consume less

I’ve decided to put this entry here instead of putting it on ‘live simply’ goal. This entry is nothing more than just my observation on how I deal with these two goals. It might be a combination of the two, since this thought mainly helps me live simpler.

The pattern of changes have happened and each time I am faced with a situation, I consciously weigh them accordingly. It feels second nature now. I know what is out of impulse and know what is necessary. It also helps that my place is organized and clean so that I can focus on things that I want to do each time I am off work or when I have more time. I love it when I can relax and know that I can enjoy my place uncluttered.

Now, I can make it messy again. hehe!

I eliminated the urge to buy food on my breaks. I bring my own coffee and lunch food from home. This way I also minimize the use of those ugly plastic containers and utensils.

That 2 days out of the week is “No Purchase Day”,
and that my dear readers include buying online.

meals are purchased in the weekly grocery.

I started using the Zipcar a month ago for my short day trips out of the city. I don’t want to own a car, least of all maintain one, so this is the closest thing for me to driving.

My travels are not that frequent and having no car gives me a positive limitation, not only do I consume energy by driving aimlessly (I tend to do that when I had a car too often), but that option makes me think of other ways than oil and gas guzzling vehicle trips. Yeah! once in a while I need them, but I don’t want to use them just for a cup of coffee two blocks away. That is just purely irresponsible.

I’d rather walk or bike over.

Those annoying plastic bags from the grocery stores. I don’t want to throw them away after one use, at least use them as garbage bags. Other than that useless!

I love paper bags!

certainly consuming less and at this rate I’m also conscious of the quality of the product I’m consuming. I want to support those companies who are mindful of what they offer to the public and the same goes for the places I get my groceries and produce. Come to think of it, I haven’t been to a department store for my clothes for 2 years now. Vintage clothing and thrift stores are about the best places.

When ever I look at the trash been I always wonder how much percentage is man made and how much is nature made? hhmmm…

My gauge perhaps for consuming less is how big of a bag of garbage I put in the trash bin. I only always end up with half a supermarket bag. Then for paper and recyclables, half a paperbag in 2 weeks.

I try to make a conscious effort not to get over packaged products at the store. Buy items that are fresh instead of canned. Just buy what I can consume for 2 days, so it’s always fresh and not dying in the ‘fridge’.

I hate plastic!

only the essentials and the ones I NEED.
This is an ongoing task I think. To the point that I ask myself “Where is the ‘less’ marker?, Am I there yet?”

This needs to be extensively defined.