Dear Lexi: I remember when cotton handkerchiefs were the norm! Disposable tissues weren't even a consideration back in those days. They were expensive, and fairly new. Now, here's the thing. You can apply this exact same concept to toilet paper. Stop using toilet paper when you pee. Make simple cotton wipes (and they should be cotton) to use in place of commercial toilet paper. We only use the store bought toilet paper for number two, for obvious reasons. The wipes don't tend to smell as long as you keep them in a covered container and wash your little stack of used cotton squares regularly, when you normally do your laundry. I had a lot of old cotton hankies from my father, and we still use those. You can often find them in thrift stores for practically nothing, and I have some very sweet and pretty ones from Victorian times right through to the 40s and 50s. They're a fine absorbent cotton and lovely to use. Actually better (and softer) for your 'bits' than the paper stuff! I would say that we use 1/10 of the amount of toilet paper that we used to. Considering the cost of it now, the waste and fallout from the manufacturing, (not to mention the amount that's going into the environment), I think this is a brilliant way to circumvent that, just as you're doing with your handkerchiefs. You would need to make sure that Bray couldn't get into the container, that would be the only issue you might have. 😂 My reason? So that young people (like yourself) will still have a world of beauty to appreciate and enjoy when you're my age. I agree with you, I can only affect my immediate surroundings. But I feel that these things have a ripple effect, and I continue to hope that such ideas will spread and be nurtured by all of us who are aware. By the way, sand from the Sierra? That's over 3,000 km from you! WTF?!?! Much love always, my friend... Marian 🇨🇦
Dear Marian, I am sorry that it took me over a week to answer your comment. I needed a little bit of time away from social media. I hope you are well and had a lovely week. Thank you for sharing your way to reduce waste in your everyday life. It sounds like you found a great alternative that works for you, even though it might not be as convenient as using normal toilet paper. But that just proves that we can get used to a lot if we only care enough to try. I myself try to get used to a different solution. Don´t ask me what it is called in English. 😂 It is a portable "shower" (for a lack of a better word) where you can fill in water and then clean yourself after. It is a great way but because I am currently living together with my sister and she is using normal toilet paper it is very hard for me to not use it as well. That is something I still have to work on. But I think of every time I don´t do it as a win. 🙈😂 Yes, the sand of the Sahara desert blows over Germany occasionally. I haven´t really seen it in such a long time so I did not eminently think of it when I saw the yellow light outside. They spoke of "blood rain" and my car was looking really bad after. 😂 And my nose was not happy about it either. I also read in the comments you sent to @Charlotte P that you play the harp. What a lovely instrument. As a child, I was always fascinated by all the stings. 😂 By the way, I love how you and Charlotte write back to one another. Whenever I see that it makes my heart melt and leaves a big smile on my face. 😊 I send you lots of love and greetings from Germany. Lexi
@@becomingadreamcatcher Hey, you! 🤗 I absolutely understand taking a break from social media, electronics, even the phone. For me, Wednesday is my day to shut the phone off, watch no tv, do nothing on social media. It was difficult the first time I tried this, I felt like my brain was flopping around like a fish out of water for the first seven or eight hours. But then it settled out and I felt so much better. That day I actually took my harp to a cemetery in a tiny town in the middle of nowhere, and just played in the afternoon sunshine for a few hours. It was a lovely experience. One of the stranger things that happened was, I began to dream again. I hadn't dreamed, or certainly not remembered any dreams, for many many years. Eliminating the electronics had an immediate effect. I've cut back a great deal on spending time with computers of any kind. I try to avoid using them later in the day as well. This has encouraged me to enjoy more time outdoors, going for long drives, or walking on the beach. It has been wonderful connecting with Charlotte. She feels like a kindred spirit, as do you! Have yourself a fantastic week, Lexi! 💞 "m"e 🇨🇦
