The only way to be sustainable is to become a vegan, live in an intentional community, shower twice a year, and produce zero trash waste. Yeah, no.
I fully respect those who are able to do the aforementioned things in hopes to lessen their negative impact on the environment, but sustainability is so much more than following the “hippy dippy” stereotype.
Leaving a healthy, habitable planet for future generations to enjoy should be a well agreed upon concept. I mean, I’d hate for my very theoretical grandchildren to ask me one day, “why did you kill off the polar bears?” or, “what was good, affordable coffee like?”
Given how humans are living longer, we might live to see Ethiopia, the 5th largest coffee producer, lose 60 percent of its farming land due to climate change by the end of the century. Even by 2050, it is projected that the demand for coffee would have doubled and the land used for farming would be cut virtually in half.
With roughly 85 percent of Americans drinking coffee on a daily basis (myself included), maybe mentioning that our daily fix could be threatened would cause some room for concern.
I don’t believe there is one “solution” to climate change and environmental protection. For example, only advocating for a return to simplicity ignores some really awesome technological advances that, for once, aim to heal the environment rather than contribute to the harm of it.
So, for those who enjoy some modern comforts, or just don’t see themselves committing to a life of simple living, here are some pretty rad inventions or organizations you could either purchase or donate to in support.
Edible water bottles, compostable plant based “plastics,” and pencils that turn into plants.
It is estimated that 80 percent of water bottles aren’t recycled and scientists at Skipping Rocks Lab seek to reduce plastic pollutions by creating edible water bottles called “Ooho.” The “skin” of the water packet is made out of an edible algae-based gel which can be flavored. The production of Ooho water packets produces 5 times less CO2 and consumes 9 times less energy compared to PET plastics. Ooho is not currently mass produced yet, but interested individuals can contact Skipping Rock Labs to request Ooho water for their event.
If you’re not into having your drink and eating it too, then Avani Eco compostable plant based “plastics” might be more your vibe. Avani Eco is another organization that aims to find alternative sources to reduce our plastic usage. Avani Eco produces cassava-based bags, cups, cutlery, and boxes-all of which are made sustainably, are biodegradable, and compostable.
Are you a student? Want something living in your dorm, but can’t keep a fish alive? If you’re like me, you’d have a bin of random pens and pencils dating back all the way to grammar school. Instead of letting them collect dust due to lack of intentional usage, students at MIT created the Sprout Pencil.
The idea is that once you wear the pencil down to the stub, you plant the pencil eraser side down, and the pencil turns into the plant labeled on the box. The pencil promotes intentional usage and limits senseless pencil purchases due to the incentive of finishing a pencil to create either a herb, vegetable, or flower. The pencil is produced with all natural clay, graphite, PEFC/FSC certified cedar wood with non GMO seeds.
Whether you’re into eating your water, or more into planting what you write with, technology allows for different ways to be sustainable. This just goes to show that the hippie dippy lifestyle isn’t the only lifestyle available to show care for the environment.
James Cantu
Opinions Editor
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