This morning while in the shower, I just thought I’d compare the 2 types of shampoo that’s currently in my bathroom :

1. Aubrey’s Glycogen Protein Balancing Shampoo
2. Wellson’s Art Shampoo for Long & Dry Hair

Hmmm… why do our leaders seem to prefer to go overseas for medical treatment rather than be treated in their own country?

And why do they send their kids to study (and some even to live) overseas when they are here, extolling the virtues of our public colleges and universities? I mean, c’mon! These people are public servants! Shouldn’t they lead by example and send their kids to the Malaysian institutes of higher learning?

Tsk tsk tsk… this is a classic case of not walking the talk.

*SNORTS*

There are tons of articles out there surrounding the whole topic of going green — harmful effects of chemicals in household and personal care products, what is happening to the environment due to our daily actions, etc.

We just need to make the decision if we are ready and prepared to be informed about all this. It’s not going to be pretty and we can get confused at times, with some of the conflicting studies and reports.

But I personally believe that as long as we keep our ultimate goal in mind, i.e. why are we doing this, we should be able to make the appropriate decisions to cater for all of our different needs.

Obviously, there will be skeptics. And if I didn’t care about the environment, I couldn’t care less whether the person standing beside me in the train or at the supermarket cashier was making a ‘green’ effort.

But I do care about the environment. A lot. And I do care that the people I care about are safe from harmful toxins. Obviously I’m not saying that we should all just dump everything and go live in the jungle and catch our own food or something like that.

It’s a matter of being aware, learning and researching more about the subject, to equip ourselves with the proper tools to make sound decisions for ourselves and our loved ones because let’s face it, we are surrounded by all sorts of chemicals and pollutants these days. Living in denial is not going to make the problem go away. So, the most logical thing to do is to read, learn and research as much as we can to make informed decisions.

Here are only a few of the many synthetic chemicals found in household and consumer products and their effects (Sources : Gorgeously Green, EWG) :

Coal tar : Found in dandruff shampoos and anti-itch creams, it is a known carcinogen.

Triclosan :Used in almost all antibacterial products such as soap, toothpaste and cosmetics. Can weaken immune system, decrease fertility, and cause birth defects. An animal study indicates triclosan may be a potent disruptor of the thyroid system at low levels. This is extra important to me because of my thyroid problem. My problem is likely to be genetic but I don’t discard the fact that environmental factors such as this chemical could have exacerbated it.

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) :  Commonly used in soaps, shampoos, detergents, and toothpaste as foaming agents. In its final report on the safety of SLS, the Journal of the American College of Toxicology notes that this ingredient has a “degenerative effect on the cell membranes because of its protein denaturing properties” and “high levels of skin penetration may occur at even low use concentration.” 

Phtalates : A group of industrial chemicals used to make plastics and as solvents, found in, among other things, toys, food packaging, hoses, raincoats, shower curtains, vinyl flooring, wall coverings, lubricants, adhesives, detergents, nail polish, hair spray and shampoo.  Have been found to disrupt the endocrine system. Several phthalate compounds have caused reduced sperm counts, testicular atrophy and structural abnormalities in the reproductive systems of male test animals, and some studies also link phthalates to liver cancer, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control’s 2005 National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals.

I remember a couple of times I used one of the cleaning products to clean HIS bathroom, and the fumes were so overwhelming that I ended up getting a headache each time I used it. Gawd knows what toxins I inhaled!

Some information that I found while researching :

Here’s a lengthy study on the “Long Term Effects of Chemicals in the Environment“, carried out by the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution. I have not read the report in full yet, but I think it’s something useful to read when I have the time.

A study on Science Daily : “Antibacterial Chemical Disrupts Hormone Activities”

A report on the Environmental Working Group : “Toxic Chemicals Found in Kids’ Bath Products”

Going green by reducing/eliminating synthetic chemicals is not just about the impact to our health. By reducing/eliminating our use of chemicals, we can reduce/eliminate the chemical residue (from our showers, bath, washing, etc.) that will eventually end up in our rivers and oceans. In addition, some brands of ‘green’ products are committed to supporting fair trade and by purchasing these products, we are indirectly supporting as well.

Naturally, we can’t avoid every single synthetic chemical that’s out there. What is important is making an informed choice on what chemicals we can live with and what we should avoid.

