How to reduce the amount of waste you create

Okay. Gross fact- did you know that according to the Clear Air Council, Americans alone use over 1 billion shopping bags? Per year?! A lot of that probably ends up in what Unstash has dubbed the 8th Continent, or the Great Pacific Garbage Patch which is supposedly twice the size of Texas. Our lack of environmental concern is out of control. Not to say that some communities aren't banding together to make changes, because they are, and they're doing amazing work. But it really boils down to individuals being empowered with the knowledge that their efforts matter, and I think that's where the challenge lies. Anyways, I'm not perfect but I try really hard to be conscious of what my actions effect on the Earth are. These are just a few of the things that I incorporate into my daily life:

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• Avoid, avoid, avoid plastic bags like the plague! If I'm buying something small or just one or two things, I make sure to tell the cashier to NOT use a plastic bag. I usually have enough space in my purse to accomodate it. I've even gotten dirty looks from cashiers who put my items in a bag too quickly, and then I politely ask them to remove them. No shame here.

• If I do need to use a plastic bag for my items, like, I didn't carry a purse or there's just too many things), I reuse that bag as a trash bag. It's senseless to purchase "proper" garbage bags when those will do just fine. Plus they fill up faster, which means either take the trash out more or reconsider what we consider trash.

• I buy items that won't need to be replaced right away. This means ceramic cups, metal silverware, cloth towels/dishrags for washing dishes, cleaning up spills, etc. as well as higher quality items like a sturdy purse or nicer shoes. I'd rather spend $100 and keep the items for 10 years than spend $40 on a new purse every year. I never buy paper towels, napkins, plasticware, or disposable things. 

I'm not the only one! photo source

• I wash some of our laundry in my bathtub. We don't have a washer/dryer unit in our apartment, so part of this is out of necessity. I know it sounds crazy, but for items that aren't super soiled or would need the delicate cycle anyway (dish towels, t-shirts, light undergarments  it works like a charm, saves ton of energy that would normally be exerted by utilizing electricity for a washer/dryer. Plus it saves us quarters at the laundromat and the gas for our car that we would have used to get to the laundromat. Hang the items dry with a window open and you're good to go!

• Speaking of cars- I don't have one. My husband and I share a vehicle. That's one less car on the road & less gas in the ozone. This is partly for financial reasons, but it works for us. We share in the cost of gas and I take public transportation at least 4x per week. It takes some planning, but I swear it's possible.

That's all I can think of off the top of my head. There's probably a ton more we could be doing, but as we learn, we improve. That's all we can really do! I also try to do a ton of DIY projects/upcycling that I'll cover later on in the blog. There's too many great ideas out there not to share. What do you do to minimize your impact?

Living Deliberately Means...

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...Walking instead of driving to your destination to take in the scents, sights, and sounds of the community you live in.

...Spending a few extra dollars for a meal that is better quality & better for you.

...Making conscious decisions about which products to buy to fit your lifestyle, as opposed to just buying for trend.

...Leaving work on time so you can spend more time with your loved ones, or doing things you enjoy

...Politely agreeing to disagree with friends when your opinion differs.

...Finding a purpose and intention in every word, act of body language, and goal you implement for yourself.

...Choosing to experience new things to discover the richness of the world instead of staying in your comfort zone.

...Stepping up to participate in positive change in your community, in whatever form fits you best, instead of complaining about issues and expecting others to resolve them.

...Speaking in proper language, form, and structure to create a purposeful dialogue with your coworkers, friends, family, and neighbors.

...Supporting your local economy so that you can contribute to it's natural ecosystem of businesses, services, and entertainment.

Just a few thoughts for your afternoon! 

Deliberate Living...Around the Web

Well I actually forgot to post some of my favorite links from this week around the web on Friday! I need to get better about posting regularly. It's hard to keep up with the pace of the Internet sometimes without a connection at my apartment! Oh well. Better late than never I suppose :) Below are some things that caught my eye this week in the realm of simple living, minimalism, etc. Enjoy!

