it is the day of the Election Cycle.....
it is raining...grey...cold...windy
the family that is supposed to ride with you calls because (as the mom explains) she is meeting with "severe resistance".
They decide not to ride. You wish you could join them in that decision..but you are team captain ( even if there are only two families on the team)
you have to imagine all of this because...although you bring a camera with you...you can't get it to work..even after you buy new batteries..nate says there is rust inside the camera ( I have no idea why)
Imagine..that your kids are willing to ride even after they find out the other family won't be there...and your husband ...injured from a bike accident is determined to ride. and when you show up to sign in...a neighbor family shows up unexpectedly to ride with you...as part of the team.
Now imagine ..you are riding on the bike trail..the rain has stopped but you are riding in a head wind...and your youngest son says "Can we please go home"( he as very polite) And when you say..."Let's finish what we've started" You all do!
Although we "downgraded" to the 10 mile ride.. we all made it!!
We showed up because: Ginny and Greg, Connie and Bill, Jean and Mike, Carol, Janet, Pamela, Beth, Jack, Abby and Maddy, Dave, Alan, Kyle, Joan,Claire, Marjorie, Lisa and Matt, Mary, Micah and Austin...16 sponsors for a total of $610 ( above our total for last year)
Ben's teacher Alan said "All you have do to is ask" and that was true. Thank you all...for supporting us and for supporting conservation in Wisconsin!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
WOW!
If you have donated or just just want to check our our page...check us out at The Them
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
It's Time
to ride in the Election Cycle!
Last year the boys were amazed to learn that if you ask people for money...they give! Our goal was $250 and we raised over $500. We rode ten miles and when we got done Nate said.."next year...25"
It's next year...we are riding 25 miles. This year we started a team..more people =more fun! The ride is September 18 ( Sunday) starting at noon.
If you can join our team ( called We are The Them of course) please do.
Go here and click on Join on Team (It is cheaper if you join by this Thursday Sept 1...cost $10)
If you can't ride...please sponsor us...our team goal is $1000.
To sponsor us..go to our team page
Now more than ever we in Wisconsin need to pay attention to who is elected!! You can be a part of making sure that our legislators protect the environment. Be the change you want to see in the world...join our We are the Them team and ride on Sept 18....or sponsor us and help us meet our fund raising goal.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
It's over
Our Greener Faster Challenge is over!
How we did:
Natural Gas Usage: We actually went up a little compared to last year but were still 57% better than the Madison average of 856 therms/yr.
Electricity Usage
We did 6% better than 2009, bringing us to 22% better than the Madison average (the two big ticket items we are looking into..a more efficient clothes drier and a more efficient hot water heater)
Average Weekly Recycling: 6lbs
Average Weekly Trash: 1.6lbs
This was one of the lowest trash weights and we had four people!
Miles Driven:
62% better than the Madison average
Water:
19% better than the Madison average ( our most disappointing category...we had two water leaks that took us awhile to find and then to fix)
Food:
We averaged 80% local/organic ( no Madison average to compare to) This is the category we made the most change in. We now buy almost exclusively from Willy Street Coop...with Whole Food and Regent Coop as our back ups.
All participants got great prizes
We got a $100 gift certificate to our Willy St Coop..our favorite place to shop! And a gift certificate to Trek bikes. And 4 one month bus passes. Wow!!
I will miss the support of the other Greener Faster families..but am relieved to not have to collect any more data.
Photo: jayneandd
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Reverse Shopping
We left with the van full and came back with it empty.
First stop: Home Concept. My friend Susan told me they recycle Styrofoam.
Fortunately they still do.
Unfortunately the store is closing.
Fortunately...we aren't buying anything new for the next six months..so we shouldn't have any more Styrofoam to deal with.
Stop two: Remember the computer that died within two weeks of starting the Buy Nothing New Challenge...time to get rid of it.
Fortunately Madison recycles desk tops ( at Badger Rd site)
Unfortunately you need a $10 ticket that they do not sell there
Fortunately there was a library close by and it was open.
Bonus: we found another place to recycle shoes!
Last stop: St Vinny's on Odana for everything else.
The basement is not empty by any means...but at least the floor is clear!
First stop: Home Concept. My friend Susan told me they recycle Styrofoam.
Fortunately they still do.
Unfortunately the store is closing.
Fortunately...we aren't buying anything new for the next six months..so we shouldn't have any more Styrofoam to deal with.
