Recently I came across this post from a mindful mama, challenging others in the blogging world to make one small change a month over the next five months that could contribute to creating a greener world. I like to think of it as more conscious stewardship. And, in this year of "simplify," a conscious step toward more simple living. Needless to say, I have decided to participate.
Last night I mentioned the challenge to Andrew and he suggested I staunch the flow of paper into our house. Cancel the Sunday paper. Call stores to stop the catalogs. Figure out how to get off junk mailing lists.
I was hoping for something easier, like compost more regularly or only use cloth napkins (which we pretty much do already). But my husband is right. Paper is our biggest challenge. It clutters our counters, demands our attention, makes us long for things we don't need and can't afford, and creates way too much unnecessary waste.
We are just one little family, but if we can cut out a couple bins of paper waste every year, that would be a very big small change - for the world and for our sanity. We're going for it.
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6 comments:
Aim, you cannot compare the Sunday paper to unsolicited catalogs! The Sunday paper is not a bundle of papers, it's news and opinion, insight and education for mere cents. At least--that's how it ought to be.
Exactly, Liz, that's how it ought to be. But it isn't.
Good point, Liz. But, sadly, I just keep getting the paper for the Joanne's coupon and my neighbor's syndicated travel column that I could just read online. I will keep my subscription to USN&WR, though. That bundle of paper can sit on my counter any time.
Have you tried Catalog Choice? http://www.catalogchoice.org it works!
I second the plug for Catalog Choice. I was very diligent with it for several months and I hardly get any catalogs any more. Also--those supermarket circulars that come in the mail (I think on Wednesdays)....there is an e-mail or phone number in fine print that I called last year and got taken off that list. I still recycle 80% of what comes in the mail, but those things have helped.
I love this challenge. And I love cloth napkins - Andrew and I made the switch last Christmas.
Looking forward to hearing your changes for the next 4 months.
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