What are your goals that benefit something.
A goal that Lee and I really want to work at is only eating at local places. That way it benefits the local community and your money isn't going out of state to some huge corporation. Same with trying to buy at more local stores. This is a challenge to us in some ways as shopping familiar chains is comfortable. Another thing that we started trying to do is use cash at local small businesses so they don't have to pay card fees. In 2007 alone, America consumers paid over $42 billion in credit card interchange fees. Something that I would like to do, but don't know how it will work out, is to shop for clothes that are either organic, U.S. made, fair trade, or consignment/second hand. My reasons are that organic cotton is better for the environment (22% of the world's insecticides are used in growing cotton.), U.S. made is better for the U.S. economy, fair trade label has at least a chance of being better for people in poor countries, and second hand/consignment counter needless consumerism and saves money. Why this will be hard for me to do is that I like shopping in actual stores and trying on before I buy, while most clothes that are organic, fair trade, or U.S. made you have to buy online (and often pay more as well). As for buying consignment/second hand.....well the "I don't need to" factor, or scary smelly stores, or the difficulty in finding nice things or a specific thing will be harder for me to get over. I used to think that my actions and spending patterns did not make a difference or have any consequences. Now I try to make more of a conscious effort. |
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| My biggest efforts (that extend beyond my family) are environmental, and cultural: Trying to be as green as possible, including using white vinegar and baking soda for most of my general cleaning of hard surfaces. I have no choice but to drive a long commute for my job, but I keep my car in good shape and drive as little as possible outside of my commute. We balance it out by my husband walking to work. We do errands on foot/bike when practical, and re-use bags. I live in a small town and do my best to buy locally. It helps that a favorite coffee/sandwich/book shop serves fair trade and locally grown foods whenever possible. A couple of years ago, my husband donated excess pears from our accidental pear tree and got a credit at the store in return--although he didn't ask for anything. We buy what we can from the farmers' market (local around here), including locally raised organic meat. We are lapsed vegetarians, and I must say, I wouldn't mind going back.
Our small city is also on its way to becoming more of a cultural destination, with theater and music festivals in the summer and other productions throughout the year through the local universities and community organizations. We support these efforts by attendance, spreading the word, and donation. Cool thing is that some of my children's friends are becoming successful in small ways in various arts enterprises. We buy our dog food/supplies from a couple who went to school with my oldest son--so we are trying to encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs and creators, as well. I spent a lot of time when my kids were in k-12 as a very active volunteer/organizer at all levels. I miss doing that but have much less time since I am working full time. But our youngest kids are still in college, and some of our other children's friends are going back or thinking of doing so. We feed hungry college kids semi-regularly--well, anytime they are around and there's an excuse to feed them, and generally try to encourage them to pursue their dreams, lavishing praise and admiration over their accomplishments and ambitions. I know from my kids that everybody knows their mom and dad think they are wonderful: it's a different (and more meaningful) thing when it comes from someone else's parents. So, we try to keep in mind that kids aren't done growing up and needing encouragement when they are 18 or 22 or 30, it seems. I am hoping that someday this pays off and some of these kids start bringing kids over for me to pretend are my grandchildren. Some small time political stuff. And helping to organize donations when our area flooded badly last year. That sort of thing. |
We are getting ready to buy some carpet for the house. Due to the oil prices, there have been 4 price increases since January. 
One of the carpets is a corn-based product. Still not cheap, but I could just imagine the dogs chewing it or being allergic to it. One of the carpets is made from recycled coke/water/other plastic bottles. I thought it was a little stiff and rough compared to the others, but it can be recycled again. We are on our reduce/recycle/reuse phase right now. I cleaned out a closet today and most of it is going to be donated. |
| I have always thrift store shopped - it is so much fun!! Can be kind of tough if you need a specific item by a certain time.
I grew up on hand-me-downs. My parents had several more well-off friends with daughters who were older than me and my sisters. We got lots of cool stuff. Stuff my parents never would have bought! My new Element is a low emission vehicle. I do all the maintainance regularly - I had old cars before and I needed to to keep them running! We grow a big garden and raise our lambs for meat. Although this is the 1st year ever that we don't have a garden. It seems weird. I do have lots of canned stuff and frozen to use up though. |
I plan on reusing the same joke next April 1st, does that count?  |
Ron wrote: I plan on reusing the same joke next April 1st, does that count?
 I guess for you it does since it benefits your humor every year.  |
I recycle cans and never buy clothes. My mom & MIL give me all of thier clothes and shoes they don't want or wear any more.  |
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