If money doesn't make you happy, you aren't spending it right- according to the Journal of Consumer Psychology from Harvard. Interesting!

One blogger, Beau, is transitioning to a post-materialistic life. Follow his progress at his blog.

Appreciating the breathtaking beauty of the "supermoon".

Via Unconsumption- a fun way to give new life to old paintbrushes that have frayed or otherwise unusable tips! Very chic.

Change isn't just coming. It's already infiltrated the mainstream. We all need to collaborate to come up with solutions for our grievances...because business is connected to pollution is connected to the environment is connected to our health is connected to our happiness is connected to our well being is connected to everything.

The Compass Green Project- a mobile classroom that where students can learn about agriculture and how to utilize the scarce existing land we have to produce food.

That's probably going to do it for me. I didn't have as much time to peruse this week as I'm dealing with buying a new-to-me car, dealing with some dental work, & a new job! Life is definitely hectic in the best way possible.   Was there anything I missed on the web that piqued your interest?

Houston, TX at the Forefront of Sustainability

Part of my hope with this blog is to cover ideas and projects both locally/nationally/globally that spark my interest in terms of redesigning our communities. The world feels like it's changing quicker than ever, and government, businesses, and individuals are struggling to keep pace with new expectations of how we conduct ourselves in the community and how we take shared responsibility of it's well-being. More often than not, I think we hear about communities doing the wrong thing (anyone else hear about how in 2009, the city of Chicago actually sold it's sidewalks to a 3rd party business, essentially privatizing it's streets? Whose idea was that?), which is why I was so excited to hear about Houston and how city officials are doing the right thing by working with businesses to develop more sustainable practices.

Electric car chargers under a solar car port at Smith & Associates. Photo courtesy of Smith & Associates via NatGeo.

The city of Houston. TX recently hosted a Green Office Challenge in which about 300 local businesses address the task of "making the city a greener place to live and work" by reducing their company's energy and water use, as well as waste production. Companies were encouraged to find creative, efficient solutions to save energy and promote environmental stewardship. This is smart for a few really important reasons. For the businesses, it riles up company morale towards a common goal. If their plans are successful, it reduces their cost of business now and in the future. And, it provides a wonderful source of positive press which is sure to entice their marketing departments. The city wins because it gets to flex it's government biceps in terms of showing businesses and individuals what resources they have available in order to assist them with this endeavor. And it reduces municipal costs as well, "improving the environmental and economic performance" of the community, according to city's Director of Sustainability Laura Spanjian in a 2010 press release. 


The goal was pretty clear: Mayor Annise Parker said that "the Green Office Challenge will help us...be #1 in both...the number of LEED certified buildings and the number of Energy Star buildings". They currently stand at number eight and six, respectively. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and buildings that have certification are recognized for sustainable architecture and building practices. 


Co-founder of Smith & Associates in Houston, Mr. Robert Ackerley summed it up really well in a recent article for NatGeo highlighting what his business did in response to the challenge: 

"I don’t think this experience is that unusual. It underscores that sustainability, rather than being either a grassroots or top-down initiative, is a truly collective phenomenon, one that is strengthened and furthered when we work together, step-by-step". 

While Ackerley was talking specifically about his business, the same can be said for the government officials and individuals that also come into play in the mission. I can't wait to read more about communities that are working together proactively to get closer to their sustainability goals. 

What do you think of Houston's sustainability efforts?