Fortunately Madison recycles desk tops ( at Badger Rd site)
Unfortunately you need a $10 ticket that they do not sell there
Fortunately there was a library close by and it was open.
Last stop: St Vinny's on Odana for everything else.
The basement is not empty by any means...but at least the floor is clear!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Buy Nothing New Meets Birthdays
Mark was quite pleased with his hunting and gathering prowess...he managed to get both gifts on Ben's wish list second hand. One was the Ranger's Apprentice Book 10...it just came out recently so we were a little concerned...but obviously some people buy them, read them and sell them back. Amazon.com used books.
The second gift was a play station move controller ( think Wii). Mark had already gotten one controller ( used) so had been watching for a second one.
What about the kids attending? We went "gift free" a number of years ago. The boys were getting gifts they didn't use and a few other families had already started the trend...so we followed along and there was no turning back. This has worked out fine...our focus is on good food, an awesome cake and something special for entertainment. This year was laser tag ( past years have been canoe trip on the Wisconsin River, a rendezvous,and a treasure hunt at Devil's Lake)
Nate's birthday is in July... We'll see how that goes :D
Monday, May 9, 2011
Salamander Survey Year 4
We have been citizen scientists for the past four years. Every spring we join volunteers all over Wisconsin by helping to check for salamanders.
Salamanders mate in shallow ponds...so in early spring you can trap them with fish traps...or so we are told. We have tried for the past four years..but so far no luck. This year was our "worst" year...usually we at least catch frogs or minnows or interesting bugs. This year we caught 2 leeches, 3 water beetles, and fairy shrimp ( this is the first year we have caught fairy shrimp) Others have caught salamanders..even in Dane County...so we aren't giving up yet.
Want to find out more about the Salamander Survey?
Want to find out more about the Salamander Survey?
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Irons and Friends
Our iron died about a month ago. At first, I thought no big deal...we hardly ever use the iron. But after going to work in wrinkled clothes a few days I realized I used it more that I thought.
A quick trip to St Vinnys'...no luck.
I borrowed an iron from a friend who "hardly ever uses it" but this was not a long term solution.
Luckily for me, I have awesome co-workers!
Sarah, who thought to ask " Did you find an iron yet?" and
Kyle, who said " I didn't know you need an iron, I have two and don't use either one. You can have one of mine."
So I hadn't even posted to Facebook or Freecycle and already have a new ( used) iron! (Kyle said he got if from St Vinny's!)
Kyle and his #2 iron...before they parted ways.
A quick trip to St Vinnys'...no luck.
I borrowed an iron from a friend who "hardly ever uses it" but this was not a long term solution.
Luckily for me, I have awesome co-workers!
Sarah, who thought to ask " Did you find an iron yet?" and
Kyle, who said " I didn't know you need an iron, I have two and don't use either one. You can have one of mine."
So I hadn't even posted to Facebook or Freecycle and already have a new ( used) iron! (Kyle said he got if from St Vinny's!)
Kyle and his #2 iron...before they parted ways.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Ever heard of soap nuts?
I had not...we found out about them at the Isthmus Green Day.
What are they?
Dried fruit from the Soapberry tree that contain saponin ( a natural cleaner).
What's so great about them?
-petroleum free
-no toxic chemicals ( in fact no added anything)
-light weight ( use less energy to ship)
How do you use them?
Put 2-4 nuts in a small reuseable linen bag and throw the whole bag in the washer. The nuts can be re-used up to 5 times. We have a front load washer so we will just but the nuts right in the soap drawer ( no bag needed)
Where do you get them?
We got ours from Reuseable Future
Do they work?
We'll let you know
PS: People are asking how we are doing on the Buy No New Challenge.
We did purchase 1 new thing. Shin guards for Nate for soccer. We feel strongly that we don't want to take changes with our kids' safety...so felt OK about this purchase.
Dried fruit from the Soapberry tree that contain saponin ( a natural cleaner).
What's so great about them?
-petroleum free
-no toxic chemicals ( in fact no added anything)
-light weight ( use less energy to ship)
How do you use them?
Put 2-4 nuts in a small reuseable linen bag and throw the whole bag in the washer. The nuts can be re-used up to 5 times. We have a front load washer so we will just but the nuts right in the soap drawer ( no bag needed)
Where do you get them?
We got ours from Reuseable Future
Do they work?
