Day 171 (Year Two)
A Little Bit of Coca Cola...
Five days on the road and a long day of air travel had me feeling a bit queasy and I knew the only cure would be ti sip some Coca Cola. There is something about the fizz and the right kind of sweetness (and chemicals) that seem to be oh so helpful in these situations.
On the last leg of my journey, I politely asked the flight attendant if she would be able to be pour a little bit of Coke into my water bottle. I quickly gave my standard explanation and (over)shared that I wanted to save having to use a cup, one less cup in the landfill, ha ha, better for the
environment, blah blah...
She happily granted my request and was all fun and good cheer until she
asked if wanted ice. I said sure, and she gave me a cup of ice – because she had apparently stopped listening after “Coke in the water bottle”. I got a little flustered and said, “Uh, well that kind of defeats my original purpose of not wanting to use a cup”, which I think offended her, so she tried to pour the ice into my water bottle for me and even tried to shove the ice into my water bottle with the cup itself. Since the ice cubes were too big, they plopped onto my lap, onto the floor and onto my already annoyed seatmate
who had ordered her cranberry juice and pretzels before I ordered my Coke.
The attendant took the cup back from me (with a few cubes still remaining) and tried to shove it back onto her cart but it didn’t quite stay in the space properly. It kind of squished itself back out of the space forcing the remaining cubes to pop out of the cup and land in the middle of the aisle at her feet.
It was getting so all chaotic and weird and I started laughing a little at the absurdity of a simple request gone bad –inappropriate giggling like in church or the library when because you know you are not supposed to laugh, you laugh even more! I then said out loud to everyone – yet to no one in particular – “Oh, no...drama!” in kind of a singsong-y voice which did not amuse the attendant or my seatmate.
Needless to say, I enjoyed my warm Coke in solitude.
My seatmate went back to her book and juice (she did get her drink eventually) and the flight attendant did not make eye contact with me for the rest of the flight.
No new friends on this trip but I did avoid coming home with one more piece of trash/recycle. Oh, and I do feel better...
Have a Nothing New Day! Kristin
Monday, November 7, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
It's Not What You Miss, It's What You Think You'll Miss
Day 168 (Year Two)
After 5 months of not watching TV, I broke the "fast" and watched one hour of TV last night. Between 10-11pm, I channel surfed and caught bits of Law & Order (dunh dunh), Gray's Anatomy, The Mentalist, Anderson Cooper and a glimpse in a fight in a women's prison. I saw "dead" bodies, blood and guts, serial killers, child abuse, ruined lives and sad stories. I do not miss TV, I do not miss it at all. I do not miss Glee, The Office, The Good Wife or Modern Family...I do miss As the World Turns since it went off the air in 2010. On the air since 1956, I watched that show all my life - my Mom watched it and so did her Mom. Grandma called it "the story"..."Did you watch the story today?" Love that.
Why did I turn on the tube? I had already "misbehaved" by ordering room service french fries (trying to cut back on bad food and quantity of said food consumed), so I think on some level I felt like I had already blown it on the food front so why not go ahead and break another "rule" I had set for myself. I guess I also thought that the fries would taste better in bed whilst watching TV. Really? OK, I also rationalized with intentions of watching the news to get caught up. Just a ruse.
After all was said and done, I was not smarter, more clued in, more entertained or more relaxed. Neutral at best, bad dream producing material at worst.
Isn't it so easy to break a rule once one has already been broken?
Isn't it so easy to make up reasons for why our off track behavior is OK even though is is not what we had agreed to do?
Isn't is so easy to imagine what we THINK we are missing? Then when we "get there" it is kind of, not really at all what we thought it was going to be?
In some ways I am glad I looked at the TV and reminded myself of why I do not really miss it at all. I was reminded that I could have spent that hour doing something else. Gotten another hour of sleep, posted a blog entry, written content for my website, read the day's paper or the great book I brought along.
I am happy to go back to no TV and have learned my lesson - a late learner on this one. Years ago, my Dad had what we now call a teachable moment with me as a 10th grader when I snuck out of my bedroom (via window) to go to Sherry Auclair's house to work on the Homecoming float late on a school night. I thought EVERYONE WOULD BE THERE and that if I didn't go that I would be the only one not there. Turns out, only 3 kids showed up because their parents wouldn't let them go out late on a school night. Yup. It's not what you miss, it's what you think you'll miss. Thank you Dad...so true!
