The New Normal

Damn, when will this virus die? I wish to wake up one morning and find this COVID-19 gone. But we know it will be here much longer. So what now? Two key things that countries like South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam have done to successfully stop the chain of infection and flatten the curve are aggressive contact-tracing and mass testing.

We can’t help but compare these to how our country is dealing with the crisis. Malcolm Gladwell in his book, “The Tipping Point” explains that human behavior is sensitive to and strongly influenced by its environment. So maybe we shouldn’t be comparing because we have a different context? I do want to believe that the government is doing its best despite challenges. Unfortunately, what I’m seeing is slow response, misplaced priorities, and incompetence from these leaders who don’t seem to know what they’re doing! I mean, seriously?!

But there’s still hope thanks to young leaders like Vico Sotto demonstrating excellent crisis response. Contrary to that Ok Boomer’s claim that the young are pretty stupid. Look who’s talking!

I read Thomas Friedman’s “The World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century” which analyzes globalization and emphasizes the inevitability of the rapid pace of change affecting the way we do things. I think a “flatter,” more accessible world led to the fast spread of the virus. And a “flatter,” more connected world, plus this crisis, is speeding up our transition to a mostly online lifestyle from business, to entertainment, to socialization. Businesses, in particular, would have to adapt quickly if they want to survive.

It’s fascinating and sometimes scary how things change fast. Yahoo used to be the preferred search engine but we’ve been “Googled” and we’re like, “Yahoo, what?” Angkas was a savior in Manila’s horrendous traffic situation but is currently cannot be the transport option due to physical distancing measures. In place of that, bikes are in. Who would have thought that working from home could apply to most of us and that Zoom meetings are now a regular part of our lives. This could mean that there’s really no need for offices. Feeling like a germophobe? It’s okay, that’s completely acceptable, to the delight of hygiene-related commerce. The virus has practically affected every aspect of our lives, harshly on the marginalized, as always.

I remember someone remarking that there’s nothing normal about the situation we are in right now. But we have to adapt and try to thrive in this so-called new normal. This can actually be an opportunity to build a greener and more inclusive future. We should all read “Small is Beautiful: A Study of Economics as if People Mattered” by economist E.F Schumacher (yes, I’ve been reading a lot of books, lately). Because it’s not all about the money. It’s should be about people. Isn’t that the kind of economy we should aspire for?

There’s also a lot of ongoing conversation on school opening and accessible education, and all that. Since we’re realizing what’s truly important, it would probably best for education to focus more on connecting to nature, and being kind, and becoming decent human beings. So we don’t end up with insensitive, privileged idiots running the world.

 

 

 

On Plastic Pollution (again)

It’s so freakin’ hot! Yep, climate change is real. In case you’ve forgotten, increasing temperatures is one impacts of the changing climate. If only we had more trees which can have a cooling effect in cities. But no, these are obstructions to wider roads and malls and buildings you want to put up. With this heat, it would have been nice to take a dip in a pool or go to the beach. Nicki Minaj’s “Let’s go to the beach, each, let’s go get a wave…” is inviting. That, unfortunately, could not happen anytime soon.

May is the “Month of the Ocean.” But with this COVID-19 crisis, I can’t help but wonder how we are to deal with all the plastic from PPE to food packaging, and relief goods placed in plastic bags which sadly could end up in our oceans.

The campaign against single-use plastic has been gaining momentum in the past years but with the current situation, it seems like we have to deal yet again with the issue of plastic pollution.

I would not discount the fact that plastic is useful, convenient, and cheap. But impacts to health and the environment are as always not captured in the price. Who pays for the real price? Oceans choking in plastic, wildlife dying, and possible health impacts due to toxicity (though more studies have yet to be done on this).

So where does that leave us? Well, at least for me, I do my best to avoid single-use or unnecessary plastic (plastic PPE is acceptable, I suppose, but I hope better alternatives can be created soon). Sometimes, it irks me when I say, “No plastic, please” or “No need for the paper bag,” and out of habit, they’d just do the opposite. I force a smile and take a deep breath. There is still a lot of raising awareness that has to be done (plus, let’s not forget government and corporate action!).

