the answer is?

The UN is asking that the United States becomes a leader in promoting cleaner energies and tackling the problem of global warming. The UN is encouraged by the response to An Inconvenient Truth in that there is now growing awareness of the problem of global warming. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17401890/

Our local governor is supporting the exploration of biofuels as an alternative fuel source. Many people seem to think that alternative energies are the answer to all of our problems. Are alternative energies a solution?

Energy sources can be divided into renewable and nonrenewable.

Alternative Energy Sources http://www.hubbertpeak.com/youngquist/altenergy.htm
Nonrenewable	Renewable
Oil sands, heavy oil	Wood/other biomass
Natural gas	Hydro-electric power2
Coal	Solar energy
Shale oil	Wind energy
Gas hydrates	Wave energy
Nuclear fission	Tidal power
Geothermal1	Fusion
	Ocean thermal energy conversion
1. Renewable for space heating	2. Not renewable with reservoirs

There are many options for alternative energy, however most of them are not as cheap as oil. There are pluses and minuses for each possible energy source. Some do not store well, some cost more to gather and store than it would to use oil. Some, such a biofuels may cause other problems such as the increased cost of food.

CORN: FUEL OR FOOD ???

By Mike Meyers Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune
February 8, 2007
http://www.startribune.com/535/story/977495.html

"The number of hungry people worldwide could grow by more than 50% by 2020, as corn, sugar and other food staples are increasingly devoted to making fuel here and abroad, according to the projections by C. Ford Runge and Benjamin Senauer.

The same trend would bring much higher food prices to the United States and the rest of the developed world, the economists predict. The sharp increase in world hunger isn't inevitable, however. The economists say increased conservation could do more to wean the United States from foreign oil than all the corn-based ethanol plants now online."

Scientists urge sweeping measures to save world

"The scientists called for dramatic actions ranging from carbon taxes and a ban on conventional coal-fired power plants to an end to all beachfront construction worldwide. The researchers were funded by the non-profit UN Foundation and the research society Sigma Xi.

To meet the scientists' goal, global carbon dioxide emissions must level off by 2015 and then drop by two-thirds by 2100."

So, what is the answer? Perhaps combining technologies will help us. Perhaps using solar, wind, wave, and biomass in combination will help. I do not know. What I do believe, however, is that we need to change how we think about the energy we use. We need to realize that it will not "always be cheap and available." We need to think about how we can make personal changes in our lives to reduce the amount of energy we use. Does this mean trading in a gas guzzler for a more efficient vehicle? Does this mean that we should combine trips and use less gasoline? Should we unplug unused appliances? Should we replace our lightbulbs? The answer is ....

It is up to us. We should find ways to use less energy. Whatever that method is.

I am trying to look around my house and life and think about ways that I can personally reduce our gasoline and electric use - whether it is offset with wind or by buying carbon emissions, using less is better in the long run. I may not be able to trade my vehicle in for a smaller one, but I can choose to walk, bike, or combine trips. I can unplug the toaster when it is no longer in use and shut doors to bedrooms that are not used (why heat an unused room? ). Small actions can make a big change in our energy usage. Of course, any action can also reduce our carbon emissions....

It is up to us. What changes can you make to reduce your reliance on oil, natural gas, and electricity?

my population impact

This is a long overdue post. Until now I have rarely spoken about my decision to have children or the fact that I have 5 children. I have received email questions about my decision, comments on posts, and even some angry emails!

As you could guess from what I mentioned before, I was previously married and had children. I am remarried and have had two children with my spouse. My "greening" started less than a year ago. I joined the compact in April 2006 and was later "awakened" to the impact that we have on the earth's resources. I was, however, already pregnant with my 5th child. My decision to have children came after my learning about human impact on the earth.

A friend has one child. This child is the little prince. He gets anything and everything that he wants. This little emperor syndrome may have a greater negative impact on our earth than families with more children. I agree that in many cases having fewer children is better. One child who strives to own everything can be a greater detriment than a few who know how to share and reuse. Of course, this behavior is not the fault of the child, but of those who give children everything they want and desire. The Western lifestyle is extremely damaging in itself.

Due to the fact that I have added to the population of the earth, I have made the conscious decision to modify our lifestyle to lessen our family impact. I attempt to teach and show my children a responsible way to live, to use less, leave less behind, and share more. I also try to share what I have learned with others. Sometimes people may not agree with what I try to do or how I do it, but I hope to be positive for those of us who are trying to change. I think it would be more hypocritical of me to not attempt to lessen our family impact. If I drove an SUV, I could exchange it for a vehicle that uses less gas. However, I can't exchange my 5 children for 1 or exchange a child for another who uses less water, but I can work to lessen the material goods that they consume.

Personally, I have become more passionate about human impact on the planet because of my children. I view how each of my personal decisions will impact my children (and their children). I don't know if I would have done so previously.

A Sense of Entitlement

• We would need four earths if everyone lived the western lifestyle.
• A child born in North America or England will consume, waste and pollute more in a lifetime than as many as 50 children in a developing country.
• The industrialized world uses close to 70% of all oil consumed in transport even though they make up only 20% of worlds' population.
  