Feels the same! I didn't really miss anything at Sherry's and I surely am not missing anything by not watching TV. I do need to work harder at getting the news - radio while driving and computer should do the trick.
Confession over - back on track!
Have a Nothing New Day! Kristin
After 5 months of not watching TV, I broke the "fast" and watched one hour of TV last night. Between 10-11pm, I channel surfed and caught bits of Law & Order (dunh dunh), Gray's Anatomy, The Mentalist, Anderson Cooper and a glimpse in a fight in a women's prison. I saw "dead" bodies, blood and guts, serial killers, child abuse, ruined lives and sad stories. I do not miss TV, I do not miss it at all. I do not miss Glee, The Office, The Good Wife or Modern Family...I do miss As the World Turns since it went off the air in 2010. On the air since 1956, I watched that show all my life - my Mom watched it and so did her Mom. Grandma called it "the story"..."Did you watch the story today?" Love that.
Why did I turn on the tube? I had already "misbehaved" by ordering room service french fries (trying to cut back on bad food and quantity of said food consumed), so I think on some level I felt like I had already blown it on the food front so why not go ahead and break another "rule" I had set for myself. I guess I also thought that the fries would taste better in bed whilst watching TV. Really? OK, I also rationalized with intentions of watching the news to get caught up. Just a ruse.
After all was said and done, I was not smarter, more clued in, more entertained or more relaxed. Neutral at best, bad dream producing material at worst.
Isn't it so easy to break a rule once one has already been broken?
Isn't it so easy to make up reasons for why our off track behavior is OK even though is is not what we had agreed to do?
Isn't is so easy to imagine what we THINK we are missing? Then when we "get there" it is kind of, not really at all what we thought it was going to be?
In some ways I am glad I looked at the TV and reminded myself of why I do not really miss it at all. I was reminded that I could have spent that hour doing something else. Gotten another hour of sleep, posted a blog entry, written content for my website, read the day's paper or the great book I brought along.
I am happy to go back to no TV and have learned my lesson - a late learner on this one. Years ago, my Dad had what we now call a teachable moment with me as a 10th grader when I snuck out of my bedroom (via window) to go to Sherry Auclair's house to work on the Homecoming float late on a school night. I thought EVERYONE WOULD BE THERE and that if I didn't go that I would be the only one not there. Turns out, only 3 kids showed up because their parents wouldn't let them go out late on a school night. Yup. It's not what you miss, it's what you think you'll miss. Thank you Dad...so true!
Feels the same! I didn't really miss anything at Sherry's and I surely am not missing anything by not watching TV. I do need to work harder at getting the news - radio while driving and computer should do the trick.
Confession over - back on track!
Have a Nothing New Day! Kristin
Saturday, October 15, 2011
It Was Just the Right Thing To Do
Day 148 (Year Two)
My fellow Kiwanian, Rich Stewart, is the Director of Legacy at Clover Blossom, an adult care facility with 240 residents in Rochester, NY. On September 1, 2011, his site joined the other seven Legacy’s in town committed to "going greener" by eliminating styrofoam take-out containers and cups in their dining room! Eco-clamshell boxes are now used for take-out food and only ceramic cups or glassware for beverages. Although the to-go option still exists for food, albeit in much smaller containers, to-go coffee is no longer an option their dining rooms.
The initial program was tested at one of the sites, and with great success, it was adopted at the other three.
Originally, the discussions on their to-go policy with the administration, owners and principals centered around environmental, financial and health issues. Besides these common concerns, they also knew that the to-go option meant that many of their residents were not spending as much time in the dining room at meals as they perhaps could by enjoying their second cup of coffee with a fellow resident.
They explored the positive social implications of reducing the take-out options. Could this impact the way people connect - in person - and perhaps build a stronger community? The pilot site answered that question with a big yes!
Rich facilitated two months of on-going conversations with his Residence Council – walked and talked everyone through the pending changes. Viewed once as a potential inconvenience the new policy is now embraced as a welcome change! Residents are grounded in new habits they know are good for the environment - and good for their environment! They are taking more time to talk with each other in the dining room and conversations and relationships are carrying over way past breakfast. What an excellent example of the sustainability triple bottom line in action - people, planet AND profit...well did Legacy!
"It was just the right thing to do", Rich said. He also shared with me that people do not seem to miss the old to-go option. Once in place and after a few weeks, everyone was on board. He also recognized the decision for Monroe County to accept recyclables up to Number 7 as another facet of their decision to go greener....Thank you Monroe County!
Problem. Solution. That was easy!
