ACTION REQUEST: Please Join Me in These Small Acts of Everyday Rebellion!

[Dem Agog]

In the aftermath of Katrina, I've taken some small steps that are not necessarily significant to help the people of Katrina (I have done those steps too though) but were inspired by the gas shortages and by seeing what a rogue, racist banana republic we have in the White House.

I have turned into a true "tree hugging hippie freak" as best as I can. (Note: that's a term of admiration coming from me...) I have decided that the best way I can screw this administration for the rest of my life is to consume less, conserve more, and take all the personal responsibility I can to preserve the environment.

Here are the steps my household is taking. Please join us, if you're not doing these things already. Many of you are, I am sure, but it took this wollop upside the head to truly start working on major conservation and self-sufficiency.

1. Make Old Things New Again: We're going through our entire house, top to bottom, cleaning it and making piles to donate to charity. We're also finding many things (toiletries in boxes from moves, etc.) that we are now using up instead of buying these things for awhile.

2. Cut Coupons, Shop for Specials: As DINKS (dual-income no kids) we have plenty of disposable income. I'm not used to using coupons. I never have. But now I'm trying to make it a way of life for us. We scour for coupons now.

3. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle: I never thought about these three words too much until recently. I'm now taking them all to heart.

Reduce and Reuse: We're reducing our litter buy buying in bulk and portioning things into baggies or Tupperware... that we reuse. I have canvas bags that I'm bringing to the grocery store now. Now more plastic or paper. I am saving packing pillows from mail ordered items, for when I want to ship something. I'm saving all the boxes from things I get. They're great organizers, and it keeps me from spending money on a plastic tub or wire box, I just reuse a cardboard box I already have.

Recycling. We were halfhearted about this, but now we're changing. Everything I see gets recycled if possible. Cans, bottles - both plastic and glass. I educated myself on recycling and found that shredded paper can't be recycled, so next to my shredder I have a paper bin for all the non-sensitive documents, rather than just shredding everything willy nilly. Every day when I get the mail I separate out the junk mail into our paper recycling bin. I do the same with cardboard.

4. Carpooling: Hubby & I tried an experiment this past week. We carpooled into work! In the end, the mileage was shorter for us than it was for my usual route to work! I drop him off in the AM in the heart of the city and then head up through the city to my office. (I used to add about 12 miles extra a day on my car by going around the city to avoid traffic, but it's only bad in the afternoons and he takes the wheel when we drive home!

We've discovered a rhythm to this and it's working for us. We never imagined it would, but Katrina and the gas shortage inspired us to try. Now we use less than half our standard mileage. And we have both gotten our employers to let us work from home one day a week, so we only drive 4 days out of the week.

5. Buy a Gas Efficient Hybrid: You might be on a long list for one though. The day after Katrina we called Toyota and were put on a waiting list for a Prius. We're not the first people on the waiting list. My husband is selling his sports car for this! My ex-apolotical husband. Then, when we carpool, we're increasing our efficiency even more!

6. Put your Carpool on Steroids: Hubby works midtown and I work uptown about 7 miles away from him, and I'm thinking of asking our nearby neighbors if any of them wants to carpool with us in our Prius. My goal is to get four people driving in one Prius to work. I figure if I drop them all off in midtown where most of our city's work is, that's fine. But if I find a neighbor who works uptown where I do, that's even better too. This is longer term.

WE NEED MORE IDEAS! So these are our immediate, mid and long range plans for putting the screws to this Administration and big business and big oil. What else can we do? Please add your suggestions and if you're not doing some of these things, please, PLEASE consider picking one or two and just doing it. It's small, it's subtle, but if enough people show their dissatisfaction at the ruling governments and corporations in the world in this manner, it just might make a difference!

[MelissaB]

1. Starve the beast!

:kick:

[Dem Agog]

2. Three PERFECT Words!

Those are the three words I was looking for, but couldn't find. Thanks Melissa! And thanks for the :kick:

[latebloomer]

3. Good ideas, thanks!

The caffeine hasn't kicked in yet, so I can't add anything, but I just wanted to :kick: this!

[terip64]

4. My motto since November: Don't spend more, buy less!

[unhappycamper]

5. Pre-paid envelopes in the endless card offers:

I cut up old magazines and mail orders catalogs to fill the pre-paid envelopes. You can cut down on local trash, and make money for the post office. When I think I have a winning envelope, I ask my friend at the post office to tell me how much this will cost the addressee.

My best effort to date is a legal-sized envelope that cost MBNA $2.67.

[Dem Agog]

6. ROFLOL!

Okay this one has won my heart over. So let me get this straight, you get junk mail with a pre-paid envelope in it. You stuff it to the gills with as much paper junk mail that you can, and you mail it back?

