Biodegradable Soap

by Eric Pfaff

The following comes from an article in the Fall 2008 issue of "News Splash," courtesy of the Bellevue Stream Team.

"Did You Know...? Biodegradable soap is toxic to aquatic life.

Surprised? You're not alone. Most people assume 'biodegradable' implies 'safe for the environment.' But, if you don't understand how it work it can be as harmful as regular soap.

While 'biodegradable' does mean that the product will break down in the environment, the issue lies with how long it takes to break down and under what conditions. The label on the bottle should say to use it at least 200 feet from a body of water. That's because it is harmful to aquatic life but also because it requires the organisms in the soil to break down. Without soil, the soap cannot break down as intended.

Soapy water is great for cleaning your car but is harmful to our streams, lakes, and wildlife. Soap, even biodegradable, makes breathing difficult for fish and kills good bugs. Dirty car wash water also carries fine sediment that clogs the spaces between rocks where macroinvertebrates and salmon eggs live. Not washing your car keeps the soap out of the streams but allows the rain to wash the dirt, grease, and heavy metals into the streams.

Be kind to our streams by taking your car to a commercial car wash where the used water is sent to the sewer system to be treated. Another great option, if you have the right space, is to park your car on the lawn or gravel at home where the soil can filter the pollutants."

Greetings from Bellingham

by Eric Pfaff, former Earth Ministry Intern

Did you miss the early spring plantings of vegetables? Have you been jealously watching your neighbors' gardens grow from patches of soil into ripe, red tomatoes and thick green beans?

While there's nothing that can replace a full summer of gardens, there are vegetables you can plant now for a late harvest and some "baby vegetables." Spinach, lettuce, arugula, beets, carrots, and radishes are all popular, the first three for doing better in cooler weather. More quick information can be found here, a la my good friend Martha Stewart (and her syndicated column).

And just remember: There's no time like the present... to start gardening!

Carbon bombs

by Eric Pfaff, Earth Ministry Intern

Check out this video. It discusses how your ordinary, average cheeseburgers may actually be quite harmful to the environment.

I find, personally, it is much easier to look at the carbon footprint of food I purchase from grocery stores--but at restaurants, I tend to ignore it. It's always a "treat" to ignore the implications my eating has on the environment when I eat out, or it's too difficult to find a restaurant that specializes in organic and/or local.

Unfortunately, though, restaurants can be some of the most unsustainable places, even withholding the cheeseburger. I guess the problem is finding these restaurants around the Puget Sound Area (where I am). Any suggestions?

Buy a Bus Pass

by Eric Pfaff

I have a short blog entry for you today, with the message: Buy a bus pass.



Of course, it is easy to say you will ride the bus. I have been telling others to do it for years now. But even with gas prices at easily over $4/gallon, I still found myself filling up my car's gas tank. Then, through Earth Ministry, I received my very first bus pass.

It's a lot easier on the mental pocketbook to swipe a card than shell out $1.25 in cash, and if you have already purchased a bus pass (especially the 1-month to 3-month long passes) then the less you use your pass, the more you overpaid for something (and the more you use your pass, the cheaper it gets per ride!).

Go here: http://buypass.metrokc.gov/

The more you ride, too, I have discovered, the easier it gets to navigate the bus system--imagine that! So don't let that scare you off. I know I have probably pointed to it before, but Trip Planner (link below) can tell you how to get anywhere by bus using the time you want to leave, or the time you want to arrive to your destination.

http://tripplanner.metrokc.gov/cgi-bin/itin_page.pl?resptype=U

Alright, this post ended up being longer than expected. Maybe it's because my co-workers are off gallivanting in the woods of Holden Village and I am holding down the fort here, with only the blog readers to keep me company. . . or maybe not.

Animals!

By Eric Pfaff

Buenos dias! There are two things I would like to share with you today. First, a link to magnificent pictures of golden sting rays migrating. And second, I would like to share some ideas on caring for chickens in the city, taken from the Seattle Tilth website.

Now I personally don't have chickens, primarily because I move every nine months when classes end. But as soon as I settle down, then chickens will come. In the name of bullet points, I leave you this:

• For most Seattle households, 3 chickens are allowed.
• Roosters make noise, and so do hens. Hens are quieter.
  
• Hens can lay about 180-320 eggs/year.
• Chickens can run around the yard, just protect them from predators!
  
• After the 2nd year of laying, egg production decreases.
• The chicken excrement can be used as compost.

If this interests you, find out more at the Seattle Tilth "Chicken FAQ."

Check here for more information on rules and regulations for owning animals in the City of Seattle (including bee-keeping, which is the new "in" thing).

Greetings from the Intern

by Eric Pfaff
Good morning! I'm new to Earth Ministry, and will be here through early August when I will head back to Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma to finish degrees in English and Environmental Studies. Since numerous past entries include bullet points, mine will too:

• I am a vegetarian.
• I have just started riding the bus and biking on my commute from Bellevue to Ballard (and back).
• I will post eight times during my internship--let me know what you're interested in reading about. I am personally interested in: the health of the Puget Sound, animals, composting, raising chickens in the city, eating sustainably, "alternative" modes of transportation, and environmental literature. If you have something in particular you want to know more about, comment!

Maybe you've noticed this, too, but there's been a strong upwelling of environmental awareness--whether it's the new fad, or lifestyle shifts in our culture--people are taking note. For instance, on the New York Times website, the top emailed stories have been one reducing meat consumption and one on gardening (links below). While you might know "meat is bad" and "buses are good," these articles can give you real tips on being successful in changing your lifestyle. And, if you've been a vegan for thirty years, think about emailing it to a friend who eats fifty pounds of beef a week. You could even email your friends a link to this blog: http://earthministry.blogspot.com/

It's an easy way to let your friends and family know what they can do to be more sustainable. Also, if you've read a good news (or website) article recently, leave a comment with the link so that others can pass it on!

NYTimes article on gardening.
NYTimes article on eating less meat.

"Only by sharing our deeper thoughts
and feelings do we communicate
to, and inspire in others, a love
And respect for the earth."

- Joseph Bharat Cornell