It is a privilege to know this story. Thank you Rich and the Residents at Legacy Clover Blossom!
Have a Nothing New Day! Kristin
My fellow Kiwanian, Rich Stewart, is the Director of Legacy at Clover Blossom, an adult care facility with 240 residents in Rochester, NY. On September 1, 2011, his site joined the other seven Legacy’s in town committed to "going greener" by eliminating styrofoam take-out containers and cups in their dining room! Eco-clamshell boxes are now used for take-out food and only ceramic cups or glassware for beverages. Although the to-go option still exists for food, albeit in much smaller containers, to-go coffee is no longer an option their dining rooms.
The initial program was tested at one of the sites, and with great success, it was adopted at the other three.
Originally, the discussions on their to-go policy with the administration, owners and principals centered around environmental, financial and health issues. Besides these common concerns, they also knew that the to-go option meant that many of their residents were not spending as much time in the dining room at meals as they perhaps could by enjoying their second cup of coffee with a fellow resident.
They explored the positive social implications of reducing the take-out options. Could this impact the way people connect - in person - and perhaps build a stronger community? The pilot site answered that question with a big yes!
Rich facilitated two months of on-going conversations with his Residence Council – walked and talked everyone through the pending changes. Viewed once as a potential inconvenience the new policy is now embraced as a welcome change! Residents are grounded in new habits they know are good for the environment - and good for their environment! They are taking more time to talk with each other in the dining room and conversations and relationships are carrying over way past breakfast. What an excellent example of the sustainability triple bottom line in action - people, planet AND profit...well did Legacy!
"It was just the right thing to do", Rich said. He also shared with me that people do not seem to miss the old to-go option. Once in place and after a few weeks, everyone was on board. He also recognized the decision for Monroe County to accept recyclables up to Number 7 as another facet of their decision to go greener....Thank you Monroe County!
Problem. Solution. That was easy!
It is a privilege to know this story. Thank you Rich and the Residents at Legacy Clover Blossom!
Have a Nothing New Day! Kristin
Monday, September 26, 2011
No Water for You
DAY 129 (Year Two)
One of my "sticky" habits (changes that have prevailed over time and memory) is bringing a reusable water bottle, a travel coffee cup, bamboo To-Go Ware and my own cloth napkins when I travel. I usually refill the water bottle before getting on the plane at a water fountain (aka "bubbler" - hello WI/MN family and friends!) or at a restaurant. I do not get water from the restroom sink. Nope.
Anyway, I was a little rushed getting onto the last leg of a Delta flight home and saved my water refill for the flight. I have never been refused a refill on board, so I had no reason to think this time would be any different...
Once we were at cruising altitude and drinks were being served - which by the way I NEVER need to know how high in the sky we are, thank you - I got my bottle ready and was going to deliver my standard, "Water please and could you put it in here?", while offering up the bottle to the attendant with a casual and perky, "Just trying to save a cup!"
Well, that wouldn't wash with Wanda, who responded, "Oh ,right, uh, well, no." I was surprised, but just said OK and put my bottle away which in retrospect must have thrown her off - perhaps she was expecting a volume argument. I figured it was just a matter of time before I would be refused for sanitary reasons...you know, if her bottle touched my bottle in a moment of sudden turbulence - it would be icky, there would be germs and would create a very un-hygienic situation...and I agree! Her bottle would be unusable and besides who knows if her bottle had touched other people's bottles. Wanda clearly felt bad for denying me - she told me that she would feel responsible if I got dehydrated and offered me a plastic cup of water to pour into my bottle - still defeating the purpose of not using a cup. She tried hard to get me to take a cup with her promise to recycle it. She even offered me the liter bottle she was pouring from! Nonetheless, I stuck with my decision and she stuck with hers. I had to say four or five times that it was OK, I totally understood and reassured her that we would be Facebook friends by the time we landed!
Anyway, my positive agreement with her and her willingness to share the reasons behind her response, led us into Part One of a great conversation about it not being Delta's policy about not refilling water bottles (she wasn't sure they had one!) but actually her own personal policy. I respect that 100%. Delta does recycle when they can (time permitting) and I appreciate that. This exchange took about 5 minutes and with an "ahem" from the other attendant, and as they rolled on back to dispense more Coke and tomato juice and I heard one or two more "sorrys"...clearly she felt really bad about
Part Two of the conversation was back in the galley with Wanda and the other two flight attendants. As I was walking back to the bathroom, I said (loud enough for W to overhear, thinking I was funny), "Gosh I am so thirsty..." which served to open up the conversation again - she really did feel bad! Nonetheless, we had a quick but deep conversation about values and sticking to them whether or not it is company policy. I explained my commitment to not just Recycle on the back end but to Reduce on the front end. They talked about the challenge of the inconsistent "no refill" policy between flights and even between attendants on the same flight. They had stories of unhappy, non-compliant passengers whose insistence on using their own bottles and cups made for added stress. With no policy to back them up, the reliance on their personal conviction of this seemingly simple decision to refuse a refill was admirable.
