Blink:

Back in June I posted Eureka which detailed an innovative solution to filter out microplastics in washing machines, a major source for microplastic pollution.  Writing the post opened my eyes to the ubiquity of microplastics. Today I want to share some relevant learning.

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• Several scientific papers have been published in the past few years detailing how microplastic fibers from our synthetic clothing are released during our household washing. It depends on the type of synthetic garment (e.g., polyester) and weight. Other factors contribute to pollution such as detergents, water temperature, and length of wash cycle. An alarming number given synthetic now comprise two-thirds of all fabrics produced each year and as many as of 1.5 million fibers can be released from a single washing per week. Imagine all these fibers flowing into waterways via washing machines making them the primary source of microplastics pollution.
• Being in the food business, I decided to learn more about microplastic pollution in food. The University of Amsterdam just published a study summarizing the data from close to two hundred research papers.            For years I assumed seafood contained a high concentration of microplastics. A microplastic particle is less than 5 millimeters in size, thinner than a human hair, and finer than a grain of salt. Researchers have now found microplastics in every food category, specially produce and grains which grow in agricultural soil – a long-term sink for microplastics via numerous pathways. Health related concerns are still being analyzed when they breakdown into smaller particles as they enter our body’s tissues and organs.
• I am enduring the heat wave here in France. Every time I observe people carting six-liter packs of bottled water, I can only wonder how much microplastics do they consume per day. Research has indicated thousands to hundred of thousands of smaller particles, nanoplastics per liter mainly, shed from the bottle itself, the cap, or the manufacturing and distribution of the bottled water.

The pervasiveness of microplastics since I read about the potential of washing machine filters will help mitigate its pollution has piqued my interest since the beginning of the summer. Candidly I am concerned the more I research the topic. I am also anxious about the amount which I might consume day in and day out when I take my morning swim in the Mediterranean. A small amount of water does enter my mouth (obviously I do not swallow) and I do drink my fair share of bottled water to stay hydrated during this heat wave.                 

Blink:

The Wyeth family was one of the most amazing American family of artists spanning three generations led by patriarch N.C. Wyeth (book illustrator), his two daughters, his son Andrew Wyeth (globally renown tempura and watercolor master), and grandson Jamie Wyeth (contemporary realism). The “Other Wyeth” was the real game changer.           

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Nathaniel C. Wyeth was a mechanical engineer//inventor, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and worked as an engineer for DuPont. He used to call himself “The Other Wyeth” since his father and brother were recognized as famous artists. That all changed in 1973 when he invented and received the patent for a bottle made from polyethylene terephthalate, (a.k.a. recyclable PET plastic) used widely today for both carbonated and non-carbonated drinks.                         

For starters think about how PET bottles, were a real game changer in the marketing and consumption of beverages, especially as it relates to sodas with their sugar content contributing to our global obesity problem. Then plastic waste; while recyclable PET bottles are primarily designed for single-use, which can contribute to our planet’s plastic waste pollution if not properly managed. Research has also revealed the bottles are a shedding source for microplastics. The “Other Wyeth” finally received his recognition in 1986 when he was inducted into the Society of the Plastics Industry Hall of Fame. Note: Candidly not exactly the Hall of Fame I would want to be an inductee right now given the magnitude of plastic pollution on #PlanetFirst.

Opinions Welcomed!

Blink:

Friends are asking me how I am dealing with the record heat wave here in France. Not an issue given I live two blocks from the Mediterranean and have AC. The situation I am having a problem copping with is the current OPM epidemic here in Cannes.

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The mover and shakers in marketing and advertising from around the world (an estimated 15,000 attendees from 90 countries) have descended on Cannes (population 70,000) for the International Festival of Creativity 2026. Their agenda is to discuss industry trends and how thanks to technology (of course AI), their strategies are evolving as they try to reach consumers globally, specifically young people (Gen Z). In addition, a majority want to enjoy some Cannes OPM.