Hello Lexi, I left a reply days ago...maybe I pressed 'cancel' rather than 'comment'. Anyway, here I am again. Like Marian, I have stacks of lovely, soft, old, fine linen handkerchiefs from my husband and grandparents, which I use all the time. My latest eco friendly move has been turning my heating down, bit by bit, 2 and a half degrees. I'm wearing more layers, and fingerless gloves allow me to feel comfortable and do whatever I want, without feeling cold. Even playing my harp. Saves lots on my heating bills, too. We got the Sahara rain, too. Maybe not quite as much as you, but enough to make quite a mess of the windows, and my car...which I had just washed. I'm ashamed to say, its still there... Love to you from dusty England, Lexi xx
Charlotte!!!😊 You play the harp? Well, guess what. Me too. I kid you not. Seriously, what are the chances! I play Celtic harp, and have three. A floor harp, 36 string. My travel harp, 22-string. And a 25 string steel strung harp, which is my absolute favourite of all. Had to learn to grow fingernails to use that one, but it's been well worth it over the years. I started in the mid 80s. How long have you been at it? I don't crochet or knit, but I tend to cultivate friends that do. I have many sets of fingerless gloves, which I also use when playing to keep my hands warm. This past year I've been trying to keep the temperature in the house a bit lower too. It has definitely shown on our heating bills! How's your Mom doing, and the wee Toby-meister? Didn't realize you were in England. What area? Much love, and super hugs on route! 💞 Marian 🇨🇦
@@onewomanswhisky That is quite a coincidence! Mine is a 36 string Teifi Eos, which I've played for about 10 years. I'm not very good, despite the years of practise, but enjoy playing with a group of harp playing friends. We had a concert in a local church on Sunday, there were 12 harps, ranging from huge pedal harps to tiny lever harps. I went along as an audience member, not having been able to make the rehearsals, because Toby had been ill😕(actually, it was really good to listen for a change!) Mom is well, thanks, but I had to have poor little Toby put to sleep on Friday, 😥😥😥on the advice of my vet. Toby had a Giardia infection, which can be treated with antibiotics, but it can also become chronic. The antibiotics seemed to work for Toby, but only while he was taking them, and the vet said that as he was so thin when he came to me, it was a chronic infection, and probably why his first family didn't want him. Toby had horrible stomach cramps, and IF we managed to clear it (temporarily, with a 10 week course of antibiotics), he would almost certainly re-infect himself; he also needed an operation on the hernia caused by a dog attack...and he had a problem with his right hind leg from the same, which made him limp after a walk. Laura, our vet, said they have seen a 500% increase in cases of Giardia this year, from 1 to 2 cases a week, to 1 to 2 cases a day. Many dogs have no symptoms, but are carriers, passing it on to other dogs, and it's likely to be more serious in puppies - like Toby. Poor little Toby Tiddler, he deserved so much more life. But I really did my best for him, and he had so much more fun in the last 3 months than he had in the first 8. I will never forget the fun he had romping with the dog trainer's 10 month old puppy in my cousin's field (the first dog he had ever played with); the look on his face when I shared an ice cream with him; when I gave him fillet steak for his tea; and the walks we had together - he was getting so much better on the lead. He was a lovely, loving little dog, despite his problems, and I really miss his wagging tail and wicked little face. I live in Kidderminster near Bewdley, on the Worcestershire / Shropshire border, it's a great place to live, with good walking in the Wyre Forest and Shropshire Hills nearby. Whereabout do you live, Marian? Happy harping, love and hugs back! Charlotte x
@@Tortise02 Oh no! I am so sorry to hear about Toby, bless his wee heart. What a darned shame. He got to enjoy some of his life though, and in a much better situation than he was in previously, thanks to you. Still, it doesn't make it any easier or hurt any less. I've never heard of that disease, it sounds awful. Hopefully someone soon comes up with a better way to treat it that's more effective! I was actually through your neck of the woods a number of years ago when I was in England. My brother had been living in Sheffield, and moved to Bangor in Wales to teach at the University. Afterwards, I did some traveling south of there and I seem to remember Kidderminster was a rather pretty town, not huge, but a nice size. Just checked the weather where you are, and it's exactly the same there as it is here today! I'm in London Ontario. Have been here most of my life, and we live in the house that my parents built themselves back in the early 1950's. It took them two and a half years to complete, my dad had never built a house before. It's a cute little cottage bungalow, and is solid and will likely never fall down! Meanwhile, hang in there...🤗 "m"e 🇨🇦
