More stuff is not the answer

Today's post is 100% opinion based. I will share some evidence to back up my opinions, but know that what it boils down to is that NOBODY needs more STUFF.

I was in a retail establishment the other day. It's a popular place for consumers to shop because their prices are "great".  We had stopped in because we thought we needed a new set of sheets, after discovering a tear in one of our fitted sheets.

But as I navigated the racks of clothing, home décor, and general knick-knacks, I felt a rising sense of discomfort. Was there really anything in this mish-mash that would improve my life? Did I really need a blue velvet stuffed pumpkin with a silver stem to show that I loved fall? I paused for a moment and thought, "There's a time I would have thought that unique and different." And I would have purchased it to show how unique my taste was (by purchasing a mass produced product that was available at multiple store locations around the country). Hmmmm. A bit of a disconnect, isn't there?

I saved myself $14.99 plus tax by pausing and realizing there was nothing inherently satisfying about owning a stuffed blue velvet pumpkin with a silver stem. In fact, not owning it was rapidly becoming more satisfying, bordering on smug.

As I recoiled at the massive displays of excess consumerism, noted the long lines of carts filled with stuff, and held my set of sheets, I thought, I can patch the sheet, and took my package back to the shelf for another consumer to ponder. I patched the sheet with an iron-on patch. The tear was near the foot of the bed, but I will flip the sheet and it will be underneath the pillow, never even inconveniencing our slumber.

There are news reports that donation centers cannot resell half the things that are donated, so they make bales of textiles and ship them "somewhere else". We've done the same thing with our plastic waste, shipped it to China until China stopped accepting it.

When was the last time you thought about the need for "retail therapy"? Does more stuff really make us more happy? Or does it just create the need to move things around and re-organize and re-categorize.

Over the years, I've written about the need to "repair" first, and to make the 3Rs 4. Reduce, step one. Reuse, step two. And Recycle, last.

Does stuff really "go away" or are we just stashing it somewhere else so we don't see it?

I challenge you to think about whether you need more "stuff". I bet you can "make-do".

infographic from: Council for Textile's Recycling Issue

How to get rid of Japanese beetles in your garden

The Japanese beetles are basically harmless to humans, they don’t bite, and they are not poisonous. These insects only take out their ravage on your crops and landscapes. This can lead to inedible fruits and vegetables, which is not suitable for a gardener like you. This insect is a native to Japan, just like the name implies. They were introduced to the United States through the shipping industries. These insects somewhat pesky little suckers.

photo courtesy of: pixabay

The Japanese beetles emerge at their adult stage with a metallic green body and copper wings, which enable them to fly from plant to plant. The female adult beetle lay up to 60 eggs in 45 days, and these beetles live much of their lives underground. The Japanese beetle feeds on vegetables, flowers and even trees. When you see just one beetle in your garden, make a move to get rid of it before it attracts others. Having a beetle problem in your garden? Call any pest control company around Hickory, NC. Also, you can get rid of them with these simple tips.

Neem oil: This oil is safe to use because it comes from trees and is non-toxic. This can be sprayed on roses flowers or any other plants you see the beetles enjoy eating. This method is less stressful, and it goes a long way because once the adult beetles ingest the neem oil, they will pass it to the eggs and hatched larvae will die before it enters into their adult stage. In conclusion, neem oil is harmful to fish, so stay clear from this method if you have a fish ponds.

Soap solution: This method can be harmless to the environment if you apply correctly. This can help suffocate the beetles, mix a teaspoon of dish soap with a quart of water. Apply it to any plants affected by the beetles putting the solution into a spray bottle. You can add some solutions like rubbing alcohol and oil, and this depends on the plant you have in your area. However, it is crucial to do proper research on how these chemicals and oil could harm some plants and animals around.

Handpick them: this may be unpleasant for some people, but it is the most effective way of getting rid of the Japanese beetles is to handpick them. Remember they don’t bite, so it is entirely safe. This method can be tedious, but it works. When you pull them off the plants, but sure to put them into soapy water or boiled water both work perfectly well.

Row cover: You can protect your plant by from the beetles with row covers. If you don’t see beetle damage until the summer, when the beetles start to enter the adult stage and start feeding above ground, this method should help you. Use the row covers just when the beetles start feeding above the ground, which begin in mid-June and last about 6 to 8 weeks.

Our Daily Green thanks today's post sponsor for these great tips!