“If it can’t be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled or composted, then it should be restricted, redesigned or removed from production.”
some of the most stunning things in my home are just things i picked up from the street. all of my most prized possessions were secondhand or gifted or thrifted or just found in alleyways. overconsumption is a nightmare when everything is too expensive yet too cheap and it feels like the only way to have nice things is to spend new new new. but it really isn't - the quality of these new items (from target, from temu, from amazon, from chains, etc) are just absolute horseshit and aren't ever meant to last so you keep spending and replacing and spending and spending.
go to thrift shops. go to secondhand shops. throw a cheap yard sale. donate your items to local shops that you know will put it to good use. donate straight to homeless shelters and organizations. hell, put it in a box in an alleyway or on a street with a sign that says free. for fuck's sake, treasure what you have and treasure what other people used to love. there's beauty in the old, and the new can just be from a thrift store.
In the end, rage, no matter how profoundly justified, destroys the enraged. Just as we are created anew by what we love, so we are reduced and remade by what we hate.
Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights by Salman Rushdie
It is entirely overwhelming, the state of the world. Climate Change, political corruption, corporate dystopia, hate and violence. It takes me by surprise how even knowing about a refugee on the other side of the world being sent back can affect me.
It is not The End. Even in an utterly worst case scenario, like nuclear war, it's not The End. There would be survivors, and those survivors would do everything they can to survive. But that's worst case, and we're far from that.
You've got a sense of powerlessness. You can't make Musk or Murdoch or The Koch's or a screaming orange colostomy bag stop what they're doing.
You know what you can do?
You can put out the recycling for collection.
You can compost your left overs in a tiny bin in your kitchen.
You can feed that plant by your window that's by all accounts is already dead.
You can sew a patch onto your torn trousers.
You can give your friend, neighbour, or stranger, a potato. Or a joke. Or a bit of advice you learned to be effective.
You can find an old book on carpentry, and learn how to fix that creaky step in your apartment.
But why do any of this while the world is burning? It is a complete waste of effort and energy, right?
It may be. Maybe there will never be enough of us to turn the world around. So why even try?
Because you are a world. We see things from our own point of view, where we are at the center. At that may sound selfish or egotistical. Don't do the good things for the other world, do it for your own world, and how you build it. Do the things that make your world better, your mind, your body, your home.
Build the bridges to other worlds. To your friends, your family, your lovers, your children, even to strangers. When you've gotten your world stable, help them with theirs, and maybe they'll help you too.
Make the nice food for yourself. Maybe share it.
Ask if anyone wants your old clothes, even just rags. They might have a use for them.
Keep the empty bottle in your pocket till you find a bin, or even collect others.
Pull out the weeds.
Put on sunscreen.
Fix your umbrella.
Look at all the photos you've taken.
Read.
Learn.
Try.
And do not fear failure. Absolutely no one is immune to failure. No one. Embrace the mistakes you make. Make them again. And again. Get it right and make a mistake again.
You are your own world that you can control and influence. And even if there aren't enough of us who try to make the world a better place, we'll have made our own better, and shown others they can too.
10 Easy Ways to Start Your Sustainable Journey Today
Introduction:
Embarking on a sustainable journey doesn't require a complete overhaul of your lifestyle. In fact, small, mindful steps can lead to significant positive changes for both you and the environment. If you're new to sustainability or looking for simple ways to make a difference, you're in the right place. In this post, we'll explore ten easy steps you can take right now to kickstart your sustainable living journey.
1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:
The classic mantra holds true. Start by properly recycling items like paper, glass, and plastics. Before tossing something out, consider if it can be repurposed or upcycled. Reducing waste begins with conscious choices.
2. Conserve Energy:
Switch off lights and unplug devices when not in use. Opt for energy-efficient LED bulbs and appliances. Even adjusting your thermostat by a degree or two can make a difference.
3. Ditch Single-Use Plastics:
Invest in reusable shopping bags, water bottles, and coffee cups. Say goodbye to disposable utensils and straws. These small changes can significantly reduce plastic waste.
4. Choose Sustainable Transportation:
Whenever possible, opt for walking, biking, or using public transportation. Consider carpooling or investing in an electric or hybrid vehicle if it aligns with your needs.
5. Support Local and Sustainable Food:
Frequent local farmers' markets, and choose seasonal, locally sourced produce. Reducing food miles and supporting sustainable farming practices benefit both you and the planet.
6. Unplug and Disconnect:
Set aside tech-free time to reduce screen time and energy consumption. Encourage family or friends to join you in reconnecting with nature and each other.
7. Practice Mindful Consumption:
Before making a purchase, ask yourself if it's a necessity. Invest in high-quality, durable items that will last. Choose brands with a commitment to sustainability.
8. Compost Your Kitchen Waste:
Turn food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost for your garden. It's a fantastic way to reduce landfill waste and enrich your soil naturally.
9. Educate Yourself and Others:
Stay informed about environmental issues and solutions. Share your knowledge with friends and family to inspire collective action.
10. Get Involved Locally:
Engage with local environmental groups and community initiatives. Participate in clean-up events, tree planting, or sustainability workshops. Your active involvement can create positive change at the grassroots level.
Conclusion:
Remember, sustainability is a journey, not a destination. Each step you take, no matter how small, contributes to a brighter, greener future. So, start today, and together, we can make a meaningful impact. Stay tuned for more insights and tips on sustainable living from GreenLife Insights!
i make a lot of ecobricks. i try not to buy plastic if i can help it, i reuse a lot of plastic and if I can't use it I brick it. planning to build a fruit wall with them to keep some figs warmer over winter.