Author: Sunandhini R

Recently, I have become too engrossed in my work and various miscellaneous tasks that demand my attention. They consume a significant portion of my time, leaving me with little opportunity for personal pursuits. As the day draws to a close, I find myself feeling incredibly exhausted and depleted.

A recent realization has altered my perspective. I used to firmly believe that by consistently giving just one percent more effort each day, I would achieve significant progress. While this principle may hold true for many individuals, I have come to realize that it doesn’t always work for me. There are days when I experience a surge of positive energy and unwavering motivation, driving me to push beyond my limits. However, there are also days within a month when exhaustion takes hold and I find myself in a state of lethargy, resembling a couch potato.

Amidst this exhaustion, I can’t help but wonder how others manage to engage in moonlighting – taking on additional work or side jobs – while maintaining their energy and motivation. Perhaps some individuals possess an innate desire to hustle, while others may feel compelled or coerced into doing so. In our contemporary, fast-paced society, the notion of hustling has evolved and expanded. The present era of hustling is marked by an unwavering drive for success, unrelenting ambition, and ceaseless dedication across multiple facets of life.

People are motivated by the hunger for financial stability, personal growth, ambition, and recognition, and often they get sucked into this never-ending rat race. Thanks to technology, social media, and the gig economy, the hustle game has been cranked up a notch, blurring the line between work and personal life. It’s like a wild rollercoaster ride, with everyone vying to stay ahead of the game and make their mark.

The connection between hustling and the myth of Sisyphus becomes evident as the ceaseless pursuit of success and material gain resembles Sisyphus’ repetitive task. This relentless cycle of striving for external achievements without finding a deeper purpose can lead to a sense of emptiness and disillusionment. In the world of hustling, individuals can become trapped in a never-ending loop of chasing fleeting goals and external validation, neglecting the quest for personal fulfillment.

Moreover, the reality is that the hustle game doesn’t always live up to its glamorous social media portrayal. Behind the perfectly curated images of success and achievements, there lies a different story. The pressure to constantly showcase busyness and accomplishments can deceive us into thinking that a fast-paced, hustling lifestyle is the ultimate path to happiness. However, I’m not entirely convinced that perception alone can guide us accurately. While some individuals do find fulfillment and satisfaction in their work and hustling endeavors, others may grapple with a lack of happiness despite their relentless efforts.

In Naval Ravikant’s renowned book, “The Almanack of Naval Ravikant,” I recall a striking line where he states:

You’re not going to get rich renting out your time. You must own equity – a piece of the business – to gain your financial freedom

According to Naval, true wealth and financial abundance come from owning assets and leveraging them to generate income, rather than being dependent on a linear exchange of hours for a fixed wage. This statement hits me straight in the head every time.

However, with all the work and the side hustles, our hard-earned money seems to vanish into thin air as we succumb to purchasing things we don’t truly require. As the saying goes, human desires seem to have no bounds. Everywhere we look, products are prominently displayed, enticing us through sight and sound. We don’t even have to search for them; they find their way into our lives effortlessly. It reminds me of a line from a K-Drama (Reborn Rich) where a character remarks that people often buy based on their wants, not their needs.

In a world driven by consumerism, we find ourselves constantly surrounded by material temptations that test our ability to resist unnecessary purchases. Despite our sincere intentions, it often feels as if our hard-earned money slips through our fingers, leaving behind a hollow feeling of dissatisfaction. As we journey through life, we are bombarded by persuasive advertisements and societal pressures that influence our decisions. In the face of these challenges, it becomes essential for us to pause and contemplate the choices we make and the genuine value they offer.

While I don’t have the exact quote from Morgan Housel, I believe he mentions in his book that achieving a certain level of independence relies heavily on managing expectations and living within or below one’s financial means. The ability to strike a balance between aspirations and practicality plays a key role in fostering financial stability and working towards personal independence.

In our journey through the hustle culture, let us remember that hustle, when approached with intention and mindfulness, can be a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. It is crucial, however, to recognize that hustle alone does not guarantee happiness or fulfillment. By redefining our relationship with hustle, embracing a holistic perspective on success, and prioritizing our overall well-being, we can transform the hustle culture into a means of achieving a purposeful and deeply satisfying life.

Cheers!

PS: One memorable scene from the movie “Aruvi“

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In the olden days (when I was young), it was common to purchase clothes only on special occasions such as festivals, birthdays, or other noteworthy events. In a year’s span, I would scarcely acquire a handful of fresh garments, barely enough to keep my wardrobe updated. However, the trend of clothing purchases has undergone a significant shift in recent times.