Attendees are at the marketing director level and above, as well as a few marketing wannabees (a.k.a. toadies) who were here managing the networking lounges – Google, Pinterest, Spotify, LinkedIn, etc.. The keynote sessions conducted in the Palais des Festivals et des Congress featured C-suite executives who are paid the big bucks to make pithy statements like “The goal these days isn’t really about visibility, it’s about enhancing the relevance of your brand.” I apologize if I am missing something here, but as a former CPG brand marketer dating back forty plus years, building brand relevance always was the objective centric to branding. In addition, to main draw, there were also some free sessions on a side Beach Stage tent equipped with huge fans to keep attendees cool. The sessions were about brands & culture, an area of interest since I am a student of social media and influence marketing.

In closing, I could not help, but network. Validated what I always thought about when I engaged at conferences in choice locations like Las Vegas, San Diego, Miami, and even the National Restaurant Show in Chicago. A majority of the people are in a conference daze high on OPM. What is OPM? Other peoples’ money. Cannes is a great place to attend a conference for free on a corporate expense account so you can talk about the petite dejeuner you had in the old harbor complete with the best croissant you ever had or the 25 € Negroni at the Ritz Carlton bar or the awesome parties and the great weather.

Good thing the conference ends this weekend. The OPM epidemic will be over. Life gets back to normal.

Blink:

Centuries before AI’s existence, eminent scientist Sir Isaac Newton experienced an eureka moment in an apple orchard. Consequently, he formulated the laws of gravity/motion, considered the most influential work of the Scientific Revolution. As society becomes more dependent on AI for scientific solutions, will future generations experience eureka moments?

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Absolutely! To support my answer, I am going revisit a unique process of innovation called biomimicry which I first posted about back in 2019. In addition, I am going to share a new example which piqued my interest as a potential solution to filter microplastics. Note: “Biomimicry is an approach to innovation that seeks sustainable solutions to human challenges by emulating nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies.” – Biomimicry Institute

Microplastic pollution has evolved into a major environmental problem. Our clothing and washing machines are a leading source of the problem. It has been analyzed 1.5 million micro fibers can be released from a synthetic garment during a wash cycle. The amount will vary by fabric, detergent type, water temperature, and length of the wash cycle. Further compounding        the problem is the fact worldwide consumer purchasing of washing machines is growing and now exceeds an estimated 1.1 billion units.                

The eureka happened in a laundry room at Case Western Reserve university in Cleveland, Ohio between a group of engineering students concerned about microfibers flowing into waterways via washing machines. Their initial attempts designing a microfiber filter encompassed several materials including mesh and duct tape (got to love it!). After observing the debris captured in the washer water hose, they realized the need to build a filter. One member suggested they conduct fish biology research about species which filter water naturally and came up with mantra rays and basking sharks, The structure of their mouths and gills created vortices, specifically the physics of filtering food (plankton) from water. They patented the breakthrough engineering technology, called it Vortx, which is incorporated in a disposable pod placed on a washing machine.          

Despite their utilizing the unique process of biomimicry to design a creative solution which captures 90 percent of the microplastics released in a typical wash cycle, there are other microplastic solutions on the market – coils, mesh screens, enzymes, and sound waves. Better yet, globally some countries are beginning to pursue legislation to mandate the integration of microplastic filters in washing machines manufactured in the future. In the U.S., New Jersey, Oregon, and Illinois have taken the initiative to introduce legislation in the Senate and House.              

Back to my original query: as society becomes more dependent on AI for scientific solutions, will future generations experience non-AI driven eureka moments? Hopefully I have simplified the process of biomimicry utilized by innovators studying “Mother Nature” which will generate the break through eureka moments we need to reverse the slippery slope we have created as it relates to our environment. In closing, I am going to reference a great quote from the tech icon Steven Jobs I shared in my original 2019 biomimicry post:

“I think the biggest innovations of the 21^st century will be at the intersection of biology and technology. A new era is beginning” – Steven Jobs

Blink:

Once again, I am going to refer to an old post “Design for Living Hacks”, specifically the section about Marcus Arielius and Greek stoicism – their belief in mindfulness, thus stick with what is in front of you within your control. Lately for me it starts with my morning gratitude ritual.