Interesting. Isn't that how life is? There are no company policies to lean on or blame when it comes to personal decisions on how we live our lives, how we treat others, how we spend our time and money.
Once safely on the ground at my final destination, I said goodbye to Wanda and she said, "Sorry." one more time, I said, "It's OK, thank you." one more time and we parted ways...
Lesson learned - fill early and often and be ready to back your decisions with your values - even at 32,000 feet.
Have a Nothing New Day! Kristin
One of my "sticky" habits (changes that have prevailed over time and memory) is bringing a reusable water bottle, a travel coffee cup, bamboo To-Go Ware and my own cloth napkins when I travel. I usually refill the water bottle before getting on the plane at a water fountain (aka "bubbler" - hello WI/MN family and friends!) or at a restaurant. I do not get water from the restroom sink. Nope.
Anyway, I was a little rushed getting onto the last leg of a Delta flight home and saved my water refill for the flight. I have never been refused a refill on board, so I had no reason to think this time would be any different...
Once we were at cruising altitude and drinks were being served - which by the way I NEVER need to know how high in the sky we are, thank you - I got my bottle ready and was going to deliver my standard, "Water please and could you put it in here?", while offering up the bottle to the attendant with a casual and perky, "Just trying to save a cup!"
Well, that wouldn't wash with Wanda, who responded, "Oh ,right, uh, well, no." I was surprised, but just said OK and put my bottle away which in retrospect must have thrown her off - perhaps she was expecting a volume argument. I figured it was just a matter of time before I would be refused for sanitary reasons...you know, if her bottle touched my bottle in a moment of sudden turbulence - it would be icky, there would be germs and would create a very un-hygienic situation...and I agree! Her bottle would be unusable and besides who knows if her bottle had touched other people's bottles. Wanda clearly felt bad for denying me - she told me that she would feel responsible if I got dehydrated and offered me a plastic cup of water to pour into my bottle - still defeating the purpose of not using a cup. She tried hard to get me to take a cup with her promise to recycle it. She even offered me the liter bottle she was pouring from! Nonetheless, I stuck with my decision and she stuck with hers. I had to say four or five times that it was OK, I totally understood and reassured her that we would be Facebook friends by the time we landed!
Anyway, my positive agreement with her and her willingness to share the reasons behind her response, led us into Part One of a great conversation about it not being Delta's policy about not refilling water bottles (she wasn't sure they had one!) but actually her own personal policy. I respect that 100%. Delta does recycle when they can (time permitting) and I appreciate that. This exchange took about 5 minutes and with an "ahem" from the other attendant, and as they rolled on back to dispense more Coke and tomato juice and I heard one or two more "sorrys"...clearly she felt really bad about
Part Two of the conversation was back in the galley with Wanda and the other two flight attendants. As I was walking back to the bathroom, I said (loud enough for W to overhear, thinking I was funny), "Gosh I am so thirsty..." which served to open up the conversation again - she really did feel bad! Nonetheless, we had a quick but deep conversation about values and sticking to them whether or not it is company policy. I explained my commitment to not just Recycle on the back end but to Reduce on the front end. They talked about the challenge of the inconsistent "no refill" policy between flights and even between attendants on the same flight. They had stories of unhappy, non-compliant passengers whose insistence on using their own bottles and cups made for added stress. With no policy to back them up, the reliance on their personal conviction of this seemingly simple decision to refuse a refill was admirable.
Interesting. Isn't that how life is? There are no company policies to lean on or blame when it comes to personal decisions on how we live our lives, how we treat others, how we spend our time and money.
Once safely on the ground at my final destination, I said goodbye to Wanda and she said, "Sorry." one more time, I said, "It's OK, thank you." one more time and we parted ways...
Lesson learned - fill early and often and be ready to back your decisions with your values - even at 32,000 feet.
