Showing posts with label Ocean. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ocean. Show all posts

Sunday, November 9, 2025

๐Ÿญ๐Ÿฌ ๐—˜๐—ณ๐—ณ๐—ฒ๐—ฐ๐˜๐—ถ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ ๐—ช๐—ฎ๐˜†๐˜€ ๐˜๐—ผ ๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐—ฑ๐˜‚๐—ฐ๐—ฒ ๐—ฃ๐—น๐—ฎ๐˜€๐˜๐—ถ๐—ฐ ๐—จ๐˜€๐—ฒ ๐—ง๐—ผ๐—ฑ๐—ฎ๐˜† ๐ŸŒŽEcological Footprint Lesson 102 · Updated Dec 28, 2025

 Ditch Plastic Packaging

Lots of Alternatives!

1. Bar Soap in Talavera Soap Dishes

Reducing plastic use is not only good for the environment—it can also be surprisingly satisfying and fun. One of my most recent changes was eliminating plastic liquid hand soap bottles altogether, including both pump bottles and large refill containers. That’s a lot of plastic over the course of a year. My solution was simple and enjoyable: I bought beautiful Talavera soap dishes from local Mexican shops and switched to bar soap for handwashing at the kitchen and bathroom sinks.
Fill Talavera Pump Dispensers 
With "Platos" Dishwashing Detergent
I now fill my Talavera pump dispensers with dishwashing detergent—my new Platos liquid soap. Guests who prefer liquid soap can use this option, and it works beautifully: it creates just enough suds, cleans well, and rinses easily. Keeping it in a decorative dispenser also makes dishwashing detergent readily available for scrubbing pots. I’m especially pleased that "Platos" brand dishwashing soap is plastic-free and biodegradable, and I share more about it below.
2. Toothpaste Tablets in a Plastic-Free Container

I wish I had discovered toothpaste tablets sooner! Muyme ships 90 tablets in a completely plastic-free can, available through Amazon Mรฉxico, making it easy to eliminate traditional toothpaste tubes from daily life. According to Google, globally around 1.5 billion toothpaste tubes are thrown away each year, with some estimates as high as 20 billion annually due to their mixed plastic and foil layers that can’t be recycled. In the U.S. alone, more than 400 million tubes end up in landfills every year, where they can take centuries to decompose. 

These tablets feel like a small but meaningful step toward reducing plastic waste—and they’re practical and delightful to use. I love the fresh flavor, the simplicity, and the compact size that makes them perfect for travel.
3. I've Switched to Compostable Zipper Bags!
Available at La Comer Stores
4. My First Bamboo Toothbrush Ordered from La Comer
Others Available from Amazon—What Do You Like?
Plastic toothbrushes can take up to 500 years to break down. They don’t fully decompose—instead, they fragment into microplastics that can pollute ecosystems and waterways for centuries.

Globally, roughly 23 billion toothbrushes are discarded annually, according to National Geographic and other sources. Since most of these are not recyclable, they likely end up in a landfill or are incinerated. Each one of us can make a positive environmental impact with this small change.
5. I Purchased More Pyrex Dishes to Eliminate Plastic Wrap
And Replace Styrofoam Restaurant To-Go Containers
Yes, I bring my Pyrex bowls to the meat market for chicken, beef, and pork—and to restaurants so I can pack up half my meal to take home. It’s a simple habit that helps the environment and saves me money. I also use these bowls for freezer storage instead of plastic freezer bags, which cuts down on waste and makes reheating frozen meals much easier.

6. Nutrisa Frozen Yogurt in Waxed Paper Carton

No Plastic, Not Even in the Lid!

I’ve written before about reducing our plastic usage, but it’s been a while. My earlier post, "ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT Lesson 101: 10 Ways We Reduced Ours When We Retired in Mexico", was published on March 9, 2017, shortly after we moved to Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico.