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I take a walk along the beach, enjoy a double espresso at my favorite kiosk to watch the day begin here in Cannes. Most life coaches recommend carving out some time every day to reflect on what we are currently experiencing in this toxic turvy world (another old post). Focus on what you are truly grateful for. Sometimes it might be the small things we take for granted. Suggestion: Find what I call a gratitude ritual which works best for you (e.g., meditation, exercise, etc.). For me it is to take time out early every day to “smell the roses” by appreciating the beauty of the sun rising and casting its shimmer on the Mediterranean.

What are you grateful for today?

Opinions welcomed!

Blink:

Last month I posted “Design for Living” Hacks, complete with some recommended tenets I have found helpful in my adventure. The post received favorable feedback. A few friends even indicated they were going to incorporate a few of the guiding principles into their future plans. Friendly reminder: Read on! 

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Whenever the subject comes up about people planning out their lives, I immediately think of one of my all-time favorite quotes:

“I am tired of planning my life out because recently I realized my plan was not working, but my life was. I then concluded there are more good life’s than plans.” – Tom Banta

Who was Tom Banta? He was my undergraduate psychology (101, 102, 103) professor. Memorable! On the first day of each semester, he would ask students to submit their final grade and what they would do to earn it. I gave myself three straight A’s and indicated I would just show up to his class to earn my A.

For the record we would occasionally schedule one-on-one lunches every semester and enjoy some unforgettable chats. In retrospect, Tom’s words of wisdom which he shared with me back in 1974, are still relevant, especially when I reference the guiding principles of individuals I reviewed in my April post. A majority of these people I credit in designing my personal credo wrote about being prepared to expect the unexpected (a.k.a. curveballs). These moments make it difficult to precisely (100%) execute a life plan. Remember, merde happens!

Opinions welcomed!

Blink:

Being a food futurist, I aman advocate/supporter of the current transformation for a healthier global food system. Numerous solutions mitigating climate change are interconnected. Consequently, I rely on numerous sources to get a better understanding of what is going on. Today I address an innovative soil management solution.

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Biochar technology is being evaluated for carbon sequestration to help mitigate climate change, improve soil quality, as well as reduce waste. Biochar is a charcoal-like substance made by burning agricultural and forestry waste (a.k.a. biomass) via a unique controlled process (pyrolysis) into a more stable cleaner form of carbon that cannot easily escape into the atmosphere compared to other forms of charcoal. In addition, the energy or heat created during pyrolysis can be captured and used as a form of clean energy.  

Ongoing research is being conducted to explore ways to apply biochar to soil to lock in carbon. Recently Swiss scientists fed dairy cows a small amount of biochar. They learned the biochar survived the cows’ hearty digestion and resisted decomposition (98% made it out the other side intact) as their dung was dispersed and enriched the soil. Note: The researchers also recorded a reduction in the methane emissions for the cows’ fed biochar.

“No idea is so outlandish that it should not be considered.” – Winston Churchill   

Blink:

Last month I posted the leading official words of 2025 as chosen by each of the major dictionaries. Merriam – Webster’s word was slop defined as low quality digital content produced in quantity with the aid of artificial intelligence – video, fake news, altered advertisements, etc. Warning! Here comes political slop.

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We have already experienced the spread of disinformation in previous political campaigns. Leading tech journalists are beginning to expose how A.I. generated content has now surfaced in political advertising – fake images, altered voice-overs technically categorized as deepfake deception in the recent Texas (senate), New York (mayor) elections.

To me it sounds like there needs to be some advertising guidelines re: the utilization of A.I. generated content. Apparently 26 states have debatable laws regulating deepfake political advertisement requiring disclosure statements. Tech journalists project A.I. will become more frequent and widespread during the midterm elections since the head of the fish has set the tone with his brazen use of digitally altered content, plus A.I.-generated memes. Note: YouTube and Microsoft are working on technical standards to help identify the origin and authenticity of content, especially video to help candidates.

I am constantly evaluating the utilization of A.I. and the impact it will have on our future society. Candidly, political slop sounds ominous or as a close friend expressed after we discussed what is coming down the road: “Advancements in technology do not always result in positive outcomes. This is a good example.”

Opinions welcomed!