the great pacific garbage patch

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You can also check out this documentary on The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, on VBS.tv (the first three, of eleven, are currently online.) video one | video two | video three

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And here's an interesting observation, from one viewer:

"My first thought after watching was “I am NEVER using plastic again!”. But seriously folks, that is not an easy thing to do. The computer I’m typing on right now is made of plastic. My glasses have plastic in the frames. I’m not sure it would even be possible to replace everything in my life that is made with plastic (my car, for example). While I applaud the efforts of bloggers like Fake Plastic Fish and Life Less Plastic the sad reality is that this problem – the toxic plastic garbage wasteland of the North Pacific gyre – is not going to go away because a few of us choose to use stainless steel tupperware or cloth grocery bags. The problem is not only global (want another freaky thought? there are four other oceanic Gyres on Earth…) , but goes to the very nature of our society and its dependence on a material that is non-biodegradable and unmanageable as waste. It’s bad enough that we Westerners created this stuff and then became totally dependent on it, but now we are exporting our disposable plastic lifestyle to countries that lack curbside recycling and waste management facilities.

But even if we were to recycle every piece of plastic manufactured there would still be the issue of garbage (ever seen what happens to the area around a McDonalds restaurant, despite the presence of multiple waste bins?). There’s also those darned nurdles – the tiny plastic pellets that are melted down and then coloured and moulded into the final product – which escape from train cars and truck beds, blowing in the wind like dust, and collecting all over the earth’s surface including the oceans.

I think what needs to happen is we need to make this issue so well-known that people raise enough of a stink about it to prompt some change. People need to start viewing plastic the same way we view non-dolphin friendly tuna. Our society needs to invent/find materials to replace plastic that can be disposed of responsibly and which do not pose such a threat to life on this planet.

In the meantime, I’m going to do my bit by trying to cut all unnecessary plastic out of my life (starting with my shampoo). I have written in the past about being plastic bag free; Google around and you’ll come up with many more suggestions and tips. And if you feel overwhelmed, as I did when I first watched that documentary, just take a deep breath and say to yourself “One step at a time”… Spread the word, and hopefully one day the ecological horror show that is Garbage Island will become simply one more embarrassing episode of human history that we somehow managed to survive without going extinct.
- Rural Aspirations"

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In one great note that made me happy this weekend, I've discovered that there are a few cashiers at Target that now, even if I don't pull out my reusable tote/don't have it with me at that moment the cashier will not place the item in a bag, but simply put it on the counter while I finish checking out. (Sometimes I forget it, rarely; but sometimes. In those cases though, I ALWAYS carry the item out bagless. Always.) They actually recognize me as the "reusable tote guy!" and I don't even have to yell out quickly "I have my own bag!" anymore! Yes, see, you can teach old cashiers new tricks (or even young cashiers, or middle-age cashiers, or...!)

clean sweeps

+ method's got themselves a sparkly new website! Make sure you check it out over at www.methodhome.com! Some of the navigation is a little "hidden" (but I do sincerely like it! - example: to get to the store, click on the word products in their title "method creates products for people against dirty.") People against dirty takes you to their blog, etc. It takes a little searching, but once you figure it out, it's a snap!

This also makes me feel the aircare line is moreso heading for a revamp, rather than a discontinued status. The product line is second only to their home cleaning line (with 48 products), so let's keep our fingers crossed! Let me know what you think of the new site design!

Oh, And right now, you can get yourself a shiny new $1.00 coupon off of their new site! Whee!

+ Looks like Target is clearancing both the stainless steel "steel for real", and the granite "daily granite" wipes. Pick some up, before they're gone from Target!

+ Next time you pick up a bottle of method's refresh mint or waterflower foaming hand wash, you might notice it's gotten a bit more colorful. I'm not sure if this is a quality control issue, or method just decided to brighten some of their colors; but the green and pink is REALLY green and pink now! I noticed this during a recent trip to Target. Random, I know. But hey, I'm a random kind of guy!

method profile - anna boyarsky

Check, check, check it out, baby! (Can anyone tell me what song THAT'S from? If so, uh, you need as much of a life as I do!) Look what I got! Why it's none other than a grand method profile! Perfect for a wonderful Friday afternoon!

