I don’t know about you but, for some time now, I have been mildly stressing about how much plastic waste we generate. I understand that globally, we are producing around 380 million tons of plastic every year, and it looks like up to50% of that are for single-use purposes — for just a few moments (or a week or so, like our shampoos, detergents, cosmetics, ad nauseum). The sad part is that plastic lasts for hundreds of years. Even sadder, is that they end up polluting the ocean and the land as well.
I had faith though that something would come up to, at the very least, to begin to resolve this dire and growing situation. A step towards the right direction. Thankfully. Baby steps, yes, but it comes as a big relief.
I found the most wonderful product online which was the answer to my dream and a vindication of my faith in humanity and the universe – laundry detergent sheets. Sounds mundane but mundane is good. After all, we all live on this our earth. Unless, you are from Mars (which we should be able to visit soon, GO ELON!) or some other planet. Personally, I believe that extra-terrestial beings are more advanced than us earthlings. They are probably looking at us with amusement, like one does with children. I would say amusement with growing alarm these days as we are going through upheavals and drastic changes in our lives.
But back to my “discovery” of this superb product – LAUNDRY DETERGENT SHEETS/STRIPS. No more plastic container (they come in cardboard boxes). Space saving – as small as 4”x2” strips. Ecology friendly. Cost efficient too.You all must check them out. They come in several brands. My favorite ones are lavender scented. But there are scentless ones also. I have not seen them in the supermarkets yet but you can buy them online. I buy mine on Amazon. No, I am not a fan of Jeff Bezos, and the obscene and garish display of wealth in Venice. But convenience wins for now. Until such time as I find an alternative online store, at least.
Speaking of fans, I am a big fan though of Elon Musk. For me, he is a certified true blue genius. In fact I would not be surprised if one day it turns out he is an alien – meaning an extra-terrestial. He is quite an extraordinary being. Not plastic at all. He’s “the real thing” as the Coke commercial tagline went years ago.
When Musk chose to endorse Trump, I thought maybe, just maybe, Mr. T did have some redeeming qualities. I gave Mr. T the benefit of the good. But that is all history now, if you get the drift of what I am saying. What a relief! I applaud Elon’s putting up the America Party. It’s about time. I am sure he’ll get it done!
But, Bezos and Musk and Trump aside — let’s go and help clean up our lives (literally)– with the utterly delightful product of laundry detergent sheets.
IN THE NAME OF BLOSSOM
This is the title of a new, ongoing Chinese historical costume drama that I am currently following. Very exciting, endearing, engrossing. I just hope it has a happy ending. I am a sucker for happy endings. Life, as of now, has too many unhappy things going on already. Floods, climate disasters, wars, scandals. Name it, we’ve got it.
The exquisitely production-designed drama series In the Name of Blossom (supposedly the prequel to Fluorished Peony) stars top Chinese artists, Yang Zi and Li Xian, the female lead and the male lead respectively.
I ended up fan-girling over the “muy simpatico” and the “boy-next-door”, charming demeanor of the male lead Li Xian. Even the bad guy, Miles Wei, looks good. Riveting story. Excellent acting. All the ingredients for good, satisfying entertainment. Even the female lead Yang Zi is quite endearing. Love the costume design and the make-up artistry. Waiting for the next episodes with bated breath.
You may want to check it out on YT or on some free streaming sites like KissAsian. Heads up though. There are still around 5 or 6 episodes to go though by today. No worries. There are only 24 episodes, which is unusual for a Chinese drama series.
CALLING ON NHK
What I miss watching are the historical drama series produced by NHK the public broadcasting company of Japan. They are usually aired weekly for one year (around 48 to 50 episodes) and are based on significant historical events in Japan. Extremely well-made and highly-recommended. Unfortunately, for us, they are not aired worldwide. Japan broadcasters are very guarded in terms of broadcast rights. The only reason I got to watch them was because they were selling pirated (yikes!) DVD copies in Manila many years ago. Their programing is mainly geared towards the domestic audience. Rightly so, because these “taiga” dramas, as the Japanese call them, instill and keep alive pride in their own culture and history.
Hopefully, in the near future, they will be accessible to the global audience as well. Yes, NHK?
From plastics, to fangirling, to NHK, I will bid you farewell for now. Enjoy your summer. Glad to have the sun and blue sky days!
Mabuhay!