portiafaceslife’s Recent Comments

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  There is a gleam of hope that, as with the global financial meltdown, appealing to the greed of the money markets might see the necessary action happen. FIRST, we the people have to lead - hence Hopenhagen (http://www.hopenhagen.org/hopenhagen), & get the decisions taken at Copenhagen, even if the formal ratification happens later. AND the smart money makers have to see the potential of the green economy - which I believe is already happening in China. Renewable energy sources and industries based on them will save the planet and our f'ed up economic system. Mayb we won't leave the world in such a s-awful state for our kids and grandkids after all!On Copenhagen panic is premature posted 3 days, 7 hours ago 4 Responses

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  I carry a (clean) hanky with me everywhere I go.  I have post nasal drip which tends to strike without warning, & I definitely get social anxiety if I'm out without a hanky! I throw the hanky in the dirty laundry when I get home, and wash them in the hot wash with the towels (the only hot wash I do) to kill the germs.

  A cotton hany is a definite advantage when you wash your hands  at a public washroom.  No need to waste trees (paper towel) or electricity on handdriers that take ages and seldom dry your hands effectively.  Just dry on your clean hanky & out the door!

  With the fears over H1N1 influenza, I definitely think a cotton hanky that can go through the hot wash is superior infection control to soggy paper tissues that sit around in public wastebins.  What's more. even with regular hot washes, my cotton hankies last for years - I have some that are at least 10 years old.

  On Ask Umbra on public peeing posted 5 months, 3 weeks ago 20 Responses

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  In Australia we've had dual-flush toilets for about 20 years - we invented them! When my kids were young, in the 80s, we lived in the bush for a while on a hobby farm - our only water supply was the rainwater tank, so the 'mellow yellow' rule was strictly followed. Even though dual flush loos are widely available in almost every shopping mall & most homes, I still practice 'mellow yellow' at home.  But it's not appropriate when you visit someone else's home, or a public loo!  Think of all the water you've saved, and be prepared to 'spend' a liitle of it in the interests of courtesy.

  In Germany & Sweden they have toilets that separate the urine at source for recycling.  Urine is a valuable source of the non-renewable element phosphorus that all plants need for growth.  I save a cup of pee a week to water my herbs onmy balcony with.

  On Ask Umbra on public peeing posted 5 months, 3 weeks ago 20 Responses

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  baked potato version

  Great idea!  Gets around the soggy gluten-free pasta dilemma.On While food prices rise, here's a stick-to-your-ribs pasta dish that won't cause sticker shock posted 1 year, 7 months ago 14 Responses

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  Great minds think alike

  This is very similar to a chilli dish an American friend posted to me last year! (It was the original beef version.) I did it two ways on rice, but have yet to try it on pasta,  because as  I am wheat-intolerant I have to use gluten-free pasta.

   Gluten-free pasta is much less al dente (bitey) than the true pasta made with durum wheat.  Leftovers tend to be rather soggy the next day!

  I shall try the bean & chickpea version for a change, as I too, am trying to cut down on meat.On While food prices rise, here's a stick-to-your-ribs pasta dish that won't cause sticker shock posted 1 year, 7 months ago 14 Responses