trying to help save the planet

One thing I've done more of while living in Japan, is try to think of ways to help save the planet. We separate our garbage (burnable goes out on certain days and recycle items & non-burnable items on other days), we bring recycle items such as styrofoam trays and plastic bottles to the supermarket. We try not to use ziploc bags and paper towels too much and we've even started to cut down on the use of our air conditioner/heater and microwave oven. And, if we can walk instead of using transportation, then we do.

Recently, I found two more ways. One is to use a "nel drip" filter for brewing coffee. Nel (short for flannel in Japanese) drip coffee filters were used in 18th century France. The fine texture of the flannel helps to cut down on sediment and acids when brewing coffee. To start your filter, you need to boil it in water then after use, rinse it (no soap) and keep it in water in the refrigerator. Without the paper filter, getting rid of the grains can be a bit tricky, but once you get the hang of it, you'll definitely be saving some trees. We got our Nel drip filter from our local cafe, Hiro. But it is made by Hario.

The second way, is to use a bio-cleaner.

In mid-September, "Toreru No. 1" was featured on a local show. The next day, it flew off the shelves! I had to wait about a month to receive my order. Toreru No. 1 is made from vegetable oils such as natane(rapeseed), daizu(soybean), goma(sesame seed) and combined with enzymes from komenuka(rice bran) and fusuma(wheat bran). It is safe to use for cleaning appliances, the bathroom areas, washing dishes and even taking out stains on clothing. So far, I've used it to clean the bathroom, kitchen and have taken a few stains off of some clothing.

Hopefully, we're making a difference. :)