D.C. Decriminalizes Marijuana, Maintains Public Consumption As A Criminal Offense.
Retired state police captain Leigh Maddox says that decriminalization of marijuana is a step in the right direction, but that legalization and regulation are needed in order to seriously reduce drug-related violence and allow police to better serve the public.
This bill is a joke BECAUSE PUBLIC CONSUMPTION IS STILL A CRIMINAL OFFENSE! Well, I guess you can Puff, Puff, pass all you want at home. I buying or selling in DC still a crime? Who benefits from this? Is this just a publicity stunt?
I believe this was done to bow down to the prison industrial complex. Why would you make Marijuana “almost” legal in a city where black people are heavily policed? Many will not realize decriminalization does not mean legal.
Hell, you must admit there are parts of the city where you can smoke Marijuana and do coke out in the open and NEVER worry about police. There are also parts of the city where you can stop to tie your shoes and be confronted by the police.
This looks like a form of entrapment to enrich the pockets of the prison industrial complex as they get a return on what they lobby for.
As I have been moving towards a more minimalist, do more with less lifestyle I have been using and enjoying public transportation much more. I have a job to do yesterday and woke up to a icy snowstorm. No problem.
I decided to not be a hardcore Save the Planet minimalist and drive to the job due to the snow. Well, my car had another plan in mind as it would not start. I said to myself, what the hell I will just catch the train as I have been doing for some time now.
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This snowstorm turned out to be the snowstorm from hell if they have snow in hell. This was the perfect mix of snow and temperature to be perfectly annoying. First of all, it was 6 inches of slushy snow.
The slushy snow is what made me lean towards driving anyway because walking in slush is never fun. But to make it even more annoying there was a constant light rain as the temperature outside rose above freezing. This caused rivers of flowing water mixed with ankle-deep slush.
The work I was to do yesterday was the type where a conference call was set up with a team of people in various places to coordinate the installation as a few parts in different locations needed to move together to complete the installation.
This added stress as I was now sure to be late and I would have people waiting for me. I was late to the train but lucked out as New Jersey Transit switched to a weekend schedule due to the storm.
They were expecting most of their passengers with half a brain to stay home for the day. Because of that the train I thought I missed would be arriving in 15 mins.
I got a voicemail from the project manager of the job I was heading to asking me to let her know if I would be late due to the storm but I had already informed the call center I would be about 15 mins late. I checked my messages again on the train and was told to join the conference call when I arrived at the site.
Now that New Jersey Transit got me to my destination I realized that this was a bad idea as I surveyed the area. All there was was snow, slush, ice, and rain for as far as I could see.
No one was out in this weather early in the morning and the roads and walkways were just starting to be worked on.
I walked over 1/2 a mile through slushy, icy walkways, and streets. I dodged cars, snow plows, and fallen branches to get to my destination.
I looked around and only saw two cars in the parking lot and got a sinking feeling. I fought to get there and I was only 25 mins late. I thought to myself, not bad under the circumstances.
I am a badass! LOL. As I walked to the front door the security guard informed me the place was closed. CLOSED? CLOSED? I asked.
He looked at me as if I disturbed him as he thought he was going to have an easy day as he listened to truc6ks plowing their massive parking lots and streets. He did not know some idiot with a stupid smile would be trying to get access to the building. LOL
It is essential to pause and reflect on our consumption patterns. Responsible consumption is a concept that emphasizes making informed choices that benefit both individuals and the environment.
By being mindful of our consumption habits, we can contribute to a happier and healthier world. This post examines the importance of responsible consumption, its benefits, and offers practical tips for incorporating it into our daily lives.
Responsible consumption refers to making conscious decisions about what we purchase, use, and dispose of. It involves considering the social, economic, and environmental impacts of our choices.
By being aware of the consequences of our consumption, we can minimize waste, support ethical practices, and promote sustainable development.
Responsible consumption encourages us to adopt a long-term perspective, prioritizing quality over quantity and embracing alternatives that minimize environmental harm.
Benefits of Responsible Consumption
Environmental Preservation: By consuming responsibly, we reduce our ecological footprint and minimize the strain on natural resources. This helps preserve biodiversity, mitigate climate change, and protect ecosystems for future generations.
