Sustainability In-Persona and at Events:
For many of us, the personas we have adopted and through whom we experience the era in which they would have lived would be astonished at the level of waste that we, in our 21st Century, post-industrial era lives, produce. Not only astonished, but many of them would be gobsmacked by what could be seen as carelessness with materials and resources. In taking these notions into account, the Barony of the Flame has chosen to take an active role in making our Border Raids event one that would make many of our personas proud. This has nothing to do with passing fads or political agendas. The Baronial leadership recognizes that not only are the concepts of sustainability a better reflection of many of the eras we reenact, it is also more in keeping with the ideals of our Society, the ideals of chivalry and service, as well as the concept of leaving a site better than when we found it. Our goal for Border Raids is to have half the amount of waste we did last year, and this includes recyclables. But, shouldn’t we be recycling? Yes, definitely, however our primary focus will be on reducing the waste we are producing, and we’ll be doing this through a series of informative posts to social media and to the Border Raids website, in-person information and training sessions prior to the event, and demonstrations and a learning table at the event itself.
For many of us, the personas we have adopted and through whom we experience the era in which they would have lived would be astonished at the level of waste that we, in our 21st Century, post-industrial era lives, produce. Not only astonished, but many of them would be gobsmacked by what could be seen as carelessness with materials and resources. In taking these notions into account, the Barony of the Flame has chosen to take an active role in making our Border Raids event one that would make many of our personas proud. This has nothing to do with passing fads or political agendas. The Baronial leadership recognizes that not only are the concepts of sustainability a better reflection of many of the eras we reenact, it is also more in keeping with the ideals of our Society, the ideals of chivalry and service, as well as the concept of leaving a site better than when we found it. Our goal for Border Raids is to have half the amount of waste we did last year, and this includes recyclables. But, shouldn’t we be recycling? Yes, definitely, however our primary focus will be on reducing the waste we are producing, and we’ll be doing this through a series of informative posts to social media and to the Border Raids website, in-person information and training sessions prior to the event, and demonstrations and a learning table at the event itself.
Sustainability In-Persona – Installment 2: Water, Water Everywhere
By Lady Ælfwynn aec Ouse, Barony of the Flame,
Border Raids Minister of Sustainability
Now that we’ve talked about the basics, i.e., having your own kit for eating and drinking and making it portable, now we’re ready to move on to WATER and hydration! One key idea to revisit is the Reduce-Reuse-Recycle triangle. We are focused on the first piece of the triumvirate, REDUCE.
So, without further ado: WATER and Water Holders! We all need it, dehydration is real (trust me, I’m a pro at severe dehydration, it’s my super-power), and the nearest potable water on some sites (like Pennsic) can be a VERY long walk away. Typically, prior to an event most of us will run in to any big box store or grocery and purchase a flat of bottles filled with water. It’s convenient, it’s easy, and we’re going to recycle, so it’s all good, right? Not so fast there! Our focus is on REDUCING our waste, and just imagine taking all of those bottles home with you after the event, after the water is gone and having them inhabit your home forever… I say this because with the current reality in the world being that less and less is recycled (it’s just not profitable and thus, declining) and more items are ending up in landfills or in the ocean, the more we can do to buy in bulk and use less plastic, the better. One solution: In the bottled-water section, most stores carry what has become one of my top go-to items for events: THE 3 GALLON JUG. Behold… This beast, while heavy, is no heavier than that flat of individual bottles (AND it has a handle). Why is it better? For a few reasons. Number one, it’s cheaper. I’m going to tell you that most of those bottled waters are “purified drinking water”, which is essentially tap water with extra filtration and maybe some extra stuff added. For many of us who rent or own our abodes, you already pay for water from your own tap, now you have paid twice for nearly the same thing! (The ultimate money-saver is to skip the store altogether and fill your own gallon jugs from home) Now, you