There are a lot of things about society that I absolutely hate, yet I still feed into. I shop at supermarkets even though I hate the idea of processed food and do not wish to support corporate farms. I eat meat even though I think the conditions on farms and in slaughterhouses are absolutely horrendous. I shop at large chain stores on occassion, although not very frequently. I drive my car, and I drive it a lot. I'm tired of being a hypocrite, so I've decided to make some major lifestyle changes. From now on I will be buying strictly local produce and meat. I will support local businesses and stop shopping at corporate stores, even if it hurts my pockets. I'm moving closer to the center of town in a few months so I won't need a car for anything but driving to work and back. I'm going to buy a bicycle and ride it as much as possible instead of driving. I'll buy all my clothes second hand, which I already do for the most part. I want to cut back on the amount of garbage and waste I accumulate. I'm growing a garden this year using only heirloom seeds that have been tested for cross-pollination from GM crops. I planted 10 tomato plants yesterday. I'm stoked. No more Flavr Savr tomatoes that are unripe and tasteless! I just thought I would share. I eventually hope to be self sufficient so it would make sense to start making small steps towards that now. tips, thoughts, feedback welcome
Those all sound like great ideas Meliai. Especially the bicycle thing. I'm a big advocate of bicycle use. I find it pretty despicable that people who live in urban areas even use vehicles to the extent that they do. Picking up a load of groceries or getting the kids around is one thing. But when people are just out driving around, or to the corner store and back, come on. Use a damn bicycle. The meat thing is a change I made last year myself. I was completely disgusted by the quality, taste and appearance of the meat at my old supermarket. The garden is a great idea as well. Not only will it give you a sense of pride to see your plants coming in, but when you get to eat what you grew, you'll be very pleased with yourself. Not to mention that the veggies will, of course, be better for you. Those are all good, practical changes that won't be that hard to get used to. Not like quitting smoking or anything. Good on you
Are you near a major city? Here in Philadelphia there a few farm collectives that you can sign up ahead of time to receive organic food delivered to certain health food stores and coffee houses. It seems a little expensive at first-but it is a HUGE amount of food that I get-I ended up going in with 2 other people and splitting my box it was so much- This is the one that I use- http://csa.lancasterfarmfresh.com/app/machform/view.php?id=1 "Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative, (LFFC), is offering a 25 week CSA season, May through October 2011. During these 25 weeks, members will receive 7-12 varieties of freshly harvested Certified Organic vegetables, greens, herbs and fruit in exchange for their contribution. Please see the details below and register now to receive Lancaster County raised, nutrient-rich food!" I stop by a local coffee house once a week to pick up my box of food. I get SO much food for the price.
Kudos, Meliai! Ever since I moved from a big city in Missouri to a small town in Texas (1995 people), I've been healthier, happier...and a tank of gas will last me for a month or two. It's mainly only small businesses that stay in the town. Franchises don't last long here. The only thing I don't like is, like you said, the supermarket. But most people grow their own produce here, and lots even slaughter their own meat. It's not only a better, less consumerism-ish way to live, but its so much cheaper too. We make half of what we used to, and have more pocket money. Also, do you know how to crochet/knit/sew?
You are trying to do to much at once. This will lead to failure and self-loathing and you will be worse off than before. Make this a step by step process. It's like being on a path, you don't get their all at once. Choose to change one thing and do that until it's become you, then go to the next thing.
I and some family/friends have been growing our own vegetables for years. Also some of us grow our own tobacco, and our own weed. Also we grow some corn, wheat, and so on, and know an old hippie guy with a water wheel powered grain grinding stone, making our wheat into flour using the natural flow of water and gravity..lol..Also we do have some cows, raised on naturally fertilized grass and hay, no pesticides or growth hormones, and we get milk from some cows. I rarely eat red meat so I am not bothered by meat prices or sources. I live in the city and take the bus ,although in Memphis the bus can be pretty dangerous at night..anyway I often go to the family farms to help work and stay a while, I do not even own a car anymore, or drive rarely, no cell phones for me either. The internet and computer are the only non self suficent things mostly I use , except for clothes that I buy at small family owned stores, clothes made in the US, and I wear them till way past most people would have thrown them out, and I pass clothes I am too big or small to wear at the moment to other relatives. We have gotten started on more eco friendly lifestyles anyway, since the 70's and before with the gardens, canning fruit, etc..I enjoy nature, but get bored after a while and return to city life..lol
I know right! When there are two or more stores located in a strip mall, I've seen people get in their car and drive to the other end of the parking lot to go to the other store. Thats completely ridiculous, how lazy can people be? Its not feasible for me to ride a bike where I live now; the roads are really dangerous for bicyclists and everything is pretty spread out. I'm excited about moving closer to town; its a really bicycle friendly city. There are bike lanes everywhere. Thats really awesome! I don't really live near a major city but its possible my city still does something like this. I'll have to look into it. I used to crochet blankets with my mom when I was a kid; I wonder if its like riding a bike. The only thing I know how to sew is buttons and hemlines, but I would love to learn. I'm really creative when it comes to fashion so its really silly that I don't know how to sew; I should be designing and making my own clothes. My best friend and I have been talking about getting a sewing machine and learning together. You offer sound advice but I don't really think in this case its too much to take on at once. Its like Lunar said, they're all practical changes that won't be too difficult. My garden is already planted so I've got the ball rolling on that. As far as riding a bike as much as possible, that won't really be an option until I move closer to town. The most drastic change is changing where I buy my food, and that really isn't drastic at all. There is a guy in my neighborhood that owns a free-range buffalo farm; I can buy my meat from him and just go to the local farmers market instead of the supermarket for my vegetables until the veggies in my garden are ready. I would really like to get a bread maker as well. I would really like to get a motorcycle and sell my car, but I'm too chicken-shit to learn how to drive one. I tried once and couldn't work up the courage to lift my legs off the ground. I didn't get over 2 mph haha.
I disagree. It's not like she's moving out into the hills and living off the land. She's making logical, sound choices. All she's doing is taking her awareness and turning it into action. It's actually easier to change your entire lifestyle at once if you really believe in it. Mel, it is like riding a bike! You really should get a sewing machine! Crocheting is also pretty easy to learn, and you can make super cute vests, boleros, scarves, hats, and such. I love when crochet is substituted for lace on cotton clothing. Just as pretty and feminine, but more earthy and easy to do. I'm really excited for you. I'm going to make an effort to try harder to, you're really inspiring me. On top of how much better it is for the environment, local economies are so important. KEEP IT LOCAL!!!
Absolutely! I think local economies are our biggest hope in fighting rampant consumerism, waste, monopolies, rising food costs and gasoline prices, corruption, pollution, and various other issues that I can't think of right now. Capitalism is much like communism in that it really only works on a small scale. Communes work but government enforced, widespread communism generally does not. Capitalism works when its kept local, but this corrupt form of capitalism that America has evolved into, in which the economy is controlled by huge, impersonal corporations is going to prove to be this country's downfall I believe. Keep me updated on your progress and I will keep you updated as well And be sure to send any tips and suggestions my way!
Abso-fuckin-lutely. That's what I love about this small town...it's almost like a commune. We're pretty self sufficient, especially since it's a ranching/farming community. Some people hate it because of the lack of convenience, but I love it for that. Will do!
I give you a lot of credit for making those changes! I've been really monitoring my food purchases lately, also, by only getting meats from the butcher and only getting produce from local farm stands. Its difficult to be without a vehicle in my area, though, since its so rural and everything decent is at least 8-9 miles away. So, taking a bike down the busy streets and highways wouldn't be a great idea, especially if I'm going shopping or something.
