But like @lewis.mary's fix works now, but for how long?

Your buddy's story makes me cringe. Did those boots have any waterproof rating, or were they just beat up from use? I've seen seams fail after a few seasons, but water pouring over the top sounds like a design flaw. He must have been dreaming of dry socks the whole hike.

You said it feels good "like I'm helping a little" but honestly that's just a story making you feel better. Most of that sorted recycling just ends up in a landfill anyway because the systems are broken. It takes WAY more than sorting your trash to fix real problems like industrial waste.

My friend skipped the long ferment once, and his bread turned out dense and flavorless. Now he's a total convert to that slow, tangy process you described.

Who decided memes were the benchmark for fitness? Your routine works for you, that's what matters.