I know that I am not a selfless person. I know that I should give up my car and turn off my AC. I also know that I can't. I have limitations. I just wish other people did too. I was reading an article about how my generation is still living off their parents in one way or another. Sad.
I am also saddened by the fact that the US is 5% of the world's population, yet we produce 40% of the world's trash. How is that possible?! I do know how that is possible. How many pairs of shoes do you have? How old is your computer? car? cellphone? We live in a disposable society. The worst of it? Plastic. I am begging you to stop drinking bottled water. I will get into the sad, sad statistics in another post.
I leave you today with this question: What can you live without? I am not asking about big ticket items. I am asking about the small changes you could easily give up with a conscious effort. Could you switch from paper towels to a dish towel? Could you start using a travel mug to get your coffee? (QT charges you less if you bring your own cup) Could you give up Ziploc bags for tupperware? Can you give up super duper toxic cleaner that costs 2x's as much as vinegar, ammonia, and alcohol? It's the small things that make a BIG difference. What small things have you already given up?
5 comments to There is enough in this world for everyone's needs, but not everyone's greed." -Gandhi:
I gave up shampoo!!! those plasic bottles are bad!! Billy H
good post Anna. Sumeet and I just bought reusable water bottles this weekend. They are still plastic, but you know what I mean- we aren't drinking out of disposable water bottles anymore. Though I will say this was a bit of a sacrifice since the flavored water was free through his work. Do I get a point for that?
I already gave up bottled water! Not because recycling, but because I couldn't afford it, but now it's for the earth AND I will not be taking it back up officially thanks to you.
Hmmm... I'll keep thinking about what else I can give up.
And the other day I was walking to Walgreens & there was litter all down the side of the road & it made me so mad! Not only are we super trashy, but we can't even put our trash in the freaking trash cans!
I want to see a post about how to use vinegar, baking soda, etc. to clean. I use them a little but I really don't know the extent that we can use those safe products. So educate me because I am too busy washing my cloth diapers!
Tara
People are afraid of "Simple Living". Somehow we have been brainwashed into believing that in order to be 'modern' one has to buy the 'latest' product advertised.
People imagine that Happiness can be bought in a store ...
There is really very little we need to live in this world ...
We have to stop and think before we BUY!
Good blog Anna ... let's get people thinking .....
THE SIMPLE WORLD ORDER
www.globalgandhi.org
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