As I cleaned out my closet, I was taken aback by the sheer number of old clothes I discovered. I’m honestly baffled by how I ended up with so many clothes, and the crazy part is that I hardly ever wear most of them! It’s like they just sit there, gathering dust and occupying the space in my closet. Some could be repurposed for cleaning or other uses, but a significant amount remained. While we used to sell some of them in exchange for utensils, it made me wonder how other households dispose of their excess clothing.

Instead of buying clothes based on what we actually need, we often get lured into grabbing them solely because of the tempting sales and discounts. It’s like our brains go into bargain-hunting mode, and before we know it, our closets are overflowing with impulse purchases. The rise of fast fashion has led to a significant upsurge in clothing purchases all around the globe. This surge can be attributed to various factors that have reshaped the industry.

Firstly, the globalization of fashion has played a pivotal role in making clothing more affordable and accessible to a wider range of consumers. The rapid expansion of fast fashion brands has perfectly tapped into this trend, offering stylish and inexpensive clothing options that are quickly churned out and easily discarded when no longer in vogue. Astonishingly, according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the production of clothing has doubled over the past 15 years, reaching an astounding annual total of 100 billion garments.

The convenience of online shopping has revolutionized the way we purchase clothes, making it easier than ever before. With just a few clicks, one can browse through countless options and have items delivered right to their doorstep. Additionally, the power of social media cannot be underestimated when it comes to influencing shopping habits. The emergence of platforms like Instagram and TikTok has transformed the fashion landscape.

As individuals, we are constantly exposed to new trends and styles. The influence of fashion influencers on these platforms is undeniable, as they showcase the latest looks and inspire us to update our wardrobes. According to a survey conducted by Ipsos, a staggering 65% of consumers feel compelled to regularly refresh their clothing to keep up with ever-changing fashion trends.

Despite the surge in clothing purchases, a significant chunk of these garments end up unused, as per a report by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP). Surprisingly, around 30% of the clothes hanging in the average person’s wardrobe remain unworn. The reason behind this pile-up of untouched clothes is a mix of factors that include our impulsive shopping habits, ever-changing fashion preferences, and the relentless pressure to stay on top of the latest trends. It’s a wild combination that leads to a wardrobe full of outfits we hardly ever wear.

The fashion industry and the disposal of unused clothes hold a significant responsibility for environmental pollution. Shockingly, approximately 10% of all clothing produced every year meets its untimely demise in landfills, accounting for a massive 92 million tons of discarded garments. As mentioned earlier, most discarded clothes end up in landfills, where they decompose and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Additionally, the decomposition process releases toxic chemicals from synthetic fabrics, further polluting the environment.

Moreover, the production of synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, contributes to water pollution. The production process involves the use of chemicals that can contaminate water sources, harming aquatic ecosystems and affecting human health. The UNEP estimates that the fashion industry is responsible for 20% of industrial water pollution globally.

There are several techniques that we can all use to reduce our impact on the planet. One effective way to achieve this is by embracing the concept of buying less clothing. It’s true that everywhere we turn, there are sales, flashy ads, and trends that make us want to splurge on new outfits. However, amidst all the temptation, we can make a conscious effort to try to rein it in.

Another alternative is to explore clothing rental services or borrowing options. Renting or borrowing clothes allows us to try out new trends and styles without committing to purchasing them outright. Additionally, supporting sustainable clothing brands is crucial. Many brands now focus on using recycled materials and implementing practices that have a lower environmental impact.

When we find ourselves no longer in need of certain clothing items, it is essential to donate them to charities or recycle them. By doing so, we actively participate in reducing the volume of clothing that ends up in landfills, thus mitigating the environmental harm caused by textile waste.

In a world where the seductive allure of fashion constantly entices, it requires strength to resist the urge for excessive clothing purchases. However, it is within our grasp to make a difference.

Cheers!

PS: BTW, what’s up with your wardrobe?

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Over the course of history, work has undergone a profound transformation. In earlier times, the majority of occupations revolved around physical labor, enabling individuals to develop a level of familiarity and perform tasks almost instinctively. However, in our modern era, work has evolved to emphasize intellectual and cognitive tasks that demand qualities like creativity, innovation, decision-making, and sustained mental engagement.