We'll let you know
PS: People are asking how we are doing on the Buy No New Challenge.
We did purchase 1 new thing. Shin guards for Nate for soccer. We feel strongly that we don't want to take changes with our kids' safety...so felt OK about this purchase.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Two small changes
Taking a break from practicing democracy...at home we are focusing on reducing our energy use. One thing we are taking at look at is how we cook.
Here are two ways we are using less energy when we cook:
1. Using a pressure cooker. Not just to cook beans...but also rice and root veggies. Not sure why it took me so long to realize that it takes less time to boil potatoes in the pressure cooker. They are easy to use and save you time.
2. Bake in smaller size pans. This cuts down on baking time. We bake quick breads and cakes in smaller pans. Another save energy and time.
I love when being sustainable saves me time too :)
Here are two ways we are using less energy when we cook:
1. Using a pressure cooker. Not just to cook beans...but also rice and root veggies. Not sure why it took me so long to realize that it takes less time to boil potatoes in the pressure cooker. They are easy to use and save you time.
2. Bake in smaller size pans. This cuts down on baking time. We bake quick breads and cakes in smaller pans. Another save energy and time.
I love when being sustainable saves me time too :)
Sunday, April 3, 2011
What I leanred from calling for Kloppenburg
1. It really helped to call with other people. I need the support of friends. Calls went twice as fast, we could compare notes and encourage each other.
2. It helped to have a goal. 100 seemed too high...but once we put it on paper...we had something to work towards...and we wanted to succeed.
3. Snacks help....we would set mini goals for ourselves. Five calls and a snack, any negative comments means you get an extra snack. :)
It took less than two hours to call 100 people with three of us calling.
Does it make a difference? ( this is the question I am most likely to get asked)
Yes, if someone tells you they intend to vote for Kloppenburg, research shows they are much more likely to do so.
Name recognition matters a lot...when people get to the polls they vote for the names they remember ( so the more times they hear someone's name the better)
Finally Prosser's campaign is investing in calls....it is important that people who have not decided know that their vote is important...and hear from both sides.
This is what democracy looks like. Thanks Erica and Mark!!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Green Teen
Julie's son speaking ,
Everyone has heard how it is to be an adult undertaking the challenge, (buy no new for one year), but now for the first time, I shall comment on how it is to be a teen and not buy for one year.
So far I have held up pretty well to the challenge, (I haven't violated once), the one problem that we faced was that our computer broke just a little way in, but we got a refurbished computer, so it is all good now. The new computer is actually a great computer, if you are looking to buy a computer but don't want to go new then go to Dell Outlet, the prices are good and the shipping is free.
Nate ( also known as Axel)
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Buy Nothing New Challenge
We are 2.5 months into the challenge and to the best of my knowledge we have slipped up twice...both times related to the civil rights protests in Wisconsin.
First "mistake"...after a protest rally we stopped into Ian's pizza to see what democracy tastes like ...and found out they had T-shirts...we really wanted to support all they done ( people have been buying pizzas from all over the world in support of the protests in Madison)....there were two T-shirts left...we bought them, put them on and then turned to each other and gasped..."We just bought something new!"
Other than that....we have bought nothing new. The boys have complained that our snow shovels are broken...so we are hoping the weather helps us out until we can find some used snow shovels. :)
If you weren't in Madison yesterday...and want to see what democracy looks like...
Rockstar Senators
Can you hear us now?
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Another civics lesson
Who would have thought...I'm now learning about recall elections.
There are efforts to recall 8 Senate Republicans ( and I believe 3 Democrats?)
I traveled to Fond Du Lac to go door to door...I have to admit I was nervous...this wouldn't be my first choice of how to spend a Sunday.
Here is what I learned...of those we talked to the majority did support a recall, were happy to sign and thanked us for coming to them.
There was confusion about what was going, some people didn't know that a recall was an option or how it worked, one person said..I can't make a difference ( but, of course, she can)
Memorable moments:
First house: an elderly couple that was excited because they thought I was there to recall Walker but happy to start with recalling Hopper.(a good start)
House 2: Elderly couple, he was hooked up to oxygen. He thanked me for coming since it is hard for him to get around.
An older women who said : I didn't expect this..things have gotten out of hand.
Although she was in her car on her way to work..she stopped to sign.
