Oh the guilt!

February 2, 2008 by Rob.

Laura and I had an interesting conversation about my story of stuff post.  I was trying to explain it to her and started with how the cheap radio used metal from Brazil mined by people who are destroying the rain forest.  That sent her over the edge - not because it was sad, but because she thought it is futile to change it.

So the challenge is how do average individuals make a different in our consumer driven society?  It’s a battle of ant bites.  If each of us works to make a small difference then the overall effect is huge.  What are small differences?  Here are some ideas:

1. Recycle deeply including batteries, electronics, and other toxic trash that should not be thrown away
2. Extend the life of your goods by actually keeping them until they wear out.  For example, don’t replace your dryer if your washer breaks.  Keep your car an extra year.
3. Save money.  Living deeper in debt as a country makes us less self sufficient.
4. Spent your time outdoors with other people instead of buying things and consuming things.
5. Turn off the lights when you’re not home.
6. Downsize your lifestyle.

Most importantly - talk about the issues and get a discussion going.

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