Wednesday, March 04, 2020
TZAR PUTIN OF ORTHODOX RUSSIA
Putin proposes amending Russia’s constitution to ban same-sex marriage
Raft of conservative changes to country’s founding document would also proclaim Russians’ ‘belief in God’ and stop future governments from handing Crimea back to Ukraine
Chris Baynes THE INDEPENDENT
Vladimir Putin, pictured talking to the Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill
It is one of several proposed changes that would make the constitution more conservative.
Other amendments include specific mentions of Russians’ “belief in God” and an homage to “ancestors who bequeathed to us their ideals”.
The president first proposed updating the constitution in his state-of-the-nation speech of January. He claimed it was necessary to broaden the powers of parliament and bolster democracy, but opponents say the move is part of his efforts to remain in power at the end of his six-year term in 2024.
The Kremlin-controlled parliament quickly endorsed Mr Putin’s initial draft amendments in the first of three required readings last month.
Following proposals from a Kremlin working group that operates parallel to MPs, he tabled 24 pages of additional amendments on Monday ahead of the second reading on 10 March.
They are likely to get final parliamentary approval next week, setting the stage for a nationwide vote on 22 April.
Other amendments proposed for inclusion in the revised constitution define Russians as a “state-forming” ethnic group.
Read more
After proposals to outlaw disparaging the Soviet role in the Second World War, Mr Putin added an article pledging to protect “historic truth” and forbid “belittling the people’s heroic protection of the Motherland”.
Another amendment states Russia should never surrender any territory — a change proposed in response to a working group member’s suggestion of measures to prevent any future ruler from giving away Crimea, the region annexed from Ukraine in 2014.
Mr Putin, who has aligned himself with the Russian Orthodox Church and sought to distance his country from liberal Western values, is said to see the constitutional overhaul as an opportunity to enshrine what he sees as his country’s core moral and geopolitical values.
The president vowed last month that Russia would not legalise gay marriage as long as he was in the Kremlin, saying he would not let the traditional notion of a mother and father be subverted by what he called “parent number 1” and “parent number 2”.
Homosexuality in Russia was a criminal offence until 1993 and classed as a mental illness until 1999, and same-sex couples are still banned from adopting children.
Homophobia remains widespread in the country, and western governments and human rights activists have criticised the Russian authorities for their treatment of LGBT+ people.
A law introduced to ban “gay propaganda” in 2013 has been been used to stop pride marches and detain rights activists
Mr Putin was claimed he is not prejudiced against gay people, but says he finds a Western willingness to embrace homosexuality and gender fluidity out of step with traditional Russian values.
Putin proposes amending Russia’s constitution to ban same-sex marriage
Raft of conservative changes to country’s founding document would also proclaim Russians’ ‘belief in God’ and stop future governments from handing Crimea back to Ukraine
Chris Baynes THE INDEPENDENT
Vladimir Putin, pictured talking to the Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill
of Moscow, has proposed constitutional amendments including a mention
of God and effectively a ban on same-sex marriage ( AP )
Vladimir Putin has submitted a proposal to enshrine a ban on same-sex marriage in Russia‘s constitution.
PUTIN IS A REPUBLICAN
A draft amendment put forward by the Russian president would alter the country’s founding document to state that marriage is a “union of a man and a woman”.
Vladimir Putin has submitted a proposal to enshrine a ban on same-sex marriage in Russia‘s constitution.
PUTIN IS A REPUBLICAN
A draft amendment put forward by the Russian president would alter the country’s founding document to state that marriage is a “union of a man and a woman”.
It is one of several proposed changes that would make the constitution more conservative.
Other amendments include specific mentions of Russians’ “belief in God” and an homage to “ancestors who bequeathed to us their ideals”.
The president first proposed updating the constitution in his state-of-the-nation speech of January. He claimed it was necessary to broaden the powers of parliament and bolster democracy, but opponents say the move is part of his efforts to remain in power at the end of his six-year term in 2024.