Even eight years ago, we were already making changes: buying milk and juices in waxed paper cartons and trying to cut back on plastic containers. I even made my own yogurt at home for a while, but we ate it too fast, and I eventually tired of the long process.

7. Our Juice and Milk Cartons 8 Years Ago
The Cartons Have Changed But Still Eco-Friendly

๐ŸŒฑ I Want to Reduce Plastic Usage — More. ๐ŸŒŠ

One small change I’ve made recently: I stopped buying yogurt in plastic containers. Instead, I discovered Nutrisa Frozen Yogurt, which comes in two delicious flavors, Mora (Blackberry) and Taro. To my surprise, Taro has become my favorite! It pairs beautifully with bananas, mangos, pineapple, and even cooked cinnamon apples with cranberries. ๐Ÿ˜‹

Fruit Smoothie from Ingredients Packaged in Paper

For breakfast, I’ve been adding two small scoops of Nutrisa to a bowl of fruit, granola, and chopped walnuts. It’s creamy, refreshing, and so satisfying. Nutrisa claims it contains live cultures, so I feel like it’s a healthy alternative to regular or Greek yogurt, plus, it blends perfectly into smoothies.๐Ÿ’š

8. Purchase Drinks and Food in Glass Containers

I say, "No plastico por favor." With a little extra effort, I have found all the drinks and food I need in glass or cans. I even found almond butter packaged in glass jars from Amazon Mexico.

Recently, I watched the documentary A Plastic Ocean.” It opened my eyes. Seeing the heartbreaking impact of plastic on our oceans, wildlife, and ultimately our own bodies has motivated me to make a difference—one small, mindful choice at a time.

♻️ Going Beyond Yogurt: My Next Plastic-Free Goal

My next goal was to eliminate buying dishwashing and laundry detergent in plastic bottles. I discovered a Mexican company called Desplastifรญcatewhich translates to “Deplasticize.”

I’ll admit, I was initially skeptical about their products. But after trying them, I’ve realized their soaps are worth every peso!

9. “Platos”: The Name of the Dishwashing Soap

Available on Amazon Mรฉxico, Platos proudly promotes a simple mission: “Go plastic-free with our scented dish soap. Unlike liquid or powder cleaners, it won’t pollute water.” 

I can vouch for that claim! The scent is light, refreshing, and best of all, it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. ๐ŸŒธ

10. Ropa: The Name of their Laundry Detergent

๐Ÿ‘•Ropa” — My New Favorite Laundry Soap

I especially love the Ropa” laundry detergent by Desplastifรญcate! I used it for two weeks before writing this article to make sure it wouldn’t cause any skin irritation like most detergents do—and it didn’t. ๐ŸŒฟ

At first, I didn’t believe their claim of “No rinsing required.” I’ve always had to run my laundry through an extra rinse with my low-water washer when using other soaps, but not with Ropa!

Not only does it eliminate the need for those huge plastic bottles of detergent, it also saves water, electricity, and wear-and-tear on clothing. It’s a win all around. Next time, I’ll be ordering the four-pack from Amazon! ๐Ÿงบ

๐ŸŒŽ Every Small Change Counts

Reducing plastic has become more than a goal for me—it’s a mindful practice that connects my daily choices to the health of our planet. Each time I find a new way to replace plastic with something reusable or biodegradable, I feel a little lighter and more hopeful about the future.

Have you found creative ways to reduce plastic in your daily life? ♻️
I’ll be adding more ideas to this article in the coming weeks, and I’d love to hear your tips and experiences in the comments. Together, we can inspire each other—because every small change truly counts. ๐Ÿ’š

๐Ÿ’š Thank You for Reading

Thank you for reading my articles and following along on this journey. Writing about these small, meaningful lifestyle changes keeps me accountable and connected to others who care about our planet.