@@onewomanswhisky Thanks, Marian. I'd be happy to chat to you anytime (as long as you're not offended if I don't reply immediately). Kidderminster is a rather sad town, suffering like many, as online shopping has taken off, but Bewdley is a pretty little Georgian town, on the River Severn, and with an historic steam Railway (the Severn Valley). There is a Safari Park just 10 minutes walk away from me. There can't be too many places where you can lie in bed and hear steam trains, and lions roaring at the same time! Next time you are in England...let me know. my email is cpountney1@live.co.uk. Cx
Dear Charlotte, thank you for your comment 😊 Yes, the sand of the Sahara turned my green car brown. It took two washing programs and there is still some left. 🙈 Turning down the heat is such a great thing to do. Not only for the environment but also for your heating bill 😂. I put on the heat in my room maybe three times this winter. Yes, it was cold, but nothing that an extra layer of clothes and a hot tea could not fix. Combined with the cold showers I took I was not as cold anyway. How lovely to hear that you enjoy playing the harp just like Marian. It is such a beautiful instrument and I admire everyone who is able to make sense of all those strings. 😂 I hope that you will be able to join in at the next concert. I am so sorry and sad to hear what happened to little Toby. 😥😥😥 What a terrible fate. I hope that you can find comfort with your loved ones and in the fact that you brought him so much joy in those months, he was with you. Bray too had a giardia infection last year as a puppy. It went on for such a long time and was treated with antibiotics. But after that, he still had diarrhea and it took me so long to figure out what was wrong and then treat him with a natural reconstructive cure for his intestinal. It was such a hard time for both of us. Not being able to really sleep for months because he was waking me up almost every night and I had to take him outside. I know how hard it must have been for you but I can´t even imagine getting the news that it would be better to put your loved pet to sleep. I am so incredibly sorry. Especially because you had to go through it only a couple of months ago with your other dog. I am thinking of you and sending you lots of love and hugs. Lexi
What was the last thing you did to live more sustainably and eco-friendly? 💚
I bought secondhand clothers, because i needed some tshirts. :)
Dear Lexi:
I remember when cotton handkerchiefs were the norm! Disposable tissues weren't even a consideration back in those days. They were expensive, and fairly new.
Now, here's the thing. You can apply this exact same concept to toilet paper. Stop using toilet paper when you pee. Make simple cotton wipes (and they should be cotton) to use in place of commercial toilet paper. We only use the store bought toilet paper for number two, for obvious reasons. The wipes don't tend to smell as long as you keep them in a covered container and wash your little stack of used cotton squares regularly, when you normally do your laundry. I had a lot of old cotton hankies from my father, and we still use those. You can often find them in thrift stores for practically nothing, and I have some very sweet and pretty ones from Victorian times right through to the 40s and 50s. They're a fine absorbent cotton and lovely to use. Actually better (and softer) for your 'bits' than the paper stuff!
I would say that we use 1/10 of the amount of toilet paper that we used to. Considering the cost of it now, the waste and fallout from the manufacturing, (not to mention the amount that's going into the environment), I think this is a brilliant way to circumvent that, just as you're doing with your handkerchiefs. You would need to make sure that Bray couldn't get into the container, that would be the only issue you might have. 😂
My reason? So that young people (like yourself) will still have a world of beauty to appreciate and enjoy when you're my age. I agree with you, I can only affect my immediate surroundings. But I feel that these things have a ripple effect, and I continue to hope that such ideas will spread and be nurtured by all of us who are aware.
By the way, sand from the Sierra? That's over 3,000 km from you! WTF?!?!
Much love always, my friend...
Marian 🇨🇦
Dear Marian,
I am sorry that it took me over a week to answer your comment. I needed a little bit of time away from social media. I hope you are well and had a lovely week.
Thank you for sharing your way to reduce waste in your everyday life. It sounds like you found a great alternative that works for you, even though it might not be as convenient as using normal toilet paper. But that just proves that we can get used to a lot if we only care enough to try.
