 10 years. Other high density plastics take hundreds of years to break down. Plastics progressively break down into smaller and smaller particles and eventually degrade into what is called microplastics. The term "microplastics" was first used in current scientific literature around 20 years ago. Since then, extensive research has been conducted to understand the sources, distribution, and impacts of microplastics in the environment and human health. Microplastics are extremely common and pervasive in the environment. They are also found in various forms, including fragments, fibers, films, and foams, and can be as small as 1 nanometer to 5 millimeters in size. These plastic particles are present in water, soil, air, and even in food products such as seafood, land based meat products, and plant-based proteins. Studies indicate that 10 to 40 million metric tons of microplastics are released into the environment annually, and this number could double by 2040. Microplastics have been detected in numerous food items, including fruits, vegetables, plastic water bottles, and household dust. Additionally, they have been found in almost every part of the human body, including the brain, reproductive organs, and other vital organs. Research has shown that microplastics are more prevalent in highly-processed food products compared to minimally-processed ones, with an average of 74 ± 220 particles per serving in commonly-consumed protein products in the United States. This highlights the widespread presence and potential for human exposure to microplastics through dietary sources. The presence of microplastics in the environment and in human bodies raises concerns about their potential health impacts, although the full extent of these effects is still being studied. Sources of Microplastics Although microplastics come from several different sources, the two largest sources are from car tires and synthetic clothing such as polyester. Car tires produce about 28% and synthetic clothing makes up about 35% of microplastics in the environment. As far as the ocean environment is concerned, those two sources make up about one third microplastics seen. The remaining two thirds comes from the degradation of large plastic objects such as water bottles and plastic bags. A study published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature describes the high prevalence of synthetic textiles in homes as the primary source of microplastics in human lungs and digestive systems as a result of inhalation and ingestion. Additional sources of microplastics are cosmetic products, tooth paste, paint, and plastic wrapping and packaging products. Where are microplastics found? With the amount of plastic pollution already present in our environment, coupled with increased production, it is no surprise that microplastics can be found nearly everywhere. The level of contamination is on a global scale. Microplastics have been found in bottle water, tap water, oceans, lakes, rivers and even in rain water. Plastic particles can be found in urban dust and throughout our homes. Our food supply is completely contaminated including seafood, table salt, fruits, vegetables and even honey. Microplastics have also be found in human blood, in our lungs, in breast milk and even fecal material. We are commonly exposed to microplastics through inhalation of airborne particles, consumption of fish and seafood, drinking water, using plastic wear, and through the consumption of packaged and processed foods. Plastic particles are so pervasive in the environment it is impossible to completely avoid exposure. Why are microplastics dangerous? With all of this constant exposure you have to question whether or not this is dangerous. As it turns out, there are concerns with microplastics on multiple levels. Exposure can lead to a variety of health concerns humans. These include chronic inflammation, lipid metabolism disturbances, neurotoxicity, DNA damage, organ dysfunction, metabolic disorders, immune dysfunction, anemia, infertility, brain damage, kidney and liver damage as well as multiple other problems. Since microplastics are almost impossible to clean up, they also cause persistent environmental damage. They can disrupt food chains and soil fertility. Ingestion by wildlife, and even plankton, can cause starvation and various toxicities. The reason for this concern is that microplastics can contain a variety of toxins such as heavy metals, aromatic hydrocarbons, PCBs, pesticides, BPAs, phthalates, and a long list of forever chemicals. All of these substances have been linked to a whole laundry list of detrimental health affects. In summary, research has shown that exposure to microplastics poses significant health risks. However, further research is needed to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of microplastic toxicity and related pathologies and disease processes. How to Avoid Microplastics The challenge for us is that since microplastics are so pervasive in the environment it is impossible for any of us to completely avoid exposure. However, there are multiple ways in which you can limit your contact. For example: -Drink filtered water by using carbon filtration, reverse osmosis, or some other form of microscopic filtration. Avoid bottled water altogether. Several studies have shown much higher levels of microplastics in bottled water relative to tap water. -Avoid single use plastics such as plastic bags, straws, bottled water and disposable utensils. -Choose natural fibers for your clothing such as cotton or wool as opposed to synthetic fibers. Avoid things such as polyester. -Avoid products with micro-beads. Personal care products often contain trillions