PRICELESS!

[Alamom]

8. That is good ! n/t

[unhappycamper]

12. I use magazines & mail order catalogs because the paper is denser.

Denser paper = more weight = more $$$ to deliver. I tried stuffing these envelopes with junk mail, but it just doesn't weigh as much.

[peacebuzzard]

27. I really like this one.

[AuntieM1957]

53. Great IDEA - the GOP has so much $$$ here in Texas

that they've started sending me mailings.

I nearly fell over in the street laughing when I opened a letter from Bill Frist thanking me for my dedication to conservative causes, and soliciting my input on a survey of what's important to conservative voters.

Next, a letter asking for $$$ from GWB himself.

How in the hell I got on their list, I have no idea.

My best idea to date was to toy with their surveys - but they've restricted the answers so that it's impossible to give any valuable input.

But, wasting some more of their $$$ - a great idea!

Thanks!

[unhappycamper]

40. Some additional thoughts on those pre-paid envelopes.

DO NOT use sand, metal washers, lead plates or anything that will damage the postal sorting machines. The PO will get really POed at you.

If you wish to spread additional cheer, consider adding some of those little mylar hearts or stars that get all over everything. :evilgrin:

[high density]

65. Or you could write to the credit reporting agencies...

and tell them that you don't want your information pulled for promotional and marketing purposes. This is what I did and it has cut the unsolicited credit card offers that I receive to virtually zero. I think it lessens the chance of identity theft as well, since I don't have all of these unwanted offers with my personal information on them flowing through various marketing firms and the postal system.

http://www.ftc.gov/privacy/protect.htm#Credit
https://www.optoutprescreen.com/

[Hello_Kitty]

90. The optoutprescreen one wants your SSN

I don't know about that :scared:

[NWHarkness]

7. Buy Local

As much as possible, patronize local independent businesses instead of national chains, even if you pay a little bit more. Go to your local indy bookstore instead of barnes and Noble, for example.

And whenever you can, buy locally made products, and especially, locally grown produce. See if there is a farmer's market or food co-op in your town.

[Dem Agog]

36. At my office

Every thursday at my office we have a farmer's market come in with local produce. I definitely stock up there. It tastes better, is cheaper, and supports the local growers.

[flygal]

72. And usually organic

Sock it to the corps who want chemicals and hormones in our kids.

[Hugin]

75. Great point!

This really helps.

[Longhorn]

9. I'm riding my bike to work and it's 17 miles!

And I'm a 50-year-old woman who has never been particularly athletic. I drive in with bike one day, ride home, ride back, and drive home, then repeat. (I don't work on Fridays.) Eventually, I'd like to do ride both ways.

Since I live in a hilly area and it would take me forever, I bought an electric bike. I pedal all the time but the motor helps on the hills. I do this for exercise, too, but it's nice to know I've cut my driving miles in half. :)

[Dem Agog]

10. Way to go!

Thumbs up! (I know there's a smiley icon for that I just can't remember what it is...)

I didn't know there were "electric" bikes. Do you have a link to one?

I used to cycle a few times in the middle of summer into work when I worked 15 miles away (via the bike trail). I was living in Northern Virginia at the time (AMAZING bike trails there) and it wasn't too hilly. That's a great exercise. Love it!

Please post a link to this kind of bike... if possible.

[Longhorn]

30. Here are some pics of my bike:

It's called a Lashout -- 600 watt motor and 24 volt sealed lead acid battery. I got it at Alien Scooters in Austin but they're available online at many locations. It cost about $700 (not including the accessories that I've added, such as fenders, rack, trunk bag, handlebar extensions, horn, mirrors, flag, etc.)

There are much more expensive electric bikes and also kits that you can attach to a bike you already own. Wesley Clark has a connection to the TidalForce bike, which is supposed to be pretty cool, but they start at around $2500. I wanted a bike that would require me to pedal so I wouldn't end up just sitting there ;) and since my commute is so long, I do have to pedal to make it on one charge. My bike is rated for a range of 20 miles at 20 mph on level ground with a 150-lb rider with "nominal pedaling." I weigh closer to 200 and level ground doesn't exist here in the Texas Hill Country. But I still make the 17 miles on one charge with battery left. The only problem I've had is that the motor will occasionally cut out due to the heat, but I just have to turn it off and on and it works again. Now that it's getting a little cooler, that shouldn't be an issue for awhile.

Feel free to PM me for more information. I have a bunch of links I can send anyone who's interested. :hi:

[timtom]

18. How long does it take?

I've been thinking strongly about getting a bike, as well. Not sure of the distance to work, but it's probably closer than 17 miles.