No, you’re not saving the environment when you keep on buying the reusable bags in the supermarket which you forget to bring the next time you go shopping.

A common question, “Is paper any better, it has a huge carbon footprint?” That’s true but it’s not as toxic and as persistent in the environment so maybe it’s a lesser evil? Re-usables is still the best bet.

But hey, I also recognize that options at the moment are limited. The important thing is we try to do what we can to reduce plastic use so that the next time we go to the beach, it won’t be plastic we would be swimming with.

Dear Earth (2020 Edition)

Dear Earth,

Happy birth of the environmental movement day! Yey!

The COVID-19 crisis is allowing you to heal but I do know you don’t subscribe to ecofascism or extremist views of environmentalism where people have to die to prove a point that we have actually brought this upon ourselves. I share your view that we have to protect wildlife and take a closer look at how the meat industry is contributing to pandemics. Sadly, we would rather talk about conspiracy theories.

Understandably, beating this virus is the priority now but I hope we also realize the urgency of solving climate change and other environmental issues which are taking countless lives, too.

Have you seen “Honeyland”? This documentary that puts a spotlight on Hatidze, one of Europe’s last wild beekeepers. I think you’ll like it. While watching, I wondered if I could actually live like Hatidze; a life devoid of technology, electricity, and the conveniences of city-living.

Hatidze’s mantra of “Half for me and half for you” whenever she collects honeycombs from beehives she tends is a reflection of sustainability. Something we have forgotten. Something we are realizing at the moment as we wonder if things will be going back to so-called “normal.” Of fast-paced lives chasing after opportunities of consuming more or trashing the planet. Yet we’re not any happier.

But hey, this is also an opportunity of building a “new normal.” A future that is more mindful, more regenerative, and more equitable.

Here’s to our collective healing!

Cheers,

Green Guy

 

Convo in my Head: The Coronavirus Scare (Part 2)

A: It appears the crisis has gone worse from our last conversation.

B: Indeed, it has.

A: And WHO got it wrong. Everyone should be wearing masks.

B: Well, not to defend WHO or anything, but that advice of just using masks when you’re sick is in the context of scarcity of resources.

A: I understand frontliners should be prioritized when it comes to PPE but the wearing of masks should not have been discounted as a preventive measure for the disease.

B: I totally rely on WHO for a more ‘informed’ decision-making, them being the expert and all, but I don’t know anymore. There’s even this issue of WHO ignoring Taiwan! What’s up with that?

A: It’s all political, in the end. Sadly even at such time of crisis.

B: Guess what, I re-watched “Contagion” and its similarities to COVID-19 are surreal – the transmission, the symptoms, the deaths, conspiracy theories, politics… minus the anarchy.

A: Yeah, we don’t end up as crazy, selfish people. In real life, there is still… humanity.

B: Except for a few VIPs, and tissue hoarders, and incompetent leaders, and…

A: Hey, hey, hey! You’re getting ahead of yourself! You’re always complaining! Did you do anything to contribute to the solution?

B: Haha! Touche!

A: Seriously though, seeing the goodness of the human spirit makes me want to cry.

B: I remember someone say, “I’m not a doctor but maybe my music can make someone feel better.”

A: That could mean the world to someone grieving or to someone who is anxious.

B: A small act of kindness could mean something to someone, without the giver even knowing.

A: So what have we learned so far from this crisis? Or realizations, if you may.

B: At least for me, I have come to realize what’s important – family, friends, relationships, connection… and food! We should be growing our own food.

A: And higher standards for politicians and government officials, please. I hope we don’t forget…

B: And we should check our privilege. Watch Parasite and The Platform, for inspiration.

A: And note to self, “Stop touching your face!”

 

 

 

 

 

Go home and plant ‘kamote’

I remember back then when exasperated teachers would blurt out, “Go home and plant kamote,” for students who wouldn’t be bothered to make an effort in their studies. It’s sad that farming is looked down upon but in times of crisis, when food is scarce, we realize that we should have been planting kamote all along.