I myself try to get used to a different solution. Don´t ask me what it is called in English. 😂
It is a portable "shower" (for a lack of a better word) where you can fill in water and then clean yourself after. It is a great way but because I am currently living together with my sister and she is using normal toilet paper it is very hard for me to not use it as well. That is something I still have to work on. But I think of every time I don´t do it as a win. 🙈😂
Yes, the sand of the Sahara desert blows over Germany occasionally. I haven´t really seen it in such a long time so I did not eminently think of it when I saw the yellow light outside. They spoke of "blood rain" and my car was looking really bad after. 😂 And my nose was not happy about it either.
I also read in the comments you sent to @Charlotte P that you play the harp. What a lovely instrument. As a child, I was always fascinated by all the stings. 😂
By the way, I love how you and Charlotte write back to one another. Whenever I see that it makes my heart melt and leaves a big smile on my face. 😊
I send you lots of love and greetings from Germany.
Lexi
@@becomingadreamcatcher Hey, you! 🤗 I absolutely understand taking a break from social media, electronics, even the phone. For me, Wednesday is my day to shut the phone off, watch no tv, do nothing on social media. It was difficult the first time I tried this, I felt like my brain was flopping around like a fish out of water for the first seven or eight hours. But then it settled out and I felt so much better. That day I actually took my harp to a cemetery in a tiny town in the middle of nowhere, and just played in the afternoon sunshine for a few hours. It was a lovely experience. One of the stranger things that happened was, I began to dream again. I hadn't dreamed, or certainly not remembered any dreams, for many many years. Eliminating the electronics had an immediate effect. I've cut back a great deal on spending time with computers of any kind. I try to avoid using them later in the day as well. This has encouraged me to enjoy more time outdoors, going for long drives, or walking on the beach.
It has been wonderful connecting with Charlotte. She feels like a kindred spirit, as do you! Have yourself a fantastic week, Lexi!
💞
"m"e 🇨🇦
Hello Lexi, I left a reply days ago...maybe I pressed 'cancel' rather than 'comment'. Anyway, here I am again. Like Marian, I have stacks of lovely, soft, old, fine linen handkerchiefs from my husband and grandparents, which I use all the time.
My latest eco friendly move has been turning my heating down, bit by bit, 2 and a half degrees. I'm wearing more layers, and fingerless gloves allow me to feel comfortable and do whatever I want, without feeling cold. Even playing my harp. Saves lots on my heating bills, too.
We got the Sahara rain, too. Maybe not quite as much as you, but enough to make quite a mess of the windows, and my car...which I had just washed. I'm ashamed to say, its still there...
Love to you from dusty England, Lexi xx
Charlotte!!!😊
You play the harp? Well, guess what. Me too. I kid you not. Seriously, what are the chances!
I play Celtic harp, and have three. A floor harp, 36 string. My travel harp, 22-string. And a 25 string steel strung harp, which is my absolute favourite of all. Had to learn to grow fingernails to use that one, but it's been well worth it over the years. I started in the mid 80s. How long have you been at it?
I don't crochet or knit, but I tend to cultivate friends that do. I have many sets of fingerless gloves, which I also use when playing to keep my hands warm.
This past year I've been trying to keep the temperature in the house a bit lower too. It has definitely shown on our heating bills!
How's your Mom doing, and the wee Toby-meister?
Didn't realize you were in England. What area?
Much love, and super hugs on route! 💞
Marian 🇨🇦
@@onewomanswhisky That is quite a coincidence! Mine is a 36 string Teifi Eos, which I've played for about 10 years. I'm not very good, despite the years of practise, but enjoy playing with a group of harp playing friends. We had a concert in a local church on Sunday, there were 12 harps, ranging from huge pedal harps to tiny lever harps. I went along as an audience member, not having been able to make the rehearsals, because Toby had been ill😕(actually, it was really good to listen for a change!)