Education

I definitely think that part of redesigning our lives and communities comes down to education. The education system in the US is in the midst of crisis as we transition from the Industrial Age to the Information age. Methods and standards once thought to be gold standard are now outdated, and I think a lot of people are starting to realize that. The problem is developing the infrastructure, the funding, and the enthusiasm for embracing new methods, technologies, and policies. It's a huge problem to tackle, even at a district level. My father has been a teacher at the same school district for over twenty years, and for a good 2+ he served as the school's union president. Time and time again I saw him stressing out over contract negotiations, students behavior, and having to do more with less. He gets to school at 7am and sometimes doesn't leave until 5-6pm. He buys classroom materials with his own money. Educators are totally unsung heroes- and anyone who had a problem with them actually had a problem with the district's policies (usually). I have a lot more thoughts when it comes to education, especially higher education (I opted to not attend graduate school right out of undergraduate, unlike a lot of my friends. I think it was a wise but unpopular choice.), but I think this list is a good place to start for thoughts on misguided education. It was originally taken from Forbes.com, which means someone higher up recognizes the need for change, right?

1. The people in charge have all the answers.That's why they are so wealthy and happy and healthy and powerful-- ask any teacher.
2. Learning ends when you leave the classroom.Your fort building, trail forging, frog catching, friend making, game playing, and drawing won't earn you any credit. Just watch TV.
3. The best and brightest follow the rules.You will be rewarded for your subordination, just not as much as your superiors, who, of course, have their own rules.
4. What the books say is always true.Now go read your creationism chapter. There will be a test.
5. There is a very clear, single path to success. It's called college. Everyone can join the top 1% if they do well enough in school and ignore the basic math problem inherent in that idea.
6. Behaving yourself is as important as getting good marks.Whistle-blowing, questioning the status quo, and thinking your own thoughts are no-nos. Be quiet and get back on the assembly line.
7. Standardized tests measure your value.By value, I'm talking about future earning potential, not anything else that might have other kinds of value.
8. Days off are always more fun than sitting in the classroom.You are trained from a young age to base your life around dribbles of allocated vacation. Be grateful for them.
9. The purpose of your education is your future career.And so you will be taught to be a good worker. You have to teach yourself how to be something more. 

And so it goes. There is a huge disconnect between what kind of education students need and what educators are taught that students need- on all levels, but especially high school & college. I can't wait to delve into this further as topic of discussion, especially as it relates to my own experience. I think "education" is much more than school- it's learning, curiosity, trying new things, meeting new people, visiting interesting places, taking risks, and really enriching your life with culture, history, and a variety of ideas. Anyways- what do you think? Do you think formal education is the best (or only) way to move forward in life, or do you fully believe that alternative education can provide the same, if not better, experience. Or do you fall somewhere in between? I would love to hear your thoughts! 

Build a Greener Block- April 28 & 29, 2012

This past weekend was the first, of hopefully many, Build a Greener Block events. Simply put, we're a group of Las Vegans who are aiming to change our neighborhoods, our cities, and show that joining our skills, talens, experiences, and resources together and create a Las Vegas that we all appreciate and take care of. We transformed a block downtown- at Main St. & Charleston, to be exact- from empty storefronts to be small, sustainable restaurants, boutiques, a cafe, a flower shop, dog park, obstacle course, and food stands from loacl farmers. There was a classroom where people shared their knowledge on canning, gardening, and learning how to make your own instruments. Bike lanes were created. The empty, desolate block turned into a safe, enjoyable, loving, living place for residents living, working, and playing downtown. While I don't have the numbers of people in attendance, I know it was a huge success. I'm honored to have been a part of it (I created a digital & physical map of recycling locations throughout the valley, which can be seen here) and I can't wait to see what other projects are developed after this one. Oh, and I should mention that we raised the neccesary funds to make it happen using a new crowdfunding platform, IndieGogo. We raised about $5000 in just a month to cover expenses, city permits, and some advertising. The power of WE for sure. Some of my photos from the event art below. More can be seen at my flickr set. Find out more about the Greener Blocks movement by visiting their website. 