take that lovely 3-gallon beast and you set it up in your tent or at your location for the day, and you take your cup or your water skin and you refill ALL DAY LONG, and the only waste is that one jug! If you prefer to have bottles chilled in a cooler with ice, this brings us to my next suggestion, many of which can be dunked and cooled in all that lovely ice: invest in a few reusable sports bottles or dig up a few that many of us have kicking around. A few years ago, I invested in a few glass water bottles with silicone sleeves and flip-top sippy-lids. I LOVE them and use them every day mundanely and keep them in my tent at events (Lifeforms is the brand I have and adore). Prior to that I used Nalgene bottles, which are also great and very durable (I rarely use plastics anymore since switching to glass). For traveling around events though, I started using a type of water container that I’ve been using as a backpacker and hiker for ages: the collapsible water bottle/water bladder. My current favorite is Vapur brand for a number of reasons: the flip-top lid, integrated carabiner, it’s made in the US and retails for around $12-$15 for the 1-liter size. The advantage to these collapsible, bladder-like water bottles is that they are very easy to conceal the mundaneness of by sewing a pouch for it with a drawstring top (we will be hosting make-and-take classes on making your own bottle cover, 16 oz collapsible bottles and fabric provided to the first 15 folks!). And once it’s empty, unlike plastic, glass, metal, etc., it’s not banging around on your hip or taking up much space and many models can even be rolled up. Now, it’s not just the participants that we are asking to consider sustainable options for things like drinking containers and water vessels. We are also considering the other end: as hosts, providing water for our guests and attendees. Regarding our barony’s upcoming Border Raids event, we will be having water stations at key points throughout the site, so while you are out and about and away from your 3-gallon new-best-friend, all you need to do is make sure you have your reusable bottle/cup/etc. with you as you wander and stay hydrated! We still encourage folks to look for those 3-gallon jugs for their campsites and general use throughout the day, but this will help supplement and keep folks watered!
In this same vein of hydration, instead of purchasing Gatorade or Powerade in single-use bottles, consider buying a tub of powdered Gatorade or other electrolyte drink mix (many come in packets, too, which is less waste than plastic bottles). The advantages are: it’s always cheaper to go this route for electrolyte replacements, you are reducing your waste, and it’s easy to store and you’ll most likely have mix left over for the next event/practice/etc.!
Now, get out there, save some money, reduce your impact, and increase your immersive experience!
YIS and Sustainability,
Lady Ælfwynn
#sustainablesca #sustainabilityinpersona #mysca
#borderraids #borderraids2019
By Lady Ælfwynn aec Ouse, Barony of the Flame,
Border Raids Minister of Sustainability
Now that we’ve talked about the basics, i.e., having your own kit for eating and drinking and making it portable, now we’re ready to move on to WATER and hydration! One key idea to revisit is the Reduce-Reuse-Recycle triangle. We are focused on the first piece of the triumvirate, REDUCE.
So, without further ado: WATER and Water Holders! We all need it, dehydration is real (trust me, I’m a pro at severe dehydration, it’s my super-power), and the nearest potable water on some sites (like Pennsic) can be a VERY long walk away. Typically, prior to an event most of us will run in to any big box store or grocery and purchase a flat of bottles filled with water. It’s convenient, it’s easy, and we’re going to recycle, so it’s all good, right? Not so fast there! Our focus is on REDUCING our waste, and just imagine taking all of those bottles home with you after the event, after the water is gone and having them inhabit your home forever… I say this because with the current reality in the world being that less and less is recycled (it’s just not profitable and thus, declining) and more items are ending up in landfills or in the ocean, the more we can do to buy in bulk and use less plastic, the better. One solution: In the bottled-water section, most stores carry what has become one of my top go-to items for events: THE 3 GALLON JUG. Behold… This beast, while heavy, is no heavier than that flat of individual bottles (AND it has a handle). Why is it better? For a few reasons. Number one, it’s cheaper. I’m going to tell you that most of those bottled waters are “purified drinking water”, which is essentially tap water with extra filtration and maybe some extra stuff added. For many of us who rent or own our abodes, you already pay