of micro-beads. Look for ingredients such as polyethylene (PE), polymathy methacrylate (PMMA), nylon, polyethylene tera phthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP). -Use the Beat the Microbead app to scan a products barcode to see if it contains micro-beads -Eat whole, unpackaged foods -Avoid heating foods in plastic containers due to potential transfer of both chemicals and plastic material. -Clean with reusable cloths instead of synthetic sponges Other strategies to help with plastic pollution Fortunately there are other strategies to can help with our pervasive plastic pollution. All of us can support bans on micro-beads and single use plastics. We can support companies using biodegradable packaging and sustainable materials. We can also support plastic free initiatives, educate others on the issue to simply drive awareness. Conclusion Hopefully this episode has made you aware of a relatively little known form of pollution called micro-plastics. These plastic particles are so pervasive in our environment that they are impossible to avoid. However, there are numerous strategies that we can use to limit our exposure. The takeaway message is that micro-plastics are a serious environmental and health concern. But we are not powerless against this type of pollution. Like so many other things in our world today, we have to be informed, change our own personal habits and support and promote systemic changes. You may think with all the challenges we have in our world today that nothing you do will make a difference. However, every choice we make matters because it’s the first step that starts a much bigger cultural shift. We might start small but we have to think big. Changing yourself is just the first step in facing the challenges in our modern world. Humanity may have screwed up this world but we also have the power to fix it. It all starts with one simple choice.
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  • 234_Is It Legal to Live Off the Grid?
    Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast Episode 234 Is It Legal to Live Off the Grid? Many years ago when I decided to live off the grid, everyone around me thought I was crazy. Fast forward 25 years and now everyone wants to know how it is that I do what I do. Living off the grid is now becoming an increasingly common choice for a long-term lifestyle. Just like anything else, it has it’s pros and cons but so does living in suburbia. One of the questions I most commonly encounter is whether or not it is legal to do so. I’ve certainly heard a read about a number of people that have ran into trouble with local authorities for just trying to live a simple life. So join me in this episode where I am going to discuss it it legal to live off the grid. Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E235 Is It Legal to Live Off the Grid? In this episode I want to discuss why living off the grid is a growing movement. Despite that fact, there are some common misconnects about off grid living. Additionally there are some legal restrictions to deal with such as zoning laws which vary widely. Even with all of this to think about I want to explore where it is legal to live off the grid, what makes it possible and what to watch out for. If your goal is to live off the grid, what can you do to make that possible without running into legal issues. Good News Story of the Week This week’s story is about bullfrogs and turtles. Most of us likely have some concept of the impact on invasive species. On a global basis, human activity has introduced nearly 37,000 invasive species. These little aliens can have significant impacts on the environment, economy, and human health. Environmentally, invasive species can degrade wildlife habitats, outcompete native plants and animals, reduce biodiversity, and even cause the extinction of endangered species. But the good news is that when an invasive species is eradicated, the native species tend to return and thrive. Thus is the case with the American bullfrog and the northwestern pond turtle. The American bull frog is an invasive species and has essentially been introduced around the globe. The problem is that this frog is very large and it will literally eat anything that fits into its mouth. But in Yosemite National Park, the eradication of these frogs has lead to the return of California’s only native turtle species, the northwestern pond turtle. A UC Davis Ph.D. candidate, Sidney Woodruff, has been conducting research on whether bullfrog elimination could lead to a return of the pond turtle, or if their decline was a multifaceted event. Between 2016 and 2022, Woodruff chronicled the life and times of bullfrogs and the northwestern pond turtles in four sites inside Yosemite National Park. The study observed and documented the effects of bullfrog removal and proved conclusively that these big mouthed bullies had to croak before the peaceful turtle can return. In ponds without bullfrogs, population counts were between twice and 100-times as high as ponds with bullfrogs. The eradication took a couple of years. But now the little turtles are finally thriving. This weeks round of applause goes to Sidney Woodruff for helping to save the northwestern pond turtle. And now let’s move onto to this weeks episode about the legalities of living off the grid. Since I’ve been living off the grid for over 25 years, I often question whether or not living off the grid was an easier option years ago when I made that choice and whether or not any one making a similar choice today would run into significant challenges. Unfortunately I have known people and read news stories of people living off the grid and literally getting