My generation (early-mid 30s) is the first to be advertised to from the moment of our birth. We are the first to experience massive credit card debt. We were offered credit cards at the first moment we stepped onto a college campus. We are sold on consumption. We are requested to do our patriotic duty by shopping. This idea that we are meant (and entitled) to consume is dangerous to our moral fiber - we place more importance on our entitlement to consume than the consequences of these actions. Materialism, consumerism, and advertising have joined together to create very high expectations for the good life and a belief that we are all entitled to these expectations.

How many people do we know that have a large SUV and/or truck and refuse to trade down because they feel entitled to this vehicle. The problem is that we don't see the direct ramifications of driving this vehicle. It guzzles a lot of gas? "So what - I can afford it, " is the response. The consequences; carbon emissions and oil depletion - are not even a consideration. If it is something that we can afford, then it is something that we are entitled to.

A while ago, I posted something about the high costs of cashmere. The demand for cheap cashmere sweaters at big box stores has had huge impacts on the environment - the goats which are used to create cashmere are now creating desertification. When we demand so much stuff at a cheap price there are multiple larger costs. So many in our society either don't realize or care about the actions of purchasing a sweater - as the ramifications don't affect us directly. We can afford the sweater and that is what matters to us. The all-pervasive sense of entitlement has entered our western psyche - and is simply reiterated with every commercial and every trip to the store. We are entitled to anything and everything that is affordable. Those items that are not affordable now will be made affordable soon. We can all purchase all that we want.

We are taught to believe that we have a right to anything and everything that we want - if only we apply ourselves to it (and sometimes applying ourselves is not even necessary). It is a priority. In a consumer society, people have very high expectations for personal gratification. People feel that they are entitled to have all their expectations met. Life should be easy. The good life should be available to all - and easily attainable. People should get out of their way - it is a right. This narcissist behavior is frightening. We have all seen video of people pushing and jumping over each other for certain toys. You would think that these people were starving and pushing for the last grains of rice.

When oil depletes and becomes expensive, what is going to happen to those people who feel entitled to the "good life"? What will happen to those people who feel entitled to drive a gas guzzler? To those who feel entitled to eat strawberries in January? What is going to happen to the fabric of our society? Anger. Anger at the loss of ability to get anything that we want at any time we want it.

We need to change our sense of entitlement to one of appreciation. We need to learn to appreciate what we have rather than increasing desire. We need to understand the ramifications of consuming. We need to understand that our world cannot continue to sustain this mad rush of overabundance and instead enjoy what we have. We need to change the definition of the "good life." We need to make changes in our own lives (which can help change supply and demand). This takes a personal change - we cannot change the mindset of others. As we change ourselves we can show others that the good life may appear different than advertisements lead us to believe.

Making a change

Last week I showed an Inconvenient Truth to my graphic design students. It was a great fit into the curriculum - as one of the classes I taught focused on a public service announcement (series) which included global warming. Another class was motion graphics (film making). An Inconvenient Truth suited perfectly. I opened up the class to others in the University system. Unfortunately, only a few others arrived.

We had a great discussion about what we could each personally do about global warming. We had talked about this quite a bit throughout the class, thus it was not a new topic. However, I think it affected the students even more than they had anticipated. Most of the students had done readings and research. It is much different to read about global warming than to see the evidence.

I also found climate change map. Minnesota will be like Missouri, Wisconsin like Kansas, Illinois like Texas. These are northern midwest states. What will Texas be like? What will the grain belt be like? Will they even be inhabitable? What about water? The great lakes are already being depleted.

It is evident that not only is this happening, but that something needs to be done about it. We need to do something now. Let's stop waiting for the government to tell us to do something. Instead, let's take this upon ourselves.

We all know that changing our light bulbs is a great first step to stop global warming. We have heard about things to do - such as turning down our thermostat, recycling, driving less, etc. What else can we do? How can we move beyond light bulbs?

Here are just a few of things that I am doing:
Reduce Packaging
I purchase most things in bulk. No - not 10 jars of something. Instead, I purchase a 25 lb bag of rice. I then store it in a PETA safe bucket or repackage it in another way.

Reusing
Instead of tossing the glass jar into the recycling, I am trying to find additional uses. Recycling is great - but it does use additional energy.

• I have given a glass jar to each child to use a piggy bank.
• I will take the rice (mentioned above) and premake mixes (check out Hill Billy Housewife - the rice mixes are great). I premake these so that my kids (or husband) can easily start a meal.
• My milk comes in glass jars - which are reused
• cloth diapers can be reused
• thrift stores for clothing
  

Reduce

• I freecycle almost everything that I do not need. When I gave up cleaning supplies and opted to use homemade, I freecycled all of the remaining supplies. Thus, someone else was not purchasing.
• I reduce food waste by either composting or
• reusing my vegetable scraps (by making and canning vegetable broth) - then I don't need to purchase it!
• choosing not to purchase unnecessary items.
• turn off things (TV) when not in use
• line dry clothing
  

Relocalizing
Instead of shopping at mega centers like WalMart, I am choosing to shop locally. Food comes from the farmers market, my garden, or local farms
I am also choosing to visit locally owned stores.