Have a Nothing New Day! Kristin
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Habits, Always Habits
DAY 99 (Year Two)
I had gotten off track with a few things - veered off to buy some new items - small - new nonetheless...greeting cards, computer bag for a college bound gal, a t-shirt from Moravian College, Barnes & Noble/Target gift cards...hmmm....still doubling the value and putting that amount into a special account...kind of a win-win "punishment"...
On the food front too - its been easy to slip into the convenience and rationalization - especially when I am traveling...I really want to eat locally AND as of late have enjoyed bananas, OJ and some other distantly sourced goodies...so which is it? Full or part time "Localvore"??? Same on the vegetarian front...a little salmon here, tuna salad there...so which is it?
The end of the world? No...AND I must decide and stick with it. There is a little more ground work to do on the vegetarian scene...find my local black bean farmer, talk to some veg friends for support and make more deliberate time for packing my own food for road trips to avoid the fast food traps.
On the Nothing New side of things....set some time aside to make a few cards, get more creative with gifts, and stay focused on the need vs the want.
So, Day 100 is a renewal day - a back-on-track day, a take-a-breathe-and-keep-moving-forward-day. It's been an odd day anyway - contemplative yet restful - just the winds of Irene here...knowing that thousands of people are not having a peaceful day makes the quiet here more of a contrast...I hope everyone is recovering or prepared depending on which end of the storm they are on.
Have a Nothing New Day! Kristin
I had gotten off track with a few things - veered off to buy some new items - small - new nonetheless...greeting cards, computer bag for a college bound gal, a t-shirt from Moravian College, Barnes & Noble/Target gift cards...hmmm....still doubling the value and putting that amount into a special account...kind of a win-win "punishment"...
On the food front too - its been easy to slip into the convenience and rationalization - especially when I am traveling...I really want to eat locally AND as of late have enjoyed bananas, OJ and some other distantly sourced goodies...so which is it? Full or part time "Localvore"??? Same on the vegetarian front...a little salmon here, tuna salad there...so which is it?
The end of the world? No...AND I must decide and stick with it. There is a little more ground work to do on the vegetarian scene...find my local black bean farmer, talk to some veg friends for support and make more deliberate time for packing my own food for road trips to avoid the fast food traps.
On the Nothing New side of things....set some time aside to make a few cards, get more creative with gifts, and stay focused on the need vs the want.
So, Day 100 is a renewal day - a back-on-track day, a take-a-breathe-and-keep-moving-forward-day. It's been an odd day anyway - contemplative yet restful - just the winds of Irene here...knowing that thousands of people are not having a peaceful day makes the quiet here more of a contrast...I hope everyone is recovering or prepared depending on which end of the storm they are on.
Have a Nothing New Day! Kristin
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Keurig Rant
DAY 98 (Year Two)
Disclaimer: Apologies to my family and friends who have a Keurig...
The search for quick, easy fixes to our daily tasks ends for many with the purchase of a "Keurig" - the instant coffee and tea machine. I had a Keurig in my hotel room on my last road trip and used one of the little plastic cups to make a cup of tea thinking I would be able recycle or reuse the container. Turns out the small shot glass type cup filled with coffee or tea is not recyclable and the reuse is limited by the hole that gets punched in the bottom. I took the thing apart and found a tiny filter glued to the inside of the cup under the foil lid which makes sense as to how it "brews" the tea or coffee.
But isn't that exactly how a coffee maker or tea bag works anyway? So why the need for this mini-filter, one cup thing? Isn't that exactly what a single tea bag or a coffee "pod" would do? The premise is that it is gourmet, fresh and always ready...but how fresh can something in a tiny plastic thing actually be? Shipped from somewhere and stored on a shelf then in a box under a sink in an office??? OK, maybe some people keep the "K-Cups", as they are fondly referred to, in a cupboard or in a glamourous display on a counter...I just don't get it...
Overall, I am not sure the K-tea took any less effort or time than it would to heat water in a microwave...so what's the attraction? I still had to get water from the tap, pour it into the machine and press a button to make it start...I suppose I saved time and effort by not having to rip open the tea bag...really? Hmmmmm...really, I dont' get it!
This inspirational blurb is from their website:
Brewing excellence, one cup at a time.
We strive for excellence. It's literally a part of who we are as a company. You see, "keurig" is actually derived from the Dutch word for excellence, and it's also our promise to you. From start to finish, it's our benchmark. Be it our patented single cup brewing technology, our gourmet brands of beverages or our customer service, it's simply something you'll come to expect.