evicted off of their property. However, it is interesting to note that living off the grid is indeed a growing movement both in the United States and globally. When I made the choice to live off the grid it was not a popular thing and most people thought I was crazy. But I had, and still have, a strong desire to live as independently as possible, be as self sufficient as possible, and make my own choices. To some degree, my lifestyle is the very thing that made it easier for me to get completely out of debt. There is no doubt that living off the grid is a growing movement. In the United States and in Europe, the number of people living in off-grid communities has doubled over the past decade. Current estimates are that 180,000 families in the US live off the grid and globally the numbers are far greater. Additionally, the off-grid housing market is expected to double by 2030. It is interesting to note that this off-grid movement is driven by several factors. -Economics of course plays a part, such as rising housing costs. One couple I came across that lives in Arizona was saving $2000/month by living off grid. There are two other couples that I am personally acquainted with in Colorado and have chosen to live in travel trailers because it is an inexpensive alternative to skyrocketing housing costs. A third couple that I know sold their house in town, bought a property with an established off grid cabin, and now have a simpler, debt free lifestyle. -Environmental concerns: The second reason I found for those choosing to live off-grid was environmental concerns. Many people are motivated by the desire to reduce their carbon footprint. Off-grid living often involves the use of renewable energy sources, especially solar, which of course contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle. -Self sufficiency: The third most common reason I found was the desire for self sufficiency. More people are looking for independence from traditional utilities as well as other constraints associated with modern society. -Simpler way of life and connection with nature: A lot of people now have this desire to disconnect from mainstream, have a simpler way of life in a place with a stronger sense of community. Common Misconceptions About Living Off the Grid Now before we go any further, I feel as if I would be remiss if I did not address some of the common misconceptions about living off the grid. -Living off the grid means being self sufficient. In many ways, being off-grid depending on your location, does offer more opportunities to be self sufficient. We do in fact produce a great deal of our own food. However, we still have to go to the supermarket and we still have to leave home to work a regular job. -Living off the grid means greener living. This is another common misconception. Even if you live in the middle of no where, you still have an impact on the local environment, the local water shed, and regional wildlife. You might not be supporting the local utility company but you still purchase fossil fuels, drive a lot, waste food and produce other kinds of waste. I have certainly spoken before about the use of my vehicle being the single biggest impact I have because I live in the middle of no where. That said, I have managed to reduce my driving by as much as 60%. -Living off grid means not having modern amenities. This is certainly not true and how we live is a testament to that. Many people think that living off grid means going back to the old ways. As I like to say, modern off grid living is a great combination between old country wisdom and modern technology. -Living off grid is cheap. To this I will say it can be but not necessarily. Certainly, in my opinion, living off grid is a more direct way to get completely out of debt. However, you still have to buy land, build a house, set up a power system, have a water system, put in a garden, perhaps build a barn for chickens, and have a sanitary way to deal with your waste. All of that costs money. My best recommendation is to start small, pay as you go, and you will eventually be debt free. -Living off grid means disappearing from society. Off grid living is often associated with disappearing ad prepping for the apocalypse. But most people, myself included, still work for a living, visit family and friends, and are a member of society. Granted, you might be living outside of main stream but living off grid does not mean you completely disappear. -Living off grid means living in a remote place. Granted, most people I know that live off grid are outside of a town. But that does not mean living remotely. Although our nearest supermarket is 20 miles away, our nearest neighbor is 1 1/2 miles away. -Living off grid is easy. This is certainly not true. It is easy to shop online for a house and finally decide “I want that one.” It is not easy to plan out and build an off grid house, set up a solar electric system, decide how you will heat and cool that house, and set up a septic. Managing most of your own resources is rewarding and gives you a great sense of personal security, but it is not necessarily easy. Yes it is easy to find a parcel of unrestricted land and park a camper or travel trailer on it and live off the grid. However, if you are planning on doing this long-term you need to think about establishing a decent standard of living. -Living off the grid is illegal. Actually it is perfectly legal to live off the grid anywhere you want, under certain conditions. One thing to understand is that globally 60% of people live in cities or in the suburbs. In the United States, that is as much as 80%. With that many people living close together, there has to be infrastructure to