Transportation

• My spouse drives a veggie car. This is a car which runs on waste vegetable oil. The WVO (waste vegetable oil) creates less pollution.This is not practical is you do not commute - it take s awhile for the oil to heat up, etc. However, my spouse works at hopsitals that are 2- 4 hours away.
• We also have a scooter for in town driving
• I often choose to walk or bike most places.
• ride with someone
  
• Combine trips

So, these are just a few of the things that we try to do. Can we provide each other with ideas of ways to move beyond light bulbs? What are you doing? What will you do next?

the pebble that changes the world

I teach a class called "Senior Seminar." In this class we talk about issues affecting us as artists and designers, including our role in the world around us. At the end of the semester, each student is to give a presentation on a topic of choice. This morning one student gave a presentation. The topic of her presentation was "Can Art Serve as a Vehicle to Change the World?" She spoke about the power of art to capture the minds and imaginations of people. Art can be used to educate people about topics of importance. She showed one photograph -- which sparked incredible debate throughout the world. Mostly condemning the photographer for 1) taking the picture and 2) not taking action in the situation he photographed. I will not go into details about the photograph itself, but it did create a lot of dialogue within the class (which was one of the intentions of this assignment).

Another student responded to this presentation by talking about what she witnessed in this country during the Vietnam war. She kept saying "over there." It became very interesting to me that most of these issues that we talk about are "over there." We are so uninvolved in things that are not directly affecting us, that everything else becomes "over there." When does over there become right here? Do we have to wait until it is in our face? I think we need to realize that each of our actions, positive or negative, has an effect on someone or something else.

Yesterday another class was discussing the Cradle to Cradle chapter on Eco-effectiveness. I asked them how they could take the principles into their own lives, work, or designs. All of the students told me that this class has changed their lives. Can you believe that? A graphic design class has changed their lives. One student has told me that she is trying to get her workplace to create less waste. Another told me that she is now eating organic local foods and is using eco-friendly products. One told me that he is telling others about what can be done to change their impact on the environment. Each one has been effected.

I think this is a good example of the power of the pebble. A year ago I would not have had any interest in my personal impact on the world. Once I decided to go without purchasing (by Compacting), I learned how much I personally contributed to waste. I learned the small changes I could make. I became interested in doing whatever I could to make a healthier world. J told me that one person could not make a difference. I disagree.

I did not tell my students that they had to make changes. I told them they had to do research on "Living Responsibly in the 21st Century" and create designs to change the behaviors of others. I did not expect them to come away from the class as changed people - only to see the power of design and create good designs (the designs are incredible and I have permission to post them when they are complete). Perhaps Art can serve as a vehicle to change the world.

The pebble is creating waves.

Control the wheel

Everytime I talk to people about peak oil and the need for sustainability people look at me as if I have a started to grow a horn out of the center of my head. If there is any verbal response, I am told not to worry about it because the government will handle any problems. I am told that the government will ration gas and/or food and will take care of us. I have heard that if there really is a problem, the government would have told us. I have also been told that if things become bad, people will come to me for help.

What happened to us? Why do we sit back and allow someone else to control our lives? Why do we feel that we should count on the government to "save us" rather than looking at our selves. We do have the capability to make changes that can make our lives easier in the long run. The changes may be difficult initially, but the long term pay-offs are great.

I think about these changes as something like childbirth. Yes, labor is long, difficult, and painful -- yet we know that the payoff at the end is tremendous. We go through the pain knowing that we will be rewarded at the end. Our life changes to sustainability can be the same way. It is difficult to change (I still have internal conflicts at times). However, the changes are very rewarding and have positive outcomes. I am confident in my abilities. I believe it is important to know how to do things now rather than wait until they are needed.

Take control of the wheel and drive to your future. What changes could you make that would make your life more sustainable?

Groovy!

I feel so incredibly honored every day that I learn how many people check out this blog. There are regular readers from all parts of the world. This blog started as a personal log of my journey towards attaining a simple life. I never really thought that this experience would change me so much or that it would touch so many other people. Thank you very much for reading and sharing your own experiences. Knowing that there are so many others who are on this same journey is inspirational and helps me realize that I really am on the right track.

Well, the other day I received an email inviting me to be a contributing writer to Groovy Green. I am looking forward to sharing with an even larger audience. I hope that you all check out this new online magazine! Don't worry - I will still be blogging here, as well!

Compacting

For days I have wanted to say, "forget the compact." I really wanted to go out and shop. I wanted to get new clothes. I had this overwhelming desire/need to change - and I "knew" that a shopping spree would fulfill this.

Well, I am now glad that I did not act upon these intense "needs." Instead of jumping in the car and going shopping at the local mall, I sat down and thought about why I felt like this. It took me a little while, but I recalled that after one child was born I had an intense need to cut my hair. So, I drastically cut my hair from almost waist length to chin length. It did not make me happier - actually I was upset with the choice. I realized that my "need" to shop was realated to post partum issues (no longer pregant, but also not back to prepregnant state), lack of sleep, inability to keep up with the household chores.... It was not about getting more stuff - it was about having too much stuff. Once I realized that my shopping "needs" were tied to other issues, I could let go of the desire to shop.

So, for the past few days I packed away my maternity clothing (and will be passing them onto a pregnant friend) and pulled out my pre-pregnancy clothing. There are many items I cannot yet wear, however, there are a few I can. I have too much anyway. So, once I can start running again (marathons), I know that I will be back into my little clothing and can rid of the rest. It is hard for me to give my body time - I tend toward being a workaholic/overachiever. But I promised myself that I would not start long runs until after Samuel is 6 weeks old.