Economic Savings: Responsible consumption often involves making purchases that are durable and long-lasting. Although the initial investment may be higher, it ultimately leads to significant cost savings in the long run. Additionally, by supporting local and sustainable businesses, we contribute to the growth of our communities.
Improved Well-being: Responsible consumption promotes a more intentional and mindful approach to life. By focusing on experiences rather than material possessions, we can cultivate greater happiness, contentment, and fulfillment. It encourages us to prioritize our values and spend time on activities that bring genuine joy.
Social Responsibility: By choosing products and services from companies that prioritize fair labor practices, ethical sourcing, and community involvement, we can support positive social change. Responsible consumption empowers us to contribute to a more equitable and just society.
Tips for Practicing Responsible Consumption
Research and Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the products you purchase. Look for certifications, such as organic, fair trade, or eco-friendly labels, that indicate responsible manufacturing practices.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Embrace the “Three R’s” by reducing waste, reusing items whenever possible, and recycling materials that can be repurposed. Opt for products with minimal packaging and choose reusable alternatives, such as cloth bags or refillable water bottles.
Buy Locally and Ethically: Support local businesses and farmers’ markets to reduce carbon emissions from transportation. Select products that are produced ethically, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for their workers.
Consider Secondhand Options: Explore thrift stores, online marketplaces, or clothing swaps to find unique and affordable items while reducing the demand for new production.
Minimize Energy Consumption:Conserve energy by turning off lights and appliances when not in use, utilizing energy-efficient products, and selectingrenewable energy sources whenever possible.
The Role of Businesses and Governments
Businesses and governments play a crucial role in promoting responsible consumption. Companies can adopt sustainable production practices, prioritize ethical sourcing, and transparently communicate their commitment to responsible consumption to consumers.
Governments can enforce regulations, provide incentives for sustainable practices, and invest in education and awareness campaigns to promote sustainable development. Collaborative efforts between all stakeholders are essential to create a culture of responsible consumption.
How Responsible Consumption Affects the Environment
Responsible consumption has a direct impact on the environment by reducing waste, conserving resources, and minimizing pollution. When we choose eco-friendly products and services, we contribute to the development of sustainable industries.
By supporting businesses that prioritize environmental responsibility, we encourage others to do the same. Responsible consumption also inspires innovation, driving the development of greener technologies and alternative solutions to environmental challenges.
The Connection Between Responsible Consumption and Happiness
Responsible consumption can lead to greater happiness and well-being. By shifting our focus from material possessions to experiences, relationships, and personal growth, we can find more fulfillment in life.
Responsible consumption allows us to align our actions with our values, fostering a sense of purpose and contentment. Additionally, knowing that our choices contribute to a healthier environment and a more equitable society can bring a deep understanding of satisfaction and joy.
Conclusion
Adopting responsible consumption practices is not only beneficial for the environment but also for our overall well-being.
By making mindful choices and considering the long-term impact of our consumption, we can create a happier and more sustainable world.
Remember, every small action counts, and together we can make a significant difference in shaping a brighter future.
Your Pee is Pollution. Ever wonder what happens after you flush? You should, because your pee is causing pollution problems! Hank talks about how, and why, human waste is having weird effects on the natural world and causing biological pollution. We’re talking homicidal fish and hermaphroditic frogs.
Like SciShow? Want to help support us, and also get things to put on your walls, cover your torso and hold your liquids? Please enjoy the Your Pee is Pollution video below.
Yesterday was cold weather, icy and snowy. As I have been embracing minimalism I have been driving less and less. Have I been debating myself as to the benefit of taking public transportation in bad weather as opposed to driving?
I have found both have their advantages but the advantages cannot be predicted from one situation to another.
For example, during the last snowstorm, I had a job to do at Mac Arthur Airport In Ronkonkoma NY. This would have been a 2 1/2 hr drive for me in ice and snow with a waste of gas, traffic jams, and possible traffic accidents.
I decided to take the Metro-North train and sat in warmth and comfort for the 1 hr ride. The problem came when the bus I was to catch did not show up. I later found out that it slid off the road and crashed.