The main block

An amazing strawberry-tomato (& avocado, carrot, & spinach) sorbet made by Raw Fusion

Local farmers brought their produce to sell at reasonable prices

Bike lines were created for those who would ride to the event without an automobile

Again it was a great success. And I just wanted to take a second to point out something that wasn't necessarily part of the event, but is still notable. The photo below looks like a parking meter- and it is. But it isn't used for paid parking anymore- it's been upcycled by the city leadership as a way to collect donations for people who are less fortunate. Las Vegas has a huge homelessness problem that is tied in with the immense foreclosure crisis. The funds collected go towards helping with shelter & transportation costs, and other life essentials to get them back on their feet. There are a few of these "Donation Stations" around downtown, and while I don't know if they're very effective, I think they're a really interesting and creative approach to donations. Their placement makes it possible for both locals and tourists to donate their spare change, something that is valued less and less as debit cards and digital currencies become more widely accepted. 

A parking meter upcycled into a "Donation Station" by the city for collecting funds for the homeless population

Community Revitalization...in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is experiencing a renaissance of sorts. Thanks to the vision of Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos, a whole new wave of community development & interest is piquing, especially in the downtown districts otherwise known as 18b or The Arts District and Fremont East. As someone who has a community development/college leadership background, this is exactly the type of revival that I was looking for when I moved here last August. Everything kind of fell into place. I enjoyed the tight-knit campus community that I experience for my 3 1/2 years in college. I participated a lot- serving on multiple committees, working for a variety of organizations, founding a magazine, working as an RA, going to campus events practically daily, and of course taking classes. I immersed myself in it. And then I got an internship that changed my life, which happened to be in the bustling commercial/residential district right next door that was once awarded one of the top 10 neighborhoods to live in! It was a brilliant experience.

Anyway, this time in my life felt exciting because I was so connected to the community. I had an active role in it and I was part of the decision-making process for certain events, changes, and improvements that the community would face. And that made me elated!

So, back to Las Vegas. The same type of community vibe is slowly but surely emerging here as an alternative to the sprawl of Las Vegas suburbs. It's only in it's infancy (literally- the #VegasTech movement just yesterday celebrated it's 1st birthday!), but shows serious promise for reawakening a group of passionate people who want to better the city in their own unique way. I'm loving it. Anyways there are a few important organizations/links I'd like to share for anyone who is interested in learning more about the project. I'll try not to include press here because it's exhaustive- you'll have to do a quick google search to read up on all the amazing positive press we've received. Anyway here goes!

• Greener Blocks...aka #BAGB; Making downtown more sustainable one block at a time
• Downtown Project; Tony Hsieh's hub for spreading the movement
• Ayloo.net; A local startup connecting passionate people & timely projects 
• Downtown3rd; A once-weekly farmers market embracing local farmers & produce
• Springs Preserve; an amazing nature preserve that promotes science, nature, learning & sustainability
• /usr/lib; A tech library & meeting place for #VegasTech and community minded individuals
• The Beat; offers coffee, beer, wine, food, vinyl & a casual meeting spot for locals

So those are the most mainstream organizations & ideas floating around downtown right now. Their span and influence is only going to increase as more and more people start getting empowered by the message. I highly suggest taking a look at any one of these to see how each branch is working together to weave together a common culture in the city. 

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I am a big proponent of living minimally. That means only buying what you need...getting rid of what you don't...and not assigning emotional attachment to your belongings. I learned this really quickly as a kid; nothing made me feel better than throwing out bags and bags of useless junk I had accumulated! I realize not everyone gets the same rush, and a lot of us have really sentimental items that we own. You know, that dress that you wore on the first date with your now-husband that's faded, out of style, and doesn't quite fit right anymore. That birthday card that your great aunt gave you with a sweet message inside. I could go on and on. I do it too. However, there comes a certain point where enough is enough and (I, at least) start to feel consumed by what surrounds me. I stumbled upon this funny but oh-so-true guide to getting rid of all the "stuff" in your life. And even though I had a laugh, some of it is so true. It was originally posted by Julien Smith over at In Over Your Head. I think that by reducing the bonds we feel towards our stuff, we can focus on more important things, like strengthening the bonds between ourselves, our neighbors & the wider community. Like making sure our community is economically sound, has plenty of opportunities for work, play, and culture, and is an overall happy place to be. Anyways- here goes!