In today’s business landscape, competition has reached new heights due to globalization and technological progress. These factors have expanded market opportunities and increased the number of players striving for success. Businesses and individuals must continuously search for ways to stand out, innovate, and maintain a competitive edge. Surviving in the modern era extends beyond financial considerations alone. To remain relevant and meet the growing expectations, a significant amount of energy is required to embrace change, adopt new technologies, and remain adaptable in uncertain circumstances.

As individuals, we are often constrained to around four hours of focused and intense thinking per day, a concept known as “Deep work” according to Cal Newport. But, people often feel pressured to work excessively, sometimes exceeding 50, 80, 120 hours per week or even more. Indeed, it often leads to burnout, and choosing to rest in the midst of life’s busyness becomes an act of rebellion, pushing back against the never-ending demands placed on us.

Naval Ravikant offers an additional perspective on the same.

Nobody really works 80 to 120 hours a week at high output, with mental clarity. Your brain breaks down. You won’t have good ideas. The way people tend to work most effectively, especially in knowledge work, is to sprint as hard as they can while they feel inspired to work, and then rest. They take long breaks. It’s more like a lion hunting and less like a marathoner running. You sprint and then you rest. You reassess and then you try again. You end up building a marathon of sprints.– Naval

In a world that values productivity above everything, embracing rest is like making a rebellious statement, declaring that our well-being matters most. Contrary to common belief, rest is not a hindrance to productivity; it is the catalyst that unlocks our true potential. It is through rest that we recharge our physical and mental capacities, enabling us to approach our tasks with renewed vigor and efficiency.

Rest when you’re weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Resting is all about taking a break, pausing, and engaging in activities that promote relaxation, rejuvenation, and recovery. It’s about intentionally stepping away from work or responsibilities to recharge ourselves physically and mentally. Resting can come in various forms, such as enjoying hobbies, practicing mindfulness, or simply taking time to do nothing at all. Its not about switching from meetings to Excel sheets or something else, which also requires focus and skill. By valuing and embracing rest, we can lead more balanced, fulfilling lives in an ever-changing and demanding world.

Cheers!

PS: How much rest is enough?

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There was one popular show that was recently released on Netflix called Beef. That was the story of two individuals who got into a road rage incident. Both of them were feeling immense pressure from their day-to-day activities, and they allowed their anger and frustration to turn into aggression. This resulted in the loss of everything they had and worked for from the very beginning. This story highlighted the devastating consequences of not resolving issues within ourselves, especially when distressing feelings are left unaddressed and allowed to spiral out of control.

The human mind is constantly bombarded with a load of information from the media, social media, and personal experiences. All this information can accumulate over time and clutter our minds, making it difficult for us to focus on important goals. Just like a messy room can make it difficult to find things, a cluttered mind can lead to stress, anxiety, anger, etc. Therefore, it is important to remove unwanted things from the mind to stay focused and calm.

One of the main benefits of mental decluttering is improved cognitive function. When the mind is cluttered with unnecessary information, it can become overwhelmed and lose its ability to process new information efficiently. This can lead to forgetfulness, confusion, and difficulty in decision-making.

Another benefit of mental elimination is enhanced emotional balance. By removing unwanted things from the mind, it becomes easier to focus on positive thoughts and emotions, which can lead to a more positive outlook on life and improved mental health.

There are several different methods that can be used for mental elimination.

#1 Writing down unwanted thoughts and emotions can help us externalize them and make them easier to deal with. This can be done through journaling, creative writing, or simply jotting down notes. Writing can also help organize thoughts and ideas, making it easier to process information and stay focused.

#2 Exercise and physical activity can also be used for mental elimination. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers, and physical activities such as walking, running, etc can also help us distract the mind from unwanted thoughts and emotions.

#3 Meditation involves focusing the mind on a particular thought or object while eliminating other distractions. This can help us to clear the mind and reduce stress and anxiety.

#4 Spending time in nature or engaging in creative activities, such as painting or playing music, can help clear the mind and release suppressed emotions.

#5 Practicing gratitude is another way to shift our focus away from negative thoughts and emotions.

#6 Engaging in social activities and spending time with friends and loved ones can help us reduce stress and anxiety and provide a sense of support, relief, and community.

However, it is important to recognize that not all techniques may work equally well for everyone. What may be effective for one person may not necessarily be the same for another. Therefore, it is crucial to explore and experiment with different methods to find the one that works best for you personally. It may take some trial and error, but the effort is worth it when you find a technique that helps you achieve a clearer and more peaceful state of mind.