Today, we're the leading single cup brewing system in North America, and we couldn't be happier to provide gourmet coffee drinkers with the perfect cup, day in and day out.
Why do we think the single cup brewing technology is so great?
We believe that coffee should always be served fresh, just like a gourmet coffee house, wherever you are. Period. So why brew coffee a pot at a time when we drink it a cup at a time? It was from this question that our revolutionary concept of a K-Cup® Portion Pack was born.
Introduced in 1998, Keurig's innovative single cup brewing system lets people brew the perfect cup of gourmet coffee in less than a minute, without having to grind beans, measure coffee, handle filters or clean up. It's as simple as it gets.
Choose. Brew. Enjoy.®
Simple? Once again, I don't get it. Simplifying an already fairly easy process seems absurd to me. Gosh, I mean is it REALLY that much work to mak coffee? Well, I guess I do have to go all the way to the pantry to get the coffee, work up a sweat to open the bag and pour the beans into the grinder. THEN I have to take a break to work up enough energy to push the grinder down and hold it for hours to grind the beans...then rest again to be able to turn on the water and transport it to the coffee maker. When I have rested enough, I am then able to hoist the coffee filter out of the drawer to lift it up into the coffee maker with both hands. And when I am finally able to recover from the strain of these steps, I push it the start button and hope for the best. Yes. Sarcasm present and accounted for!
The simplified simple process produces a trash item that is not at all "green" or sustainable...Please reconsider this purchase if it was on your list. Your coffee pot and any of your appliances that heat water work just fine. Resist the quick, easy way out that puts more petroleum based plastic into our landfills!!!! This is the K-Response to their non-sustainable product - my comments in (-) for your reading pleasure :)
Sustainable Packaging (not sustainable at all!)
K-Cup® Portion Pack Packaging is an area of major environmental concern for all consumer product companies. As the single cup coffee market and our Keurig brewing systems grow in popularity, we understand that the impact of the K-Cup® Portion Pack waste stream is one of our most significant environmental challenges. The K-Cup package is made up of three main (non-recyclable) elements -- the cup itself, a filter and an aluminum foil top. The polyethylene coating of the foil - as well as the process of heat-sealing the various elements - makes recycling difficult (impossible).
However, this packaging approach prevents oxygen, light and moisture from degrading the coffee. Without the barrier the packaging materials provide, we could not maintain the quality and freshness of the coffee, which means that all the resources and effort put into growing and roasting great coffee would be wasted (so then just get fresh coffee and grind it yourself for Peet's sake!). Finding a more environmentally-friendly approach to this packaging challenge is a big priority for us (but not that much, eh?). We are working on a few different fronts to improve the environmental characteristics of the K-Cup® system, as well as to mitigate its impact (should have done this before In My Humble Opinion).
Here's what we are doing:
* We are actively researching alternatives to the K-Cup® Portion Pack's petroleum–based materials (meanwhile thousands of K-Kups are going into the waste stream!)
* We are conducting a Life Cycle Analysis (so?) to help us understand the overall environmental impact of the K-Cup® Portion Pack as compared to the use of a typical drip- brewer (again, should have done this before...). There are environmental considerations at every step on the road from "tree to cup". By studying the K-Cup over its entire life cycle, we can more clearly understand how and where we can reduce its footprint (yes, stop making plastic junk).
* We are working to identify the right definition of "environmentally friendly" for all our packaging, including the K-Cup Portion Pack. For example it could (should?) mean carbon-neutral, made with renewable materials, recyclable, biodegradable, compostable, petroleum-free, all of the above, or something entirely different (what does that mean?). We are researching what is possible today and tomorrow, taking into account the current state of packaging technology, consumer preferences, community infrastructure, performance requirements, and the demands of the marketplace. (was there really a demand? are we getting that lazy/busy/
overwhelmed with life that we can no longer make coffee????)
* We also continue to offer the My K-Cup, a reusable filter cartridge assembly that can be refilled by the consumer, is easily cleaned, and is compatible with all Keurig home brewers sold today (you mean like a coffee filter????)
OK, I'm done...going to go make some coffee but I need to rest first...
Disclaimer: Apologies to my family and friends who have a Keurig...
The search for quick, easy fixes to our daily tasks ends for many with the purchase of a "Keurig" - the instant coffee and tea machine. I had a Keurig in my hotel room on my last road trip and used one of the little plastic cups to make a cup of tea thinking I would be able recycle or reuse the container. Turns out the small shot glass type cup filled with coffee or tea is not recyclable and the reuse is limited by the hole that gets punched in the bottom. I took the thing apart and found a tiny filter glued to the inside of the cup under the foil lid which makes sense as to how it "brews" the tea or coffee.