I am going through, reorganizing and decluttering. It may take babysteps, but I know that once I purge of what I don't love and need I will feel more at ease.

I am certainly happy that I took a little time to look at the root of this desire and came to the realization that I don't need more to make me happy. I just need to make other changes for fulfillment. Of course, 2 weeks postpartum is never a good time to make choices and/or drastic changes! I am compact minded again!

making a change

We must become the change we want to see. -Mahatma Gandhi

While I was away from classes for a week my students watched a few films. One of the classes watched "The Corporation." I have written about this film previously. The film talks about the corporate culture and the influence on us. We spoke about the film and our reaction as designers.

We talked about our culture and the demand for items. What do we truly need outside of the basic needs? There is not much. The demand for "needs" has been created by advertisers. The profits from these "needs" line the pockets of corporations.

One of the students commented that there are so many things that she wanted to do, but felt helpless. What could she do - as just one person? One person can make a difference. One person can be that pebble which creates waves.

We have been subscribers to Real Simple since it first came out about 5-6 years ago. This week our renewal came. We decided not to renew. I think that the magazine is not simple. I think it shows what to purchase to feel that you are simplifying. It seems to me that the magazine is marketed to those upper middle class people who want to simplify the easy way - by making purchases. Look at the ads within the magazine - watches, make-up, clothing..... I do think that there are some good tips within the magazine from time to time, but overall, I did not feel that it was adding to my life. Thus, it goes.

My parents and grandmother visited this past weekend. My step-mother traveled a lot before she and my father married. She told me that most of the world does not live the way that Americans do. There is little waste in other areas of the world. There may not be as many conveniences, yet life is simpler. There is not a rush to accumulate. Why do we (as a culture) feel entitled to any and everything we want?

I believe that there are many people who want to simplify but don't know how to. We can live simply. To each of us simplicity may mean something else, but we can make changes that are healthy for ourselves and each other. I found that my life is much more content now than ever before. The changes we have made have been good for my family. We can do what Gandhi said and become the change we want to see.

6 months

It was pointed out to me that it has been 6 months since I started this journey. I can't believe that it has been that long and that it has only been that long. It feels as if this journey has been overnight, yet it also feels that I have been moving toward this transition for my entire life. I may have not been ready to make changes when the impacts of my consumersitic lifestyle was pointed out to me in the past, however, I did hear it and pack it away for later.

It amazes me that this entire lifelong journey really become a reality when I made a choice to make one change. It wasn't even really a "choice" it was more a less a joking challenge that I couldn't "not shop" for a year. I really have to thank my husband for that wake-up call. I know that he didn't think that I would ever follow-up or that this "challenge" would have such a profound effect on me or on our fmaily.

There have been numerous changes and accomplishments due to the choice (most are listed on the side of this blog). As I develop more skills I will post them. I think the most important skill I have learned thus far is that of sustainability. I know that I can grow and store my own foods. In the event of any major life event, I will not have to venture to a store or look for foods. I have enough on hand! I have also learned that I can always learn new skills. The phrase "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" simply is not true. Okay, I am not *old*, but I think you know what I mean.

An email group that I belong to just emailed a list of good things to do to prepare for Peak Oil (I also say preparations for ANYTHING: climate change, pandemic, war, life changes, job loss, illness, or just to be a member of society).

• Grow a garden
• Weatherize your house
• Join or start a re-localization group (local shopping, etc)
• Preserve and store food
• Make and eat meals with your neighbors regularly
• Get healthy
• Learn wild edible plants
• Volunteer in your community
• Learn self-reliant skills
• Learn about permaculture
• Promote and use renewable energy
• Support local farmers
• Get rid of your fossil fuel addiction
• Pay back your debts and get rid of your credit cards
• Think independently
• Start a skill library
• Take a firefighting, EMT, or first aid course
  

So, I also encourage you to make an effort. Start small. This is not an overnight change. This is not even a 6-month change. This is a lifelong journey. If you look at it that way, you are more apt to live life fully (instead of begrudgingly). You may try something, not succeed and come back to it later (with success). You may find your life more fulfilled - as you are on your own journey - not the one that advertisers and corporations tell you that you are on!

I also want to take a moment to thank each person who visits and reads my ramblings. It amazes me that there are so many people who visit and read. It is encouraging to know that my thoughts and actions have had an impact. Thanks!

oh, and no baby yet.... ;)
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class update

The class continued talking about the politics of advertising. We talked about our roles as designers and the ability to choose our clients. Yes, it may be a little naive to think that we can always choose, but it is important to think about your own beliefs and honor those when possible.

I try to encourage communication and critical thinking in my course. I remind my students that I have no answers. There are no "right" or "wrong" answers. We can only question what we see every day. We need to think about our personal reponses to our culture.

We talk about change. How can we encourage change? How can we educate people that they do have a role in our world and can affect others? These are questions that the students are still trying to discover in their own research. How do we counter a culture that encourage accumulation? How do we educate people that by making some changes we can do some good? Change is tough....

We talked about the fact that we are recipients of images every day. We don't interact with the images we see. There is not a feedback system (we can't speak to the images and have a response). We only receive the message. We don't take time to think about what we see. Instead we are bombarded with images. Images and stories of how we should look, how we should be and how we should live.

