Alter Ugliness

February 23, 2013

A Brasilian researcher found that banana peels can take water dirtied by heavy metals and turn it to clean drinking water. The peels contain nitrogen, sulfur and organic compounds such a carboxylic acids, which can bind with positively charged metals that leach into rivers from mining and industrial operations. He found the peels performed as well or better than many typical filtering materials, such as silica or carbon, and could be used up to 11 times before they stopped working as purifiers-though they can’t filter out bacteria. (NPR.org)

We created an organic pile mixture of chicken manure, leaves, ashes and layered each with a rake. The mound is simmering and biodegrading as I type this. Marcello adds fallen leaves, trimmed vines, grass clippings, and food scrapes. It is a joy to see the excitement of the neighbors as they peer through the fence to check on the diminishing pile and deliver obscure recycled grocery sacks of their own “trash” to add to the collection. A few of the children bed to stir the sizable heated knoll. Occasionally the cats of the house run across the mountain with interest so I suspect there are rats hovering around the perimeter expecting something yummy to leap off.

Paper bags are not an option at the grocery stores. Infrequently I observe someone arriving with cloth bags for their goods. The farmers markets seem to have a more socially responsible crowd yet many depart with scads of distinguishable green plastic bags pinching their fingers. I sink with regret when we forget to snatch the stack of cloth bags from the house. It is discouraged to leave anything in the car for fear of a thief spotting a package and assuming it has value. Stashing something under the seats attracts burrowing insects. Sigh.

Living in a red (opposite of green?) world is unbecoming. I am far less frustrated and full of suggestions than I was upon arrival. Resignation? Perhaps. More like acceptance or allowance. I do my small part and educate when appropriate.

Regrettably heard many Ugly American stories at the party last night. It was Girls Night Out at a local recycled fabric lingerie shop with lively music and fast flowing wine. The more alcohol consumed, the more clear the message-North Americans make up an egotistic and far from self-effacing society. I hang my head in unhappiness with my own culture and the numerous truth-be-told experiences most of the women have had with fellow Americans. So I commit to understanding my own blind spots and seek compassion where I might not have seen it before. Nothing to defend. Nothing to do but allow my miniscule voice and the experience of being with me perhaps alter their perception for just those few moments we are together.