Save The Planet & Yourself
minimize consumption / maximize self-reliance
by Lynn Landes (www.LynnLandes.com) updated 2/14/16
This is a simple plan. Think Green and Local Self-Reliance for everyone, for every community, and for every nation. I’m not against
high technology in the least, but believe that we all should be well prepared to survive and thrive without it. So, make a 2-column table.
List everything that you buy or use in the left-hand column. Then in the right-hand column, list how you could do things in a zero waste
or less wasteful/toxic manner. That might require that you stop doing certain things altogether or that you substitute a material or activity
with better, more eco-friendly choices. My list is below. Use it or make your own. Please note that this is a work-in-progress in that I’m
always experimenting. You should too!
BUYER BEWARE! As a rule, we should shop as little as possible. It is best to assume that anything we buy could be
contaminated with dangerous toxins. Plus, the more we shop, the less capable and self-reliant we become.
LYNN’S CHECKLIST & NOTES:
FOOD: Diet needs can vary for individuals.
conventional, processed, non-local food,
GMOs, cultivated, and hybridized
canned/bottled beverage/food
factory meat / poultry
farmed fish
sugars – beet, cane, maple syrup
vegetable oil
soy
anti-caking agents
dairy
gluten
vitamins
supplements
alcohol
caffeine
PERSONAL CARE Products:
make-up
perfume
hair color
nail polish
tattoos
hand cleanser
q-tips
Safe(r) Substitutes: X – I don’t use at all
SEE! wild edibles - www.WildFoodies.org
I make my own drinks, sauces, etc
grassfed or pastured
wild caught
I use local honey, maple syrup, and stevia leaves (not the white processed stevia), but am
also experimenting with getting my sugar from dried fruits
I use fat from meat, poultry, or fish – not vegetables
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
I am trying to cut down, very addictive, purchased Yaupon holly to try as substitute
Safe(r) Substitutes: X – I don’t use at all
X
X
X
X
X
X I rinse with water only or buckwheat flour (in pepper shaker), for tough grime, rub in oil or
fat, then use buckwheat & rinse. It really works well
X
bath – for both hair & skin
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feed your body, don’t poison it
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if you can’t put it in your mouth, don’t put it
on your skin
your skin, hair, & nails will absorb into your
body & bloodstream anything that comes
into contact with it
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other bath additives
skin moisturizer
hair conditioner, if needed
I only bath once or twice a week and otherwise take 1-minute showers every
couple of days just to rinse off, using water only.
Updated: I’m now mainly using plantain water (plantago)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plantago or
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plantago_lanceolata
and have tried mallow > https://wildlettucegal.wordpress.com/tag/nativeamerican-use-of-common-mallow-or-malva-neglecta – use ½ tsp of, crush or
put in blender, sieve out fiber, put in bath. The plantain can dry my skin a bit, but
it makes my hair more shiny and manageable.
you can also add other greens that may add more nutrition to your bath water
vinegar seems to work as a preventative against and possible cure for scabies,
lice, shingles, etc., in my experience. However, mint or pine needles might do
the same
avoid glycerine which is in most commercial and handmade soaps:
http://101healthsteps.com/2009/05/30/dangerous-chemical-glycerin-glycerineglycerol-glycyl-alcohol/
oat flour, herbs, and other foods can nourish your entire body as well as your skin
own body oils are best, protect skin with hats & clothes, limit shower time, don’t scrub skin
too much.
raw egg yolk (1 or more) applied directly to wet hair in bath or shower, comb through, then
rinse – it’s makes my hair feel great, but I lose body and control, so I use it only as needed.
hair styling gel
sunscreen
deodorant
toothpaste
mouthwash
toothbrush
rebuilding teeth
shaving
NEED TO FIND SUBS FOR:
dental floss
plastic hair brush and comb
HOUSEHOLD Commercial Products:
laundry detergent
tough grime on clothes
laundry softeners & deodorizers
general dusting
tough greasy dirt removers
dish washer
synthetic sponges or dish cloth
plastic dishware
aluminum pots & pans
stickless pots and pans
iron pots and pans
coffee filters (paper, plastic, aluminum)
filter of any kind
paper towels
window/mirror cleaners
tub/sink cleaner
kitchen tough grease & grime cleaners
kitchen floor cleaners
wood products & wood floors cleaners &
conditioners
air fresheners
air humidifier
NEED TO WORK ON:
stain removers
raw egg white applied on wet or dry hair
light clothing and hat, but mud can be used in survival situations
white vinegar, scrub on with facecloth, also scrub armpits in shower & bath, and avoid
eating glutens and avoid wearing synthetic clothes. You can try plantain water (plantago)
to keep your underarms dry.
try white rice flour, rinse with plantain (plantago) - not saying that it works, but it’s what I’m
doing right now. As a last resort, I use baking soda to whiten my teeth.
mint or plantain water
natural wood and bristles, and/or a terry cloth also helps clean teeth (plastic attracts
bacteria) or try a dogwood chew stick
I’ve read that horsetail water, eggshell & its membrane - for rebuilding teeth, knee
cartilage, etc., but have not conducted enough personal research.
because hair growth is a source of removing toxins from the body, I don’t shave except
once a year, before we go to the shore – yes, I cave in
?
the natural hair brushes don’t make it through my hair, still looking for solution
Safe(r) Substitutes: X – I don’t use at all
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buckwheat flour for colors (1 heaping teaspoon in water)
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white rice flour for whites (1 heaping teaspoon in water)
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plus plantain and/or mint water, fights bacteria, odor, etc.
