10

Mountain View News Saturday, April 26, 2025


MEET JJ—PERFECT PUPPY!

In case you 
missed him 
last week, here 
is JJ one more 
time. As you 
can see, this 
sweet Australian 
Kelpie mix is a real CUDDLER! He’s playful, 
loyal, loves walks, loves other dogs, loves people, 
but not great with cats. JJ is neutered and totally 
vetted, all ready for his new home. Please apply 
to meet him. Contact Laura Paolinelli@LonelyPawsAdoption 
Network, or 703-489-7470. He 
is currently being fostered in Encino. This cutie 
is available for adoption and although that shelter 
named him Urban, we’re calling him JJ. 

See more of him at https://www.lifelineforpets.
org/pooch-place.html.

CHRISTOPHER Nyerges 

 [Nyerges is an educator and the author of over two dozen books including “Urban Survival 
Guide,” “Extreme Simplicity,” “Foraging Californai,” and other books. More information at 
www.SchoolofSelf-Reliance.com]

LEARNING ABOUT THE TOILET PAPER PLANT


On a recent Sunday, my wife 
and I drove over to Griffith 
Park to attend an event that 
was advertised on Facebook 
where we would obtain free plants of the 
toilet paper plant. What an unusual idea, I 
thought, but let’s check it out. What have we 
got to lose?

On the southwest part of Griffith Park, north 
of the Greek Theatre in a field of lawn, we 
recognized the leader, Robin Greenfield, 
barefoot, in the little circle. My wife and I approached 
and we welcomed in to the group 
of 9 people listening to the prophet of the 
toilet paper plant. Robin was holding one of 
the plants, just a stick, which would be replanted. 
The leaves are almost as big as the 
palm of your hand, a soft fuzzy green, and 
very aromatic.

Robin is on a mission to get people to think 
about human waste and toilet paper very differently. 
He is a walking encyclopedia on everything 
having to do toilet paper and using 
human manure as a viable fertilizer, rather 
than regard it as something to discard.

“These leaves are the Charmin of the Garden!,” 
says Robin, speaking of the Plectranthus 
babatus plant, also known as the blue 
spur flower of the Mint Family. The leaves 
are soft, each about the size of a piece of toilet 
paper. In Brazil, a 
tea is made from this 
plant to treat upset 
stomachs.

“According to one 
study,” Robin tells the 
group of gathered 
followers, “the average 
U.S. household 
of 2.6 people uses 
409 regular rolls of 
toilet paper per year. 
You can reduce that 
to zero. Plus you can 
save all that storage 
space in your closet 
and the gas guzzling 
trips to the store. According 
to one study, 
many U.S. Americans 
spend $11,000 on toilet paper in their 
lifetime.”

Of course, one of the main questions that 
people asked was whether or not you could 
flush the plant into the toilet. “No, you can’t” 
explained Robin, who then explained some of 
the simplest methods of composting toilets 
that you can make under $30. These comprise 
of mostly a 5 gallon bucket, and a place 
to empty those contents where they can decompose 
safely. Robin also pointed out that 
expensive composting toilets, which can be 
put into any household, can be purchased for 
a thousand dollars or so. If one wasn’t willing 
to create a compost toilet, one could use the 
“toilet paper plant” leaves and then put them 
into a special container, to be later added to a 
dedicated compost pile outside.

Robin shared the Permaculture concept, that 
what we call “waste” is a resource out of place. 
He says that human waste material is not a 
waste product, but a resource that should be 
used as a safe and valuable fertilizer. 

So he’s really promoting something much 
greater than just using a leaf instead of toilet 
paper. Robin discussed the many factors 
that are involved in the simple act of using 
toilet paper and regular flush toilets. There 
is the vast amount of wood involved for all 
that paper, and all the water needed to flush 
it all away, since our society regards that as 
useless waste. Robin described the cost of all 
the toilet drain overflows every year throughout 
the country, causing countless problems 
with fresh water. And he describes the world 
of farming with petroleum-based fertilizers 
and pesticides, which could theoretically be 
avoided if everyone were part of a process of 
making fertilizer.

“If we could do a handful of things that would 
actually change the world, composting our 
poop would be one of the most important. It 
can be done with nearly no cost, easily, with 
no change to any infrastructure,” says Robin.

On his website, Robin Greenfield describes 
himself as a truth-seeker, activist, social reformer 
and servant to Earth, humanity and 
our plant and animal relatives. He lives simply 
and sustainably to be the change he wishes 
to see in the world. Through living closely 
connected to Earth, he rejects the status quo 
of consumerism and demonstrates a way of 
being in gratitude, mindfulness and presence. 
He describes his life as an experiment with 
truth and integrity.

Robin told the small group that he once had 
a good paying job but he turned his back on 
it because he didn’t want to be a part of a lifestyle 
that was destructive. Robin has committed 
to earning below the federal poverty 
threshold for life and donates 100% of his 
media earnings to grassroots nonprofits, with 
a focus on supporting Black and Indigenous 
women-led organizations. 

In fact, during our short instructional session 
with Robin, I offered him a $20 bill as 
appreciation for getting some of the toilet 
paper plants. He gave it back to me, telling 
me that he was currently in a period where 
he is seeing what it is like to not handle any 
money! You can learn more about Robin and 
his mission by checking the web site at http://
robingreenfield.org/tp

Any questions you have about him are probably 
answered there, so don’t bother asking 
questions since he said he doesn’t have the 
staff to answer questions.


Pet of the Week

 
Monfils is a sensitive and handsome Belgian 
Malinois mix who is more than ready for his 
forever family! This whip-smart guy is three 
years old, and a lean 65 pounds. He’s been 
spending time in a foster home, and his foster 
parents have learned so much about him that 
will make his transition to an adoptive home 
very easy. 

Monfils is full of love and enjoys nothing 
more than snuggling up with his favorite 
person. He’s a big fan of fetch and absolutely 
loves being outdoors, making him the perfect 
match for someone with a yard or a peaceful 
space where he can roam and play.He is 
housetrained and very well-behaved inside—
he’s never destructive and rarely barks. He’s 
happiest when he’s by your side, soaking up 
belly rubs and showering you with affection. 

He knows how to sit and is generally obedient at home, but he can be a bit impatient with 
training.Monfils would likely do best as the only pet in a quiet household. He’s looking 
for someone who will give him the love and stability he needs while understanding 
his quirks.During the week of 4/28 - 5/3, all dog adoption fees are waived at Pasadena 
Humane! The normal adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spay or 
neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines. 

Walk-in adoptions are available every day from 10:00 – 5:00. View photos of adoptable 
pets at pasadenahumane.org.

 New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA 
Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for 
your pet. 

 Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by 
phone calls or email.


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com