I had to do a little threatening on this one, but in the end Anna came through, and was a great sport! She's always rockin' it over at method, and we appreciate everything she does for us here at ole' method lust! So on with the show (show being seven questions, ok? Ok.)

1+ Your name, please? And do you have a nickname at method?
Anna Boyarsky (nickname "slinky", i carry around this mini wire slinky all day, it has gotten a bit pavlovian so that i can't work without it.)

2+ What was your first method lust?
Like most people I fell in LOVE with our Green Tea Aloe handwash. Such a cute shape, such a nice smell, such a eco-product. But as I have matured in my love of method I have to say I am obsessed with our landry detergent. Nothing works better, and i am not using excess water.

3+ What brought you to method, the company? (How did you become interested in a career with method?)
I came to method about 4 years ago and immediately feel in love with not only the amazing products we make but the dynamic culture that we have inside our office. I get paid to have fun and make a difference. Nothing better!

4+ What is your title/dept. at method, and what is it you do there? How long have you been with method?
Oh man I have had quite a few titles but the most recient is "president of the method fan club; people against dirty". It is a little long but I think it speaks to our passion to serve our "people against dirty" community and give them the tools to spread the method love.

5+ What is the biggest thing you are currently doing, besides using method products, to help out the environment?
I try to do a lot of things. The most recent is to purchase local produce at farmers markets and California wines. Life is rough. :)

6+ Who's the last person you've turned onto method?
My parent's friends in Oregon. I was talking to them the other day and they told me they went to Lowes and bought every product!

7+ Which one best describes you as a person? Pink Grapefruit, French Lavender, Cucumber, or Go Naked?
I would have to say cucumber...I would like to think I am refreshing. :)

Thank you, thank you Anna! See, that wasn't so difficult! Ha ha!

And method employees, would you like your very own method profile? Come on, you know you want one! If so, drop me an email and I'll let you know all about it! (It's so easy, you could do it with one arm tied behind your back! Trust me!)

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And don't think I've forgotten you method lust readers! How would you like to be the next method lust advocate spotlight? You can! It's easy! So freakin' easy! Like, chimpanzee easy! And you know you don't want a chimpanzee getting the better of you, now do you? No, you don't. Uh-uh. So here are all the details!

mandarin mango lust contest!

UPDATE Contest closed! Thanks to everyone that entered! The winner will be announced shortly! Good luck! One more exclamation point!

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Listen up! So here's the thing! We all know (don't we?) that method's new (limited edition) hand wash fragrance, mandarin mango, makes it's debut this August! Well, why buy it, when you can win it (and try it for free?)

And this is all you gotta do! method lust roll call! Just comment on this post, giving your name (or screen name) and the last method product you purchased! "Nathan Aaron - Lavender + lemongrass aroma pill refills." That's it! One lucky person will be chosen at random to win a free bottle of new mandarin mango hand wash once it debuts! So good luck! (One entry per method luster, please. And if you've never purchased method products (what?!) you can still enter, of course! No purchase discrimination here, folks!)

blown out?

UPDATED UPDATE to my UPDATE method lust reader Karin says "when you say "aircare" line - are you talking about the candles, sprays, pills, aroma rings and oil diffusers? I mean, what the heck is left? Not that I don't like some of their other products (I heart the shower spray, lil bowl blu and le scrub)...but seriously, I feel like that is half their line!

Honestly though, I have always had an issue with the price of their aircare line - a little on the pricey side. So if aircare wasn't selling well, I would venture to guess that other people thought they were a little pricey too. Ok, sorry for the rambling rant - i'm just a little shocked."