The Short, 16-Step Guide to Getting Rid of Your Crap

1. Enter the front door of your home. Toss off your shoes. Notice, lying beneath, a pair of boots you have worn only once. Shrug.

2. Turn on the television and sit on your Ikea couch. Attempt to relax. Awaken 20 minutes later, realizing that you’ve been passively flipping through channels. Turn off the TV, remove the batteries from your remote. Toss them in your Blendtec blender. Stop yourself moments away from doing something drastic.

3. Briefly fondle the iPhone in your pocket. Stop yourself, realizing you were about to do the exact same thing with Reddit as you just did with TV. Call and cancel your data plan in the nick of time.

4. Begin to wonder what people did before television and internet access. Observe the room around you, looking over the unread books and unwatched DVDs lining your dusty shelves. Consider shopping, then picture the unworn clothes occupying your cavernous walk-in closet.

5. Realize your imagination has turned all black and grey.

6. Suddenly recognize that you haven’t used your “spare” room… ever.Do the math and realize said room is costing you five or six hours of work per month. Take out a piece of paper and compare it to that trip to Japan you’ve been meaning to take. Stare at the math in disbelief. Stuff the paper in your mouth and begin to chew.

7. Realize that the brief emotional rush that accompanied the purchase of each item in your home is now gone, leaving only the object itself in its most basic, uninteresting form. The gorgeous, pastel designer couch has become simply a chair. A beautiful glass buffet is transformed into a mere table. A set of immaculate handmade dishes has aged into nothing but a bunch of plates. Your goose down duvet is actually just a blanket. Wince.

8. Glance down at your groceries and realize that the Doritos, Lay’s, and Ruffles you purchased are all just coloured corn and potatoes.

9. Open your credit card bill. Wide-eyed, discover how often you’ve confused shopping with actual extra-curricular activities. Consider joining a monastery.

10. Remember that time you went over to a party in a friend’s pseudo-abandoned loft. Recall the roommates, the self-made art and photos on the walls, the obscenely cheap rent, and the embraced simplicity.

11. Begin to make a quick list of the top 10 things you own in terms of how much they cost. With horror, make a second list of the top 10 things that make you happy. Sense the creeping dread as you realize there is no overlap between the two at all. Shudder in terror.

12. Decide to have a packing party like your friend suggested one time. Take the old sheets you never used from Crate & Barrel. Cover all your stuff with them. Endeavour not to uncover it unless you decide you need to use it.Realize suddenly that you would never use anything at all because you are never actually home.

13. Remember a time in childhood when you were more excited by ideas, love, travel, and people than by anything else. Realize that you have, somehow, bought into a new religion, and that malls, from the inside, look exactly like cathedrals.

14. Consider starting a fire.

15. Consider that, perhaps, you are more than just your stuff. Begin to take a long walk. Breathe.

16. Begin to relax. Give yourself the freedom to begin to dream again.

10 deliberate things.

So I kind of stole this concept from one of my favorite bloggers out there, Miss James from Bleubird Vintage, but I think she'll approve. Her blog is amazing, from snapshots into her life as a mom of three with one on the way, healthy/delicious recipes, and inspiration on how to live simply & happily. It doesn't hurt that her husband is a wonderful photographer & the photos liven up her page in a way that is breathtaking! Anyway this is my 10 deliberate things post, adapted from her 10 pretty things. 

1. A deliberately beautiful piece of public art

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2. A deliberate plan to improve a park in London for the 2012 Olympic Games

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3. A deliberate way to incorporate some vintage/upcycled map love into your home!

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4. Six steps on how to eat consciously & deliberately for your body 

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5. A deliberately positive message to keep in mind (seen at a co-op in my hometown!)