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ditch your whites and solid colors if they’re too hard to keep stain-free
try scrubbing with clear oil and/or baking soda
1 leaf of plantain (plantago) and/or mint water in rinse water
spearmint water or pine needle water/tea, dampen dust cloth, it leaves slight oil film, good
for wood, leather, vinyl - keeps them from drying out
duck or chicken fat alone, can also add buckwheat or rice flour to act as an abrasive
hand wash w/ buckwheat flour and/or plantain water, air dry or dry w/ towel (cotton white tshirts)
natural fabric dish cloth or face cloth, synthetic material attracts bacteria
wood might be best, then glass or ceramic
glass, stainless steel (note stainless may also contain aluminum layers & leach if nicked
glass or stainless steel
glass, stainless steel
cotton handkerchief
cotton handkerchief
rags
white vinegar, dry with clean cloth, also see - http://theselfsufficientliving.com/foods-thatcan-clean-your-house/
egg whites and buckwheat flour or rice flour, but need baking soda to take out tough stains
apply duck or chicken fat, wipe off excess
spearmint and/or pine needle water
duck fat works great for me, keeps wood from drying out (it doesn’t go rancid nor smell
after a few hours / wood turners often recommend walnut oil
potted plants, herbs, (onions cut and left standing in water helps absorb toxic odors)
potted plants, etc.https://brightnest.com/posts/eight-health-benefits-of-houseplants
Fashion Commercial Products:
microfibers
purses
commercial made clothes
GARDEN Commercial Products:
fertilizers
fungicides
compost
Safe(r) Substitutes:
natural fibers
http://www.enviro-tote.com/ Our son paints them and I use them all the time.
DIY – www.PhillyKnits.org – a meetup I organized in 2014
Safe(r) Substitutes: I do not use any garden chemicals
X
X
in Philly, we use http://www.bennettcompost.com/ for food scraps & to get soil for our pots
and roof garden
PESTS Commercial Products:
Insecticides: ants and other insects
mouse traps
mosquitos repellent
Safe(r) Substitutes: I do not use any insecticides or mousetraps
meat or vegetable oil -pull everything away from in/outside walls & brush bottom edge
wash floors with spearmint water weekly
I sometimes splash spearmint water on my skin
PETS Commercial Products:
commercial foods
dog shampoos
flea products
doggy toys
Safe(r) Substitutes:
we make our own dog food
raw egg yolks – great cleanser & conditioner
dab plantain &/or mint water on fur http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plantago#Uses
make your own with socks, ropes, etc.
NEED TO WORK ON:
doggy poo bags
doggy chew products
MISCELLANEOUS:
paper tissues
jewelry
send cards
send gifts
send flowers
newspapers & magazines
looking for grassfed/pastured bones
Safe(r) Substitutes:
cloth handkerchiefs
I usually limit myself to one small gold wedding band
X
X
X
cancelled everything, but that’s not always a good thing, decide on a case by case basis
HEALTH:
Health needs vary for individuals.
vitamins
supplements
cigarettes
alcohol
recreational drugs
fluoride
caffeine
medicines/drugs/pharmaceuticals
Safe(r) Substitutes: I’m working on a chart for herbal remedies 1/14/16
vaccines
I strongly recommend against vaccines and any medication for the masses. It’s like taking
candy from a stranger. Common sense dictates that it’s a bad idea, fundamentally.
See: https://nvicadvocacy.org
it seems that we don’t even poop properly, see the SQUATTY POTTY http://www.squattypotty.com/, I use a footstool instead
It’s best to go barefoot or minimal shoes. Read “Born To Run” by Christopher McDougall
I’m 63, so I take it easy, not saying that that’s the way to go. I walk, stretch a bit, touch my
toes, lay on the floor flat on my back, social dance, and try to assume better posture (stand
tall). If I ran, which maybe I will eventually, it would be a run/walk – half and half – using
minimal shoes.
I wear light clothing and hats, but mud can be used in survival situations
it’s all about diet and avoiding estrogens & toxins, see
http://www.thelandesreport.com/MinimizingMenopause.htm
I avoid fluoride, excess mint, dried fruits, black & green teas, inflammatory foods and
drinks
warm spearmint tea seems to work for me, plus I avoid uncooked onions (except for
persistent coughs), unsoaked beans, etc.