Another bus showed up 1 hour later and I arrived at my destination and repaired the problem I was called out for. The same thing happened many times when I would drive to calls in snowstorms where there were road closures and traffic accidents. Because of this, the question to whether or not to dive can be a toss-up.
Yesterday I decided to take The NJ Transit Train to South Jersey for the trouble call I had. In the back of my mind, I knew this call would be canceled due to the storm. The call was set for 12:30 pm so I waited for it but it did not come. So I headed out with my large Rooibos Tea to catch the train.
I am an introvert so using public transportation is fun for me as I get a chance to meet and greet people as I can not avoid it. I always notice that during bad weather police officers seem to prefer patrolling bus and train terminals more. LOL.
As I bought my round-trip tickets, boarded the train, and relaxed listening to my satellite radio I felt like a child when school was canceled for a snow day.
I felt this way even though I was heading to work because I was dry and warm and did not have to deal with the ice, snow, traffic, and driving. Well, you know what happened. I got a call from my dispatcher informing me that the trouble call was canceled. Then I just smiled to myself, took a sip of my Rooibos Tea, and cranked up my radio.
I love the train as it is relaxing. The person seated ahead of me had a GoPro camera attached to the window filming the ride. It should have been a beautiful recording and we passed a few water crossings and the snow and ice created a winter wonderland scene.
Again the debate for me was whether is there a benefit from leaning towards my Minimalist, eco-sustainability approach to taking public transportation whenever possible, especially during cold weather.
I believe I do because of all of the advantages I mentioned above. It feels like the right thing to do and the best use of our resources. The train was going in that direction anyway and I just hitched a ride.
I am decluttering my kitchen instead of remodeling it to save time and money. Your kitchen already has what it needs to be functional and fabulous. There is no need to remodel, just get rid of the unnecessary and let the beauty shine through.
My goal here in decluttering my kitchen is to get rid of what I do not use and reclaim space. This space I could use to spend time with family and friends.
I spend more time in the kitchen socializing than cooking. Decluttering my kitchen will give me more space to do what I do and enjoy most in the kitchen. Remodeling will not make those great memories I created there with friends and family any better.
I have to come to terms with the fact that I will never become a Top Chef or a Master Baker anytime soon. There are a lot of specialty appliance gadgets I can get rid of in favor of those that have multiple purposes.
I have a problem decluttering my kitchen because I love gadgets, and my love of kitchen gadgets is only eclipsed by my love of work tools. There are obvious specialty tools and gadgets that are far too unconventional that I should get rid of. I just have to choose to do it.
Should I get rid of things like my juicer? I know I should be juicing for better health, but I’ve never done it regularly. This is hard for me, but I have decided to get rid of it. It is taking up space and collecting dust.
The main reason for getting rid of it isn’t that I don’t use it, but that it causes me so much stress. I hate cleaning it after I use it. Also, I feel guilty just looking at it, and I will no longer have to look at it and deal with the bad feelings.
On the contrary, I will be keeping my NuWave Oven Pro Plus. I love that thing and do not use my microwave oven because of it. My friends and family love the food and snacks I prepare in the NuWave Oven, and that is a bigger plus.
Believe it or not, I will be getting rid of my microwave oven. I have made a conscious effort not to microwave my food for many years now, so this will not be difficult for me.
I own a few manual slicers and electric salad slicers that I will be getting rid of because they do not have multiple uses. I will just get better with a plain old knife to fulfill my cutting needs.
Obviously, I will keep one electric grill and get rid of all other electric cookers except my crockpot. I am going to miss my electric knife and my electric roaster oven. But they take up space and are not needed.
Next, I will move to pots, pans, and bakeware. I will be decluttering my kitchen down to just one set of cookware. If it does not have a dual purpose or is not used regularly it will be discarded.
I have not decided whether to keep my grill plate. It is not used often. I will keep just one of every type of baking pan.
I am getting rid of anything that I only use for special occasions and holidays. It is just taking up space and is used once or twice a year. This will be difficult, but this is what is needed.
I don’t know if everyone would like to go this far, but remodeling would just make me happy for just a few months.
The pile of things I would like to discard is large. I will store this stuff for a few months to see if I can really do without it.
If I use something from this pile within three months, I will return it to my kitchen. If I don’t use an item from the pile within the three-month period,d it will be sold or given away.
