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Sunday, March 17, 2024

The Rise of Zero Waste Lifestyles

 

Photo by Sustain L.A.


The Rise of Zero Waste Lifestyle

By: Elizabeth Watson


Introduction:

The zero waste movement, gaining increasing traction and relevance in today's world, is a philosophy that aims to minimize waste generation and optimize resource use. Rooted in the principles of reducing, reusing, recycling, and composting, it advocates for a holistic approach to consumption that emphasizes sustainability and environmental consciousness (EPA, 2023). By encouraging individuals, businesses, and communities to adopt mindful practices such as avoiding single-use plastics, embracing package-free options and supporting circular economies, the movement strives to mitigate the harmful impacts of waste on ecosystems and human health while creating a more resilient and regenerative society. With a growing emphasis on sustainability and conservation, the zero waste movement represents a crucial response to the challenges of climate change and resource depletion.


Benefits of Zero Waste Living                                   Photo by Ensia

Embracing a zero waste lifestyle offers many benefits across environmental, economic, and health domains. Environmentally, it significantly reduces landfill waste by minimizing the amount of trash, then conserving valuable resources and mitigating pollution. Economically, zero waste living means consuming less, thereby saving money through reduced purchasing and waste management costs
while also promoting sustainable practices that contribute to long-term financial gain. Additionally, by opting for natural, unpackaged goods and products filled with chemicals, individuals can enhance their health by minimizing exposure to toxins, allergens, and pollutants commonly found in conventional consumer items
(Toronto Environmental Alliance, 2020).


Practical Tips for Embracing Zero Waste Living

1. Assess Your Current Waste: Conduct a waste audit to identify areas for improvement

2. Reduce Single-use Plastics: Swap plastic items for reusable alternatives (e.g., water bottles, grocery bags)

3. Shop Mindfully: Choose products with minimal packaging or opt for package-free options

4. Embrace DIY Culture: Make your own household cleaners, personal care products, and food items

5. Compost Organic Waste: Start composting food scraps to divert them from landfills and create nutrient-rich soil

6. Prioritize Quality over Quantity: Invest in durable, long-lasting items instead of disposable ones

7. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about environmental issues and sustainability practices to make informed choices


Conclusion
Embracing a zero waste lifestyle is a gradual journey that requires commitment and mindfulness. By implementing practical changes into your everyday life, you can significantly reduce your environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable world. It is important to recognize that transitioning to zero waste is not an overnight process, but rather a series of conscious choices made each day. As long as you remain mindful of your consumption habits and continuously seek opportunities to minimize waste, you will invariably make a positive impact on both the environment and your own life.






                                                                                     Photo by Zeona        


 To learn more about zero-waste living, click here!   

References

EPA. (2023, November 22). How Communities Have Defined Zero Waste | US EPA. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved March 17, 2024, from https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/how-communities-have-defined-zero-waste

Toronto Environmental Alliance. (2020). Benefits of Zero Waste. Toronto Environmental Alliance. Retrieved March 17, 2024, from https://www.torontoenvironment.org/zerowaste_benefits
                                                                                                                                         

When is a Home a Home? The Need for Legal Car Camping Spaces

 


Despite the image of the average houseless person as being out on the streets or in a tent, the reality is that there are hundreds of thousands of Americans that use their cars and mobile homes as both temporary and permanent shelters, a reality that is both at times glamorized, demonized and frequently misunderstood. What defines a “home” becomes a little more complicated when looking at mobile homes, as they have a structure to live in yet no legal space to park it in. This is where the problems start for those looking for a safe place to live off the street; they simply are running out of places to stay in spite of their shelter. With a growing number of mobile parks simply vanishing and not being replaced by local governments, people have no choice to park their vehicles in public parking spaces and lots, often drawing the ire of the local communities and leading to punitive punishments, like impounding, ticketing, and auctioning, as ways to further push these people into poverty. In this post I will look at how these situations are created directly by greater societal elements, like rent prices and job security, and how punishing people for living in their car only serves to make the homelessness crisis worse.