maintain sanitary conditions and a decent standard of living. Otherwise there would be trash and even human waste in the streets. That said, as a general rule, the more people you have around the more rules there are going to be in order to maintain specific standards. More often than not, people who live off the grid live in rural areas. The Basic Legal Considerations to Consider That said, if you want to do this, and do it right to make sure you stay out of trouble, there are certain basic legal considerations you are going to have to take into consideration. If you want to have a nice, quiet, peaceful existence, then make sure you stay legal. Here are some things to think about: Electricity: If you live in a residential area with an existing electrical connection, it may be illegal to disconnect from the power grid due to the local municipal code. However, that does not prevent you from installing solar and running your entire home off of renewable energy with battery back up. This way you stay legal but you are not dependent on the utility company. If you live remotely, your only choice may be a solar electric system. Stay away from homemade systems. The price of solar has dropped so dramatically over the last 10 to 15 years it is inexpensive to purchase quality products. Water: Quiet often in order to get a certificate of occupancy you have to have a water supply. That means being connected to municipal water or drilling a well. However, in some states it is acceptable to haul in water and dump it into a cistern. Not all states allow the collection of rain water. Sewage: Sewage and gray water disposal is another legality you may have to contend with. If you are not connected to municipal water or sewage then you will have to install a septic system. Typically this has to be done by a licensed contractor. Building and zoning codes: Building codes basically tell you how you can build your house. Zoning laws dictate how you can use your land. Such laws help to manage urban growth and development and make sure that land use is compatible and beneficial to the community. For example, if you purchased a nice piece of farm land you would not want an oil refinery built next door. In summary, rules and regulations about electricity, water, sewage, building and zoning codes are the biggest legalities you are going to have to face up to. What this means is that it is legal to live off the grid anywhere you want. But, with certain conditions. Where is it legal to live off the grid? Of course this begs the question of where can you really go to live off the grid and how do you do this? First off, to keep yourself out of trouble, before you decide to live in a specific area, check out the local regulations regarding the points mentioned above. As a general rule, the more rural you live the fewer the regulations and the easier it is to do whatever you want. Some rural counties have very little infrastructure, fewer people, a very small tax base, not to mention no one around to even enforce the rules if they are even in place. Most people I know that want to live off the grid also want to disconnect from modern society in some way. From a personal perspective, living in the middle of the forest and being able to pick and choose how I deal with the world is one of the things about my lifestyle that keeps me sane and in good health. That said, as I stated above, if you plan on living off the grid long-term you are going to have to establish a decent standard of living. And guess what that means. It means having an environmentally friendly form of power, such as solar. It means having access to clean, potable water and being able to properly dispose of your waste. It means having a safe place to live in that will stand the test of time. Consequently, considerations such as electricity, water, sewage, and decent, safe structure to live in are needed regardless of local laws. Where Can You Go? All of that being said, where can you go to live peacefully and legally off the grid? Well, the not so simple answer to that question is it depends. I’ve seen people’s homes get bulldozed due to their home being considered an illegal building. I’ve seen people get evicted off their own land because they were living off the grid and drawing a lot of attention to themselves. But I’ve also seen people build an off grid home without proper permits and live a quiet peaceful life for many years without being questioned by local authorities. So, once again, it depends. What this means is that you have to pick and choose carefully. Colorado, which is where I live, is one of the most friendly states when it comes to living off the grid. Arizona, Montana, Idaho, and New Mexico are much the same. The reason for this is that these states still have large areas with very few people and little or no infrastructure. If you build a home or a small cabin far from any infrastructure it may be that the only way to power your home is with an off grid electrical system. Some areas in Arizona have nothing but off grid houses and cabins. There may in fact be a central, community well where people fill up tanks and haul water back to their homes. Some counties in Montana don’t care much about what you build on your property because they don’t enforce building codes. But if you are going to live there your electrical system has to comply with local codes and you have to have a septic system professionally installed. The Bottom Line You would think that we would all have the option of living off the grid if that is what we choose to do. Technically it is legal to live off the grid anywhere you want. But the caveat is rules differ depending on location. Consequently, you have