PicoCool

November 23 is Buy Nothing Day, a “24 hour moratorium on consumer spending.” While media and corporations tell us to spend like crazed consumers the day after Thanksgiving, it’s your brain and your planet: opt out of the hype and consumer madness. Take a minute to “really think about what we are buying, why we are buying it, and whether we really need it at all.”

Network: blogs

At WorldChanging, Alex Steffen writes: “the things we own have mysterious pasts. Tracing the backstories of most goods and services involves exploring maze-like patterns of relationship and effect. But this detective work is essential, since by solving this mystery we might prevent a massive intergenerational crime: the destruction of the planet’s climate, ecosystems and communities.” The Footprint Chronicles, a new site by the outdoor gear company, Patagonia, details and shows the history of five of their products - from the original source of the material until it hits retail stores. The point? To show how one company takes steps “to lighten our footprint and do less harm” and to continue the dialogue about how best to become more sustainable.

Network: blogs

This fantastic low impact home was built by a family in Wales.  “It was built by myself and my father in law with help from passers by and visiting friends. 4 months after starting we were moved in and cosy. I estimate 1000-1500 man hours and 3000 pounds put in to this point. Not really so much in house buying terms (roughly 60 pounds/sq m excluding labour)...The house was built with maximum regard for the environment and by reciprocation gives us a unique opportunity to live close to nature. Being your own (have a go) architect is a lot of fun and allows you to create and enjoy something which is part of yourself and the land rather than, at worst, a mass produced box designed for maximum profit and convenience of the construction industry. Building from natural materials does away with producers profits and the cocktail of carcinogenic poisons that fill most modern buildings.” Their story is inspirational and full of happiness.  Everyone should try this. (Thanks to Max Kiesler for the tip)

Network: blogs

Charity is “a nonprofit organization stimulating greater global awareness about extreme poverty, educating the public, and provoking compassionate and intelligent giving.” Their first mission is focused on providing clean water through the construction of more than 158 wells in 6 African countries. Part of the program is to teach well maintenance and other facets so the new water source can continue at maximum capacity.  The public awareness campaign and direct action works at low-cost level. Buy a virtual bottle of water for $20. All of that donation goes to well projects in Africa. It can take anywhere from 200 to 500 bottles to build a well. It’s an easy way to get involved in solving one of our world’s main problems.

Network: blogs

In his post today, Colin Beavan, aka No Impact Man, describes his typical day living a zero impact lifestyle in New York City with his wife, Michelle, their 2 year old daughter, and their dog, Frankie.  That means no trash, no carbon emissions, no toxins in the water, no elevators, no subway, no products in packaging, no plastics, no air conditioning.  In spite of (or we like to think, because of) all the things they won’t/don’t do, their life is full and rich with experience. See A Day in Our Life.

Network: blogs