Gross Gross

Wow, I learned a lot about how much water goes into the beverages I drink (water in pumping oil, making labels, making the product). The NPR article stated that bottled water companies aren't so bad at 1.39L to make 1/L of water, soda 2.02L, a liter of beer 4L, wine 4.74L, and hard alcohol 34.55L. I guess they are right, bottled water isn't that bad, but the way I see it, water comes straight from the tap, so I can cut that waste out of the equation at the source.

I am a big fan of pollinators and have been increasing the number of native plants In my backyard In order to Increase pollinator diversity. Because of the Covid-19 quarantine, I've spent many hours outside just looking at my plants. Doing this has made me become aware of a creature that I mistook for a lovebug. As I examined this creature more, I noticed the feathered antennae... of a moth. I downloaded the app "Leps" and now have an ID for the creature- It's Harrisina americana or the Grapeleaf Skeltonizer which Is quite destructive on grapes and Virginia creeper, the later of which commonly grows along my fence line until I rip It out. What was once a mysterious caterpillar I saw visiting plants In my yard just a year ago, I now know by name. How glad I am that I spent the time just sitting and enjoying my yard.

I enjoy my 100+ yr old craftsman house that has all of the New Orleans charm. Cleaning up litter In the neighborhood only beautifies the area more and makes me feel accomplished. I have pride, not only for my house, but also the few blocks that are clean and free of debris.

I produce a lot of coffee and fruit and vegetable waste. A year ago, I would just trash these Items, but now I compost them along with dog fur, cardboard, and etc. It's shocking to see how much organic material I don't put Into landfills.