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6. A deliberately peaceful moment from my grandmother's backyard in 2010

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7. Living deliberately & consciously doesn't just apply to "stuff", but relationships too

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8. A deliberate use of old or discarded books so they stay out of landfills (& it's pretty cool, too)

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9. A deliberate way to reduce your portion size & measure correctly for preparing foods at home

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10. A deliberate reflection on how humans should consider their presence in the world

source unknown- anyone?

Subway is Contributing to Massive Waste, One 6-inch At A Time

Okay, I don't hate Subway. I actually really like their ham subs, plus their meatball one is decent. I go maybe once a month. I like that their mission is to provide fresh food and that goal is actually attainable through their planned operations setup. It's great.

However, I was thinking today about the massive waste that Subway contributes to the Earth each time someone rings up their lunch special combo for $8.55. More often than not, you're given your sub in one of those long, skinny plastic bags. More often than not, you and your significant other/co-worker/children sit down at Subway to indulge in one of their "healthy" meals (note the sarcasm, but that's another story). More often than not, said patrons will quickly take their wrapped sub out of the bag that it was put in a mere 20 seconds before, and throw it out. And, more often than not, that bag looks like this:

This is my bag from my sandwich earlier. Apologies that it's upside down, but I needed a quick photo!

The bag is clean, just slightly wrinkled, and completed devoid of any food scraps. After all the sub was wrapped in a paper, too. So what worries me is that the life-span of each bag is about one minute if the patron is eating in the restaurant. I recognize this is a different story if someone is taking food out, or if they have leftovers. But what about everyone else that finishes their meal & then throws out the crumbs and packaging? That's probably tens of thousands of Subway bags ending up in the trash after only being used for a minute.

Surely, Subway could re-evaluate it's usage of the bags? I've noticed that in some locations they've begun offering baskets instead of bags for foodie's who want to sit & enjoy their sandwich. That's awesome. But maybe not enough, if not all locations offer this. Remember those plastic bag caddies that our parents had that we thought were so silly? My dad had one under the sink AND one in the laundry room (commitment).   Subway could integrate an inexpensive device like that near the trash cans in it's current and future locations so that customers can actually recycle the plastic bags that are barely even used. I would venture to guess that this would reduce Subway's costs if they could have an ongoing source of recyclable bags that could be made into future Subway bags. It would at least create an environment of goodwill if patrons see that their favorite fast food restaurant is becoming more responsible for the consequences of doing business. Win, win- no?

Now, this doesn't really solve the problem. I am sick of plastic bags everywhere, and would honestly prefer it if Subway found a solution to just not produce them anymore. But at least this is a step in the right direction to reduce their waste contribution in an already cluttered, littered world. Thoughts?

Talking Trash on NPR

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Everyone who knows me will attest to the fact that I am an NPR whore. I even enjoy listening to their quarterly pledge drive. I grew up with my grandmother having NPR on all day every day. My dad does it too. I'm getting pretty close. Anyway, Fresh Air (broadcasted outside of Philadelphia) is having a program all about trash today! According to them, Americans throw out the most trash per day out of any other country. Apparently we dispose of seven pound of trash...per DAY! That is outrageous and something we should all work towards reducing. Anyway, host Terry Gross will be chatting with journalist Edward Humes about the journey that trash takes from us to the landfill. And probably what that means for our Earth & future. Definitely tune in for what's probably going to be a really interesting conversation! Usually Fresh Air is on at 1pm & 7pm local times but it varies so check your local station just in case. Happy listening!

You WASH these?

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A few days ago while at work, a coworker complained that she had forgotten to bring a fork and knife from home to eat her leftovers with at lunchtime.

"Oh, I have a set you can borrow!" I said, pulling out a mismatching plastic pair. I told her I had just washed them yesterday so they're fine to use. What happened next was incredible. She simply looked at me, incredulously, and said, "You wash these?" They're plastic. Why don't you throw them out?" Profanities went off in my head like fireworks.