Cheers!

PS: Ending it with a verse from a song

ஓடும் தண்ணியில பாசியில்லையே
உணர்ச்சி கொட்டிபுட்டா நோயும் இல்லயே!

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Did you know that burps and farts, which are common bodily functions, could potentially be subject to taxation? As governments and policymakers worldwide seek innovative approaches to address environmental issues like climate change, unconventional ideas, such as taxing emissions from these bodily functions of ruminants, have emerged. Let me explain.

Ruminant animals (which include cows, buffalo, sheep, goats, camels, giraffes, etc.) are mammals with a specialized digestive system where the stomach is divided into four chambers: the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. Digestion is the process of breaking down food and absorbing the nutrients from it. However, the ability to break down food is not the same for all organisms. They quickly swallow the food, store it in their rumen for fermentation, and then regurgitate it back into their mouth for chewing through a process called rumination. It allows them to effectively digest the plant material. During the process, microbial fermentation breaks down the cellulose and hemicellulose into simpler substances.

This fermentation process produces gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) as byproducts. Methane is also released from them through burping while bringing food from the chambers for cud chewing or while farting. Apart from this, they also produce nitrous oxide (N₂O) as a natural byproduct of their digestive and metabolic processes, primarily through urine and manure.

The emission of methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide is a potent greenhouse gases with global warming potential. However, it depends on various factors such as type of feed, diet composition, animal size, age, and health. Ruminant cattle can produce around 250–500 liters of methane per day. It is said that cattle feeding on fibrous such as grass or forage tend to produce more methane than others who fed on high concentrates. 

Ruminants naturally release greenhouse gases during their digestion, which is known as enteric fermentation. However, because methane is a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming, efforts are being made to find ways to reduce methane emissions from ruminants while keeping them healthy and productive. These efforts may involve improving their diet, making their food more efficient, and exploring genetic or dietary changes to reduce methane emissions during digestion.

An interesting and surprising proposal has been submitted to the New Zealand government, suggesting the taxation of farmers for their livestock’s emissions as a means to combat climate change. The country has a higher population of livestock (6.3 million) compared to its human population (5.1 million). Under the plan, farmers would need to cover the costs associated with the emissions of gases released by their animals, such as nitrous oxide from cattle urine and methane from cow farts and burps. Farmers may have the opportunity to offset their emissions and earn credits by planting crops, including trees, that help to reduce carbon emissions.

However, farmers would need to take responsibility for the environmental impact of their livestock, which includes emissions from cow burps and urine. They may also have the chance to earn credits by planting crops or trees to offset carbon emissions. These measures can help reduce the environmental impact of livestock production and address climate change. It’s important to explore innovative solutions and work together with policymakers and farmers to minimize greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture while maintaining sustainable farming practices.

Cheers!

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Compost is a dark, crumbly, and nutrient-rich material that is created through the natural decomposition of organic materials, such as food scraps, yard waste, crop residues, and animal manure. Composting is the process of intentionally managing and accelerating the decomposition of organic materials under controlled conditions to produce compost, which is used as a valuable soil amendment and fertilizer in agriculture, horticulture, and gardening.

Composting involves the breakdown of organic materials by microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and other decomposers, into simpler organic compounds through a series of biological and chemical reactions. These microorganisms require oxygen, moisture, and the right temperature to thrive and decompose the organic materials. Composting can occur through aerobic (with oxygen) or anaerobic (without oxygen) processes, depending on the management practices and conditions.

Pit composting, vermicomposting, windrow composting, sheet composting, in-vessel composting, industrial composting, and bokashi composting are different types of composting we have heard of. The main raw materials for the above-mentioned techniques are food waste, dried plant parts, and animals wastes.

Human composting is the natural process when dead people are buried in the soil, and it takes days to decompose. It was quite shocking to learn and read about how it’s done artificially by a company called Recompose. The company history dates back to 2011, and operations began in Seattle around 2019. It is a relatively new and innovative process that involves the natural decomposition of human remains to create nutrient-rich compost. It is an alternative to traditional burial and cremation methods, and it is gaining attention. They are operating in very few places in the United States yet to branch out in other places.

The process of human composting followed by them are

#1. The body is laid into a vessel along with the wood chips, alfalfa, and straw. The amount of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen in the vessel is controlled for the growth of essential microbes and bacteria that are involved in decomposition.