A young woman who said I'm Republican...this is really hard for me...they aren't voting for what I value. ( She actually took a form so she could register more people)
So all in all...a good day. We got 27 signatures. 27 people who's voices have now been hard and who are more engaged with the legislative process. Plus I had a great drive up...thanks Susan for driving.
There are efforts to recall 8 Senate Republicans ( and I believe 3 Democrats?)
I traveled to Fond Du Lac to go door to door...I have to admit I was nervous...this wouldn't be my first choice of how to spend a Sunday.
Here is what I learned...of those we talked to the majority did support a recall, were happy to sign and thanked us for coming to them.
There was confusion about what was going, some people didn't know that a recall was an option or how it worked, one person said..I can't make a difference ( but, of course, she can)
Memorable moments:
First house: an elderly couple that was excited because they thought I was there to recall Walker but happy to start with recalling Hopper.(a good start)
House 2: Elderly couple, he was hooked up to oxygen. He thanked me for coming since it is hard for him to get around.
An older women who said : I didn't expect this..things have gotten out of hand.
Although she was in her car on her way to work..she stopped to sign.
A young woman who said I'm Republican...this is really hard for me...they aren't voting for what I value. ( She actually took a form so she could register more people)
So all in all...a good day. We got 27 signatures. 27 people who's voices have now been hard and who are more engaged with the legislative process. Plus I had a great drive up...thanks Susan for driving.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
The Good, The Bad, The Illegal
What will we become Wisconsin?
Saturday 2/26/2011 Largest Protest in Wisconsin's History
It was truly amazing to see so many people come together passionately and peacefully. This is what democracy looks like.
Sunday 2/27/2011
Gov. Walker closes the Capital...crowds gather outside asking to be let in. Everyone inside is told to leave. 600+ refuse to leave. Police defy orders and let them stay. Democracy triumphs.
Tuesday 3.1.2011 A Dark Day for Wisconsin.
This was a hard day for me...my stomach hurt...to see barricades, orange fencing and lines of police blocking entrance to the Capital. Citizens who came to peacefully protest were denied access to their Capital. It looked like a police state to me. Quite honestly it scared me,
Saturday 2/26/2011 Largest Protest in Wisconsin's History
It was truly amazing to see so many people come together passionately and peacefully. This is what democracy looks like.
Sunday 2/27/2011
Gov. Walker closes the Capital...crowds gather outside asking to be let in. Everyone inside is told to leave. 600+ refuse to leave. Police defy orders and let them stay. Democracy triumphs.
Tuesday 3.1.2011 A Dark Day for Wisconsin.
This was a hard day for me...my stomach hurt...to see barricades, orange fencing and lines of police blocking entrance to the Capital. Citizens who came to peacefully protest were denied access to their Capital. It looked like a police state to me. Quite honestly it scared me,
Friday, February 25, 2011
When in your lifetime?
Do you get the opportunity to stand up for what you value?
This is about fairness and the democratic process.
This is about the power of the people vs the power of corporations.
This is about the ethics of leadership.
Wisconsin, this is about who we are as citizens and people.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5YehR_fYVU
This is about fairness and the democratic process.
This is about the power of the people vs the power of corporations.
This is about the ethics of leadership.
Wisconsin, this is about who we are as citizens and people.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5YehR_fYVU
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Practicing civic engagement
Monday, February 14, 2011
Not as hard as we thought
That is the consensus on the bucket in the shower routine.
For the past week, both Mark and I used a bucket to catch the water from the shower while we got the temperature "just right". We both thought this would be a hassle...and
...we were wrong.
It has been no big deal.
I don't think Nate and Ben are sold on the idea yet ...and Mark and I still need to make it a habit..but for now...the bucket stays.
Oh, we use the water to flush the toilet.
( Ya gotta love our Pepto Bismol pink tiles :)
Sunday, February 6, 2011
What about Water?
Here is what we have done:
1. In December ( when we could still buy new) we bought a low flow shower head. We had been putting this off..and now we can't figure out why..because we love it. This is conservation at it's best...we have cut down on our water use and we like it!