The Kremlin-controlled parliament quickly endorsed Mr Putin’s initial draft amendments in the first of three required readings last month.
Following proposals from a Kremlin working group that operates parallel to MPs, he tabled 24 pages of additional amendments on Monday ahead of the second reading on 10 March.
They are likely to get final parliamentary approval next week, setting the stage for a nationwide vote on 22 April.
Other amendments proposed for inclusion in the revised constitution define Russians as a “state-forming” ethnic group.
Read more
After proposals to outlaw disparaging the Soviet role in the Second World War, Mr Putin added an article pledging to protect “historic truth” and forbid “belittling the people’s heroic protection of the Motherland”.
Another amendment states Russia should never surrender any territory — a change proposed in response to a working group member’s suggestion of measures to prevent any future ruler from giving away Crimea, the region annexed from Ukraine in 2014.
Mr Putin, who has aligned himself with the Russian Orthodox Church and sought to distance his country from liberal Western values, is said to see the constitutional overhaul as an opportunity to enshrine what he sees as his country’s core moral and geopolitical values.
The president vowed last month that Russia would not legalise gay marriage as long as he was in the Kremlin, saying he would not let the traditional notion of a mother and father be subverted by what he called “parent number 1” and “parent number 2”.
Homosexuality in Russia was a criminal offence until 1993 and classed as a mental illness until 1999, and same-sex couples are still banned from adopting children.
Homophobia remains widespread in the country, and western governments and human rights activists have criticised the Russian authorities for their treatment of LGBT+ people.
A law introduced to ban “gay propaganda” in 2013 has been been used to stop pride marches and detain rights activists
Mr Putin was claimed he is not prejudiced against gay people, but says he finds a Western willingness to embrace homosexuality and gender fluidity out of step with traditional Russian values.
‘Only yes means yes’: Spain plans new rape law to put more emphasis on consent
Move follows outcry and protests over gang-rape case
Zoe Tidman
THE INDEPENDENT
Spain’s rape laws could change to put more emphasis on consent after a high-profile case caused outrage over current legislation.
The government has approved the “only yes is yes” bill, under which victims of sexual assault would no longer have to prove that they were subject to violence or intimidation.
Instead, rape would be defined by an absence of consent.
The move follows public anger and protests over a gang-rape case during the San Fermin bull-running festival in Pamplona in 2016.
Five people were initially found guilty of sexual abuse but not rape, as the victim was not deemed to have objected.
Women's March 2020: in photos
Show all 19
The Sexual Liberties Law will drive home that an “explicit expression of consent” is needed for sexual acts to be considered legal, according to Irene Montero, the equality minister.
According to Amnesty International, only nine of 31 European countries have laws that define rape based on the absence of consent, instead defining it by other measures such as whether violence or the threat of violence was used — as is still the case in Spain.
If passed, the bill will also provide 24-hour centres for victims staffed by specially trained personnel.
Aggravating factors such as physical violence or the use of drugs or alcohol to incapacitate the victim would carry heavier sentences for perpetrators.
Such cases would be heard by special judges in courts dedicated to sexual crimes, as is already done with crimes relating to gender violence.
The bill has been approved by the Spanish government, but still needs to be debated and approved by parliament.
It would take several months for it to become a law.
Additional reporting by agencies
Move follows outcry and protests over gang-rape case
Zoe Tidman
THE INDEPENDENT
Spain’s rape laws could change to put more emphasis on consent after a high-profile case caused outrage over current legislation.
The government has approved the “only yes is yes” bill, under which victims of sexual assault would no longer have to prove that they were subject to violence or intimidation.
Instead, rape would be defined by an absence of consent.
The move follows public anger and protests over a gang-rape case during the San Fermin bull-running festival in Pamplona in 2016.
Five people were initially found guilty of sexual abuse but not rape, as the victim was not deemed to have objected.
Women's March 2020: in photos
Show all 19
The Sexual Liberties Law will drive home that an “explicit expression of consent” is needed for sexual acts to be considered legal, according to Irene Montero, the equality minister.