Just because something is plastic doesn't mean it can't be washed, reused, upcycled, recycled, etc. Her first thought was to toss it in a garbage bin with no regard- an attitude that I think can only be a result of being so disconnected from what actually happens on the journey from your garbage bin to a landfill. I buy durable goods whenever I can- we don't use paper towels, napkins, or disposable plastic/paper plates, cups, or silverware in my apartment. Any plasticware we do have is washed and reused! I always used to smirk at my grandmother when she would do this, but now I understand the value of it. My husband doesn't quite get it, but we're getting there. I'm not perfect, but at least we put in an effort. I was incredibly surprised the way my coworker looked at me, as if she had never considered saving plasticware. Sure after awhile the integrity of the spoon/fork/knife is compromised (the same way some people say you shouldn't reuse plastic water bottles too often- bacterial residue), but that doesn't mean you can't get full use out of them.

Has anyone ever done a double take at your cost-cutting/eco-friendly measures? I have many more I can think of, but I'd like to hear what other people have to say as well...

xoxo Becca

A small trip to the grocery

For me, part of living deliberating (or consciously) means watching what I put in my body. For years I was raised in a house where my parents drank Diet Coke like it was water, we gorged ourselves on American cheese, and everyday was like Thanksgiving with out of control portions and way too much carbs and fat. And Iʼve taken huge steps to change that. Iʼve almost completely gotten rid of soda from my diet. And I started excluding specific foods from my diet as well- including pizza, burgers, American cheese, and bacon. Foods that do nothing to nourish my body & instead just reduce it to waste practically.

Anyways, Iʼve started buying more consciously as well. Today my mother-in-law drove my husband and I to Costco so we could stock up on essentials & get to use her membership discounts. We ended up getting there just as the store closed, and get this- she left her keys in the car. With all the doors locked. With the engine running.

Long story short, we never made it into Costco. While I donʼt like to support Walmart (or Costco, really) and do my best to avoid purchasing from them, we were in desperate need of groceries.

So this is what I purchased:

Concentrated pineapple juice (for cocktails!), $1.44

Flash-frozen corn (2), 1.96

Fresh chicken breast (10 lbs.), 21.00

Flavored Sparkling water, strawberry & peach (2), 1.36

Generic strawberry low fat yogurt, 2.18

Chocolate almond milk, 4 pack of 8 oz., 3.81

Vanilla almond milk, 1 quart, 3.42

Fresh strawberries, 3 packs, 4.98

Red grapes, almost 2 lbs., 2.60

Fresh bananas, 2.5 lbs., 1.44

Smart water, 1.25

Honey Bunches of Oats cereal, 2.02

Granola/raisin cereal, 4.50

Gatorade for the husband, 1.00

The total I spent was $55.34. Not bad for the amount of food I got, I think. It hurts to dole out a chunk of change all at once, but when I think about how much I spend going out to eat for lunch, this was nothing!

Its really difficult to change your diet up, but buying fresh reduces packaging waste by so much. No chips, Pringles, boxed dinners, etc. The amount of waste created is enormous! We all indulge every so often but I am making a serious attempt. Also, avoiding animal products helps to reduce the impact of your purchase decisions. The only animal products I bought were the yogurt & chicken breasts. Iʼd never tried almond milk before, and I didnʼt really like soymilk. I always stick with plain old cowʼs milk. But it turned out to be fantastic! Iʼm happily surprised.

On another note, I made tea today. I donʼt own a kettle & didnʼt want to waste money on one, so I boiled water on the stovetop. I have a little reusable cup that I can put loose tea leaves in, so I simply brewed it in the pot. I was pretty excited that it worked so well. My intention is to make high quality iced tea. Hopefully it turns out nicely.

xoxo Becca

Conscious Living...Around the web

I like to check out some subreddits, tumblr, & other blogs that I enjoy for inspiration on living simply, reducing your impact, and rethinking your community. These are just some of the few that caught my eye this week...Hope you enjoy!

