LETTERS created entire economies in developing nations around our trash — especially (and not unironically) in ASEAN countries. A piece on The Daily Show showed an interview with an Indonesian man who said that his village was very poor before trash from Western countries was brought there to be recycled. "With this trash, I can put my three children through school," the man said. "My oldest is getting a Ph.D." Ken — Good news, you don't necessarily have to donate money to anyone to join this fight, you just have to do your part. Wean yourself off single-use plastics. Get a thermos instead of buying disposable coffee cups. Use canvas bags at the grocery store instead of plastic (or even paper) bags. Get a reusable water bottle. Then be that annoying guy and lecture all of your friends who are still using plastic. Granted, these measures are mere drops in the bucket — the bare minimum that we can do, really — when we consider the size and scope of the plastic plague. But because all of humanity is responsible for this modern environmental epidemic, we're all responsible to be part of the solution. ⇑⇓ CRAVING A SAILING ADVENTURE I am currently landbound after decades at sea, and while this malaise is temporary, I depend on those out there doing it to keep me hydrated. I own no TV, or Netflix, or any of that. I pick and choose from YouTube. I follow many, but the one that stands out at the top for me is Sailing Uma. Second in line is White Spot Pirates. The only downside is that they are living it now, while I sit here waiting patiently for my turn. Christine Watson (Unnamed) Cal 36 Wickford, RI
JEANNE SOCRATES
⇑⇓ JEANNE IS MY GO-TO CYBER VICARIOUS ADVENTURE I enjoy following Jeanne Socrates and Nereida. She will soon be completing her solo, nonstop circumnavigation as the oldest person to do so. I no longer have a sailor to sail the seas with. My travels were not extensive, but were filled with adventures. Jeanne Socrates, living the dream. Being very new to sailing, I not only learned valuable lessons, but grew to truly love every aspect of the fun but also the work involved. So now I enjoy reading of those with the ocean in their veins and the horizon in their eyes! Sheila Mckinnon ⇑⇓ CYBER-SAILOR SYNDROME Cyber-sailor syndrome . . .? I have it! I also have a 37-ft Gulfstar that my wife and I sail on the Bay (and sometimes out) on a regular basis. I suppose I can't get enough of the water, whether palpable or virtual. These two different experiences merged for me earlier this year when I joined one of my favorite virtual skippers for a real-life passage of the Pacific from Panama City to Hiva Oa. We have viewed KnotVikings on YouTube for a couple of years,
Page 30 •
Latitude 38
• September, 2019