Wood for the Trees

Even in 2020 we don't often write posts about periods, but half the population experience them, and that creates a lot of waste. But slowly that is changing and reusable sanitary towels and mooncups are becoming more prevalent. I have been using reusable sanitary towels for about 7 years now. They're more comfortable, more absorbent, saves money and better for the planet. What's not to love? Well they do chafe something chronic when it comes to exercising. Long runs from home I can get away with free bleeding and stripping off in the shower. But other exercise is a bit more tricky. (And who the frig decided doboks should be white?! Not someone who has periods that's for sure)  When I heard about period pants I wondered if this might be the solution. So I ordered some. I bought the light - moderate flow one as that's the one they sold as activewear. But as my purpose would be to wear them for a only a few hours even on a heavy flow day I hoped this would be en...

I have been on my journey into a more ethical and minimalist style of living for a little over 8 months now. Something I have been wondering is whether I'm making any difference at all. With the amount of plastic in the oceans set to triple over the next 10 years, with scientists warning that the planet's sixth mass extinction crisis is under way, is there any hope? And how can buying some soap instead of shampoo or a bamboo toothbrush possibly be enough to avert this crisis? Well it's not. Not on it's own. But individuals have power, businesses want us to think that they are in charge of telling us what we should buy and how we should live, but quite the reverse is true. We decide on how businesses operate by putting our money into them when we purchase things. 15 years ago I was involved in the Fair Trade movement. As a student group we read a policy that the restaurants on campus were supposed to offer fair trade options. So off we went, and asked for a fair tra...