13:24.95S 034:38.13W Planet First, Convenience Second
Irene IV - World Adventure
Louis Goor
Mon 6 Feb 2023 14:10
Homo Sapiens is a social species. As such we tend to want to remain within
the confines of what is socially acceptable. The multiple social media
platforms accentuate this tendency, often to disastrous effect.
Over the centuries humans, like many other species, have used power and
authority as their guiding light. The ethics of 'power at any cost' has been
mostly ignored and brushed under the carpet.
"Through history, the most important changes in society have come from the
bottom up, from grassroots. The numbers are still coming in - but it looks
like well over 7 million people have joined the Week for Future, the strike
on this and last Friday. That is one of the biggest demonstrations in
history. The people have spoken, and we will continue to speak until our
leaders listen. We are the change, and the change is coming."
Greta Thunberg, Montreal 27th September 2019
On Irene IV, participating in the Oyster World Rally, circumnavigating the
world, we have learned so much. On a personal level we have learned about
the raw self. When the rubber hits the road, what is truly there? It is not
always a pretty sight! On a community level, we have learned the value of
friendship with people from all walks of life, from every corner of the
world, and from varied circumstances. On a global level, we have learned
that the time has come (is overdue) to take risks and move outside the realm
of socially acceptable.
There is no time left for the misuse of plastic resources and waste. Power
and authority must meet grassroots so that we have a chance of retaining a
beautiful planet for our grandchildren.
Our association with Oceanic Society has highlighted some of the small
household changes we can make to help alter our mindset and think planet
first, convenience second.
For example, on Irene IV, we use Eco Strips Laundry detergent. They use no
plastic. They come in a heavy, compostable paper bag, and are fully reef
friendly, so we are not harming the sea life around us with toxic chemicals.
Our clothes come back from the wash perfectly clean and sweet smelling. We
highly recommend looking for this type of product. At the very least, avoid
buying liquid laundry detergent in plastic bottles, instead opt for powdered
detergent in cardboard boxes. Hopefully, you can then be part of the change
that forces manufacturers to produce only earth friendly products.
Lucy, one of the teachers in the school in Napa where I used to work, told
me when I visited in December, that she was never going to buy ziplock bags
again! She was about to use the last bag in her stores. She was sad to lose
the convenience of such a product, but she knows it is the right thing to
do. On Irene IV, we challenge you all to make similar commitments for the
future of your Earthly home.