Small Changes

A recurring thought for me is that many people in one's past only remember an individual for the way that they used to be. I find this is common when I get together with old friends, coworkers, or people from my past who have not seen me or overly been involved with my daily living for a period of time. It is ironic to me that we tend not to want others to change, so we automatically characterize them for the traits that they used to hold regardless of whether or not they are still the same person. I point the finger at myself for doing this to people that I know as well.

Sometimes I have also found that it is difficult to combine different opposing aspects of one's self into a compromise on the issue. An example of this in my life is that a few years back I got really interested in fashion. One of my favorite shows has been What Not to Wear and I own quite a few of the books (although bought used!). Yet, how can I be into fashion and at the same time be into environmental sustainability? I contemplated getting rid of the books in an attempt to truly support my newly re-embraced values. Then a light bulb went off in my mind and I realized that it is still possible for me to care about fashion AND do so in a more environmentally sustainable way. Anyone who knows me should also know that at least half of my current wardrobe comes from thrift stores or Goodwill, yet the way that I tend to put my clothes together still allows for me to look presentable and up to par often with the current "fashion" elements of society. Another thought that came to me is that fortunately and unfortunately in our society, to really convey to others that you are a professional to be taken seriously, one must also look the part. How wonderful then that I can engage in what could be seen as two contradictory elements of lifestyle.

You might be wondering what are some other additional changes that I have made in my life in an attempt to live a life moving more toward sustainability, spirituality, economic stability, and simplicity of life style? Here are some examples:

• downsized my possessions such as linens, clothing, shoes, books, CDs, beauty products, etc (gave all the items to Goodwill or other parties)
• since Dec, have only bought 3 items of clothing and 1 pair of shoes (weak moment in Feb)
• frequently utilize my library card
• switched to Seven Generation laundry degeterant and only do laundry once a week
• use recyclable and made from recycled products razors and toothbrushes (Preserve)
• use natural hair products, face and body soaps
• am growing my hair out (the only renewable, reusable product on my person) for Locks of Love
• instead of using the 3 available lights for my bathroom, I only use 1 at any time now
• when washing my face or brushing my teeth, I turn the water off when not in direct use
• reuse my tea mug, cereal bowl, and water glass for the duration before we run the dishwasher (something that is difficult for me due to germs)
• unplugged all the electronics that I do not use routinely, including my laptop at night
• continued in my Bible reading plan
• drive my car only 1-2 times per day if that
• gather and take to Salem with me the additional recyclables that we can't recycle down here
• opted out of junk mail (again!)
• enrolled for online bank statements and mailings
• cancelled my magazine subscriptions, one because I no longer agreed with their message and the other because it seems that I can get the information elsewhere
• attempt to work out a couple of times a week
• eat a generally vegan diet
• wash and reuse plastic baggies and left over containers
• email my reps and senators on important legislative issues

As a family, we each have made changes:

• Dad rides his bike or walks virtually everywhere
• Mom has begun to buy recycled products, ex TP
• We generally eat a vegetarian diet
• We use cloth grocery bags
• We ALL recycle more than we used to the locally accepted products
• We don't travel long distances as much as we used to
• We have planted in various flower beds: green beans, peas, squash, brocoli, onions, a tomato plant, and multiple herbs
• We keep and eat left overs

There are still lots of changes to be made and for those of you who are interested there are several suggestions available on the blog for Crunchy Chicken and for Simple Living. Crunchy Chicken recently issued a Low Impact Week Challenge and the Challenge on the Simple Living blog is to reduce carbon emissions by 90%. I continue to try to add in more changes and will continue to add to our list.
Have a wonderful day!