10 things fungi do for us

BBC says at best, check out the article here.

Do it yourself: laundry detergent...coming soon

I am working on a few projects right now, for some upcoming posts.  I have been thinking to myself what else I can cut out buying at the store, that I can do myself at home?  I have been thinking about this because I would like to be self sufficient.  What if the current industrial manufacturing process just fell apart?  I know this is unlikely to happen, but if it did, I would like to know I could survive, and maybe even have clean clothes.  Leading to my first upcoming project: home made laundry detergent.  

Laundry detergent can get a bit expensive.  Its pricey to ship which is reflected in the price, especially if you buy liquid detergent (you are paying to ship water).  Both laundry and dishwashing detergent can negatively affect your surrounding waterways too; by leaching phosphates.  Phosphates are known to stimulate algae blooms which suffocate plant and animals in the rivers and streams.

So by using a detergent with no phosphates, and less or no surfactants (this causes foam when waterways churn) we will be affecting the water quality less.  One of the biggest peeves I have heard is when 'eco soap' doesn't foam; but soap that foams a little or none does the same thing their foamy peers.  

The One Percent: Calling all designers!

The One Percent is an organization launched by Public Architecture in 2005, to allow designers and architects to give their time, creativity and care to non-profits in need of costly design services, pro bono.  

"1% of an 8 hour work day is 4.8 minutes.  Over the course of a 2,080-hour traditional work year, it amounts to just 20 hours per person per year." 

Considering that that's the amount of time you spend brushing your teeth, it makes sense that you can also help a brother, lady, doctor, patient, teacher, kid...out.  

Even if this isn't for you, I am positive that we were all inspired this week by President-Elect Obama's victory, and I see much more do-gooding coming to an everyone near you.

(this pie chart is 1% of your time in a year)