For more lessons I’ve learned along the way, please take a look at my Healthy Living in Mexico books, where I share stories, insights, and practical tips from my life here in Mexico. ๐ŸŒด๐Ÿ“˜

Sunday, September 7, 2025

Days 51 through 60 of Blue Water (Part 6)๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒŠHappy to be Home in Puerto Vallarta

 It's So Good to be Home

In Puerto Vallarta

Beautiful Blue of Banderas Bay in Puerto Vallarta
July 15, 2025: First Day Home After My Cruise
Day 51 of 100 Blue Water Photos
What is all this talk about Blue Water? Maybe you’re wondering if I’m a little obsessed.
Day 52 of Blue Water: Setting Up My Santorini Puzzle
I don’t mean “blue” as in sadness. Blue Water gives us Blue Mind—a calm, lightly meditative state that comes from being near, in, under, or on water. Marine biologist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols coined the term and even wrote a book about it.
Day 53 of Blue Water from the Roof Garden
No Rain in the Forecast in Puerto Vallarta
I admit, I’m hooked on the idea. And I’m not alone. Each year, the global 100 Days of Blue campaign invites people to connect with water, share photos or videos, and celebrate its wellness benefits.
The Blue Water Infinity Pool at the Roof Garden
One of the Most Beautiful in Puerto Vallarta
Day 54 of Blue Water: Swimming After Sunset
This post is Part 6 of my own journey—Days 51 through 60. It’s been a joyful challenge, inspiring me to keep finding fresh ways to soak up the benefits of Blue Water.
Day 55 of 100 Blue Water Experiences
Lunch at Marina Vallarta, Admiring the View

Marina Vallarta offers a different kind of blue. I don’t often make the trip—it feels almost like another city, with its distinct atmosphere and the 30–45 minutes it takes to get there by Uber. But a Friday gathering at the Living Room Bookstore and Cafรฉ drew me in, and afterward I lingered over lunch with a refreshing view of the water.

Day 56 of Blue Water: The Pacific Ocean
Los Muertos Pier Viewed During a Morning Walk
Each morning, I walk Sophie and Max, often exploring new routes through the neighborhood. One of my favorite views is the pier framed by the ocean just three blocks away—especially when the sky is clear and blue.
Day 57 of Blue Water: Sea Monkey Restaurant
Hat on Top of the Beach Palapa and Ocean View
On my morning walk, I passed the Sea Monkey restaurant and noticed a giant red, green, and white hat perched on a palapa. At first, I was puzzled—until I spotted the emblem and realized it was a playful nod to the Mexican flag.
Day 58 of Blue: Remembering Greece and the Sea
A View From the Top Deck of Virgin Voyage's Ship 
The Aegean Sea was stunning from the top deck of Virgin Voyage’s Resilient Lady during my 11-day Mediterranean cruise. On one shore day, I chose to stay aboard, and the nearly empty ship made the experience especially peaceful. (See Part 5 of this series for more cruise photos.)
Day 59 of Blue Water: World Blue Mind Day
My Evening Beach View in Puerto Vallarta
World Blue Mind Day fell on Wednesday, July 23, 2025—a yearly celebration honoring the legacy of Dr. Wallace J. Nichols. I marked the occasion with dinner at a beachfront restaurant in Puerto Vallarta, enjoying the view of the water and beach activity as the day came to a close.
Day 60 of Blue Water: My First Birthday Alone
Barcelona Tapas Dinner with an Ocean View
This was my first birthday since Jon moved out, and I felt a little sad. To cheer myself up, I treated myself to dinner at Barcelona Tapas, a hillside restaurant with sweeping ocean views. They gave me a prime corner table, where I watched the sky and sea shift colors from 6:30 to 8:00. I’ve always thought the most striking beauty appears in those few quiet minutes after the sun slips below the horizon.

๐Ÿ“˜ Featured Novel Series: In Sickness and In Health

You may have noticed that blue water often appears on my book covers. A perfect example is my In Sickness and In Health novel series. These heartfelt stories follow Jake as he faces bipolar disorder, Parkinson’s disease, and early memory decline, and Lindsay as she grows from loving wife into devoted caregiver. Their journey is a moving reminder that, even in life’s hardest seasons, love endures.