to choose carefully. If you do not comply with local regulations it is entirely possible for the “authority having jurisdiction” over your property to actually condemn your home. It’s absolutely crucial to research the county or township where you want to settle in order to avoid any legal issues surrounding electricity, water, waste disposal, and building and zoning regulations. I cannot say enough about due diligence. If you have questions then consult an experienced real estate attorney. States Friendly to Off-Grid Living -Arizona Looser zoning in rural counties Solar-friendly and water catchment allowed - New Mexico Encourages sustainable homes Minimal building restrictions in rural zones -Colorado (some counties) Park County & Costilla County are popular Must meet septic and building standards -Montana Sparse population, self-reliant culture Limited enforcement in remote areas -Missouri Few zoning restrictions in rural areas Allows alternative septic and power setups The thing to note here is that these states combine relaxed rural laws, affordable land, and an openness to alternative energy. However, it’s always county-level rules that matter most. For example, some counties in Colorado are very relaxed about living off the grid. Other counties in Colorado have bull dozed people houses because they built something without permission. If you want an off-grid property you are much better off looking in rural less developed areas with more relaxed rules and regulations. That is exactly what I did years ago and I am still there. Final Tips for Going Off-grid and Doing It Legally ✅ Buy land in a rural or unincorporated area ✅ Check county zoning & building codes ✅ Use permitted alternative systems (solar, septic) ✅ Be prepared to explain your plans to inspectors ✅ Maintain at least basic code compliance even if you are aiming for total independence ✅ Join local homesteading/off-grid communities The best way to avoid legal problems is to be proactive. In my opinion off-grid living is about building a life with more personal freedom. However, that still comes with some responsibility. While I do recognize that many of us get weary of rules, rules, rules. But, it’s important to know the law, follow the essential codes, and build a lifestyle that is in line with your values but also respects both the land and the law.
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  • 233_Why Favoring Development Over Conservation is a False Assumption
    Humanity has not always been the best at looking into the future. We tend to do whatever we are going to do and never give a lot of thought to the consequences. But as I always like to say, everything we do has a price. Over time we have always favored development over conservation. We have always framed those two choices as an either/or situation. Because of that we are now paying the price of climate change, environmental degradation and widespread pollution. We are now faced with a choice. Continue as we have always done or focus on conservation. So join me for episode 233 Why Favoring Development Over Conservation is a False Assumption. Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast Episode 233 Why Favoring Development Over Conservation is a False Assumption Humanity has not always been the best at looking into the future. We tend to do whatever we are going to do and never give a lot of thought to the consequences. But as I always like to say, everything we do has a price. Over time we have always favored development over conservation. We have always framed those two choices as an either/or situation. Because of that we are now paying the price of climate change, environmental degradation and widespread pollution. We are now faced with a choice. Continue as we have always done or focus on conservation. So join me for episode 233 Why Favoring Development Over Conservation is a False Assumption. Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E233. Why Favoring Development Over Conservation is a False Assumption In this episode I want to discuss how we have framed development over conservation as an either/or question. Consequently, we are now seeing the detrimental results of our false assumption. We are now faced with two choices for our future. But before we get to that, let’s talk about the good news story of the week. Good News Story of the Week Despite a world that seems to be constantly warming, there is good news from Antarctica. The continent actually gained gained 200 billion tons of ice in the last few years. The Antarctic ice sheet lost an average of 147 gigaton of ice per year between 2010 and 2020. But that trend has shown a remarkable reversal. Researchers think this is the result of an unusually high amount of precipitation. They are also unsure if that trend will continue. But for now, this is good news. Now let’s move along to this weeks episode. As I look back over my adult years I can point to a few examples of things that have changed the course of my life. Some of these things have truly been defining points. But I also think that most of us can look back at certain events, specific decisions, and perhaps coincidental circumstances that made a significant impact. We often wonder what if we had done this instead of that, gone here instead of there, turned right instead of left what would our life be like now. It is certainly an interesting thing to think about. But in many ways the same could be said for how humanity has chosen to use the planet that we live on. For example, most people never stop to consider that every square foot we stand on was wilderness at one point in time. Instead we continue to trample, pave, dig up, burn, cut down, and build on top of every square inch. In 1852 Chief Seattle said, “The earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood that unites us all. