A city girl's explorations into sustainable living

Recently I found myself unemployed, pondering what I should do with my life next. All the career books say, do what you love. Find your passion. Follow your bliss. As if there is an answer -- a solution that will allow you to make money doing what you were meant to do. Help the world, help yourself, and make money!

For me, it's not so easy. I'm interested in a lot of things, but nothing that I am willing to invest in enough to turn it into a career.

I'm what Barbara Sher calls a "scanner," or what Margaret Lobenstine calls "the Renaissance Soul." At least that's what these self-help books for the career-stunted tell me.

What I tell myself is that I'm a learner. And what I want to learn about right now is sustainable living. I have a feeling it's what I'm supposed to be doing -- even if it doesn't pay. Even if it COSTS money to do.

I am meant to be a student right now, exploring peak oil, the economic crisis, climate change, sustainable agriculture, community building, permaculture, natural capitalism, Transition Towns, rural sociology, and my own spiritual growth. I honestly don't know where it will lead, or what it will amount to, but I invite you to share my journey.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

The Natural Step Condition 2 - Applied to My Life

The second principal of TNS is to cut down on the man-made substances we produce. The goal is to not produce more synthetic materials than the earth or ecosytems can process without harm. To reduce the growth of man-made substances, businesses and manufacturers need to increase their reliance on natural, renewable, non-toxic materials. Also, "waste" needs to be reduced or eliminated. This means making or purchasing products that are safe for humans and animals and that are biodegradable, reusable, or recyclable.

COMMITMENTS: Do not buy any more cleaning supplies; make my own with natural ingredients, such as baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice. Buy compostable cat litter, such as Yesterdays News, instead of clay or crystal litter Wear make-up less frequently Recycle electronics that no longer work Promote a culture of "reuse" (or valuing what I have) instead of a culture of consumption Shop at thrift stores, finding new uses for "discarded" items Donate unwanted or unused items to ARC or Goodwill
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