According to Amnesty International, only nine of 31 European countries have laws that define rape based on the absence of consent, instead defining it by other measures such as whether violence or the threat of violence was used — as is still the case in Spain.
If passed, the bill will also provide 24-hour centres for victims staffed by specially trained personnel.
Aggravating factors such as physical violence or the use of drugs or alcohol to incapacitate the victim would carry heavier sentences for perpetrators.
Such cases would be heard by special judges in courts dedicated to sexual crimes, as is already done with crimes relating to gender violence.
The bill has been approved by the Spanish government, but still needs to be debated and approved by parliament.
It would take several months for it to become a law.
Additional reporting by agencies
HERSTORY
On This Day: Frances Perkins becomes 1st female Cabinet member
On March 4, 1933, Frances Perkins was sworn in as U.S. labor secretary, becoming the first female member of the Cabinet.
By UPI Staff
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Social Security Act into law at the White House on August 14, 1935. On March 4, 1933, Frances Perkins, standing behind FDR, was sworn in as U.S. labor secretary, becoming the first female member of the Cabinet. File photo by ACME Newspictures
March 4 (UPI) -- On this date in HERSTORY
THE REST OF TODAY'S HISTORY
THE ATOMIC AGE AND THE SPACE AGE OVERLAP
In 1958, the U.S. atomic submarine Nautilus reached the North Pole by passing beneath the Arctic ice cap. It would become the first submarine to pass underneath the North Pole later that year.
BLASPHEMY
In 1966, John Lennon told Britain's Evening Standard that the Beatles were "more popular than Jesus." The comments sparked condemnation and protests the following summer.
UPI File Photo
IRAN CONTRA
In 1987, U.S. President Ronald Reagan acknowledged his administration swapped arms to Iran for U.S. hostages and said, "It was a mistake."
On This Day: Frances Perkins becomes 1st female Cabinet member
On March 4, 1933, Frances Perkins was sworn in as U.S. labor secretary, becoming the first female member of the Cabinet.
By UPI Staff
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Social Security Act into law at the White House on August 14, 1935. On March 4, 1933, Frances Perkins, standing behind FDR, was sworn in as U.S. labor secretary, becoming the first female member of the Cabinet. File photo by ACME Newspictures
March 4 (UPI) -- On this date in HERSTORY
In 1917, Jeanette Rankin, a Montana Republican, was sworn in as a member of the House of Representatives. She was the first woman to serve in Congress.
In 2005, homemaking guru Martha Stewart returned home after serving five months in a federal prison for conspiracy, obstruction of an agency proceeding and making false statements to federal investigators.
In 2005, homemaking guru Martha Stewart returned home after serving five months in a federal prison for conspiracy, obstruction of an agency proceeding and making false statements to federal investigators.
THE REST OF TODAY'S HISTORY
THE ATOMIC AGE AND THE SPACE AGE OVERLAP
In 1958, the U.S. atomic submarine Nautilus reached the North Pole by passing beneath the Arctic ice cap. It would become the first submarine to pass underneath the North Pole later that year.
BLASPHEMY
In 1966, John Lennon told Britain's Evening Standard that the Beatles were "more popular than Jesus." The comments sparked condemnation and protests the following summer.
UPI File Photo
IRAN CONTRA
In 1987, U.S. President Ronald Reagan acknowledged his administration swapped arms to Iran for U.S. hostages and said, "It was a mistake."
BLACK LIVES MATTER
In 2015, a report released by the Department of Justice found that the Ferguson Police Department routinely performed "suspicionless, legally unsupportable stops" against the African-American residents of the Missouri city.
Mansplaining, explained in one simple chart
CLICK ON CHART TO MAKE IT BIGGER
Mansplaining is, at its core, a very specific thing. It's what occurs when a man talks condescendingly to someone (especially a woman) about something he has incomplete knowledge of, with the mistaken assumption that he knows more about it than the person he's talking to does.