Personally, I believe it is a choice we make. That is, we either choose to ignore the issue or we choose to empower ourselves by finding out more. It saddens me when my friends go “Oh no, not that environmental crap again”. Sure, it takes some effort to affect some change now but are they not concerned about the state of the planet for the sake of their children, grandchildren, and other future generations?

I, for one, choose to embrace the issue and learn as much as I can. I will not sit back and wait to be spoonfed with information that may or may not fall into my lap. At least, I will be living up to my own expectations of trying to live responsibly.

In my quest to be more green and reduce the chemicals I use on myself and around my home, my first start would be to switch my skincare, cosmetics, and haircare to 100% natural products.

I have already switched from my regular J&J baby bath to 100% organic bar soap, which you can find at Country Farm Organics. They also carry a brand of natural skincare and haircare products called Aubrey Organics. I used their shampoo and though it took a bit of getting used to (coz it doesn’t lather like normal shampoos – the chemical that creates the lather is sodium lauryl sulfate) but my hair did feel squeaky clean after using it.

I think one of my challenges would be to find a 100% natural cosmetics range because even a small pot of concealer contains tons of chemicals. But, as luck would have it, my natural cosmetics range was generously sponsored by my sis in the form of an early birthday present Thanks, che! It’s called Bare Escentuals and it’s supposed to be 100% pure bareMinerals with no additives and zero irritants whatsoever.

Here are some reviews on the product. Naturally, different people react differently to different products so I would expect both negative and positive feedback. Try at your own risk, that’s what I say But I did notice that there was a strong metallic smell after the makeup person put it on me. Maybe she used a lot of it, hopefully it won’t smell as strong if I were to use less. Hopefully, my skin won’t react the same way as some of those people who wrote in the reviews.

Anyhow, changing personal care products and cosmetics is always a trial and error thing. Some products work well, some don’t. But you won’t know until you try

I’m in the midst of reading Gorgeously Green and another potential brand I might check out is Suki. I don’t think it’s carried in Malaysia but it’s in Singapore, so I will try to check it out the next time I head south of the border.

I know we all eventually will die so some may think this ‘green’ movement is a waste of time and effort. But going green is more than just for oneself; it is also to preserve the planet for the good of our future generations. For example, I will not bring a child into this world without doing my best to ensure I leave him/her a cleaner and more sustainable planet. And also I think I would die more peacefully knowing that I contributed a little to a greener Earth.

So that’s my plan : a step-by-step transformation to a greener me and a greener planet.

Next Step : To change my toothpaste and anti-perspirant :)

I was halfway through this book but didn’t manage to finish it because I found their content not very logical and their explanation unsatisfactory.

Based on what I read (maybe I misintepreted it coz perhaps I’m not so bright after all *rolls eyes*), I understand evolutionary psychology as “All human behavior leads to the ultimate aim of reproducing”.

Some of their observations include : Men prefer large breasts and blonde hair because (compared to small breasts and dark hair), they change dramatically with age. Therefore, it’s easier to identify the youngest and therefore most fecund potential mates.

So, in a nutshell, humans’ ultimate goal is to copulate and reproduce.

Right. I don’t buy it. At least, not entirely. I know some people (men and women alike) who just desire the physical gratification without any strings attached. And I also know people who made a conscious NOT to reproduce.

The only thing about the book’s premise that makes a bit of sense to me is that, perhaps this explains why males are so obsessed and fixated with anything related to sex. But then again, the book addresses both male and female behavior. So perhaps my theory also doesn’t hold.

Anyway, I didn’t finish the book. Anyone wants to try it?

Battling conflicting thoughts/views is physically draining.

Where does one draw the line?

Is it all worth it?

I’m the type of person who, if I feel strongly about something, I will go all the way for or against it. Take my pet topic, animal welfare, for example. I can talk about it till the mosquitoes go to sleep, if given the chance.

As a result of this, sometimes I may come across as long-winded or I seem like I can’t let go of a particular subject.

And one of the things that I feel strongly about has to do with ambiguity.

For as long as I can remember, I prefer things to be clear and precise. Options pondered, decisions made, no regrets later, only lessons learned. That’s how I got through life thus far, and I think I came out pretty unscathed so something must’ve worked somewhere.

Sure, I know I sound like a boring old fusspot but if some things can be made clear from the beginning, why not? If a potential shortcoming can be discovered through a series of analytical thinking, why not?