Available on Amazon – always free with Kindle Unlimited! Download or purchase HERE.

If you missed the previous 5 parts, you might like to start at Part 1 by clicking:  

100 Days of Blue Begins: ๐—ช๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—œ ๐—™๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐— ๐˜† ๐—•๐—น๐˜‚๐—ฒ ๐— ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒŠ Days 1 through 10. Thank you for reading my blog articles and books.

Terry
Terry L Turrell, Author

Monday, May 26, 2025

๐Ÿญ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฌ ๐——๐—ฎ๐˜†๐˜€ ๐—ผ๐—ณ ๐—•๐—น๐˜‚๐—ฒ ๐—•๐—ฒ๐—ด๐—ถ๐—ป๐˜€: ๐—ช๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—œ ๐—™๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐— ๐˜† ๐—•๐—น๐˜‚๐—ฒ ๐— ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒŠ Days 1 through 10

 What is Blue Mind?

Memories of Happy Times with Jon

I’ve included the term Blue Mind in many of my books. I often refer to it as the Blue Water Effect. Dr. Wallace J Nichols, a marine biologist, popularized the phrase with his book Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do. Blue Mind is the mildly meditative state people fall into when they are near, in, under, or on water. It is peace. It is the feeling of calmness and relaxation that comes from being in or near the water, and it has a positive impact on our mental health.

Watching the Pelicans and Masked Boobies

The ocean is a common source of Blue Mind for me and Jon. That is one of the main reasons we moved to Sayulita, Nayarit, ten years ago and now live in Puerto Vallarta. We look for ways to reach Blue Mind from the Pacific Ocean where we live, and other seas when we travel.

Day 2: Our Walk to Breakfast in the Romantic Zone

La Tregueรฑa Sculpture on the Malecรณn 

Day 4: Celebrating 30 Years of Marriage on a
Virgin Voyages Caribbean Sea Cruise Two Years Ago

Day 5: Walking on Lo de Marcos Beach Before Sunset

Day 7: A Blue Infinity Pool Overlooking the Puerto Vallarta Bay

Day 8-North Beach on Isla Mujeres- Caribbean Sea
See More of Our Visit Three Years Ago HERE

When I'm having a Red Mind day and can't get to the beach for a few hours, I look for a Blue photo I've taken. Today, this one calms my mind. The memory brings me a feeling of tranquility. 

Day 9 of 100 Blue Photos
A View of Playa Los Muertos and the Muelle (Pier)
See More in My Article About Time With Family on the Beach:

Day 10 of Blue: My Olukai walking Shoes Arrived
From the U.S. and They Fit!

I'm so excited about my walking shoes, I don't even care that I had to pay an extra 489 peso importation charge for FedEx to get them through Aduana (customs) and wait weeks for shipping. They don't involve water yet, but soon!

See more of my Blue photos at ๐Ÿญ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฌ ๐——๐—ฎ๐˜†๐˜€ ๐—ผ๐—ณ ๐—•๐—น๐˜‚๐—ฒ: ๐—ช๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—œ ๐—™๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐— ๐˜† ๐—•๐—น๐˜‚๐—ฒ ๐— ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒŠ (Part 2: Days 11 to 20).

I started posting photos on May 26, 2025, and will update them daily, mรกs o menos, for 100 days. Check back occasionally to see more Blue photos.

Maybe This is Why I Love to Wear Blue!

Thank you for reading ๐Ÿ“š my books and blog articles. I would love to get a few reviews on Just Another Manic Moment: A Novel during May, Mental Health Awareness month. See the book cover in the right margin๐Ÿ‘‰. Click the cover to download it on Amazon, free with KindleUnlimited.

View my Amazon Author Page HERE