Although mansplain is most likely the coinage of a LiveJournal user (thanks, Know Your Meme), no discussion of mansplain is complete without mention of Rebecca Solnit's 2008 essay "Men Explain Things to Me," now also the title of her 2014 collection of essays. (The essay was published first at TomDispatch.com and later in the Los Angeles Times. It was reprinted in Guernica with a new introduction by Solnit in 2012.) Although Solnit didn't use the word mansplain in her essay, she described what might be the most mansplainiest of experiences anyone has ever had. Solnit and a friend were at a party where the host (a wealthy and imposing older man), upon learning that Solnit had recently published a book on 19th century photographer Eadweard Muybridge, proceeded to tell her all about a very important book on the same photographer that had just come out. The book, of course, was Solnit's, but the man had to be interrupted several times by Solnit's friend before he'd absorbed that knowledge and added it to the knowledge he'd absorbed from reading the New York Times review of the book.
Mansplaining gained traction at first on feminist blogs, as writers and activists finally had a catchall way to talk about a specific, albeit insidious, dynamic experienced by qualified women in male-dominated fields. When I heard it for the first time, the term helped to instantly describe so many interactions I had with men over the years that left me feeling annoyed and bad about myself. Mansplaining encapsulates the sexist, condescending tendency men can exhibit in classrooms, at work, and in casual conversation to assume that they know more about a topic than a woman, no matter what it is or what her credentials are.
But as it’s become a household phrase on the internet in the last few years, mansplaining has been used to characterize an ever-growing variety of unpleasant or uncomfortable interactions between a man and a woman, even those that aren’t actually marked by sexist aggression. Maloney’s apology to Hill for the mansplaining she “endured,” for example, belies the fact that members of Congress have castigated both male and female witnesses at the impeachment hearings (as they often do at most hearings, really). Solnit herself has said that mansplaining is applied too broadly; part of this is because of how viral moments in politics and otherwise travel now, quickly and without context — something pithy and broad like mansplaining acts like a stamp, telling us how to react and share.
Which is the much more worrisome implication of mansplaining’s ballooning definition: that some people, many of whom actually oppose the goals of feminism, have figured out how to use it as a political attack, to deflect engagement with the contents of their positions.
BYE BYE CHRIS MATTHEWS
WE WON'T MISS YOUR MANSPLAINING AND TALKING OVER YOUR GUESTS AS IF YOUR OPINION OR QUESTIONS WERE PEARLS OF WISDOM
Chris Matthews: TV host quits with apology for (SEXIST) 'compliments'
Jewish Group Demands MSNBC's Chris Matthews Apologize for Sanders Remark
Sanders Campaign Manager Slams MSNBC, Says Fox News Is ‘More Fair’
NO! AMERICA; FIDEL CASTRO IS NOT BERNIE SANDERS RUNNING MATE
WE WON'T MISS YOUR MANSPLAINING AND TALKING OVER YOUR GUESTS AS IF YOUR OPINION OR QUESTIONS WERE PEARLS OF WISDOM
Jewish Group Demands MSNBC's Chris Matthews Apologize for Sanders Remark
Sanders Campaign Manager Slams MSNBC, Says Fox News Is ‘More Fair’
NO! AMERICA; FIDEL CASTRO IS NOT BERNIE SANDERS RUNNING MATE
I'm a proud gun-owning Republican because of my feminist (SIC) beliefs.
And I think Bernie Sanders is dangerous
My parents are Democrats, but I realized at college that I was more conservative than them
Antonia Okafor Colorado
Unaffiliated voters have a choice in Colorado to change the dynamic of the Democratic Party today. With Amy Klobuchar and Pete Buttigieg’s decision to step down from the campaign, the two viable candidates have narrowed down to Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders. The fact of the matter is that I saw this split coming years ago. I realized that the party was inevitably turning into a place more for Bernie and less for Biden, and I knew my pro-life, pro-gun beliefs would soon be seen as hostile in a less inclusive Democratic Party.