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. What ever he does to the web, he does to himself.” Unfortunately these very words now echo from the pages of numerous scientific studies about how we have altered the planet we depend on for our very survival. Take for example: -We are the only species on the planet that produces trash. -We have done such extensive environmental damage that it will take hundreds if not thousands of year for the Earth to return to its natural state. -We are responsible for the sixth mass extinction event. Human activity and intrusion has increased the normal background extinction rate by a factor of at least 100. -If we do not stop our rate of deforestation, our planet will be devoid of trees in 300 years. -So called “forever chemicals”, which is a class of highly persistent chemicals with over 4,700 compounds, now pollute almost everything on Earth -Plastic micro particles can now be found in even the most remote regions on Earth from the top of Mount Everest to the deepest parts of the oceans. -Approximately 95% of ocean surface water is now more acidic which has a tremendous impact on the entire ecosystem. -Scientist have now identified 415 dead zones in the waters around the world where nothing can live or grow. And I could go on with numerous other examples. But the simple truth is that the affects of humanity on the planet have been so extensive that it now defines our geological time. From air pollution to plastic fragments at the bottom of the ocean, it is hard to find a place on the planet that has not been altered by humanity in some fashion. But while we may have reason to congratulate ourselves because of our wealth, cultural development, and technological advancements we so easily forget that nature is literally the bedrock of our existence, health, stability and well being. We forget that healthy and stable ecosystems are not a luxury. They are responsible for our genetic diversity, our agriculture, our food security, drug and resource development, clean water, stable climate systems, as well as our health and mental well being. Yet we are destroying it all. It is quite obvious that our present behavior is not consistent with our long term survival on this planet. There are some prominent scientist who even believe that humans will be extinct in as little as 100 years. The challenge is that humanity only seems to respond to tipping points, or what I call 911 moments. These moments typically represent signify critical thresholds beyond which significant and often irreversible changes occur, whether that is social or environmental. In social contexts, tipping points can lead to rapid and widespread adoption of ideas or behaviors, as Malcolm Gladwell discusses in his book "The Tipping Point," where small changes can lead to large-scale shifts in society. In environmental contexts, tipping points can trigger abrupt and severe impacts on ecosystems and climate, which can have dire consequences for humanity. A perfect example is the topic of climate change. We have known about this possibility for over 100 years. We are rapidly approaching a tipping point and discussions about climate change are becoming more and more urgent. We are now faced with two choices: continue what we are doing and ignore the facts, or completely change our lives and lifestyles and start building a more sustainable future that favors conservation. For hundreds of years now we have been operating under a false assumption that the two concepts of development and conservation are mutually exclusive. This false assumption has now sealed the fate of humanity unless we have a change of heart. The preference for development over conservation often stems directly from the immediate economic benefits and the various human needs that development can address. Development such as infrastructure projects, can lead to economic growth, job creation, and improved living standards, which are immediate and tangible benefits for local communities and produce positive results on a national level. In contrast, the benefits of conservation, such as biodiversity protection and environmental sustainability, are often long-term and less immediately apparent, making these benefits much harder to prioritize. Additionally, many people, communities as well as local and national governments view development as essential for meeting basic human needs, such as food, shelter, and healthcare, which are of course crucial for survival and promoting and building a good quality of life. Conservation efforts, on the other hand, may be seen as placing limitations on these immediate needs by limiting the use of resources and hindering economic activities. However, we also have to appreciate the fact that while development can bring short-term benefits, it can also lead to negative environmental impacts that can undermine long-term sustainability which in turn affects human well-being. While balancing development and conservation is a complex and difficult issue we are now seeing the affects of our long-term inability and unwillingness to strike a balance between the two. Joyce Msuya, the acting head of the United Nations Environment said “Nature makes human development possible but our relentless demand for the Earth’s resources is accelerating extinction rates and is devastating the world’s ecosystems.” The challenge is that for hundreds of years we have been guided by a false assumption that development requires sacrificing nature. We have been guilty of dichotomous thinking, which means we have a