Let's Waste Less

Another Limited Rebellion

I saw a segment on Oprah recently about families who lived in excess, essentially shining a spotlight on most of the Western world. The premise of the show was that the current economic storm is a wake-up call for people in this throw-away society to be more conscious of their wastefulness and to focus on the things in life that really matter -- friends, family, spirituality, etc.

Two families were challenged to do without their excesses for one week. What was most sickening was the way the children reacted to walking merely two blocks to school or doing without the computer for one week. It seems that society's bad habits are effecting more than just credit scores; it's ruining the lives of the next generation of leaders -- the children.

What excesses can you do without and how can you waste less? I'd love to hear your ideas.

Vegan Shoes by Hydra Heart

While doing a search for Vegan products on Etsy I found these 'keyhole flats' by Molly, the designer behind Hydra Heart. The soles are made with vinyl, making them vegan, but they are also Earth friendly as the materials are from renewable resources.

The shoes are custom made, come in four colors and are fully lined with padded insoles. I love the wooden button detail and her adorable logo on the insole. Check out Hydra Heart!

Smaller Homes are Better

Image from Apartment Therapy

Why is it that most people are so compelled to acquire more? Bigger seems to be better in our society. But is it really?

It seems that those who own the most square footage really have little need for it. The family of three in a five bedroom home is not only wasting the energy that it takes to heat or cool that house, but they are also squandering their money on meaningless things to fill the largely unused rooms.

Ideal Home

And who wants to be a slave to an inflated mortgage and therefore to holding tightly to their mostly unsatisfying job and kissing the boss man's tush? (BTW, I know it's possible to really like your job. But for most people the idea of loving their job is as far fetched as the existence of the tooth fairy.)

I'm not totally against shopping. On the contrary, I buy things that serve a purpose in my life including items that will make my small home more beautiful. But at some point, you gotta say "enough."

Ideal Home

Not every wall needs to be filled. Not every corner needs a piece of furniture. Sometimes the eye just needs to rest on an empty, serene space. When there's too much clutter it affects the whole body. Stress, shallow breathing and forgetfulness become the norm and pretty soon you're getting less sleep and have put on five pounds. Shop less, breath more, be happy.

Smaller is better in my opinion -- especially in the case of small families. My husband, I and our two dogs live in a two bedroom 1,200 square foot home. We've also lived quite happily and comfortably in a 700 square foot space but were forced to leave when a nasty mold took over the adorable rental.

Smaller spaces create an intimate and cozy atmosphere -- something that's hard to emulate in a large house. Give it a try. You'll see what I mean.

Stop Shopping, Start Snapping Photos

Photo by J.R. Vegan

I mentioned my "vegan ethics" to a carnivore friend the other day. He laughed ... a lot. Part of those ethics include a compulsion to consume less, waste less and just live as thrifty as possible, thereby reducing my negative impact on the environment. What's so funny about that?

J.R. Vegan

I know lots of people who shop when they are bored, but to me it's an empty activity. There's no creativity in shopping, and the high that comes from a shiny new object is short lived. Instead of copping out and dropping dough I get crafty.

J.R. Vegan.

Hitting the streets with my camera is one of my favorite activities. Everyday surroundings can be beautiful, interesting or mysterious. Just open your eyes. What do you see?

Photo and graffiti by J.R. Vegan.