INCLUSIVE OF REACTIONARY GUN AND FETUS FETISHISTS
NO THANKS THAT'S WHY THE DEMOCRATS ARE FEELING THE BERN
Unaffiliated voters have a choice in Colorado to change the dynamic of the Democratic Party today. With Amy Klobuchar and Pete Buttigieg’s decision to step down from the campaign, the two viable candidates have narrowed down to Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders. The fact of the matter is that I saw this split coming years ago. I realized that the party was inevitably turning into a place more for Bernie and less for Biden, and I knew my pro-life, pro-gun beliefs would soon be seen as hostile in a less inclusive Democratic Party.
INCLUSIVE OF REACTIONARY GUN AND FETUS FETISHISTS
NO THANKS THAT'S WHY THE DEMOCRATS ARE FEELING THE BERN
REPUBLICAN BLOOMBERG SPENDS HALF BILLION DOLLARS
AS A DEMOCRATIC POTUS CANDIDATE ON SUPER TUESDAY RACES AND WINS......
AMERICAN SAMOA
HOME OF THE ROCK
HEY MIKE DO YOU SMELL WHAT'S COOKING!
Former mayor of New York has spent more than half a billion dollars of his own money on his campaign
Richard Hall New York @_richardhall
THE INDEPENDENT
Billionaire Mike Bloomberg said his campaign has “achieved something no one else thought was possible” after winning his first Democratic primary delegates — in the territory of American Samoa.
The victory gave the former mayor of New York, who has spent more than half a billion dollars of his own money in his bid for the nomination, his first delegates of the primary race.
"No matter how many we win tonight, we have done something no one else thought was possible," he said, touting his rise from “one percent in the polls to being a contender for the Democratic nomination for president."
But even as he celebrated his first delegates on Super Tuesday, the key states targeted by Bloomberg’s campaign provided less than hopeful results.
Despite spending more than $17 million on television advertising alone in North Carolina, and building a significant ground game, Bloomberg is projected to finish third in the state behind Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders.
Super Tuesday: Lively scenes as results flood in across 14 states
Show all 29
One campaign aide blamed the former mayor’s poor performance in his debut debate in Las Vegas last month.
"This isn’t going as planned," a campaign adviser told CNN’s Jeff Zeleny. "Things changed after Las Vegas debate and never recovered."
In Virginia, too, the signs were bad. Bloomberg has a long history of spending heavily in Virginia politics, giving millions to help elect Democratic candidates over the years. His campaign has flooded the airwaves with television commercials in the past few months, and he has visited some seven times.
But that effort has shown little reward so far, with polling currently placing him in fourth place with 9.5 percent.
Despite the disappointing early results, campaign manager Kevin Sheekey told reporters that Bloomberg was “absolutely” not dropping out.
Bloomberg’s spending has dwarfed that of his rivals, a strategy that is credited with propelling him in the polls from around 5 percent in November to around 15 percent today.
Billionaire Mike Bloomberg said his campaign has “achieved something no one else thought was possible” after winning his first Democratic primary delegates — in the territory of American Samoa.
The victory gave the former mayor of New York, who has spent more than half a billion dollars of his own money in his bid for the nomination, his first delegates of the primary race.
"No matter how many we win tonight, we have done something no one else thought was possible," he said, touting his rise from “one percent in the polls to being a contender for the Democratic nomination for president."
But even as he celebrated his first delegates on Super Tuesday, the key states targeted by Bloomberg’s campaign provided less than hopeful results.
Despite spending more than $17 million on television advertising alone in North Carolina, and building a significant ground game, Bloomberg is projected to finish third in the state behind Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders.
Super Tuesday: Lively scenes as results flood in across 14 states
Show all 29
One campaign aide blamed the former mayor’s poor performance in his debut debate in Las Vegas last month.
"This isn’t going as planned," a campaign adviser told CNN’s Jeff Zeleny. "Things changed after Las Vegas debate and never recovered."