 

These issues become much clearer when you look at the statistics around citizens living in their vehicles. This information is from Seattle, Washington, but they reflect a wider trend throughout the United States that has only gotten worse since the COVID-19 outbreak and governmental shutdowns that resulted. Additionally, by looking at these graphs we see the cause of homelessness for these people lies deeper among other societal problems, largely job insecurity and raising housing prices. When compared to non-Vehicle residents, there is an average of ten percent of causes of homelessness attributed to greater societal issues like income equality and unreasonable rent prices, highlighting that the issue of people being forced to live in their car cannot be solved with punitive measures without addressing the greater issues first. As these graphs on rent prices show, there is a direct correlation between how much a city charges for rent on average and how many homeless people exist in that community. The cities may treat things like unsanctioned RV camps as nuisances that must be squashed, but it’s hard to deny that they are the ones that sowed the seeds that made these camps necessary in the first place.



 

These tickets issued to vehicles are not harmless financial measures, but rather legal traps that eventually lead to vehicle impoundment, as well as long term damage to credit ratings and the ability to receive financial help in the future. Whether they are auctioned off for fifty dollars or destroyed by the city using thousands of taxpayer dollars, the system directly exists to ensure that the people affected are further pushed into poverty with no hope of ever recovering. As we can see from the data, thousands of people are living in their cars and see it as a viable form of shelter, but it’s the government and wealthy local communities that are working overtime to make sure that they have one less safe space to sleep in. For us to combat this, we need to create a vast number of legal spaces for these vehicles to exist in, and to have a legitimate way of supporting a plan that makes up for our lack of public parking. Not only will this help the communities that want to clean up their streets from public car camping, but more importantly, it will provide the thousands of people who live in their car every night with a place of legitimate security that they currently do not have.



To read more about safe parking programs and learn about programs that currently exist, click on the links below. While the amount offered is not nearly enough for the amount of people in need, it shows that there are examples of this system working, and how we can build this into something that offers security to everyone who needs it.

 

https://www.beavertonoregon.gov/378/Safe-Parking-Program

https://www.cityofvancouver.us/community/homelessness/vancouver-safe-parking-zone/

Friday, March 15, 2024

Exploring the Impact of Remote Work on Homelessness


Remote work has become increasingly prevalent in today's workforce, accelerated by technological advancements and the global shift towards flexible work arrangements. This topic delves into the effects of remote work on employee well-being and productivity, examining the opportunities and challenges it presents for individuals and organizations.

In recent years, the streets of Portland have witnessed a troubling surge in chronic homelessness, outpacing national trends at an alarming rate. Multnomah County's 2022 Point-In-Time Count, a snapshot capturing the reality of houseless individuals on any given night, paints a stark picture. The numbers are staggering: over 5,200 people find themselves without stable housing in Portland, marking a staggering 30% increase since 2019. But beyond the statistics lie the stories of those affected. More than just numbers, over 80% of those living unsheltered in our city, including many of our patients, grapple with at least one disability. Among them, 40% struggle with severe mental health disorders, while 37% battle substance use disorders. These aren't just figures; they're the faces of a crisis that demands attention and action. 

Oregon is focused on tackling the shelter problem through the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program. This program is aimed to help individuals and families quickly find stability in housing after experiencing homelessness. The program covers various components such as street outreach, emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, rapid re-housing assistance, and data collection.


One relatable aspect between homelessness and work is the concept of housing insecurity. While homelessness denotes a complete lack of housing, housing insecurity can also encompass situations where individuals have a place to live but face uncertainty about its stability or affordability. One of the main issues of onsite jobs for sheltered homeless people is that they are often low pay, long hours, far from shelter, or physically taxing. This can often contribute to the mental and physical toll on the individual perpetuating the mentality of never escaping the cycle of homelessness.  Remote work, with its potential to transcend geographical boundaries and offer flexibility, can be seen as a solution to housing insecurity for some individuals. It allows people to maintain employment without being tied to a specific location, potentially mitigating the risk of limited income, displacement due to gentrification, rising housing costs, and other factors.


Benefits of Remote Work:

Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: Remote work offers employees the flexibility to manage their work schedules around personal commitments, leading to improved work-life balance and reduced stress levels. 