I make sure I consume sufficient salt with my food. Drinking lots of water without enough
salt intake can be dehydrating and cause headaches and other serious health problemshttp://www.livestrong.com/article/490488-can-drinking-a-lot-of-water-give-you-a-headache/
the goal is organic and loose fitting. See www.phillyknits.org
defecating / toilets
feet
physical fitness
sunburns / toxic sunscreen
menopause
arthritis
gas / flatulence
headaches
healthy clothes
mental health & diet
ENERGY USAGE
WATER USAGE
TRANSPORTATION
X
X
X
X
X
X SEE: http://fluoridealert.org/
I am trying to cut down, very addictive, purchased Yaupon holly to try as substitute
I use food-as-medicine, and drugs as an absolute last resort. Plantain (plantago) is a
great herb to use for many if not most internal and external health issues. See
http://lynnlandes.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-worlds-1-medicine-common-weed.html.
avoid eggs, dairy, glutins, salicylates (http://salicylatesensitivity.com/), shellfish, soy, food
dyes, preservatives, pesticides, GMO’s (Genetically Modified Foods), and sugar
(particularly if your child has candida, a yeast overgrowth which can effect behavior,
common in children with neurobehavioral disorders like ADHD and Autism). source:
http://www.brainbalancecenters.com/blog/2014/07/can-food-intolerance-cause-behavioralissues-children/ I think it’s best to avoid any processed food or drink.
We own a 2002 Prius with a new battery that gets over 50 mpg and also have two electric
bikes and one regular bike. Plus, we really like taking the train, very relaxing.
(more to come)
(continued)
I AVOID… (abbreviated list) Many of the materials and toxins listed below affect your body, brain, and DNA.
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All plastics and synthetics, which are petroleum products, including: plastic toys, food/drink containers, plastic tea bags and
coffee filters, etc, synthetic fabrics (including dry cleaners, wrinkle-free, and flame retardant fabrics), personal care products
(soaps, cosmetics, etc), household cleaning agents, air fresheners, lawn care chemicals, pesticides, pest strips, flea collars. Even
if the product is said to be "organic", chances are it comes in a plastic container.
o http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/ - warns against plastics and its effects on physical, mental, and sexual development
o bacteria on plastic surfaces vs wood - http://faculty.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/faculty/docliver/Research/cuttingboard.htm
o Soaps (including antibacterial, triclosan) http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/08/29/triclosan-in-personalcare-products.aspx http://www.endalldisease.com/toxic-ingredients-exposed-a-funeral-for-dove-soap/
Any mined product, as much as possible – example, baking soda is a mined product so I avoid using it even though it is very
effective in removing calcium deposits, stains, etc. out of various materials.
Aluminum, found in deodorants (also called alum), anti-acids, pickled products, pots and pans, coffee strainers, dye fixers, and
other kitchen equipment, even some stainless steel pans.
o http://www.commondreams.org/views02/0819-06.htm
o http://www.drpepi.com/aluminum-poisoning.php
o http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/03/22/aluminum-toxicity-alzheimers.aspx
o http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/concerned-about-aluminum-dangers/
Mercury, including compact fluorescent that contain mercury
Fluoride - fluoridated municipal water and fluoridated dental products (many food products for people and pets can contain high
levels of fluoride). Read: http://fluoridealert.org/ & http://www.nteu280.org/Issues/Fluoride/fluoridesummary.htm
Chlorine – chlorinated water and chlorine cleaning products
Formaldehyde – http://www.naturalnews.com/034743_formaldehyde_personal_care_products_chemical.html
Food additives - http://www.naturalnews.com/035647_food_industry_ingredients_chemicals.html
Anti-caking agents (found in salt and baking products)
Talc (also an anti-caking agent) - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/samuel-s-epstein/talcum-powder-the-hidden_b_279523.html
Fiberglass http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/04/30/fiberglass-causes-cancer.aspx
Asbestos - http://www.mesothelioma.com/asbestos-cancer/what-is-asbestos.htm
Glycerin - http://101healthsteps.com/2009/05/30/dangerous-chemical-glycerin-glycerine-glycerol-glycyl-alcohol/
New homes: Most new buildings need a period of years to "out-gas" due to the use of toxic construction materials.
Old buildings may harbor lead paint and/or lead plumbing, lead can also be in the surrounding soil
Disposable paper products: tissues, napkins, plates, towels, diapers
Dishwashers: The biggest source of indoor air pollution may be the dishwasher and its plastic parts. Washing machines,
showerheads and faucet taps also release toxins in lesser amounts. (The hotter the water, the more toxins are freed)
Medications – I use as a last resort, may be hazardous to your health and the environment, plus medications are not filtered from
drinking water.
Lead in pipes and other products – history of lead use: http://www.toxipedia.org/display/toxipedia/History+of+Lead+Use
Microwave ovens // EMFs // wireless…
Wood fires to heat your home