2. We realized that both of our toilets were leaking. Because of the buy nothing new challenge...Mark tried to fix them without a trip to the hardware store. He was successful on the upstairs toilet..still working on the down stairs ( this one may mean a purchase)
3. Still to do...this week we will try catching our extra shower water...
When you turn on the shower it takes a little while to get the temperature you want...all this water goes down the drain. This week we will try catching that water in a bucket and using it to flush the toilet (I know Dave Spitzer...a former Lincoln teacher...routinely catches and uses this water)
We have put off trying this because enthusiasm on the part of my family is at an all time low...but we have agreed to try it for one week...I'll let you know.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Traveling Green...or trying
I had a guilty moment over breakfast ( I'm staying at the Crown Plaza in Chicago for a work related training)
I did ask where their meat and eggs came from...and to her credit the waitress was honest....she had no idea.. So, I decided to not get the eggs ....but when my yogurt and berries arrived...I have to admit I felt guilty. (hard to say that fresh berries in the midwest was a sustainable choice :(
Fortunately, I know the research and guilt is not a motivating emotion...so moving on.
Two positives from the trip....
The Crown Plaza has a plain paper bag that they leave in your room for your recyclables...I love this! It is the first time I have seen it ( not that I stay in hotels that often)
And the training is at Catalyst Ranch which bills itself as the most eco-friendly training site in Chicago. The food is amazing and when I asked the staff where it was from...they knew and have made a very intentional effort to buy local. They recycle everything...and the decor ( as you can see from the photos) is Chic Garage Sale. It is a fun and funky place.
I did ask where their meat and eggs came from...and to her credit the waitress was honest....she had no idea.. So, I decided to not get the eggs ....but when my yogurt and berries arrived...I have to admit I felt guilty. (hard to say that fresh berries in the midwest was a sustainable choice :(
Fortunately, I know the research and guilt is not a motivating emotion...so moving on.
Two positives from the trip....
The Crown Plaza has a plain paper bag that they leave in your room for your recyclables...I love this! It is the first time I have seen it ( not that I stay in hotels that often)
And the training is at Catalyst Ranch which bills itself as the most eco-friendly training site in Chicago. The food is amazing and when I asked the staff where it was from...they knew and have made a very intentional effort to buy local. They recycle everything...and the decor ( as you can see from the photos) is Chic Garage Sale. It is a fun and funky place.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
How are we doing so far?
We are almost through our first month of Buy Nothing New...how are we doing?
No exceptions and two lessons learned
At the doctor's office: I like to look at what I call mindless magazines..I can page through and get inspired or get new ideas with minimal effort on my part. It is something to look forward to while waiting to find out if ( in fact) I have been a negligent mother by not bringing my child to the doctor sooner.
While waiting to find out if Ben did ( in deed) have pnuemonia I was paging through a magazine but this time I was really aware of when a new product was being suggested as the solution to a problem.
Since I did not want to be tempted to buy anything new.. I skipped these "articles." There was nothing left to read..…a new product was always be suggested as the solution…even when it was an “article”
So Ben and I spent the time talking about my new discovery.
The Lesson of the Pipe Cleaners
It is rare that Nate (14) is excited about church. So I was thrilled to have him get in the car talking about his class in an animated voice. They had been creating something and there were cool pipe cleaners ( turns out they have funky stripes)
Nate “ we have GOT to get some of these pipe cleaners”
Me ( in my head where I seem to spend quite a bit of my time) I really want to support creativity ( esp off line innovation)..pipe cleaners are not expensive and don’t seem to pose a huge environmental threat. What have we committed to...am I going to ruin all chance of creativity because we can't even buy pipe cleaners ( I now call this Challenge remorse)
Ben “ We have pipe cleaners down stairs”
Nate “They’re not the cool kind”
Ben” No but they work the same…shouldn’t we use those up first?”
Note to Mom:..some times the best thing to do is nothing
No exceptions and two lessons learned
At the doctor's office: I like to look at what I call mindless magazines..I can page through and get inspired or get new ideas with minimal effort on my part. It is something to look forward to while waiting to find out if ( in fact) I have been a negligent mother by not bringing my child to the doctor sooner.
While waiting to find out if Ben did ( in deed) have pnuemonia I was paging through a magazine but this time I was really aware of when a new product was being suggested as the solution to a problem.
Since I did not want to be tempted to buy anything new.. I skipped these "articles." There was nothing left to read..…a new product was always be suggested as the solution…even when it was an “article”
So Ben and I spent the time talking about my new discovery.
