TIP INSPIRATION
I've sifted through Instagram and Twitter. Read articles. Talk to people. All in search for what can be done to help fight racial injustice. There are so many things we can do. I'll be sharing the most agreed-upon actions we can take to help that I find. This is one of them. More to come.
Also, as mentioned in Monday's email...
Given current events and tragic injustices, it seemed irresponsible to ignore the human rights issue of racism in America and beyond. Talking about anything else without addressing this first would be pointless, because, until this is addressed, nothing we do in this climate of inequality will ever really be sustainable, in the truest sense of the word.
 From Subscriber Susan M on Monday's tip:
Good post. This is my issue with the free trade movement – it's only equitable if the conditions are the same including working conditions, otherwise we're ignoring the human rights issue. We buy things from companies that doesn't support our basic working rights – i.e. for a minimum wage etc.. The Bangladesh clothing building collapse a few years ago highlighted this. We're benefiting from lax human rights. Saying no doesn't help them either but speaking up & saying something is better. NB I'm from Australia so our working rights are different to America. From Subscriber Martha W: I sometimes wonder how to wash dishes by hand and use the least amount of water. Also how would one find the dish-washing soap which would be least harmful to the environment?
TWW Reply:
Thanks for the great questions. I use a dishwashing soap block and it's great, not only because it's plastic-free and biodegradable ingredients, but I actually prefer washing dishes with it...no need to add the step of pouring anything from a container. Search for "zero waste dishwashing soap block" and you should find some in your area. I use a regular natural sponge with it, no need for the brush that they might recommend with it.
In terms of using less water, awareness is the first tip I'd recommend, so applause on being there already. I have a phrase I keep in my mind while washing "If I'm scrubbing, the water ain't running". It helps me remember to turn off the water while I'm scrubbing any dishes. Another idea is to have a large bowl in the sink and keep it under the running water that you're using while washing dishes or doing other things in the sink. When it gets filled enough, you can use it as a first step to get off crumbs etc on plates and dishes, and then add the soap and only use the fresh running water to rinse it clean.
Finally, the best way to reduce water use for dish washing is to just use fewer dishes! I try to cook one-pot meals as much as possible, for example. I try to keep one reusable water bottle as my cup all day. Etc..
Hope this helps!
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