....This is an awesome piece about a woman who repurposed a shipping container to create a home for herself and her daughter. It takes some really creative thinking to see the potential in that.

...Just a little reminder about happiness.

...A really cute way to invite some life into your home. This is cool for people who don't have a yard or who want something low maintenance!

...Homemade Zen came up with a nice little list on how to start living simply in order to feel better & do better.

 ...A eye-opening "Paradox of our Times" that definitely made me think about my lifestyle & choices a little more. Of course it's from the Dalai Lama :)

...Really interesting article/video about how a town in central Greece is using a barter system as opposed to a formal currency. Given the nature of the world economy crisis and rising inflation, this was a really good read!

Any others I missed? Have a great weekend everyone! I work Saturdays so Sunday is really my only day off & I plan on enjoying it to the fullest! I'm thinking morning tea, hopefully finishing the entrepreneurship book I borrowed from the public library, some housework (because one can never escape it), and maybe a movie night with my husband. Oh and I'm also supposed to be volunteering with this local community initiative called Build A Greener Block tomorrow for a few hours. We're taking old unwanted wood pallets and transforming them into furniture! I'll make sure to take photos to share. Learn more about the project at GreenerBlocks.com!

xoxo Becca

My first post

photo source

Living deliberating is a challenge in this 21st century consumer society. I find myself struggling on a daily basis to avoid certain foods, behaviors, and activities that I think are detrimental to myself, my body, and the Earth. I feel such a big disconnect between myself and the people I interact with in life/work because people don't understand my point of view. At times I feel stuck in a society that has little direction or values. Now, that's a very broad generalization...But honestly. We (in the United States, at least) live in a world where people are obsessed with gossip, designer clothing, disposable relationships, disposable goods, electronics, quick fixes, discount deals and budget warehouses, consumer loyalty cards, ignorance, et al. I personally can't keep up with it and don't want to. I want to simplify my life in order to make my existence more meaningful. I care about the environment; urban design; how cities grow, shrink, and change; consumer behavior; volunteering; shared consumerism; infrastructure; DIY projects and self sufficiency; supporting local/emerging economies; art and more. These are topics I'd like to talk with other people about. I'm not an expert in anything in particular, though I do have a Bachelor's degree in Business & Marketing (contradictory, some would say, but that's for another day and another blog post!). What I do have are ideas, passion, & excitement for changes. I might not have much experience (again, relative...) but I am the type that jumps in and gets started right away. Anyway, I'll end my ramble and continue on to actual content on this new blog. But I must leave you with a few quotes that guide me-

"Every great wizard in history has started out as nothing more than what we are now: students. If they can do it, why not us?" - Harry Potter as written by J.K. Rowling

It may seem silly but this quote sticks with me. I am a die-hard Harry Potter fan, but it also describes an attitude of empowerment; no one started out an expert, or a CEO, or even a community activist. They were driven by a goal and simply made people listen to their ideas/mission/values. I want to become a postive change agent in the same way.

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practise resignation, unless it was quite necessary. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life...and reduce it to its lowest terms, and, if it proved to be mean, why then to get the whole and genuine meanness of it, and publish its meanness to the world."

I was introduced to Thoreau the way that many students are: in my rhetorical literature class. At the time, I was tempted to say, "Wow, I don't understand what this crazy fool is thinking" because that's what everyone  else in my class murmured while avoiding my instructor's gaze (& implicit request to analyze the text!). But to be honest with myself, I fully understood his message. We need to truly live in order to understand why life is important. We need to experience things for ourselves, and seek out joy in the natural order of things. I even used one of his other extraordinary quotes as my yearbook statement upon graduating. No regrets! 

So, I leave you with these thoughts. Hopefully my intention isn't confusing; either way the true nature of my message will unfold as I express it throughout the posts. 

Carpe diem xoxo Becca