Log In on November 6 and Fight Plastic

Got a computer? How about some friends? If both of the above apply, get a group together and check out the Plastic Pollution Coalition’s TedxGreatPacificGarbagePatch event! This event is a video conference streamed live over the Interne. It will bring together leaders of all walks of life. They will teach you how to refuse disposable plastic that ends up in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, so often.

Speakers include: Dr. Sylvia Early, Van Jones, David de Rothschild, and Ed Begley Jr.

Getting involved is easy! Just screen the event starting at 11 AM CST from any laptop or computer with Internet connection and educate yourself about plastic consumption. OR join a pre-formed watch party in your area.

After the conference, tune in here or on other political blogs and discuss how you think the issue should be addressed. Should the focus be on individual responsibility, or should we focus instead on over-arching social reforms?

For more info, click HERE!!

Here's the Agenda, too with speakers and topics listed.

Coffee. Work. Repeat

As the cold weather begins to consume us, lets spend a few minutes thinking about that beverage that warms us up and keeps us moving throughout our day: Coffee.

Unbeknownst to many, there are alternatives to simply sipping out of a disposable cup. Simply ask for a “house ceramic mug” if you plan on staying in the coffeehouse. If the barista gives you a hard time, simply explain politely that you are dining in and would like a reusable cup. This way, you’ll avoid the guilt of using (an oftentimes virgin wood pulp) paper cup that will clog landfills. On top of the aforementioned problems, many cups contain plastic liners (polyethylene) that cannot be recycled.

Many coffee shops have switched from reusable cups to paper ones because they can quickly be handed out, without worrying about needing staff or equipment to wash them. However, many are willing to provide customers with reusable mugs if asked. If they aren’t able to give you a mug, politely inquire why. This way, we will know the cause of eco-unfriendly strategies and what can be done to help businesses change these habits.

Taking it “to-go” before running to class or work? Forgot you cup?…Again? We’ve all been there. Next time, pack your extra mug or cup in your bag. It can also be used as another container for small items such as pens, lipgloss, spare change, etc (but you might want to wrap these in reusable cloth so you don’t have penny-tasting java…yuck).

How to break the system of disposables? One solution is to educate the business owners by showing your commitment to eco-friendliness. Also, support organizations that push for packaging reform and who band together to promote social change. Legislation, organized political actions, consumer choices, and other methods must constantly work together to make our world greener.

The Importance of Ingenuity

Here at No Foam Chicago, we are obsessed with finding new materials to replace the nasty “Styrofoam” clamshells. Perhaps some of our supporters are already familiar with items such as bagasse (sugar cane) or bamboo; alternative materials such as these do not contain petroleum based products like “Styrofoam” does and they break down much faster. They do not leach chemicals and toxins into food, nor are they linked with cancer-causing agents, like “Styrofoam” is.

While there are already many excellent alternative options out there, we must constantly pay homage to the individuals and think tanks across the country (indeed across the world) that continuously develop new strategies.

This video from TED describes how fungus can be turned into packaging materials. There are extreme implications for such a product, especially since it is an actual living material. If living containers, packaging, and home insulation sounds space age to you, check out this video!! It also discusses the horrors of “Styrofoam”.

http://www.ted.com/talks/eben_bayer_are_mushrooms_the_new_plastic.html

Another idea involves mimicking ants. Yes, you heard that correctly. Insects. This "Inhabitat" article describes how the animals’ many virtues, such as a tough exoskeleton, can be harnessed by designers and used as inspiration for packaging!

http://inhabitat.com/2010/10/01/packaging-the-future-inspiration-from-ants/