The power of celebrities: As of late, my 12 year old is obsessed with her appearance. I know that part of this is due to her age. I remember being in 7th grade and worrying about my appearance. So, I think some of it has to do with the usual 7th grade concerns and insecurities. Some of it, however, I have to believe is related to what we see in advertising.

I read an article in the local paper the other day about celebrities. Many celebrities are airbrushed in every reel of film, in every photograph. They are also enhanced in body features and thinned. This is sad. It is sad that we are measuring ourselves against these beautiful flawless people. These beautiful flawless people who are not real. What is real?

Too many of us want to be like these celebrities in many ways. We want to look like them, we want to have their lives (real lives or movies/soap opera) lives. None of this is real. We think that if we have what they have that we would be happier. Of course, this does not happen. We buy what they have and it does not make us happier.

One student pointed out the reality of our american lives. She stated that we want the easiest and fastest solution to our problems. If buying something will make us happier, even temporarily, then we will do it. If we think that looking like someone else will make us happier, then we will do that. So many of us are receiving messages from the outside that we have to look, act, or be a certain way that if we are different then we are "bad" in some way.

This made me think about myself. Am I happy with my self? I know that in my 20s I was obsessed with my appearance. I wanted to be like those celebrities.

Now? Well, besides my gait becoming a waddle, I am happy.

health

So many people are curious about the fact that our medical expense are so low. It dawned on me recently why we rarely need to go to non-preventative medical visits. Our children do have preventative medical visits, I have yearly visits, Jonathan has preventative visits, and I have prenatal visits. for us preventative care is extremely important. I think this expands into our daily lives and explains why our medical expenses are low. How?

1. My health insurance is great - preventative visits are covered at 100%. Much better than J's insurance!
2. We exercise daily.
3. we maintain a healthy weight
   
4. We eat whole grains
5. we eat very little meats, sugars, and unhealthy fats
6. Lots and lots of fruits and veggies
7. We drink water - a lot of it.

We exercise daily. Jonathan swims 1-2 miles everyday. I run 1-2 half marathons (or full) every year. This means running at least 3-5 miles a day (10 or more when closer to races). Right now I walk as much as I can (to the store and/or for enjoyment).

I cook everything from scratch using the freshest ingredients possible - freshly ground grains, a lot of grains, a ton of fresh fruits and veggies. We rarely eat anything from a box or any fast food. I say rarely because I think it is okay - just very infrequently. We don't drink soda often.

In spite of all of this, we do not obsess over our weight or appearance. We try to stress having healthy and strong bodies. Jonathan knows his family health history (heart disease on his father's side) and I know my parents (my mother died from breast cancer). Thus, we do take certain precautions in our food and fitness choices. I avoid soy products and alcohol as there may be a relationship with breast cancer. Jonathan does what he needs to in order to keep a healthy heart. We each have great heart rates, low blood pressure, great cholesterol.... We do not obsess, however. We try to stay healthy and active! In this I hope that we give our children the same attitute toward health and foods. I was overweight at one point (depression, abusive marriage, etc). Well, I chose to make a change and started to exercise and eat well. Exercise and healthy foods helped with depression and weight. Of course, escaping the dangerous marriage (and keeping my three oldest kids safe) was also a good solution to my health. Now I maintain a very healthy weight, attitude, and relationship.

Jonathan has seen first hand (as an MD) the reprecussions of years of an unhealthy lifestyle. The best way to avoid many diseases (heart, cancer, diabetes, etc) is to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

Well, I suppose it also helps to have someone in the house who can check for ear infections... ;)

The other day I was walking through the campus and was amazed at what I saw. When I was in school I remember being of skinny to average size. yes, I was on the cross country and track teams (through college), yet I didn't feel unusually athletic. It seemed as if most people were of similar health. Now, however, as I walked through the campus I felt thin. Thin! At 37 weeks of pregnancy I felt thin! What a sad statement. These were late teen/early 20s girls. They should be at the peak of health - yet most are overweight to obese. We are certainly at a sad state of our culture.

Can you do anything to increase your health?

Start with walking 10 minutes a day, replacing one soda with water, or use whole wheat bread instead of white. Make one small change to start. Maintain that change and add another!

Fulfillment

I have been thinking a lot about why people feel a need to consume. I get a feeling that a lot of people are living unfulfilled lives. I know that I did. We work in the same dead end job - which has little meaning. We have nothing htat we are truly excited about. We are isolated from meaningful social interactions. Thus, we try to find something that fills the void. Some people find alternate ways to do this; partying, working out, shopping...

We go to the store and see people, we get a new item and havve a warm sensation that we have added something to our lives.

In actuality, we are isolated. We wander the shopping malls alone, we are cut off from the natural world (windows or no natural light), no birds chirping, no scent of freshly cut grass. We are shopping in oder to fill a void.

I think that some of this is due to the fact that we have no passion. Besides things to consume, we really have nothing that has meaning.

I left a job where I sat in front of a computer and designed websites and designed interactive materials for faculty in order to become a teacher. I left hte job that was not fulfilling because I felt that something was missing. Well, yes, we did transfer for my husband's job, however I had opportunitites for the same type of job here. I chose to teach. I love to design, yet I felt that I was losing my self in my work. I was not happy and would often shop to find something to make me happier. I would shop for items for my office to make it into a space that I enjoyed. It didn't work. Now I am passionate about what I am doing. Teaching is my calling. What is yours?