In Virginia, too, the signs were bad. Bloomberg has a long history of spending heavily in Virginia politics, giving millions to help elect Democratic candidates over the years. His campaign has flooded the airwaves with television commercials in the past few months, and he has visited some seven times.
But that effort has shown little reward so far, with polling currently placing him in fourth place with 9.5 percent.
Despite the disappointing early results, campaign manager Kevin Sheekey told reporters that Bloomberg was “absolutely” not dropping out.
Bloomberg’s spending has dwarfed that of his rivals, a strategy that is credited with propelling him in the polls from around 5 percent in November to around 15 percent today.
Tuesday, March 03, 2020
Hand sanitisers are flying off the shelf amid coronavirus - but are there greener alternatives?
NO
THIS ARTICLE IS ANNOTATED BY ME AS A PROFESSIONAL CLEANER.
Jessica Jones
THE INDEPENDENT
iStock
With Coronavirus causing such a panic at the minute, it's no surprise that antibacterial products like hand sanitisers and soaps are flying off the shelves. I can see why hand gels are popular - they’re small, cheap and you can even get them in fun scents, colours and packaging. But antibacterial gels might not be as pretty as they first look. In the midst of a global pandemic are we profiting from convenience at the cost of the environment?
I’m not saying we shouldn’t clean our hands, in fact the World Health Organisation emphasises the importance of hand hygiene, saying that it's the most effective method of preventing the spread of harmful germs. It advises that hands should be frequently washed with soap and hot water, or hand sanitiser but only if hands are visibly clean.
I often use hand gels; they don’t take up space in my bag, they’re useful if I’m not eating lunch at home, they’re practical if there is no place to wash hands anywhere nearby or if the soap has run out.
However, there are environmental problems that come with using them. For a start, they come in small plastic bottles that contain roughly 30-50ml. On a mass scale, if everyone is using hand gels then these small plastic bottles could amount to a lot of waste, a large proportion of which will not get or be able to be recycled and will eventually end up in landfills.
YOU CAN REUSE YOUR BOTTLE BUY BUYING A LARGER CONTAINER FROM A CUSTODIAL OR JANITOR SUPPLY COMPANY. AS WELL PUBLIC SITES WILL HAVE
Antibacterial soaps are no better. They contain the chemicals triclocarban (TCC) and triclosan (TCS), which are particularly harmful to the environment as they are washed down the sink and cannot easily degrade, contaminating our water systems. And according to the FDA, there is not even evidence proving that these antibacterial soaps are more effective than plain soap.
I've been trying to limit my consumption of hand sanitiser, only using it when absolutely necessary and if there is no possible way of washing my hands with soap and water.
The traditional old method of soap and water is not always practical on the go or in public though and hunting for sustainable hand gel alternatives was a bit trickier. I looked into making my own hand sanitisers however a lot of the online advice warned against this due to the complex method and ingredients.
I had better luck exploring the high street, where I found several organic and natural options and even more online. These are only slightly more expensive than regular ones and are much better for your skin too. When I bought one I made sure it was a reusable bottle so that when it runs out I can refill it from a larger container.
Jessica Jones
THE INDEPENDENT
iStock
With Coronavirus causing such a panic at the minute, it's no surprise that antibacterial products like hand sanitisers and soaps are flying off the shelves. I can see why hand gels are popular - they’re small, cheap and you can even get them in fun scents, colours and packaging. But antibacterial gels might not be as pretty as they first look. In the midst of a global pandemic are we profiting from convenience at the cost of the environment?
I’m not saying we shouldn’t clean our hands, in fact the World Health Organisation emphasises the importance of hand hygiene, saying that it's the most effective method of preventing the spread of harmful germs. It advises that hands should be frequently washed with soap and hot water, or hand sanitiser but only if hands are visibly clean.
I often use hand gels; they don’t take up space in my bag, they’re useful if I’m not eating lunch at home, they’re practical if there is no place to wash hands anywhere nearby or if the soap has run out.