As most parts of the Philippines is currently on community quarantine due to COVID-19, decreasing food supply and imposed limited movements have made our situation more challenging. Local government units distribute relief goods but thankfully, there’s a clamor for fresh produce not only to support farmers (#SupportFarmerspH #ReliefPH) but eating fruits and vegetables to keep healthy is another defense against the disease.

Advocates of home-based gardening have also started promoting the #TipidTanim Challenge encouraging households to plant now to enhance local food production for family consumption. Agriculturists and experts have conducted online lessons on basic vegetable gardening. In support to this, #IAmHampasLupa is crowd sourcing where the public can get free seeds. Local government agencies like the Department of Agriculture, some cities and barangays, and even individuals have already initiated seed-giving efforts.

During this time of the COVID-19 crisis and also as a response to the impact of climate change which we continually experience, let’s reconnect to the earth, reconnect to our food, and promote food security. And as we continue observing physical distancing and washing our hands, let’s stay home and plant kamote.

 

 

 

Quarantine Thoughts

If we were having coffee right now, I would tell you that I feel a bit anxious about the COVID-19 crisis leading to this “extreme enhanced community quarantine” we are in at the moment. I recognize the privilege I have of being able to work from home, having a roof over my head to begin with, and is so far not sick. I’m away from my family but knowing they are well makes me feel grateful.

If we were having coffee right now, I would tell you that it’s sad how this crisis is yet again exposing the reality of poverty, inequality, and incompetence. I know the local government units are trying to do their best. But we definitely could do better. Death becoming just a number should have been avoided. I salute those who call out what should be called out. And true leaders should take advantage of this feedback instead of being defensive.

If we were having coffee right now, I would tell you that the strength demonstrated by frontline workers is encouraging. We usually think that disasters and crises bring out the worst in us but it’s actually the opposite. People are donating money, food, masks, and whatever they could pitch in. Strangers are offering free rides to those in need. Artists are performing live online. Free books, and free lessons, and free movie streaming abound. It’s heartwarming to see this solidarity.

If we were having coffee right now, I would tell you that I support the call for #FreeMassTestingNow. And no, politicians and VIPs should not be prioritized. Otherwise, as someone brilliantly suggested, cough in a politician’s face and wait for the test result.

So, how about you? What would you tell me if we were having coffee right now?   

Convo in my Head: The Coronavirus Scare

A: So you’re wearing a mask, too. Joining in the bandwagon, huh?

B: First of all, I’ve been wearing this cloth mask because it’s necessary if you live in smoke-choked Metro Manila. And second of all, you don’t really need to wear a mask to protect yourself from the virus. WHO says so.

A: Better safe than sorry, though.

B: Like most illnesses, the best defense is good hygiene and staying healthy.

A: But it’s alarming how this coronavirus spreads so quickly. And people are dying. You can’t help but feel paranoid.

B: Have you seen “Contagion”? That film will make you feel even more paranoid.

A: Yeah, or how a person beside you starts sneezing or coughing and you wish you can just about down a gallon of isopropyl alcohol or something.

B: That reminds me of the notion that we need to take vitamins or get our dose of vitamin C so we don’t get sick. Apparently, unless advised by doctors, it’s unnecessary. Yeah, try to look it up on Google.

A: … This panic, I suppose, is brought about by fear.

B: Fueled by fake news and all these social media hoopla.

A: People are scared to die.

B: Aren’t you?

A: I mean, there’s more people dying of the flu, to put things into perspective.

B: You know what’s scary for me is how our over exposure to social media, and the internet, and a wealth of information feeds us ideas. And that’s the most resilient parasite.

A: Wait, that’s from “Inception,” right? And if we’re fed the wrong idea, it can make us do stupid things.

B: And we become racists, too. Which, I think, is understandable if you’re talking about survival.

A: Sigh, it’s just the beginning of the year.

B: Yeah, hope things don’t get any worse…