“Consumption has become a habit, a hobby and a sport” (Evy McDonald, Spending Money as if Life Really Mattered). True. I recycle but don’t buy items with the “chasing arrows”/recycled content label. I should prepare more of my own meals (cheaper, healthier, less wasteful). Then there are all those gadgets in my kitchen—which do I actually use and which really make life easier? I can go through my home and give away stuff that’s no longer useful or that I’m keeping out of compulsion or the status I think it gives me. I can use the library rather than accumulating books. And visit museums, art exhibits, etc. instead of buying more dust-collectors. I’ve decided: I will concentrate each day on not wasting a single thing. Although I may not succeed totally, I will likely acquire a positive habit and manage to take better care of both the Earth and me.
Tag Archive for hobby
What a Waste!
“Consumption has become a habit, a hobby and a sport” (Evy McDonald, Spending Money as if Life Really Mattered). True. I recycle but don’t always buy items with the “chasing arrows”/recycled content label. I should prepare more of my own meals (cheaper, healthier, less wasteful). Then there’s all those gadgets in my kitchen—what do I actually use and which really make life easier? I can go through my home and give away stuff that’s no longer useful or that I’m keeping out of compulsion or the status I think they give me. I can use the library rather than accumulating books. And visit museums, art exhibits, etc. instead of buying more dust-collectors. As an experiment, I plan to set aside a time in which I try not to waste a single thing all day. That will help care for both me AND the Earth.
Expand Your Hobby this Season
We’re getting into the season of love, when we feel the urge to give and share and make the lives of others brighter. We buy gifts for loved ones and give money to charities. We may even break our long-standing rule and give a buck to the homeless person standing outside the grocery store.
But we can also personalize and humanize our help. Someone who knits or sews for relaxation can make items for a specific charity (new, handmade items are a treat). When you cook your specialty, double up and take the extra to someone who is sick or living alone. Bake your favorite cookies, muffins, or scones to take to a shelter. Go to the movies often? Brighten the life of someone on limited income by treating him sometime, explaining that you’ll enjoy it more in his company. Like gardening? Help an elderly or disabled person plant a small, manageable garden at her home, then stop by often to admire its progress. If you unwind by doing auto repairs, volunteer to help get that laid-off neighbor’s car into running order.
The key is this: figure out what you do as a hobby, then share. You’ll find it more enjoyable—and more fulfilling—than ever before.