for water from your own tap, now you have paid twice for nearly the same thing! (The ultimate money-saver is to skip the store altogether and fill your own gallon jugs from home) Now, you take that lovely 3-gallon beast and you set it up in your tent or at your location for the day, and you take your cup or your water skin and you refill ALL DAY LONG, and the only waste is that one jug! If you prefer to have bottles chilled in a cooler with ice, this brings us to my next suggestion, many of which can be dunked and cooled in all that lovely ice: invest in a few reusable sports bottles or dig up a few that many of us have kicking around. A few years ago, I invested in a few glass water bottles with silicone sleeves and flip-top sippy-lids. I LOVE them and use them every day mundanely and keep them in my tent at events (Lifeforms is the brand I have and adore). Prior to that I used Nalgene bottles, which are also great and very durable (I rarely use plastics anymore since switching to glass). For traveling around events though, I started using a type of water container that I’ve been using as a backpacker and hiker for ages: the collapsible water bottle/water bladder. My current favorite is Vapur brand for a number of reasons: the flip-top lid, integrated carabiner, it’s made in the US and retails for around $12-$15 for the 1-liter size. The advantage to these collapsible, bladder-like water bottles is that they are very easy to conceal the mundaneness of by sewing a pouch for it with a drawstring top (we will be hosting make-and-take classes on making your own bottle cover, 16 oz collapsible bottles and fabric provided to the first 15 folks!). And once it’s empty, unlike plastic, glass, metal, etc., it’s not banging around on your hip or taking up much space and many models can even be rolled up. Now, it’s not just the participants that we are asking to consider sustainable options for things like drinking containers and water vessels. We are also considering the other end: as hosts, providing water for our guests and attendees. Regarding our barony’s upcoming Border Raids event, we will be having water stations at key points throughout the site, so while you are out and about and away from your 3-gallon new-best-friend, all you need to do is make sure you have your reusable bottle/cup/etc. with you as you wander and stay hydrated! We still encourage folks to look for those 3-gallon jugs for their campsites and general use throughout the day, but this will help supplement and keep folks watered!
In this same vein of hydration, instead of purchasing Gatorade or Powerade in single-use bottles, consider buying a tub of powdered Gatorade or other electrolyte drink mix (many come in packets, too, which is less waste than plastic bottles). The advantages are: it’s always cheaper to go this route for electrolyte replacements, you are reducing your waste, and it’s easy to store and you’ll most likely have mix left over for the next event/practice/etc.!
Now, get out there, save some money, reduce your impact, and increase your immersive experience!
YIS and Sustainability,
Lady Ælfwynn
#sustainablesca #sustainabilityinpersona #mysca
#borderraids #borderraids2019
Sustainability In-Persona, Installment 1: Getting Started!
The best place to start developing sustainability in-persona is with the items you probably already have! Many of us have what we typically call a “feast kit,” or, non-mundane items that we bring with us to SCA-event feasts, luncheons, etc., at which we will be served food and during which we want to maintain the period atmosphere. These kits are put together by each SCAdian and usually include the following:
• A primary eating dish, either a plate, bowl or trencher made from wood, metal or ceramic
• A drinking vessel fashioned from ceramics, wood, glass, waxed leather, or horn
• Eating utensils fashioned from wood, bamboo, or metal
• A cloth napkin or tea towel
• A basket or a fabric satchel to contain the items
The advantage to having a feast kit is that you can bring all or parts of it with you to ANY event and help reduce waste! I always carry my eating utensil set in my hip pouch or in my rucksack, along with a mug or drinking horn. Many of our personas wouldn’t have left home without some type of tools to eat and drink with! My utensil set is made of bamboo and has a fork, knife, spoon and a pair of chopsticks and has its own carry case, making it easy to stash and keep with me. This way, I never have to use, and then throw away, plastic utensils. I can use them any time I purchase food from a vendor (I let them know in advance that I have my own utensils if they are giving them out with the food) or eat with friends at their camp, etc. A simple search online for “bamboo utensil set” will bring up some beautiful and very affordable options ($10 and less).