Increased Productivity: Many employees report higher levels of productivity when working remotely, citing fewer distractions, reduced commute times, and the ability to work in a comfortable environment of their choice free of stigmas.

Cost Savings: Remote work can result in cost savings for both employees and employers, including reduced commuting expenses, office space overheads, and increased efficiency.

While remote work alone may not completely solve homelessness, it can be a valuable tool in addressing some of the underlying challenges and providing opportunities for individuals to achieve stability and self-sufficiency. By exploring these connections, we can foster a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics at play and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.


Strategies for Leveraging Remote Work to Address Homelessness:

  • Partnerships with Nonprofit Organizations: Collaborating with nonprofit organizations that specialize in homelessness support to identify job opportunities, provide training, and offer resources for individuals seeking remote work.

  • Remote Work Training Programs: Establishing training programs focused on remote work skills, digital literacy, and professional development to prepare individuals facing homelessness for remote employment opportunities.

  • Employer Engagement: Encouraging employers to create remote work opportunities, offer flexible arrangements, and support diversity and inclusion initiatives that benefit individuals from marginalized backgrounds.




Survey Results and Response for "Houselessness, Mental Health Conditions, and Drug Abuse, Is There a Correlation?"


 We want to start by thanking everyone who participated in the survey that was posted in February. It was a great turn out and we're so grateful for 45 responses that helped us gain a better understanding of the knowledge and viewpoints that the public has on these public health issues. In this post, we will be sharing the responses and results from the survey, and at the end, there will be another brief survey that we encourage you to take after reading. 

The first question of the survey asked "How many individuals do you think suffer from houselessness in the United States?" and the majority of the responses were correct, the estimated number of houseless individuals in 2022 was 582, 462. From 2022 to 2023 the United States experienced a 12% increase in the number of individuals who were houseless on a single night, approximately 653,100 people experienced houselessness at some point in 2023.  

Forms response chart. Question title: How many individuals do you think suffer from houselessness in the United States?. Number of responses: 28 / 45 correct responses.
Graph of responses 

The second question asked, "How many people do you think suffer from houselessness in Portland, Oregon?". Many of the participants answered incorrectly, and only 38% of the responses were correct. There is a noticeable stigma surrounding Portland, Oregon, and its homeless crisis, many individuals expected the number of houseless individuals in Portland to be greater than the actual value. Around 53% of the participants expected the number of houseless individuals to be about 4,000 more people than the actual estimated value. The number of homeless individuals has dramatically increased by 65% in recent years. In 2015 the estimated number of people experiencing homelessness was 1,887, and in 2023 there were around 6,297 homeless individuals.

Forms response chart. Question title: How many individuals do you think suffer from houselessness in Portland, Oregon?. Number of responses: 17 / 45 correct responses.
graph of responses

The next question was "Do you believe that drug abuse and houselessness are correlated?", this question was asked mainly to see what people's views are on the idea of a correlation between these two public health issues. 80% of the participants believed that there was a correlation between the two, which was good to see. It is estimated that around 1/3 of houseless individuals have some form of substance abuse disorder, around 38% of people who are houseless abuse alcohol, and 26% abuse other forms of drugs. The correlation between the two public health concerns is complex, substance abuse can be a factor that leads someone to becoming homeless, but substance abuse can also be a consequence of homelessness. Individuals who suffer from homelessness are more likely to abuse substances, and their also at a greater risk of experiencing an overdose caused by opioids or illicit drugs.

Forms response chart. Question title: Do you believe that drug abuse and houselessness are correlated? . Number of responses: 45 responses.
Graph of Responses

Then we asked in the survey, "Around what percent of houseless individuals in the U.S. abuse drugs?", the data compiled demonstrated that people expect the percentage to be higher than it is. 40% of the participants believed that 72% of homeless individuals abuse drugs, and 24% of survey takers correctly answered that 26% of houseless people abuse drugs.  