Karin, those are indeed all the products I'm talking about when I say aircare line. And I agree, I think it's a big part of their line. And, (PS. - Nathan needs a life) I was thinking about this last night (see, I told you he did) and I've sorta taken a step back here. I think the CURRENT version of aircare will be discontinued. BUT I have a feeling (some little voice in the back of my head, it's hard to keep him quiet sometimes. Shh, I'm trying to think! Quiet, I say! Quiet!...) saying method would be really stupid to cut the entire line; so I'm now going with it being rebooted/revised/revamped. In the end, we'll see.

Now I do have a couple small comments that I've heard here and there that make me feel otherwise, but I'm sticking with the aircare line staying/returning in SOME form. But no matter, I still say stock up, because not only do I bet many of these product versions won't be back; but I'm also betting all the scents will be replaced (which might actually be a great thing!) So grab your favorites while you can! (So much speculation, so little time! Ha ha!)

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UPDATED UPDATE Ok, folks. The method aircare aroma ring refills have all gone on clearance. That's it, I'm callin' it! The aircare line is being discontinued. You know how there are those people that tell you they're totally innocent, but won't actually let you see the evidence for yourself, to easily prove their innocence. Like they actually have something to hide, and uh, aren't really innocent? (Uh, what the heck, Nathan?) What I mean is, method is being really hush hush over this one; and that can only mean one thing, the aircare line IS being discontinued (cause otherwise it's pretty easy to just say "Uh, no, it's not being discontinued." Know what I mean?) So, again, I'm callin' it! Is it being replaced out with a new, rebooted aircare line? There might be a teeny, tiny small chance there, but honestly, I wouldn't hold my breath. Run out and stock up, cause it's happening people!

I'm sorta surprised at the total lack of comments concerning this news? Are you gonna miss the aircare line? Should we work up a petition (seriously!)? Are you glad to see it go? Are you sobbing uncontrollably? Let us know! (And if you're sobbing uncontrollably, tissues are in the bathroom. There's a fresh box.)

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UPDATE Alright, so uhm, a sorta update here. Now let me just tell you, usually, method is really great about providing me with news, announcements, and the such. But this time around, mum's the word! No one is cracking, no matter how much chocolate, Metromint water (mmm! Minty water!) and cash I sling their way. And honestly, I'd heard some weird extremely cryptic rumblings a few months ago; but I kept still. Quiet as a mouse. Hush hush, you know? Cause I'm all about playing fair! Nice and easy! You scratch my back, I'll scratch your back. Penny for your thoughts? Who's on first? What's on second? No wait, where was I?

But now with what looks like the aircare candles actually being discontinued at Target, I think my horrible no-no-please-no! hunches were correct. While everyone is staying zipped up tight at method, and I've asked, OH have I asked, after seeing the candles hit clearance (but not before, because well, you know, all that mum's the word and fair play stuff and oh uh, I'm sorta lost? Anyone have some bread crumbs?) So here goes nothing. This is NOT official (but sorta the word is "stock up on aircare.") I think the aircare line is about to go bye-bye! SO, I'll keep chipping away, and trying to find out more information; but until then, I highly recommend you start stocking up on some method aircare. It just might be your last chance!

What are your thoughts? Can you live without the aircare line? What if they replace if with some dandy awesome new (non-aircare) line? Would that heal your wounds? No? Yes? Seriously, we might have to start an online petition if this happens. Because I'm not sure about YOU, but I don't think ole' Nathan can live without his method aircare. So. Serious.

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...Sniff. So folks, I return (slightly tanned/burned and in vacation withdrawal already!) with some (possibly) bad news. Target has just started putting the method aircare candles on clearance. And while I (currently) have no official information on this, I do believe this might be the end for our belusted aircare candles! I really don't believe they're reworking the containers again, and would bet money the candles are being discontinued (with possibly their only return being during the holidays?) NOW, like I said, I should have some officially official word here in no time, and I'll update everyone!