However, there are environmental problems that come with using them. For a start, they come in small plastic bottles that contain roughly 30-50ml. On a mass scale, if everyone is using hand gels then these small plastic bottles could amount to a lot of waste, a large proportion of which will not get or be able to be recycled and will eventually end up in landfills.
YOU CAN REUSE YOUR BOTTLE BUY BUYING A LARGER CONTAINER FROM A CUSTODIAL OR JANITOR SUPPLY COMPANY. AS WELL PUBLIC SITES WILL HAVE
HAND SANITIZERS AVAILABLE SINCE THE H1N1 PANDEMIC
ALWAYS DAB ONCE AND THEN DAB AGAIN TO DISINFECT
THE FIRST DAB CLEANS YOUR HANDS, THE SECOND DISINFECTS
Antibacterial soaps are no better. They contain the chemicals triclocarban (TCC) and triclosan (TCS), which are particularly harmful to the environment as they are washed down the sink and cannot easily degrade, contaminating our water systems. And according to the FDA, there is not even evidence proving that these antibacterial soaps are more effective than plain soap.
IN ALBERTA AND ACROSS NORTH AMERICA THESE ARE BANNED PRODUCTS AS TCC/TCS ARE KNOWN AS A FULL SPECTRUM BACTERIA KILLER, WHICH MEANS IT KILLS GOOD BACTERIA AS WELL AS BAD. BUGS DO NOT NEED DRUGS, IS THE MOTTO OF ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES.
USE SOAP OR ALCOHOL BASED HAND SANITIZER NOT ANTI-BACTERIAL'S
ALCOHOL HAND SANITISERS EVAPORATE QUICKLY. AVOID HAND SANITISERS WITH QUATS/ WHICH AGAIN ARE A FULL SPECTRUM ANTI BACTERIAL AND IS A PESTICIDE
So this week I began searching for alternatives. I swapped the plastic bottle of antibacterial liquid soap in our bathroom for a plain bar of soap that came in paper wrapping (although like many other items in my uni house this has now mysteriously disappeared).
Bars of soap are cheap to buy, last longer than liquid soaps and are also relatively easy to make yourself if you have the right ingredients. Unfortunately, summative assessment season did not allow the time to make my own soap this week but it’s something I plan on doing over Easter.
ALCOHOL HAND SANITISERS EVAPORATE QUICKLY. AVOID HAND SANITISERS WITH QUATS/ WHICH AGAIN ARE A FULL SPECTRUM ANTI BACTERIAL AND IS A PESTICIDE
So this week I began searching for alternatives. I swapped the plastic bottle of antibacterial liquid soap in our bathroom for a plain bar of soap that came in paper wrapping (although like many other items in my uni house this has now mysteriously disappeared).
Bars of soap are cheap to buy, last longer than liquid soaps and are also relatively easy to make yourself if you have the right ingredients. Unfortunately, summative assessment season did not allow the time to make my own soap this week but it’s something I plan on doing over Easter.
SOAP IS FINE BUT, IF IT IS DIRTY OR HAS NOT BEEN CHANGED, IT BECOMES INFECTED WITH BACTERIA, SAME WITH SOAP DISPENSERS OLD SOAP FEEDS
BUGS.
WHEN CLEANING DURING A PANDEMIC START WITH FRESH SOAP.
I've been trying to limit my consumption of hand sanitiser, only using it when absolutely necessary and if there is no possible way of washing my hands with soap and water.
The traditional old method of soap and water is not always practical on the go or in public though and hunting for sustainable hand gel alternatives was a bit trickier. I looked into making my own hand sanitisers however a lot of the online advice warned against this due to the complex method and ingredients.
I had better luck exploring the high street, where I found several organic and natural options and even more online. These are only slightly more expensive than regular ones and are much better for your skin too. When I bought one I made sure it was a reusable bottle so that when it runs out I can refill it from a larger container.
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