cognitive bias toward development and we have over simplified our choice of development versus nature into an either/or perspective. Consequently we think in terms of black or white and we are completely ignoring the complexities and urgency of the issue. This false dichotomy, which creates an either/or decision ignores the reality that sustainable development integrates economic, social and environmental progress. Consequently, it is a mistake to frame conservation as anti-growth because we are ignoring the long-term economic and human benefits. What most people do not consider is that conservation actually drives development by ensuring that natural resources are protected and managed sustainably. This in turn supports the well-being of humanity and economic growth. Instead of an either/or choice what we should be focusing on is conservation development. This is an approach that combines the development of land while prioritizing the protection of natural resources, open space, and agricultural lands. This sort of development prospective often clusters housing into a well defined area within a larger portion of land, preserving open space, agricultural land, or natural areas as a component of the overall development. This approach can easily lead to the protection of biodiversity, resilient stormwater infrastructure, a cleaner water supply, and a sustainable approach to growth. Conservation development can also contributes to food security and the reduction of poverty. For instance, USAID-funded initiatives such as the Bluefields fish sanctuary in Jamaica has contributed to a 70 percent decline in illegal fishing and an increase in legal fishing hauls and fish size, resulting in greater food security. Similarly, sustainable agriculture and sustainably-managed wild fisheries can improve the resilience of food systems while conserving biodiversity. Additionally, conservation plays a role in improving the health conditions of local populations. For example, accessible and affordable healthcare can reduce pressure on natural resources. Intact and diverse ecosystems tend to promote better health and prevent disease by providing wild foods and natural medicines, and regulating local disease carriers. If you look at the big picture conservation drives development by fostering sustainable practices that protect natural resources, support human well-being, and promote equitable and just economic growth. For example, intact ecosystems provide clean water and air, pollination for agriculture, flood control and local climate regulation. The preservation of wetlands is a perfect example. On the other hand, if we prioritize unchecked development the result is resource depletion, soil degradation, deforestation, and climate instability. What we now have to focus on is that conservation protects the very resources that make development a reality. For example, Deer Path Farm in Illinois, Elkington Forest in British Columbia, Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina, The Boulders in North Carolina, as well as several other communities, set aside 50% of their land as open space, protecting natural habitats and farm land and limiting development. Costa Rica chose eco-tourism and reforestation over industrial development. The end result was a growth is gross domestic product, increased quality of life, and increased biodiversity. This is a perfect example of how conservation can drive development. In my opinion, a green economy simply means smart growth. Green infrastructure, clean energy, and regenerative agriculture creates jobs, stimulates innovation, and can even lower long-term costs. Industries such as eco-tourism, forestry, and proper water management should be considered economic assets, not obstacles. We can actually have urban development without destruction as long as there is sustainable city development. Things such as green spaces not only improves our health but also increases local property value. Public transportation reduces pollution. Smart buildings reduce energy use. Vehicle free areas promotes reduced pollution, encourages exercise and even community engagement. Six Ways to Promote Conservation Development Now I realize that once again this may all sound rather overwhelming as if nothing we do as individuals is ever going to make a difference. However, here are some tips on what you can do to promote conservation development: 🏡 1. Make Sustainable Choices in Housing Support conservation-friendly communities: Choose to live in or advocate for developments that integrate green space preservation, landscaping with native plants, and clustered housing developments to reduce the amount of land that is altered from its natural state. Retrofit or build green: Use energy-efficient building materials, solar panels, and low-impact development techniques such as rain gardens or permeable pavements to control storm water run off. 🗳️ 2. Advocate for Smart Policies Engage in local planning: If you are already living in a specific community you can attend city council meetings and support zoning laws and planning efforts that prioritize conservation development principles. Vote for conservation-minded leaders: Support local political leaders and candidates who support and promote responsible land use, green infrastructure, and habitat preservation. 🌱 3. Preserve and Restore Land Participate in land stewardship: Volunteer with land trusts or conservation groups that manage protected areas and work to restore local degraded ecosystems. Support or create conservation easements: If you own land, consider setting up an easement to permanently protect it from any sort of unsustainable development. 