practice mindful consumption

I’ve been working on this for quite some time and I think it’s going very well. This is something that becomes a habit. It’s thinking of the end outcome of every product you purchase and almost every decision you make. So far I’ve set up a recycling program. Almost everything that can go does go to goodwill, etc. I make purchases based on the final end of the item. This can also be a very depressing thing when you realize that even when the mainstream person does everything they can, so much is still wasted/ :( On a more positive note, my garden is doing VERY well! I am going to mark this off my list because I feel I am in the habit and the trend in my life will continue.

next time you throw something away, think about how you can avoid accumulating that trash in the future. I’ve noticed that packaging, especially plastic, is creating a lot of waste. I have started by making my own cereal bars for the family. What else?

remember, Courtney, that you need to be mindful of your consumption. Ask yourself what your true needs for the moment are. your mindfulness will save the world.

as I think that there are many other small things that we can do as well as recycling (I already recycle paper, plastic, tins and clothes).

1. Using a mug at work instead of the disposable polysterene or plastic cups by the drinks machines
2. Printing out documents double-sided instead of single-sided
3. Remembering to take an empty cloth bag or rucksack when going to the supermarket

that I have bought a few things foolishly of late. I chalk it up to January doldrums but resolve to do better.
On the positive side I am:
-recycling more items
-reusing packaging materials in my art projects
-remembering my cloth shopping bags and using them (almost always)
-trading and borrowing books rather than buying them
-canceling my magazine subscriptions as my renewals become due
-frequenting the consignment and thrift stores regularly for clothes purchases
-cooking more at home – although I did eat out twice last week
-stop myself from buying a new pair of boots – just because they were on sale

I find I do much better when I stay away from the stores unless I have a specific reason for being there. That sounds simple, but I have often used shopping as entertainment in the past.

I buy less stuff than i used to. If i need to buy something it has to be fair trade, organic or used. A lot of charities have 2nd hand shops, i prioritize supporting them before regular used stuff-shops since the money will make even more good if they get into the right hands :) I am also a vegetarian. I recycle my litter and carry cloth bags to the grocery store (bags bought from nature preserving organisations). I make picture frames, gift boxes, tealights and more out of kitchen ‘waste’ (empty cartons, cans and jars which used to contain food items). It’s both fun and friendly to make your own stuff! I save envelopes i get in the mail and re-use them. As a result of all this saving and decrease in consumation over all, i don’t need a lot of money. I work less and spend more time doing what i really love to do -spend time with the people i care about, and 43 things! :) This year (or should i say last year?) i got a goat for christmas (well, the goat was actually given to a family in moçambique), i think it was the best christmas gift someone has ever given me. I have let people know this is what i support. Almost forgot, this one is for the ladies: I recently bought a “mooncup” (www.mooncup.co.uk) to use instead of tampons or napkins, they’re environmentally friendly, way economical, and super kind to the body as well! Close to perfect.

I guess that’s why the goal is to practice though (rather than master mindful consumption). I don’t shop often, but I’ve had to really watch myself when I have been browsing lately… especially with tempting after Christmas sales to lure me to stores & online.

Not perfect purchases, but mindful. I did all my shopping online, which dramaticaly cut down on impulse buys, and gifts for myself.
I bought 5 gifts from Etsy, and I am happy to support artists and crafters as opposed to corporations and factories.
I am doing simple kraft paper gift wrap this year.

Not perfect, but a good start and a great improvement!

this is an ongoing battle. but worth keeping…

I live in NC. We are in the middle of a terrible drought. Something like 15 inches below average. The lakes are very low…one is even almost dry.

We aren’t the family with a beautiful, well maintained lawn. Or the people that wash and detail their cars. So, the restrictions haven’t really affected us too much. But, I’ve still been trying to conserve as much water as possible.

Like, teaching the boys to shut the water off while they brush their teethe. And practicing the old mantra, “If it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down.” But, man, my bathrooms are starting to stink. And they need to be cleaned more often too. So, if I am cleaning the bathrooms more often (which uses water) am I saving water?