I was shopping in order to fill a void. I was lonely. Now that I realize the impact of my consumerism, I have another passion. I feel very passionate about making wise choices in my purchases. I don't want to be a part of a downward spiral. I want to live life fully with people rather than being empty while in a sea of other shoppers.

So, I have found others who feel the same way as I do. Yes, many of these people are online (the Compact, Simpleliving.net, Sally), however, the more I learn the more aware I have become of my environment and enjoying my life.

I have learned, that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.
- Henry David Thoreau

Life changes

We have spoken a lot about peak oil lately. I guess I never really realized how much is dependent on oil. All that most of us think about it our cars. What about everything else that is transported with oil - food, medical supplies, building supplies....

What else is derived from oil? Most of our energy comes from oil. Our waste is removed via oil (garbage pick-up), water is cleaned with oil (energy to clean it), our plastic products are made from oil. Our I.V. bags and medical supplies are created with oil. Our dishwashing detergents are often petroleum based. Almost everything in our lives is oil based!

So, we have made many changes in our lives in attempt to reduce our ecological footprint and as an attempt to simplify our lives. We are also trying to use little oil. It is not possible to do without, but we try to minimize....

1. Heat with wood
2. Garden
3. Can/preserve foods
4. buy foods in bulk (and adequate food storage)
5. eat locally and/or organic
6. dry clothes on a line
7. reuse water (captured through dehumidifier and reused to water plants or wash floors)
8. natural cleaning products
9. no new purchases
10. making environmentally friendly choices
11. no new purchases (used/borrowed/go without)
12. veggie oil car
13. walk or bike most places
14. non gas based lawn mower (push mower)
    
15. compost
    

Yes, we started small, but we built from that to include these other changes.

Recently, I stopped using paper towel! I still think it is a good choice to choose one item and then add to it. When I look at everything that we have incorporated into our lives, it can be overwhelming. However, I realize that these changes were added to within a time epriod. For instance, we have been heating/supplementing with wood for about 4 years. I am not the best gardener, however, I am learning.

This is not perfect, it is a journey of learning. I am truly enjoying this journey and learning a lot along the way. I also find that I spend more time playing with the kids - as they are enjoying the preocess as well. For instance, the other day Elyse and I canned pickles! Madison made eggplant parmesean from homemade (canned) spaghetti sauce, Zach uses the push mower, and we all help each other. We all help put up the wash to dry. We aren't sitting in front of the television or computer and wasting time. There is much more family interaction now than ever before.

Natural Household Cleaning Recipes

Well, I have been trying to sleep for the past hour or two, but between the hiccups in my stomach (the baby) and my brain going one hundred miles per minute, I can't sleep! I keep thinking about all of the things that I want to get done tomorrow.

This afternoon a neighbor brought over a few cucumbers, so I may try pickling. Just after he left, another neighbor brought over a TON of tomatoes. I will have to cook them down tomorrow and can them. He left me with a lot of roma tomatoes. These make great thick paste and thick sauces. I think pizza sauce is the way to go for these. I know we will use all of it. I will make some fresh bread and bring that over to each neighbor (with homemade jam).

I also have some eggplant to use. I dont know if I should make eggplant parmsean and freeze it or if I should make something else. I need to do that tomorrow.

Oh, I am attempting to get enough food storage for the winter. Wow - I have all of the basics for a family of 6 for 6 months(wheat, oats, dried beans, salt, etc). However, I am also attempting to get fruits and veggies canned. Am I nesting?

On top of that, I really got behind on laundry and know that I need to get cleaned and then hung outside to dry. I will also move and stack the last of the kindling. I would really like to have that done before J comes home on Friday. I know, I know, I am 8+ months pregnant. I should really take it easy, but I hae sucha hard time doing so. I should make a list. That usually helps!

Yes, I think I am nesting!
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I was asked for some good cleaning recipes. You can find some great recipes at http://www.care2.com/healthyliving/.

What I like to use are a combination of vinegar, castille soap, borax, baking soda, and essential oils. These 5 items make up the majority of my cleaning supplies. I relaly like to use essential oils - as they hide the vinegar smell, they smell great, they also have some antibacterial/antimicrobial properties. I like to switch scents for seasons. Right now lemon and orange and favorites. I know that once the season changes a little more, I will want to use more cypress, cedar, pine, rosemary, etc.

I have found that vinegar and a few drops of oil of choice is great in the laundry rinse. It works as a softener!

Bathroom disinfectent (need a lot of it with 4 kids): 2 cups water, 2 tsp borax, 8 drops pine essential oil, 4 drops cedar essential oil. Mix into a spray bottle, shake before use!

Sink cleansers: 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup vinegar, oil of choice. Scrub with cloth and rinse.

Toilet Bowl: This is my favorite - an overnight bomb! 1 cup borax, 1 cup vinegar, 10 drops pine, 5 drops lemon. Let sit overnight and flush in the morning.

Another: 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup vinegar, tea tree oil - place all into toilet bowl, swish and done!

Current Events

Today Jonathan and I had a long discussion about the state of current events.