#2. After five to seven weeks, the organic material has been broken down into soil.

#3. The fresh soil is removed to a curing bin for several more weeks to age.

#4. After being aerated, the soil is screened to remove any non-organisms such as metal fillings, pacemakers, and artificial joint.

#5. Once completed, the soil can be used to enrich the land, and it is very similar to top soil..

I am not quite sure about the working and operations of vessels. Each body creates up to one cubic yard of soil and they are used in nurseries, forests, etc. The carbon dioxide emissions can be minimized compared to a cremation or conventional burial system. However, it may take some time for this approach to gain acceptance in other cultures and countries where burial and cremation practices are deeply rooted in tradition and beliefs.

As we continue to address waste management challenges and environmental sustainability, human composting presents an opportunity for a more eco-friendly and meaningful end-of-life option. It challenges our conventional notions of burial and cremation and encourages us to rethink our relationship with nature and our own mortality. It may require more patience and open-mindedness, but it holds the potential for a more sustainable and respectful approach to our final resting place on this earth. Nonetheless, composting remains a simple and effective way to reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and promote a circular economy, contributing to a more sustainable future for all.

Cheers!

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Heat waves are periods of abnormally high temperatures that occur when the maximum temperatures of a station reach 40^oC or more for the plains, 37^oC or more for coastal areas, and 30^oC or more for hilly regions, according to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) .

They typically occur during the summer months, when the sun is high in the sky and the days are longer. Heat waves are a weather phenomenon that is caused by various factors, including atmospheric conditions, humidity levels, and weather patterns. These factors can cause temperatures to rise and persist for an extended period, leading to heat waves.

The buildings are so close to one another, and there are no big windows for proper ventilation. There is discomfort, dehydration, and stress when there is rise in temperature. This could leads to an increased demand for air conditioning units to relieve ourselves from the freaking temperature. AC helps to improve comfort levels, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being and productivity.

The history of air conditioners dates back to ancient civilizations, where people used various methods to cool their living spaces. For example, ancient Egyptians used reeds soaked in water and hung them in windows to cool the air as it blew in (poor man’s A/C till date), while ancient Romans used an aqueduct system to circulate cool water through the walls of their homes.

The modern air conditioner, as we know it today, was invented in 1902 by Willis Carrier, an American engineer. Carrier was working for a printing company in New York City. He was tasked with finding a way to control the humidity in the printing room, which was causing the paper to expand and contract. Carrier’s solution was to create a system that circulated cool air over coils filled with cold water, which would remove the humidity from the air.

The first air conditioning units were large and expensive and were primarily used in commercial and industrial settings. It wasn’t until the 1920s and 30s that air conditioning began to be installed in homes, and it remained a luxury item for many years due to its high cost.

The basic principle of air conditioners has remained the same since Carrier’s invention. Air conditioners use a refrigeration cycle to remove heat from the air inside a room and transfer it outside. The cycle works by compressing a refrigerant gas (R-410A, R-22, R-132A, R-407C, R-32, and R-290), which causes it to become hot, and then allowing it to expand, which makes it cold. This process cools the air passing over the coils, and the warm air is then blown outside through a vent or duct.

Among the refrigerant gases, R-32 and R-410A gases are widely used since they have a lower global warming potential (GWP). When these refrigerants are not handled properly or leaked into the atmosphere, they can trap heat and contribute to global warming. Also, the hot air released from air conditioning can contribute to global warming. The electricity needed to power the AC is generated by burning fossil fuels, thereby releasing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which contributes to global warming.

The whole scenario becomes a paradox when usage of air conditioners is high in urban areas and the temperatures are going to be significantly higher than those in surrounding rural areas. This can exacerbate the effects of heatwaves and contributing to higher energy demand as individuals utilize AC for cooling purposes, creating a cycle of increased energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

In ancient days, the AC was considered a luxury, but now it has become a necessity. It has become a ubiquitous part of modern life in homes, offices, cars, and many other places. It is hard to get rid of air conditioners completely. However, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has issued guidelines on maintaining a range of temperatures (24–26^oC) for commercial buildings during the summer months. There are some alternatives, including solid refrigerants instead of gas/liquids, energy-efficient AC equipment, and some other measures such as light-colored paints, shading devices, the use of timers, and proper ventilation.

Cheers!

Stay hydrated!

PS: Chill with Heat waves.

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