But isn't that exactly how a coffee maker or tea bag works anyway? So why the need for this mini-filter, one cup thing? Isn't that exactly what a single tea bag or a coffee "pod" would do? The premise is that it is gourmet, fresh and always ready...but how fresh can something in a tiny plastic thing actually be? Shipped from somewhere and stored on a shelf then in a box under a sink in an office??? OK, maybe some people keep the "K-Cups", as they are fondly referred to, in a cupboard or in a glamourous display on a counter...I just don't get it...
Overall, I am not sure the K-tea took any less effort or time than it would to heat water in a microwave...so what's the attraction? I still had to get water from the tap, pour it into the machine and press a button to make it start...I suppose I saved time and effort by not having to rip open the tea bag...really? Hmmmmm...really, I dont' get it!
This inspirational blurb is from their website:
Brewing excellence, one cup at a time.
We strive for excellence. It's literally a part of who we are as a company. You see, "keurig" is actually derived from the Dutch word for excellence, and it's also our promise to you. From start to finish, it's our benchmark. Be it our patented single cup brewing technology, our gourmet brands of beverages or our customer service, it's simply something you'll come to expect.
Today, we're the leading single cup brewing system in North America, and we couldn't be happier to provide gourmet coffee drinkers with the perfect cup, day in and day out.
Why do we think the single cup brewing technology is so great?
We believe that coffee should always be served fresh, just like a gourmet coffee house, wherever you are. Period. So why brew coffee a pot at a time when we drink it a cup at a time? It was from this question that our revolutionary concept of a K-Cup® Portion Pack was born.
Introduced in 1998, Keurig's innovative single cup brewing system lets people brew the perfect cup of gourmet coffee in less than a minute, without having to grind beans, measure coffee, handle filters or clean up. It's as simple as it gets.
Choose. Brew. Enjoy.®
Simple? Once again, I don't get it. Simplifying an already fairly easy process seems absurd to me. Gosh, I mean is it REALLY that much work to mak coffee? Well, I guess I do have to go all the way to the pantry to get the coffee, work up a sweat to open the bag and pour the beans into the grinder. THEN I have to take a break to work up enough energy to push the grinder down and hold it for hours to grind the beans...then rest again to be able to turn on the water and transport it to the coffee maker. When I have rested enough, I am then able to hoist the coffee filter out of the drawer to lift it up into the coffee maker with both hands. And when I am finally able to recover from the strain of these steps, I push it the start button and hope for the best. Yes. Sarcasm present and accounted for!
The simplified simple process produces a trash item that is not at all "green" or sustainable...Please reconsider this purchase if it was on your list. Your coffee pot and any of your appliances that heat water work just fine. Resist the quick, easy way out that puts more petroleum based plastic into our landfills!!!! This is the K-Response to their non-sustainable product - my comments in (-) for your reading pleasure :)
Sustainable Packaging (not sustainable at all!)
K-Cup® Portion Pack Packaging is an area of major environmental concern for all consumer product companies. As the single cup coffee market and our Keurig brewing systems grow in popularity, we understand that the impact of the K-Cup® Portion Pack waste stream is one of our most significant environmental challenges. The K-Cup package is made up of three main (non-recyclable) elements -- the cup itself, a filter and an aluminum foil top. The polyethylene coating of the foil - as well as the process of heat-sealing the various elements - makes recycling difficult (impossible).
However, this packaging approach prevents oxygen, light and moisture from degrading the coffee. Without the barrier the packaging materials provide, we could not maintain the quality and freshness of the coffee, which means that all the resources and effort put into growing and roasting great coffee would be wasted (so then just get fresh coffee and grind it yourself for Peet's sake!). Finding a more environmentally-friendly approach to this packaging challenge is a big priority for us (but not that much, eh?). We are working on a few different fronts to improve the environmental characteristics of the K-Cup® system, as well as to mitigate its impact (should have done this before In My Humble Opinion).
Here's what we are doing:
* We are actively researching alternatives to the K-Cup® Portion Pack's petroleum–based materials (meanwhile thousands of K-Kups are going into the waste stream!)
