“Here is a test to find out whether your mission in life is complete: If you’re alive, it isn’t.” Real World Brooklyn
–Richard Bach
Recently Scott started a discussion about getting your adrenaline going in the morning by doing something small. One Hermanite suggested placing your alarm clock downstairs, for example. Once your body gets that pump, you’re more inclined to head off to your morning workout.
I think of the Monday Ripples as the do-gooder equivalent of that little first step. Here are links to things that I hope inspire you to do good in the week ahead. I hope you’ll share the ones you find of interest, and keep the ripples going. Together we can wash the whole world with good!
Out, Damned Spot!
Dishes Still Dirty? Blame Phosphate-Free Detergent
I love NPR. I like keeping informed, but skipping the drama that television new shows insist on inflicting upon its audience because the sensationalizing leads to higher ratings. It also leads to paranoia and has far reaching effects, but we should question everything we hear or read – even this – don’t you think?
This segment about phosphates being taken out of dishwasher detergent taught me several things. Brendan and I buy a phosphate-free detergent already, so I didn’t realize that detergents in general are starting to remove them. I also wasn’t aware that at one time phosphates were in laundry detergent and they have sense been removed. When that change was made, laundry detergent went through a phase of not cleaning as well as homemakers would like; dishwasher detergent is going through a similar period.
You’ll enjoy hearing from Sue Wright of Austin, TX who thinks scientists “decided” that phosphates were ruining our lakes. She has taken to adding phosphates to her detergent so her glasses don’t have spots. This is the mindset we’re up against in improving the planet, folks.
Someone Else’s Shoes
A week on street changes outlook
John Milister, 24, of Ft. Myers is an AmeriCorps volunteer who works for the National Coalition for the Homeless. John wasn’t satisfied with imaging how the people he helps felt, he decided to spend a week on the streets to gain a better understanding. He reported his experience to the media each day, thus helping to increase awareness about the plight of the homeless. Interestingly, this article from The News-Press reports John’s not alone in attempting to bring some real world experience to this type of job.
Philanthropic Like Clockwork
Project of the Month Club
In past posts, I’ve mentioned the organization GlobalGiving. You can purchase gift cards through GlobalGiving, then the recipient gets to decide which worthy charity will receive the donation. Through their Project of the Month Club, your giving can be made even easier. You commit to a donating a certain amount each month and the money will be given to a project selected by GlobalGiving. Saving the world has become as convenient as your automatic bill payments!
Absolut Green
Using Waste, Swedish City Cuts Its Fossil Fuel Use
Sweden has been receiving some negative press lately due the whole WikiLeaks hoopla, so I thought it only fair to share this New York Times article about something wonderful happening in southern Sweden (home of Absolut Vodka). Kristianstad is moving away from fossil fuels by using biogas created from waste like potato peels, stale cookies, etc. The move is reducing their carbon footprint and making the city an example to live by.