The Lesson of the Pipe Cleaners
It is rare that Nate (14) is excited about church. So I was thrilled to have him get in the car talking about his class in an animated voice. They had been creating something and there were cool pipe cleaners ( turns out they have funky stripes)
Nate “ we have GOT to get some of these pipe cleaners”
Me ( in my head where I seem to spend quite a bit of my time) I really want to support creativity ( esp off line innovation)..pipe cleaners are not expensive and don’t seem to pose a huge environmental threat. What have we committed to...am I going to ruin all chance of creativity because we can't even buy pipe cleaners ( I now call this Challenge remorse)
Ben “ We have pipe cleaners down stairs”
Nate “They’re not the cool kind”
Ben” No but they work the same…shouldn’t we use those up first?”
Note to Mom:..some times the best thing to do is nothing
Saturday, January 15, 2011
What's a Rutabaga look like?
My Mom emailed me..."Rutabaga? Celeriac? Turnip? What do they even look like?" Great question..since I didn't even know they existed before we joined a CSA ( community supported farm).
Our farm (Vermont Valley) introduced us to all sorts of funky vegetables and ( luckily) recipes so we had some idea of what to do with them.
This time of year...if you want to eat local...it is root crops are us.
The other action we are working on is our commitment to eat more plant...specifically more beans and grains. Most of our protein still comes from cheese and eggs and we'd like to diversify. This week we are making dal ( an Indian lentil stew that both mark and I love....I'll let you know what the boys say)
Interested in the what the other veggies look like?
Celeraic
Flickr photo: ispy/1950484255
Turnips
Flickr photo:7bikeframesweldedtogether
Our farm (Vermont Valley) introduced us to all sorts of funky vegetables and ( luckily) recipes so we had some idea of what to do with them.
This time of year...if you want to eat local...it is root crops are us.
The other action we are working on is our commitment to eat more plant...specifically more beans and grains. Most of our protein still comes from cheese and eggs and we'd like to diversify. This week we are making dal ( an Indian lentil stew that both mark and I love....I'll let you know what the boys say)
Interested in the what the other veggies look like?
Celeraic
Flickr photo: ispy/1950484255
Turnips
Flickr photo:7bikeframesweldedtogether
Monday, January 10, 2011
Eating our Values
For the Greener Faster Challenge we are still focused on eating local/organic.
This is the area that we have made the most changes and are settling into a routine.
Willy Street West has made this part of the challenge a "piece of cake."
Mark shops at Willy St once a week. It means he gets to take the car to work which is a treat for him and means no big shop on the weekends.
The boys and I stop at Bagels Forever ( for 2 dozen bagels...I have to growing boys remember) on the way to church on Saturday. And if we have forgotten anything we can stop at Whole Foods on the way home.
We are eating at least 1-2 meals with root crops and most weeks at least one meal bean/grain. This weeks menu is potpie ( turnip, parsnips, celaric, yellow and orange carrots and potatoes...a family favorite with some new veggies thrown in) and split pea soup.
We are experimenting with one big cook on Sundays making two dishes which will each serve two meals...that way we are pretty much done cooking for the week. Loved it last week.
Our national association for our church published our Statement of Conscience for Ethical Eating.
It's a little long ( OK a lot) but that is pretty typical of Unitarian Universalists...but if you scroll to the end you can see the part where there is a list for what families can do.
We are living up to our part of bargain!
Shopping for food has become easier...and even more enjoyable! And we don't have to do any other shopping for a whole year...so life's pretty good.
This is the area that we have made the most changes and are settling into a routine.
Willy Street West has made this part of the challenge a "piece of cake."
Mark shops at Willy St once a week. It means he gets to take the car to work which is a treat for him and means no big shop on the weekends.
The boys and I stop at Bagels Forever ( for 2 dozen bagels...I have to growing boys remember) on the way to church on Saturday. And if we have forgotten anything we can stop at Whole Foods on the way home.
We are eating at least 1-2 meals with root crops and most weeks at least one meal bean/grain. This weeks menu is potpie ( turnip, parsnips, celaric, yellow and orange carrots and potatoes...a family favorite with some new veggies thrown in) and split pea soup.
We are experimenting with one big cook on Sundays making two dishes which will each serve two meals...that way we are pretty much done cooking for the week. Loved it last week.
Our national association for our church published our Statement of Conscience for Ethical Eating.
It's a little long ( OK a lot) but that is pretty typical of Unitarian Universalists...but if you scroll to the end you can see the part where there is a list for what families can do.
We are living up to our part of bargain!