Forms response chart. Question title: Around what percent of houseless individuals in the U.S. abuse drugs?. Number of responses: 11 / 45 correct responses.
graph

The follow-up question was "Around what percent of houseless individuals suffer from substance abuse disorder (SUD)?", about 29% of the responses selected the correct answer, which was 37% of houseless people have a substance abuse disorder (SUD). 40% of the responses were for the highest value, and 56% of houseless people have SUD, which can demonstrate the stigma surrounding homelessness and substance abuse. One error in the survey question was that we used data for Portland, Oregon, but in the question, we didn't specify whether it was on Portland, or the United States as a whole. 

Forms response chart. Question title: Around what percent of houseless individuals suffer from a substance use disorder (SUD)?. Number of responses: 13 / 45 correct responses.
graph

The participants were asked, "In 2022, about how many houseless people died from drug overdoses in Portland, Oregon?". Following the trend of the responses to previous questions, 33% of participants answered "413" and 29% selected "365", the correct number was much lower than the participants assumed, only 11% of people answered correctly with "123" homeless people died from a drug overdose in 2022. With the rise of fentanyl in the United States, the nation has been facing a drastic increase in drug-related overdose deaths, and Portland is no exception, with 74% of the overdoses caused by fentanyl. 

Forms response chart. Question title: In 2022, about how many houseless people died from drug overdoses in Portland, Oregon? . Number of responses: 5 / 45 correct responses.
graph











Again, we asked the survey takers a question that would be based on their views and beliefs, "Do you believe that houselessness and mental health issues are correlated?", 89% of the participants did believe that there is a correlation. People who experience homelessness are more likely to suffer from mental illnesses like anxiety and depression, and they're at a greater risk of having suicidal ideations and committing suicide. Mental illnesses can also lead to homelessness, individuals with mental health disorders are at a greater risk of becoming homeless, some disorders can inhibit a person from getting and maintaining a job, and behavior disorders can cause an individual to withdraw from friends and family. Substance abuse can also play a part in this, individuals with mental health issues are more likely to misuse substances in efforts to self-medicate, and the financial burden of substance abuse and self-medicating can also be a factor in becoming houseless. Substance abuse can also cause mental health problems and can also be a factor to self-isolation and maintaining a job. 

Forms response chart. Question title: Do you believe that houselessness and mental health issues are correlated? . Number of responses: 45 responses.
graph

In the survey we asked "In the U.S. what percent of houseless individuals suffer from mental illnesses?". This question also demonstrated that the expected percentage is much higher than the actual value, 62% of responses selected "50%" and only 7% of the responses selected the correct percentage which is 21%. In 2022, 21% of homeless people interviewed reported having a mental illness. 

Forms response chart. Question title: In the U.S. what percent of houseless individuals suffer from mental illnesses? . Number of responses: 3 / 45 correct responses.
graph









 


The last question of the survey was "What percent of houseless people in Portland, Oregon suffer from mental health conditions?". A majority of the participants (56%) answered 72%, and the other majority (36%) answered correctly, 40%. In 2022, 40% of houseless individuals reported having a mental health disorder. This percentage gives the public a good idea of how many homeless individuals suffer from some form of mental health problems. Still, the value is most likely higher than what was reported, because it is likely that non every homeless individual was interviewed. Some also might not be aware that they are suffering from a mental health disorder. People who are experiencing houselessness and mental health issues are more than likely not receiving treatment for their problems, which can exacerbate their symptoms, and can lead to episodes of psychosis or depression. 

Forms response chart. Question title: What percent of houseless people in Portland, Oregon suffer from mental health conditions?. Number of responses: 16 / 45 correct responses.
graph

A large issue when discussing homelessness, mental illnesses, and substance abuse is whether there is a correlation or causation between the three. There is a correlation between these three public health issues, but correlation doesn't mean causation. Correlation and causation can exist simultaneously, which these three public health crises demonstrate, each of these issues can cause another. Mental illnesses can cause homelessness and substance abuse, substance abuse can lead to houselessness and mental illnesses, and substance abuse and mental illnesses can be the result of experiencing homelessness. The biggest takeaway from this survey and its results is that causation and correlation are both present and can be seen and experienced in different ways. 

Link for Final Survey