* We are conducting a Life Cycle Analysis (so?) to help us understand the overall environmental impact of the K-Cup® Portion Pack as compared to the use of a typical drip- brewer (again, should have done this before...). There are environmental considerations at every step on the road from "tree to cup". By studying the K-Cup over its entire life cycle, we can more clearly understand how and where we can reduce its footprint (yes, stop making plastic junk).
* We are working to identify the right definition of "environmentally friendly" for all our packaging, including the K-Cup Portion Pack. For example it could (should?) mean carbon-neutral, made with renewable materials, recyclable, biodegradable, compostable, petroleum-free, all of the above, or something entirely different (what does that mean?). We are researching what is possible today and tomorrow, taking into account the current state of packaging technology, consumer preferences, community infrastructure, performance requirements, and the demands of the marketplace. (was there really a demand? are we getting that lazy/busy/
overwhelmed with life that we can no longer make coffee????)
* We also continue to offer the My K-Cup, a reusable filter cartridge assembly that can be refilled by the consumer, is easily cleaned, and is compatible with all Keurig home brewers sold today (you mean like a coffee filter????)
OK, I'm done...going to go make some coffee but I need to rest first...
Have a Nothing New Day! Kristin
Monday, July 25, 2011
R.I.P. Beets
DAY 65 (Year Two)
With NO RAIN in weeks...my beets did not survive...even with twice daily watering the leaves that looked promising, withered and turned brown. Darn! Had a little ceremonial moment for them as I pulled them out of the ground - exposing a skinny one inch root, not beet-like at all - and had a minute of respectful silence as I released them with love into the compost...for my worms to welcome with open arms...
Posted this link on Facebook today as a solid reminder of the water situation - I should say drought situation - around the country given the extreme heat and lack of rain....puts things into good perspective.
http://www.weather.com/outlook/weather-news/news/articles/drought-exceptional-states_2011-06-30
Water is one of our most precious commodities and it is easy to forget what a luxury it is to turn on the faucet. I drink water from my tap - no filter - and it is fine. Well, mostly fine...I got a free water test from Home Depot and then got to talk about my results with a nice Anderson Water dude. He was truly interested in educating me about water in our area and did not try to sell me anything. Check it out! Disclaimer: I just did a little research on HD and this service - seems they used to partner with a company called Rainsoft but there were so many complaints that now they work with Anderson - at least here in the Rochester, NY area. Always good to read fine print and to be clear about what you want and don't want.
Anyway, I do not have a water softener or filter on the tank so my water has a bunch of "stuff" in it that could be removed. Even though our water is pretty good - yay - I could help it along a little...will wait until next year to make that NEW purchase...
So tomorrow, have a little ceremony for all the water you use - as you shower, brush, wash and flush. Limit what you use, no matter how small the reduction. You can use less water! Even better, really pay attention to how you use water for one month and see what you can do. Oh, and say hello to the beets in your produce section next time you grocery shop...and have a moment...
Have a Nothing New Day! Kristin
With NO RAIN in weeks...my beets did not survive...even with twice daily watering the leaves that looked promising, withered and turned brown. Darn! Had a little ceremonial moment for them as I pulled them out of the ground - exposing a skinny one inch root, not beet-like at all - and had a minute of respectful silence as I released them with love into the compost...for my worms to welcome with open arms...
Posted this link on Facebook today as a solid reminder of the water situation - I should say drought situation - around the country given the extreme heat and lack of rain....puts things into good perspective.
http://www.weather.com/outlook/weather-news/news/articles/drought-exceptional-states_2011-06-30
Water is one of our most precious commodities and it is easy to forget what a luxury it is to turn on the faucet. I drink water from my tap - no filter - and it is fine. Well, mostly fine...I got a free water test from Home Depot and then got to talk about my results with a nice Anderson Water dude. He was truly interested in educating me about water in our area and did not try to sell me anything. Check it out! Disclaimer: I just did a little research on HD and this service - seems they used to partner with a company called Rainsoft but there were so many complaints that now they work with Anderson - at least here in the Rochester, NY area. Always good to read fine print and to be clear about what you want and don't want.
Anyway, I do not have a water softener or filter on the tank so my water has a bunch of "stuff" in it that could be removed. Even though our water is pretty good - yay - I could help it along a little...will wait until next year to make that NEW purchase...
So tomorrow, have a little ceremony for all the water you use - as you shower, brush, wash and flush. Limit what you use, no matter how small the reduction. You can use less water! Even better, really pay attention to how you use water for one month and see what you can do. Oh, and say hello to the beets in your produce section next time you grocery shop...and have a moment...
Have a Nothing New Day! Kristin
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