Shopping for food has become easier...and even more enjoyable! And we don't have to do any other shopping for a whole year...so life's pretty good.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Thoughtful comments
Well our New Year's Resolution is generating some thoughtful comments and conversations....I'm not sure if people check back to see the comments so ( even though this may be bad blogging etiquette) I've copied my friend Trudy's comment and posted it below.
Julie - your Mom asks good questions. My first reaction to your resolution was "all things in moderation", but I think your exceptions to the rule are good and trust that you and Mark will know when to 'break' resolutions for the good of the family and individual. Secondly, and this ties into your Mom's worries about the economy, I think we need to augment the concept of sustainability with resilience. We know that there are good times and bad, happy and sad, extravagance and penny-pinching. The businesses, organizations and governments of our society need to be constructed with threads that make them resilient, not just efficient. As a society we aren't talking about this, or any new models, and I find that troubling. Our government seems to want us to return to the lavish over-spending many indulged in to jumpstart the economy, and our economic structures count our lack of new housing starts, failure to return to living beyond our means, and new penchant for saving as evidence of continued recession. Yes, we are still in a situation I describe as "failure to thrive", but we need new behaviors and processes, new economic measures, and new structures (and jobs) within our society. We need to transform ourselves into a healthy society before we will thrive. A society that relies on the selling of bling and trinkets or the flipping of houses is not one that is healthy. one. Lets look at the core needs of humans -- can we meet those? Then, lets meet the core needs of Earth, without which humans cannot survive. We need to be creative, innovate new products, services and processes that create new jobs and economic successes for our economy while fostering life on Earth. If we can foster quality life, then I think we will be better able to weather some of the crises that are sure to come. The old ways don't work now, and won't in the future. And we aren't making good use of the time we have to change.
Julie - your Mom asks good questions. My first reaction to your resolution was "all things in moderation", but I think your exceptions to the rule are good and trust that you and Mark will know when to 'break' resolutions for the good of the family and individual. Secondly, and this ties into your Mom's worries about the economy, I think we need to augment the concept of sustainability with resilience. We know that there are good times and bad, happy and sad, extravagance and penny-pinching. The businesses, organizations and governments of our society need to be constructed with threads that make them resilient, not just efficient. As a society we aren't talking about this, or any new models, and I find that troubling. Our government seems to want us to return to the lavish over-spending many indulged in to jumpstart the economy, and our economic structures count our lack of new housing starts, failure to return to living beyond our means, and new penchant for saving as evidence of continued recession. Yes, we are still in a situation I describe as "failure to thrive", but we need new behaviors and processes, new economic measures, and new structures (and jobs) within our society. We need to transform ourselves into a healthy society before we will thrive. A society that relies on the selling of bling and trinkets or the flipping of houses is not one that is healthy. one. Lets look at the core needs of humans -- can we meet those? Then, lets meet the core needs of Earth, without which humans cannot survive. We need to be creative, innovate new products, services and processes that create new jobs and economic successes for our economy while fostering life on Earth. If we can foster quality life, then I think we will be better able to weather some of the crises that are sure to come. The old ways don't work now, and won't in the future. And we aren't making good use of the time we have to change.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Will the Economy Collapse?
My Mom ( one of my most dedicated blog readers..thank you Mom) asks some good questions after reading our New Year's resolution.
1, What would happen if we all didn't buy anything new...wouldn't our economy collapse?
2. What will the impact of our resolution be on our boys? ( will they be embarrassed to go to school?)
What would happen if no one bought new?
Here is what I hope would happen...companies would ask why and more importantly ...what will you buy?
My answer: I will buy products and services that
-enrich my life and my community and that
-are produced sustainably ( don't pollute the environment and are 100% recyclable)
from companies that pay a fair wage and provide benefits ( like health insurance)
Would our economy collapse? I don't think our economy is doing super well under the current conditions and I don't believe we have created an economy that is sustainable in the long term.
2. What about our boys and the impact on them? We talked long and hard about this. Our boys do sometimes feel that our family is a little "out there" ( as do many kids ) When we talked about trying this..their main concern was being able to buy books ( hard for parents to discourage that) but most of their book purchases are from Half Price books...which sells used books.
What about clothes? Will the boys be embarrassed at school?
We did talk about this..and that is why we put in an exception for things like shoes and even jeans. So far we have been able to find most other clothes pretty easily at second hand stores. We do live in a city so we have quite a few second hand options.
