As mentioned in a post last week, I’m working on decreasing the amount of non-renewable resources I request. And here I am at the first weekly update! Not a lot to report this week, mostly stuff I’m resisting purchasing:
- Sent in boots to be repaired instead of buying new ones (they shouldn’t have come apart anyway)
- Took less showers. This is not glamorous, but as I didn’t have a lot of appointments outside the house, I got lazy.
- Resisted the urge to buy a new camera even though they are reaaalllly cool.
- Hooked up TV to a power strip that is off most of the time, reducing energy consumption minutely.
- Hooked up main power hog computer and internet equipment to timed power strip. All that stuff shots off while we sleep, cutting energy use by 1/3. I know it’s not a lot, but it’s something.
- Donated a LOT of stuff from moving houses. Along with reducing resource requests, I feel it’s important to increase renewable resource requests. While used stuff isn’t technically "renewable" as in it can’t go on forever, having ample used clothes, furniture, books, etc. out there helps others buy used. And Kim does a FANTASTIC job of always shopping thrift stores for most all of our household and clothes needs. If we get new clothes, they come from our parents and are usually for Sabrina. (although I have to admit to buying two pairs of organic hemp swim shorts 3 weeks ago, but I’ve been living in them ever since!)
- Didn’t buy one thing from Amazon this week! This one is really hard for me because I love the Amazon Prime Oneclick button. Sooooo easy to get stuff shipped free to your door in two days.
- Got back my GPS which was repaired. They actually sent me a refurbished unit and I’d like to think they’ll repair the old one, but I can’t confirm this. I really wanted to buy one of the newer ones, but mine worked and it was less money to repair.
- Went biking with flip flops for 19 miles and did fine. I thought I’d really need boots or shoes (see previous bullet about boots)and have been meaning to buy some, but putting it off. I’m happy to note, you can bike in flip flops just fine! Sometimes the weeds on the side of the road whack your open toes a bit, but other than that….
- Kim regularly declines bags when shopping, either bringing her own as a lot of people around here do now, or just carrying the stuff out.
- Because of where we live, Kim was able to walk to an appointment in town instead of driving.
On to next week!