There are a few things that we have recently read about:

Peak Oil - World Wide Depression

"I had the chance to attend a forum last week which had Alan Greenspan as a guest speaker. In his speech Greenspan said, and I am paraphrasing, "when (not if) the global demand for oil exceeds the supply we will fall into a world wide depression". That shook me as well as most of the others in the room. We have all thought about shortages, sky high prices, etc. But I had never thought in terms of a true depression. Has anyone else and, if so, are you preparing in any way for such an event? FYI, Mr. Greenspan did not offer a prediction as to when this event might occur."

Read this while you are at it: http://www.lifeaftertheoilcrash.net/

Here is an interesting article on a blog: http://sustainable-life.co.uk/peakoil

Clean Water Shortage

The BBC had a news item regarding Water shortage as 'a global problem'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4796909.stm

Rich countries face increasing water shortages, a report by conservation organisation WWF warns.

A combination of climate change and poor resource management is leading to water shortages in even the most developed countries, it says. It urges water conservation on a global scale and asks rich states to set an example by repairing ageing water infrastructure and tackling pollution.

The report was released in Geneva just ahead of World Water Week. The WWF says economic wealth does not automatically mean plenty of water. Its report reveals that some of the world's wealthiest cities - such as Houston or Sydney - are using more water than can be replenished....

Ethanol Production = Food Shortages

http://www.energybulletin.net/18496.html
http://healthandenergy.com/ethanol.htm

Jonathan read something about ethanol production, however, I do not know where the article is. I think on of those linked above may be the one he was talking about. He said that what he read is that ethanol is one of the most expensive and unsustainable fuels to produce. If we grew enough grains to make fuel, then we would use all of our grains and not have it available for food. Also ethanol uses more energy to produce than it saves.

After Jonathan and I spoke about this, his reaction as that we should move to a farm and be as independent from the current culture as possible. My reaction is that yes, this is all very bad, however, I think that we can do something. I am not an alarmist or survivalist. I think that we should teach what we know. My thought is that he and I have skills. We have proven that we can create a sustainable environment in an urban environment. Okay, we are not 100% sustainable, however, we have made some major changes in our lives to reduce our footprint.

A lot of people recognize that global warming is happening, that peak oil is happening, that people don't want to be dependent on the system. We think that a lot of people want to make a change, but don't know where or how to start. I think that it is possible to take small steps and build on to those. I think that if we can show people how to make small changes and make a start. Enough small changes can create a ripple effect. Look at me; in January I was clueless. Now I have made a lot of changes: wash is hung to dry, rainbarrels, compost, canning food, growing food, walking to the store, non toxic + biodegradeable household cleansers, careful/non consumerism, veggie car, all organic + local foods.... In January, I had not even a thought about this - not a thought about my role or ecofootprint. Small changes spiraled into larger changes.

I think that if we each start small, then we can add to it. Not consuming (as much) or choosing only organic, hanging our wash to dry x-times a week.... Start small and then build onto that. I do think that it is possible as individuals to have an impact and then we can impact our friends and neighbors.

A challenge: this week make a vow to make 1 change. Make it a change that you can sustain.

ideas:

1. Hang clothes to dry
2. Choose to walk/carpool/mass transit/bike this week
3. learn to compost
4. put up a rain barrel
5. don't purchase anything unnecessary
6. visit the local farmers market and buy local food
7. choose organic
8. refill bottles with bulk foods
9. cook at home
10. unplug unused appliances
11. replace lightbulbs with compact
12. other ideas?

One change for a week. Let me know what you decide to do!

Choices

This journey has been an awakening for me. I have never been a very conscientious consumer. Certainly, I could find a deal on items that I needed. Yes, I was very good at clipping coupons, looking through the papers for deals, and getting great sale prices. However, I never really thought about whether I needed something at all. The other day I saw a Target commercial where things were piled up on top of each other and the consumer "needed" all of these things.

I have realized in the past few months that the compact is not only about not purchasing, but about making choices. The choices run deeper than paper or plastic (I use reusable canvas and save 5 cents per bag used). I can choose whether I really need mountain fresh or spring floral toilet bowl cleaner - or if I am going to choose to make one that I can live with. Am I going to use paper bags for the kids lunches, purchase something that only lasts 6 months, purchase something that will last for years, or make bags.

There are choices. I grew up with a certain way - and thought that is how things always should be. I never really thought there were choices outside of those that are provided to us. Well, there are more choices than driving to the store. We can choose whether to drive to the store, car pool, take public transportation, bike, walk, or not go at all.

I have many more choices in how to live than what commercials tell me that I have. Now I am trying to live in a way that I can see all of my choices - which go beyond a blue or green shirt. It includes used, environmentally friendly, or going without. I can see beyond what advertisements tell me that I "need."

Believe it or not, but as members of this global economy we do have choices. If we use our choices well, then we also have a voice. Companies need us to spend our money - and they tell us how to do it. Going without or making wise choices gives us that voice.

Examples of environmentally friendly choices:
Lunch boxes http://www.laptoplunches.com/
Reusable Sandwich wrap http://www.wrap-n-mat.com/
Reusable Canvas Bags: http://www.reusablebags.com/
Three ring binders http://www.sustainablegroup.net/index.html

Cleaning naturally

One of the amazing things that I have learned from living by the compact is that I can make decisions about my own life and my own environment.