The main goal of this challenge is to make us more aware of how we spend our money and to be intentional about our purchases ( not to make us miserable :))
Quite honestly..we are not big shoppers...so it will be interesting to see what the impact of this is on our lives...it is certainly leading to some good discussions already.
Thanks Mom!
1, What would happen if we all didn't buy anything new...wouldn't our economy collapse?
2. What will the impact of our resolution be on our boys? ( will they be embarrassed to go to school?)
What would happen if no one bought new?
Here is what I hope would happen...companies would ask why and more importantly ...what will you buy?
My answer: I will buy products and services that
-enrich my life and my community and that
-are produced sustainably ( don't pollute the environment and are 100% recyclable)
from companies that pay a fair wage and provide benefits ( like health insurance)
Would our economy collapse? I don't think our economy is doing super well under the current conditions and I don't believe we have created an economy that is sustainable in the long term.
2. What about our boys and the impact on them? We talked long and hard about this. Our boys do sometimes feel that our family is a little "out there" ( as do many kids ) When we talked about trying this..their main concern was being able to buy books ( hard for parents to discourage that) but most of their book purchases are from Half Price books...which sells used books.
What about clothes? Will the boys be embarrassed at school?
We did talk about this..and that is why we put in an exception for things like shoes and even jeans. So far we have been able to find most other clothes pretty easily at second hand stores. We do live in a city so we have quite a few second hand options.
The main goal of this challenge is to make us more aware of how we spend our money and to be intentional about our purchases ( not to make us miserable :))
Quite honestly..we are not big shoppers...so it will be interesting to see what the impact of this is on our lives...it is certainly leading to some good discussions already.
Thanks Mom!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Our New Year's Resolution 1.1.11
We have talked about this for over a year (hat tip to Sarah Apple who first shared the idea) and this year we are ready...to make a one year commitment to
Buy Nothing New for One Year
Our Reasons to try this
*We have everything we need
*Research shows that having more does not make you happier ( in fact it seems to be quite the opposite)
*We don’t want to add to landfill
*We want to be more aware and intentional about how we spend our money
*We want to simplify our lives
I knew we were not the first to take this pledge but I was surprised to find out how many people we are joining. One google search connected me to
The Compact
#1 Don't buy new products of any kind (from stores, web sites, etc.)
#2 Do Borrow, barter, or buy used.
We are allowing some exceptions (which seem in line with others who have "signed" the Compact)
-Food
-Consumables (like toilet paper, light bulbs)
-Health/safety products ( toothpaste, soap, medicine)
-Underwear/sox
-For the boys: shoes and if we can not find resale jeans, OK to buy new)
Full disclosure: we did have some last minute purchases. These were things that we had on our "To buy" list for most of last year.
Our last minute purchases
-Two lamps for the living room ( we have looked for used for over a year)
-Curtains for the living room ( our last ones being chewed by pet rats- don't ask)
-A water conserving shower head
-A new fire/smoke alarm
-A lamp for my drawing table downstairs
-Three cake pans which I have not been able to find at Goodwill ( I love to bake!)
And so we begin...........
Buy Nothing New for One Year
Our Reasons to try this
*We have everything we need
*Research shows that having more does not make you happier ( in fact it seems to be quite the opposite)
*We don’t want to add to landfill
*We want to be more aware and intentional about how we spend our money
*We want to simplify our lives
I knew we were not the first to take this pledge but I was surprised to find out how many people we are joining. One google search connected me to
The Compact
#1 Don't buy new products of any kind (from stores, web sites, etc.)
#2 Do Borrow, barter, or buy used.
We are allowing some exceptions (which seem in line with others who have "signed" the Compact)
-Food
-Consumables (like toilet paper, light bulbs)
-Health/safety products ( toothpaste, soap, medicine)
-Underwear/sox
-For the boys: shoes and if we can not find resale jeans, OK to buy new)
Full disclosure: we did have some last minute purchases. These were things that we had on our "To buy" list for most of last year.
Our last minute purchases
-Two lamps for the living room ( we have looked for used for over a year)
-Curtains for the living room ( our last ones being chewed by pet rats- don't ask)
-A water conserving shower head
-A new fire/smoke alarm
-A lamp for my drawing table downstairs
-Three cake pans which I have not been able to find at Goodwill ( I love to bake!)
And so we begin...........
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