🧠 4. Educate and Influence Others Raise awareness: Host community events, share your knowledge on social media, or lead workshops to teach others about the value of conservation development. Collaborate with schools and youth programs: Help introduce conservation-based projects that teach younger people the value of conserving local ecosystems. 💰 5. Direct Your Finances Toward Conservation Invest in conservation: Support conservation funds, eco-conscious developers, or community land trusts. Donate to environmental organizations: Fund groups actively working to protect biodiversity and develop sustainable communities. 🌎 6. Live Lightly Reduce your ecological footprint: Use less water and energy, avoid overconsumption, and prioritize the use of public transportation and alternative means of getting around such as riding a bike or walking. Choose native landscaping: Replace lawns with native plants to support pollinators, reduce runoff, and eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers. You can easily turn your yard into a wildlife habitat. I hope by now you can appreciate that over the last few centuries we have been operating under the false assumption that we must choose development over conservation. By doing so we have significantly altered this planet. If we continue to operate in this mode we will also significantly alter our own future on this planet and not in a good way. Favoring development over conservation is a false assumption rooted in outdated thinking. Just the other day I was talking with a client that was complaining about all the development in Colorado that has occurred in the last few decades. He was particularly concerned about the city of Golden where he lives. He was saying things such as “It’s not the same.” “The city has been completely destroyed.” “ I need to move somewhere else.” He followed that by saying that some close friends of his had attended a city council meeting to expressed their concerns over how the city was being developed. In particular they were concerned about the lack of conservation of green spaces and the local ecosystems. One of the city council members just looked at these folks and said, “Well, if you disagree with what we are doing then all you old people can just move somewhere else.” In my opinion that is the kind of attitude that favors development over conservation with no regard to the environment. And that is the very kind of thing that we need to change. All we have to do is make sustainable choices in housing, advocate for smart laws and policies, work to preserve and restore local ecosystems, educate others and raise awareness about the value of conservation, donate our time and even invest in conservation efforts, and work to reduce your own ecological footprint. The bottom line is that we have two choices. We can continue to live under a false assumption and favor development while risking our own future on this planet. Or we can accept the fact that conservation is not the enemy of progress. It is actually the very foundation of lasting prosperity. If we continue to live under this false assumption that favors development then we are opening ourselves up to misunderstandings, misinterpretations and even harmful decisions. Additionally, false assumptions distort our perception of reality, causing us to become less grounded in facts and more prone to creating problems for ourselves and others. It is crucial that we question our assumptions and verify them with tangible facts. Development without conservation destroys the very environment that we depend on. Conservation development favors both people and the planet and it is the best way toward a sustainable future for all of us. By combining lifestyle changes, timely civic engagement and community influence each of us can play a part in shifting development norms toward a more conservation-focused future. Every small change that we make builds toward a community and cultural shift toward a greener future for all of us. By combining lifestyle changes, civic engagement, and community influence, individuals can help shift development norms toward a more conservation-focused future. Margaret Mead, who was an American cultural anthropologist, author and speaker, once said, “We won’t have a society if we destroy the environment.” Well folks that is about it for this week. I hope you have enjoyed this episode and will join me again next week. Until then, this is your host Patrick signing off. Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future.
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There is one thing you will hear me say again and again. As long as someone else is in control of your resources, they are in fact in control of your life. Consequently, my solution to that problem was to develop a sustainable, self reliant lifestyle. Not only that, but I’ve lived off the grid for more than 20 years. This podcast is not only about sustainable living it is also about teaching you to take more control over your life by being in control of many of your resources. It is possible to live a life without debt, produce much of your own food, have much more personal freedom, as well as increased personal security and peace of mind. So join me as I discuss diverse topics associated with sustainable living, off grid living, and share some of my hilarious and sometimes incredible adventures. My goal is to make you realize that you can also have a wonderful sustainable life that is adventurous, enjoyable, challenging, and rewarding. I will also make you question why you live the way you do now. Besides this podcast, I have a companion blog at www.offgridlivingnews.com Enjoy!!!
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