This will not be fair for my special occasion items, but I really would like to get rid of them anyway. Bye-bye, Christmas drinking glasses. LOL.
Ok, now I am down to what I only use and what has multiple uses. I have a ton of extra space and can find things more easily.
The counters are clear and clutter-free. Decluttering my kitchen has created a better open space to spend time with the important people in my life.
This makes the kitchen feel less stressful and less likely that I will buy any unnecessary items.
This one act will also lead to less consumption because before my buying illness kicks in again, I will ask myself if I really need it and if I already have something that can fulfill the task. Living Simple Being Frugal Until You Are Free.
Decluttering my kitchen was a no-budget remodel. I actually made money. Decluttering created a clean more open space that will allow me to enjoy food, friends, and family more easily.
January 1st and today is the death of the incandescent bulb. You will have a hard time finding them anywhere. Those Compact florescent (CFL) and newer LED bulbs can be expensive. luckily you can take out a loan to purchase them.
This will be like a New years resolution. These are some of the lessons I have learned in the short time I have been exploring the Minimalist and Freegan lifestyle. Later I will explore what changes I would like to make in the New Year.
This will be a New year’s minimalist resolution for all year long but I am starting it on. I don’t see why starting a positive change in life should wait. Not like the first of the year is a magical day. These are some of the lessons I have learned in the short time I have been exploring the Minimalist and Freegan lifestyles. Later I will explore what changes I would like to make in the new year.
1- I have learned that stuff does not define you. Clothing, Jewelry, Cars, Jobs and the like are not who you are. Most of the time the upkeep of those possessions can be a burden.
2- I should not purchase things or shop just to make myself happy. It’s wasteful and an empty high.
3- Waste is not good and it comes in many forms. Consuming only what you need can be gratifying and relaxing.
4- It’s likely you already have everything you need.
5- Everything you need does not have to be the latest and greatest.
6- I seem to do more with less. Things can have a dual function and can be more efficient.
7- It is easier than you think to do without access.
8- I find it better to give, build, and create than to consume. When I spend time building, creating, or giving I don’t have time to waste and consume.
9- We waste large portions of our food supply for stupid reasons and it fills our landfills as waste.
10- Living a Minimalist Lifestyle and afford you to do a job you love instead of something you dislike to pay the bills.
1- Would like to remove or de-clutter one thing a day from my space. It could be old clothing, old mail, or something I am no longer using.
2- Go on a Freegan trash tour at least twice a month and have a plan to share what is found.
3- Eliminate the use of disposable cups more. I have been using the Sea to Summit collapsible mug from REI and I prepare my own coffee and tea. I would like to get more of those mugs and use them around the house and for every disposable cup, I do use I will donate $1 to a charity.
4- I would like to volunteer or participate in the community helping others more.
5- Try to eat two or more vegan meals a week.
6- Get rid of clothing or items I do not need or use regularly.
7- Recycle EVERYTHING!
These are some of the things I would like to do to enhance my minimalist approach to life and my minimalist resolution. I feel less stressed already with the changes I have already made. This is an ongoing process and updates will be made as needed. Remember this is my idea of what a Minimalist and Freegan lifestyle should consist of.
I have some weaknesses I would like to work on when I decide to. One is food. Not that I eat too much of it but that I feel obligated to try exciting foods from the neighborhood I am working on that day
I have some weaknesses I would like to work on when I decide to. One is food. Not that I eat too much of it but that I feel obligated to try exciting foods from the neighborhood I am working on that day it there is any. This sometimes becomes wasteful but I enjoy it. Wish me luck as I learn and continue on my journey.
One is food. Not that I eat too much of it but that I feel obligated to try interesting foods from the neighborhood I am working on that day if there is any. This sometimes becomes wasteful but I enjoy it. Wish me luck as I learn and continue on my journey.
This is an audio podcast of a New York City train ride. I catch the E train at 34th St and 8th ave. I travel from Madison Square Garden to The West Village. I record the audio with my new digital audio recorder just to get the subway sounds and the sounds of New York City and the subway. I find it fascinating as I hear things in this recording that I tune out everyday as I travel about doing my job.