For the moment, I'd run out and start stocking up on your favorite aircare candles (and maybe all your favorite products from the entire aircare line, JUST in case?) Hysterics exit left, sobbers exit right! Needless to say, to be continued!

sneak peek - mandarin mango hand wash

UPDATE I just checked with method, and unfortunately mandarin mango hand wash is a Target exclusive, and therefore won't be available in Canada. Sniff! Sorry, Canadians!

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Check out this sneek peak of method's new limited edition (or rather, guest star!) mandarin mango hand wash! I think it's pretty cute they've decided to give it the title of "guest star" instead of "limited edition" (like they've done in the past.) It's pretty neat, and would definitely let consumers know it won't be around forever!

If you haven't signed up for the mandarin mango lust contest yet, the contest ends July 31st! So hurry and get your name in! Pronto! Go, go, go! Move it! What'cha waiting for? Last call! Over and out! Movin' on! (Oh skedaddle already! It's so freakin' easy!)

design profile

OH my goodness, these bottles are so cute I can't deal! Do you see that elephant bottle? DO YOU!? Wow, I hope they actually produce that one day. It's just too adorable!

method's own people against dirty blog gives us some insight into moving from otter to penguin bottles, used for their squeaky green baby + kids line!

"We've relaunched the packaging on our baby + kids products from an Otter to an adorable little Penguin. Check out some notes from Josh, head of form + function here at method, who talks through why we went from Otter to Penguin.

Q: Why the change?
A: Leaky Otters! We found that people were unable to resist taking the Otter's pants off (no joke!) to get a big whiff of the what the product smelled like. This more often than not loosened the cap underneath the Otter which in turn sometimes created a big mess either on a shelf in the store or all over your bathroom floor at home.

Q: How was the Penguin born?
A: We looked at all sorts of other animals that we knew from around Northern California (our very own backyard) including Sea Lions, Whales, Crabs, Starfish and Giant Squid, before settling on the Penguin for the next generation of the methodkids bottle. Designer Jeannie Choe worked to get the Penguin bottle to look as cute as the Otter and I think we succeeded. The Cap on the top means it's super easy to smell and no more leaky bottles!

Thanks Josh! Check out some intial design work (photo above) of both the little Penguin as well as another product design that didn't make the final cut (not this time at least).
- Julie Kim"

shock and awe

Wow. Just wow. The world does work in mysterious ways, let me tell ya! How so, you ask? Well, get this.

So uhm, remember this from April? Ok, well, specifically, this part:

"You know, recently I had a big disagreement (we won't call it an argument, though if it went on any longer, it definitely would have been. Possibly with fists?) with a friend's mother! (I know, his mother! And yes, friend, you know who you are! (Shakes fist in air!) I think his hidden goal was to get me all riled up, cause actually, well, he's evil. Ha ha! But in the end, all my talk of polar bears drowning, method lusting, helping the earth in small ways, and just say no to plastic bags was met with "well if we don't use plastic, what will we make everything out of?/global warming is a bunch of baloney/green cleaning products should be the exact same price as the crappy cleaning products that cost me nothing cause they're made of bad, nasty chemicals (but since they're not, I ain't buyin' them)/I'm not about to take any responsibility myself"-ness. And honestly, I'm still slightly erked."

Yeah, that post. Ha ha! So get this... said friend sends me an email a couple days ago. And the shorthand version is:

"Just wanted to let you know, my mom told me she finally went out and purchased a hand towel to use in the kitchen, instead of constantly using paper towels. And it was all because of the conversation we'd had during that drive (to Ikea.)"

My mouth dropped to the floor, I think literally, upon reading this. I mean (and yes, he's reading this - Hi, Sam!) if there was ever anyone I thought I simply couldn't crack when it came to this eco thing, it would have been his mother! Moral of this story is truly, you never know WHAT could come from a green conversation with someone, anyone! That little seed might actually get planted, and you may never know! So next time the opportunity arises, and you start thinking "Oh, why bother? What I say will never make a difference, big or small." Say it anyway, you just might be surprised.

- Even if it's three months later. Wow!