Simple, Sustainable Living - 5 Easy Steps

DIY-Maven had a great post on dinky dwellings a couple days ago.  I thought it was pretty cool, so I emailed simple-living guru, Gregory Johnson, and asked him to join!  He's now one of the most proflic people on Curbly.  Go check him out!

I decided ask him how we can apply some of his techniques to our own lives, even if we're not ready to downsize to a tumbleweed (his house is 140 square feet!). 

Gregory, most people on Curbly probably aren't ready to live in a microhome. But, I bet we could all benefit from simplifying how we live.  How about 5 steps we can take right now to begin a simple and sustainable lifestyle?

Turn off the TV. The advertising and the programming on television is predominantly a programming tool to consumerize the masses and place them in a state of constant want for food and products. The more you watch, the more you want to eat and buy even to the detriment of your health, living space, and finances. Disconnecting from television allows a person to reconnect with real life - those three dimensional things that are on this side of the glass screen.

Storage. Try to live with simplicity for a while as a short-term experiment. Dedicate a single room in your home where everything will go. If you don't have such a room, rent one. It's hard to part with sentimental things. With storage you don't have to say goodbye just yet. By clearing out your living and working space, you'll become more efficient and clearer headed. It will also give you a blank slate to observe and correct the behavior that brings about more clutter into your life. Then let the short-term experiment become a long-term experiment.

Digital Camera. Take pictures of the things that have sentimental value to you. Then you'll always "have" them, but in a simpler form! Create a monthly scrapbook journal that includes photos, video, and perhaps an accompanying sound track.

Scanner. Scanners or multi-function printers are inexpensive these days. Once a week, take some time to scan your receipts, invoices, documents, or anything else that comes in the mail. Precious photos of friends and family can be digitized and shared. After your information is backed up and stored in a safe place, shred it.

Bicycle. You'd be amazed how trading in your car for a bicycle can change your life. You'll be healthier. You'll save time. You'll save money. You'll stop polluting. You'll contribute to a quieter and safer world. Best of all, you won't be tempted to bring anything home that can't fit on a bicycle! You'll begin living as if life were a long bicycle journey. There's something about having a relationship with a bicycle that changes one's perspective on life.

November 17, 2006

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