Mom is well, thanks, but I had to have poor little Toby put to sleep on Friday, 😥😥😥on the advice of my vet. Toby had a Giardia infection, which can be treated with antibiotics, but it can also become chronic. The antibiotics seemed to work for Toby, but only while he was taking them, and the vet said that as he was so thin when he came to me, it was a chronic infection, and probably why his first family didn't want him. Toby had horrible stomach cramps, and IF we managed to clear it (temporarily, with a 10 week course of antibiotics), he would almost certainly re-infect himself; he also needed an operation on the hernia caused by a dog attack...and he had a problem with his right hind leg from the same, which made him limp after a walk. Laura, our vet, said they have seen a 500% increase in cases of Giardia this year, from 1 to 2 cases a week, to 1 to 2 cases a day. Many dogs have no symptoms, but are carriers, passing it on to other dogs, and it's likely to be more serious in puppies - like Toby.
Poor little Toby Tiddler, he deserved so much more life. But I really did my best for him, and he had so much more fun in the last 3 months than he had in the first 8. I will never forget the fun he had romping with the dog trainer's 10 month old puppy in my cousin's field (the first dog he had ever played with); the look on his face when I shared an ice cream with him; when I gave him fillet steak for his tea; and the walks we had together - he was getting so much better on the lead. He was a lovely, loving little dog, despite his problems, and I really miss his wagging tail and wicked little face.
I live in Kidderminster near Bewdley, on the Worcestershire / Shropshire border, it's a great place to live, with good walking in the Wyre Forest and Shropshire Hills nearby. Whereabout do you live, Marian?
Happy harping, love and hugs back!
Charlotte x
@@Tortise02 Oh no! I am so sorry to hear about Toby, bless his wee heart. What a darned shame. He got to enjoy some of his life though, and in a much better situation than he was in previously, thanks to you. Still, it doesn't make it any easier or hurt any less. I've never heard of that disease, it sounds awful. Hopefully someone soon comes up with a better way to treat it that's more effective!
I was actually through your neck of the woods a number of years ago when I was in England. My brother had been living in Sheffield, and moved to Bangor in Wales to teach at the University. Afterwards, I did some traveling south of there and I seem to remember Kidderminster was a rather pretty town, not huge, but a nice size. Just checked the weather where you are, and it's exactly the same there as it is here today!
I'm in London Ontario. Have been here most of my life, and we live in the house that my parents built themselves back in the early 1950's. It took them two and a half years to complete, my dad had never built a house before. It's a cute little cottage bungalow, and is solid and will likely never fall down!
Meanwhile, hang in there...🤗
"m"e 🇨🇦
@@onewomanswhisky Thanks, Marian. I'd be happy to chat to you anytime (as long as you're not offended if I don't reply immediately). Kidderminster is a rather sad town, suffering like many, as online shopping has taken off, but Bewdley is a pretty little Georgian town, on the River Severn, and with an historic steam Railway (the Severn Valley). There is a Safari Park just 10 minutes walk away from me. There can't be too many places where you can lie in bed and hear steam trains, and lions roaring at the same time! Next time you are in England...let me know. my email is cpountney1@live.co.uk. Cx
Dear Charlotte,
thank you for your comment 😊
Yes, the sand of the Sahara turned my green car brown. It took two washing programs and there is still some left. 🙈
Turning down the heat is such a great thing to do. Not only for the environment but also for your heating bill 😂. I put on the heat in my room maybe three times this winter. Yes, it was cold, but nothing that an extra layer of clothes and a hot tea could not fix. Combined with the cold showers I took I was not as cold anyway.
How lovely to hear that you enjoy playing the harp just like Marian. It is such a beautiful instrument and I admire everyone who is able to make sense of all those strings. 😂 I hope that you will be able to join in at the next concert.
I am so sorry and sad to hear what happened to little Toby. 😥😥😥 What a terrible fate. I hope that you can find comfort with your loved ones and in the fact that you brought him so much joy in those months, he was with you.
Bray too had a giardia infection last year as a puppy. It went on for such a long time and was treated with antibiotics. But after that, he still had diarrhea and it took me so long to figure out what was wrong and then treat him with a natural reconstructive cure for his intestinal.
It was such a hard time for both of us. Not being able to really sleep for months because he was waking me up almost every night and I had to take him outside.
I know how hard it must have been for you but I can´t even imagine getting the news that it would be better to put your loved pet to sleep. I am so incredibly sorry. Especially because you had to go through it only a couple of months ago with your other dog.
I am thinking of you and sending you lots of love and hugs.
Lexi