Houston & Alexander - October/November 2022

Reusable Products That Are Actually Worth It

them for anyway. If you feel guilty about buying thousands of garbage-destined cotton swabs, give LastSwab a try. It’s an affordable, easy-to-clean, reusable silicone swab that’ll do the job — no guilt involved. No. 3: Dishwashing Soap — In Block Form Liquid soap has been the standard dishwashing soap for decades, but, believe it or not, a bar of dish soap is just as hygienic. Dish Block by No Tox Life is vegan soap that has no harsh chemicals or animal-based ingredients, and no excess plastic packaging. Just lather it against your sponge, and you’re ready to wash. No. 4: Bamboo Dish Cloth Did you know that microfiber cloths are non-recyclable microplastics? Instead, consider bamboo washcloths, which can be just as effective and longer lasting. They wash easily after use, and your paper towels will thank you. No. 5: Compostable iPhone Cases Don’t want your smartphone case collecting dust in a landfill 30 years from now? Consider a compostable case! Pela Case, for instance, uses Flaxstic, which is a flax straw-based bioplastic that is bendy and easy to grip. You might be surprised to find that Flaxstic will protect your phones for up to a 20-feet drop. These are just a few of the eco-friendly products sweeping the nation, but definitely some of our favorites. Giving them a try? Let us know what you think!

Maybe reusable grocery bags aren’t your bag, but you still want to save the environment — or even save money. Fear not! These eco-friendly products are sturdy, reliable, and will reduce waste in your home. No. 1: Silicone Stretch Lids Never buy plastic wrap to cover your food again! If you’re always out of lids or food coverings, a silicone food lid might be the answer you’re looking for. A single lid can fit any size container — even stock pots or half a watermelon. No. 2: Reusable Swab A package of 1,000 Q-tips will tell you “Do not use this product to clean your ears” — but we know that’s what we’re using

Wanted to Legally Change His Age The Man Who Felt 20 Years Younger

We’ve all heard about people legally changing their name or gender, but have you ever heard about someone trying to change their legal age? In 2018, a 69-year-old Dutch man named Emile Ratelband petitioned a court for permission to change his age. He wanted to alter the year he was born on his birth certificate by 20 years so he could be 49 years old. So, how did this case end? Let’s find out. What was his reasoning? Ratelband wanted to change his age because he argued that he felt 20 years younger. He said his doctors told him that he had the body of a younger man, and his health was far better than most men his age. He alleged that he experienced age discrimination because, being 69, he is limited in what he can do. If he were 49, he could buy a house and car and work more hours, and his chances on the dating app Tinder would improve if he were younger. What was the court’s decision? Ratelband’s argument did not convince the district court in the Dutch city of Arnhem. The court said there was no evidence that Ratelband had experienced age discrimination. It stated

that, unlike legally changing your name or gender, changing your age causes many problems such as the many rights and duties related to age, such as voting, attending school, military obligations, and pension. Although Ratelband has the freedom to feel 20 years younger, mentally and physically, he cannot legally change his age because of the legal and societal implications that would follow, the court added.

The district court rejected Ratelband’s request, but he plans to appeal.

In the Netherlands, the public doesn’t take Ratelband’s claims seriously. They even make fun of his international exposure and willingness to provide interviews worldwide to justify his wishes. So what do you think of this legal case? Is age just a number? Let us know your thoughts!

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