Because I decided to commit myself to being more environmentally and socially responsible, I have had to change how I think about making choices. This happened very subtly, really......and I am just now realizing that how I live and shop are not the same as they used to be. They are more simple! :D Yay!
I can explain this new mindset very easily. It sounds odd at first, but when you get used to it, it makes total sense to think this way in order to live sustainably and responsibly. Basically, when I am making a purchasing decision, I ask myself what I would choose if I were living 200 years ago, and was a pioneer shopping for supplies on the frontier. LOL! I can even substitute online shopping for old-time catalog mail order shopping.
I don't actually imagine myself as a pioneer. What I do is limit my options to those items that would most likely have been available to me then. And then I decide what is the best quality for my money. Simple as that.
For example: Let's say I need a shirt. First, I go to the thrift store. Sometimes I find what I need, and sometimes not. If not, I try and shop at a local store instead of a chain store (not always easy- not many local clothing stores anymore). Next, I limit my choices to natural fabrics - cotton, wool, rayon, etc. Nothing synthetic - all synthetic fabric is made from petroleum, therefore not an option for me anymore!
From there, correct fit, quality and, of course, price factor into the final decision. I suppose the next step might be making my clothes, although I would rather buy good quality pre-owned than make new. Making things from scratch is not always the most sustainable way to do something, anyway. It really depends on the item and the situation.
As for food, I try and get what is local and organic. Again, not always possible depending on the season and availability. I do the best I can, plus this year's garden will give me canned food and lots of fresh stuff for a while.
For other items, I really do try and shop locally (to save gas and time) or order handmade and fair trade good online (the mail delivery person is coming here anyway- no extra trips- although I will buy local when I can). In person, I read labels and don't buy from companies that I know pollute the environment. I buy fair trade and recycled products whenever I can. I try and buy products made by small, local businesses or artisans.
I limit my driving and combine trips whenever possible. I settle for things that will work just fine rather than driving to Timbuktu for a special item or brand I don't really need. For example, this week I realized I needed a soap dish. There are no local handmade places where I can get one. Buying a plastic piece of crap at a chain store is not an option for me (pioneer, remember?) so I found a very affordable hand-thrown pottery soap dish on Etsy. Natural materials. Independent artist. Win-win.
So if I need a can opener......I think about what I might find in Ye Olde General Store. I am more likely to try and find an old-fashioned metal one at a second hand store than buy a fancy new plastic one at a chain store. So? That's my choice. Big deal. Does it make me better than anyone else? Nope.
Am I perfect? No way. But I make the effort. I do what I can. I know when to just grab a taco at the drive-through instead of making a 30-mile trip to the organic farmer's market. I'm realistic about things. And I'm a lot better off now than I was a few months ago. :)
Also: I've been cleaning the alpaca fleece (pic below). Such a pretty color! :)
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