I had read that there were safer alternative to cleaning the home. I really did not think it was necessary - afterall, wouldn't all of the "supercleansers" be safe for the public? Well, it turns out that they are not. I just found a link on the epa.gov site that mentions a lot of toxic cleaners http://es.epa.gov/techinfo/facts/safe-fs.html Some examples are All-purpose cleaner, ammonia-based cleaners, bleach, brass or other metal polishes, dishwater detergent, disinfectant, drain cleaner, floor wax or polish, glass cleaner, dishwashing detergent, oven cleaner, and scouring powder. They all contain dangerous chemicals!

Until World War II, household cleaners were made out of natural ingredients such baking soda, vinegar, etc.

I have decided that starting in August my new challnege is to use all or mostly homemade household cleansers.

Thus far I have used a combination of baking soda and vinegar with a little essential oil to clean my kitchen sink. It is amazing how clean and shiny it is now! I have also "bombed" my toilet with vinegar, borax, and essential oils. Wow! The toilet was clean overnight! No scrubbing! This amazes me - with a family of 6 (and a little boy who often 'misses' or 'forgets' to flush).

I can tell you that it feels good to be living in an environment that does not smell like a chemical store. I like to know that I am walking on floors that are naturally clean.

We have a high efficiency washing and drying machine. I learned that we really don't need as much detergent as we tend to use. I have started to use cold water, a soak, and a lighter cycle (instead of heavy or normal which use more energy). A vinegar (and essential oil) in the rinse cycle instead of fabric softner. I am now also drying laundry outside (free energy).

The ingredients that I am using are MUCH less expensive then the store alternatives. I can make a soft scrub for pennies. I have decided that some store bought environmentally friendly products are really worth the investment (dishwasher detergent and dishsoap). I am saving enough money by making my own that it is worth the investment.

I also feel good to know that my cleaning products are not harming the environment. These are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. I am making choices for the future generations instead of my own. I am living for my children, their children, and their children.

Transformations

I am very suprised at the extensive changes that have happened since I joined the Compact. I still can't believe that I have changed so much - and that it all started with a simple vow not to purchase new items.

Once I stepped outside of consumerism, I could look at myself and my environment and really take a look at my role in the global economy. Sure, I may be one simple person, however, I can make some differences. All I had cared about was either 1) saving my money or 2) what I could get for my "buck." What a way to live!

Now I realize that I can have an impact. I realize that every time I purchased something that was not locally made, I contributed to carbon emissions. Whatever I was purchasing had to be flown or trucked in from somewhere else! That was not something I had even thought about. I also took a step back and analyzed why I wanted something and if it was something that was really necessary. I realized that very few things that I owned were necessary in my life. What do I really need? 1) shelter 2) food + water and 3) clothing. Of course, I need my family and friends as well. There are things that help those main three items i.e transportation to get to the job so that I can have shelter, etc. When I think in those simplest terms, then I can truly analyze the benefits and costs to everything. Does this "thing" add to my life? Is it necessary? Does it help me maintain those crucial needs? Is it special? OR does it weigh me down?

From there I looked at how I ate and how my decisions were influencing the lifestyles of others. If I ate a lot of meat, then could others eat? If I had food flown in, then was I contibuting to climate change? I then found that eating locally grown and/or organic foods was a step in the right direction. These foods also were then in season and full of flavor. A bite of tomato could be heavenly! (My children even now love tomotoes!) I also started to preserve the leftovers vegetables (freezing or canning). Thus, when they are craved in January, I will have some available! I have also started to cook "by season." Because the foods are fresh, I find that I am not missing the foods that are not currently available.

Now I have been thinking about water and the impact of the cleansers I use. Okay, my use of cleansers may not independently contribute to poor water quality, however, if I use ecological products, then I can save the water and reuse it on my gardens. Two jobs for the price of one! This is especially important now during this hot dry weather. I have just started making my own household cleansers. The house is very clean and smells great (rather than smelling like cleaning chemicals). I have even started to look at permaculture! 4 years ago my husband talked about grey water systems and permaculture. I was waaaaay against it. Now, I can only see the benefits. I seem to be the one pushing for it!

So 6+ months ago, I was purchasing clothing, shoes, etc. I was not concerned about my individual role in this world. Now, I have come to realize that although I am but one individual, I am part of a global society. I can make an impact. I can choose to live consciously. I can be truly happy without "stuff." And perhaps, just perhaps, a few other people can see that they, too, can make a few simple changes that dramatically impact their own lives.

Simplicity vs Frugality

I have been thinking a lot lately about the notion of voluntary simplicity. Our family has been living frugally for a number of years. We started as a means to pay for school, to get out of debt, and to save for necessary BIG items. It was not until recently that I truly understood the difference between simplicity and frugality. My spouse is very frugal. Frugality has more to do with not spending money. Simplicity is more of an inner choice to have less. I fought the idea of frugality. I don't like the idea of deprivation. However, I love the idea of choosing to live with less. I look around my house and see how much we really have. I don't need most of what we have and look forward to ridding our house of some of it. I feel that the items that we have weigh us down. It is simply something else to take care of and to worry about. Why not, instead, focus on worrying about and caring for those things that you truly love?

What do I truly love? My family, my friends, my health, and my home. Of all of these, my home is the only posession (although it could also be my environment). So, I want to focus on things (not necessarily material possessions) that feed or care for those things that I truly love. I don't need more "stuff" to do this.