If you don’t already have a feast kit, now is the perfect time to throw one together! It doesn’t have to be fancy or exact to your persona, and it can evolve over time! Plates and bowls can be found at a local thrift or antique store or if you want to go in with a few folks, check on sites like Ebay for “wooden bowl set” (often these are salad bowl sets) which you can usually find used for about $15 or less for 4. Drinking vessels don’t have to be elaborate, it can be a simple ceramic or wooden cup with or without a handle. And even though you might have a Viking persona, a typical drinking horn can be a huge pain at feast if you don’t have a stand for it, so I recommend having a small non-pointy drinking cup you can keep in your feast kit to have at your place at the table. Trust me...
To contain said-feast-kit, a cloth bag with a drawstring top can be made cheaply and quickly, or a simple basket can be found at thrift and antique stores, as well as craft shops. I recommend building your feast kit first, then purchasing or making your container so it won’t be too big or too small!
That feast cup can come in handy for avoiding plastic cups, as well. At Border Raids our tavern bar is happy fill patron’s cups and mugs, and if you do end up with a plastic cup, please consider using it more than once!
It might seem like an inconvenience at first to carry around extra stuff with you when you are out and about as your persona, but having something as small as a utensil kit and a cup can go a long way to increasing your sustainability efforts, helping to shrink your environmental footprint and making a more immersive SCAdian experience for you and for those around you.
Your in Service and in Sustainability,
Lady Ælfwynn aec Ouse
The best place to start developing sustainability in-persona is with the items you probably already have! Many of us have what we typically call a “feast kit,” or, non-mundane items that we bring with us to SCA-event feasts, luncheons, etc., at which we will be served food and during which we want to maintain the period atmosphere. These kits are put together by each SCAdian and usually include the following:
• A primary eating dish, either a plate, bowl or trencher made from wood, metal or ceramic
• A drinking vessel fashioned from ceramics, wood, glass, waxed leather, or horn
• Eating utensils fashioned from wood, bamboo, or metal
• A cloth napkin or tea towel
• A basket or a fabric satchel to contain the items
The advantage to having a feast kit is that you can bring all or parts of it with you to ANY event and help reduce waste! I always carry my eating utensil set in my hip pouch or in my rucksack, along with a mug or drinking horn. Many of our personas wouldn’t have left home without some type of tools to eat and drink with! My utensil set is made of bamboo and has a fork, knife, spoon and a pair of chopsticks and has its own carry case, making it easy to stash and keep with me. This way, I never have to use, and then throw away, plastic utensils. I can use them any time I purchase food from a vendor (I let them know in advance that I have my own utensils if they are giving them out with the food) or eat with friends at their camp, etc. A simple search online for “bamboo utensil set” will bring up some beautiful and very affordable options ($10 and less).
If you don’t already have a feast kit, now is the perfect time to throw one together! It doesn’t have to be fancy or exact to your persona, and it can evolve over time! Plates and bowls can be found at a local thrift or antique store or if you want to go in with a few folks, check on sites like Ebay for “wooden bowl set” (often these are salad bowl sets) which you can usually find used for about $15 or less for 4. Drinking vessels don’t have to be elaborate, it can be a simple ceramic or wooden cup with or without a handle. And even though you might have a Viking persona, a typical drinking horn can be a huge pain at feast if you don’t have a stand for it, so I recommend having a small non-pointy drinking cup you can keep in your feast kit to have at your place at the table. Trust me...
To contain said-feast-kit, a cloth bag with a drawstring top can be made cheaply and quickly, or a simple basket can be found at thrift and antique stores, as well as craft shops. I recommend building your feast kit first, then purchasing or making your container so it won’t be too big or too small!
That feast cup can come in handy for avoiding plastic cups, as well. At Border Raids our tavern bar is happy fill patron’s cups and mugs, and if you do end up with a plastic cup, please consider using it more than once!
It might seem like an inconvenience at first to carry around extra stuff with you when you are out and about as your persona, but having something as small as a utensil kit and a cup can go a long way to increasing your sustainability efforts, helping to shrink your environmental footprint and making a more immersive SCAdian experience for you and for those around you.
Your in Service and in Sustainability,
Lady Ælfwynn aec Ouse