Of course, not every single thing can result in Decision A, B or C or Outcome X, Y, or Z and not everything works in a logical scheme. Some things, whether I like it or not, will remain ambiguous. But as long as I tried my best to find a resolution and am clear of the consequences of these ambiguities (in the event that I can’t come to a conclusion), I am willing to accept them.

I’m not spontaneous and I like to plan. Some may feel that these are not qualities and I agree, to a certain extent. But everything in moderation, I guess. As long as I don’t go to any extremes, I think I’m safe. And I dare to admit that my planning skills have enabled me to be more efficient when it comes to doing chores and running errands. But I guess one of the items on my to-do list would be to start to be a little bit reckless.

So yes, if I happen to go on and on and on about something, it’s not necessarily because I enjoy it. It’s because I feel that it is best to get things clear to avoid any obvious mistakes.

Oh.my.gawd!

This is so appallingly stupid that I’m speechless. I don’t know if I should be really angry, horrifyingly shocked, or try not to laugh my head off. Maybe all of the above.

Check this out :

Q: So you are denying that state funds were used for the maid?

A: I checked and the answer is ‘no’.

So, he is NOT denying that state funds were used for the maid? :-O

But this part takes the cake :

Q: You say you are a simple man but people would disagree because you fly first class and stay at expensive presidential suites?

A: You must remember when I was the (PNSB) chairman. I have my entitlement. If I were to reduce my entitlement to what an officer gets then what is the officer going to reduce to? I am the chairman. There is the deputy chairman, board of directors, government officers going along. If I fly business class (not first class), then what happens to my state secretary? He will complain. If I am travelling alone it is easier. But I am travelling with a group of people and if I downgrade myself – it’s a problem for the others. But I never ask (for the pricey presidential suites or first class flights). Whatever they provide, I go along with. I just tell them to give me a full itinerary on these trips. I want a full programme with investors and companies.

OMG, the nerve!! You mean just because one is a chairman, one cannot travel at the same level as one’s staff???!!! Is this person living in the stone ages or what?!

*totally speechless*

But really, thanks to mainstream newspapers like The Star. Please continue to publish stories like this so everyone will know how ‘smart’ our so-called leaders are and how much they care about spending taxpayers’ hard-earned money.

Last weekend, I was asking myself, why the heck did I sign up for this tree-planting thing organized by the firm (as part of our ‘green’ initiative), as my alarm woke me up at the ungodly hour of 5am. Already sleep-deprived from finishing work late the previous night and then having a full day the next day, I was quite grumpy when dragging myself out of bed.

We arrived at the Labis Bahru Estate in Segamat, Johor after 3-hour bus ride, most of which I spent sleeping Followed by the most backbreaking manual labor I’ve ever performed under the scorching sun!

Planting trees is DAMN hard work! And this with pre-dug holes for us to put in the trees! Can you imagine how much more difficult it would’ve been if we had to dig the holes too?!

All we had to do was, cut the plastic bag that was encasing the tree base, put the tree in the hole, and cover it up with soil. How difficult could it be right? Ok, let me tell you that cangkul-ing the soil to cover up the hole is much much harder than it looks! Add the scorching 12pm afternoon sun beating on your backs!

In the bus, I was telling my friends, hhmmm… I must plant 10 trees minimum. HAH! Yeah, right! After my third tree, I was ready to collapse! Seriously, it was so hot and my ears started to buzz… and I felt like I was gonna pass out I wish I could’ve planted more but I guess I can only safely say that I managed to plant 3 trees entirely on my own (we were supposed to work in pairs). The remaining 2 trees, I planted with Audrey. Oh well…

All in all, we were supposed to plant 250 trees. There were about 20 of us. I don’t know what was the final count of trees that we planted but I think it’s at least 100. Our trees would take at least 10 years to grow and mature. Hopefully, I can make a trip back at that time to check up on my trees

So, it was fruitful trip. I planted a few trees, which hopefully, will contribute a tiny bit to reducing our carbon emissions.

Let me reiterate : Planting trees is HARD WORK and they take really long to grow! So next time you think of chopping down a tree, THINK AGAIN!

And it made me realize that laborers are really tough people to be able to work the whole day under such scorching heat! So next time, if you have any construction work being done in your house or something, be thankful that you can hire someone to do the work for you. Working under the hot sun is really difficult!

My arms are sooooooo brown now! No, I didn’t put on sunblock

Me and Audrey with our tree!

This is Senan’s tree, I just tumpang-ed the photo