[Longhorn]

31. Because of the hills, even with the electric bike,

it takes me about an hour and 20 minutes. However, that will get shorter as I get stronger. I started off doing a "partial commute." I parked at a church about six miles from work and rode both ways. When I started, it took me about 50 minutes and I had it down to about 30 in just a couple of months.

I've only done the full 17 miles five times so far and I've already shaved about 20 minutes off. And as I said before, I'm not in any way what you'd call athletic. :)

[BiggJawn]

23. Agog, meet our DU "Success Story"...

Longhorn started riding only this summer. I'm in awe of her, because while I can ride 30 miles w/o a second thought, I have yet to figure out how to commute effectively (I sweat a lot, and Management don't Do sweat.)

But I do ride my bike everywhere in my small town. I have an old Cannondale "Bugger" trailer that I tow and I carry stuff to the recycling trailer, tools, groceries, stuff from the hardware store, Pizza, etc. in it.

And my bikes are recycled, too. Garage Sale and thrift store and dumpster-dive refugees all.

[Longhorn]

32. Hi, BiggJawn!

I wish I could do more on my bike as you do. I could consolidate some light shopping with my commute, since there are stores near my campus, but anything I need to do from home is at least 17 miles away due to the convoluted route I have to take, since the monster highway that connects our neighborhood is just too dangerous to ride.

This is a good place to plug the DU Bicycling Group. My success is due to the information and support I got from BiggJawn and others in the group. Thanks again, Friend! :hi:

[Dem Agog]

11. I have to head out for awhile but please keep the ideas coming...

And keep it :kick: if possible. I'd like to get more ideas and get more people deciding to conserve and "starve the beast" as it was so eloquently put.

[tedoll78]

13. My plan:

spend nothing, kill credit cards.

The GOP hates it when we do that.

[jokerman93]

15. So are you saying

Boycott the credit card giants? Starve them out and take away their leverage over many of us. Great!

[Dem Agog]

33. I use my credit cards but...

I pay off the balance every single month like clockwork. They never get a penny of interest off me. And I don't pay fees.

[Radio_Lady]

46. Dem Agog, you took the words right out of our mouths --

My husband pays everything a few days before it is due (which can be 30, 60, or in some cases, more days). He has it all mapped out on-line on our banking site.

We use credit cards very judiciously, just for what we need while building points for the air travel that we love (we're retired).

We've been doing this for decades! (Once, we accidentally got charged .75 cents for interest and he called the customer service number and got it reversed.) We also have a terrific credit rating.

Most of my clothes come from pre-owned (consignment) stores and thrift stores. I haunt garage sales to buy things for ourselves, our children and grandchildren and what I can't use at home, I donate to a small charity in the next town or to Goodwill Industries.

In the next few years, as I near age 70, we may sell the second car (it's really not necessary). I fondly remember biking to both junior high and high school, as well as biking all over Manhattan Island when I worked there in the 1960s (used to get a lot of whistles from the Con Edison guys... oh, well!).

Good work and good luck!

[Humor_In_Cuneiform]

70. I know I can't be sure to always be right on time with credit cards,

those wonderful folks who authored that wonderful Bankruptcy bill :sarcasm: , and who entice us constantly with low intro rates that skyrocket the minute you are late one day with a payment.

Who then also add "late fees" of twenty or thirty bucks a month, sending the actual interest rate so high that Jesus would have thrown them out of the whatever he threw the userers out of or some such.

Speaking of starving the beast, my goal is to become as close to credit cardless as possible for the rest of my life.

I'm pretty close right now, although one has to have some if almost in name only, in order to get by in this world.

I also continue to concentrate my spending as much as possible with companies rated high at Buy Blue. Costco, CVS, KMart. And when I can't do better I go for the ones with least bad rating of those I can get to that day.

Spending power.

If enough of us do this long enough, it will be felt.


:applause:

[Delphinus]

49. I'm following this pretty much.

There are some things I needed: a new computer being one. But, I look, and then look again, before purchasing anything.

[goclark]

92. I' now have two credit cards but I do not use them

I am paying off as fast as I can.

My motto is, "I will not use my credit card, I will not use my credit card."

If it can't come out of my debit card, I don't buy it.

This is from a girl that was "the credit card queen."

VISA called me the other day to tell me about this new kind of credit card that I can charge more on.

I blasted VISA and told her never to call my house again.
Said, VISA is a rip off -they are criminals and the interest rates are too high!

[atommom]

14. We have a new Prius, and are considering getting a second one

and ditching the minivan. We need the space in the minivan, but not every day ... and once you experience 50 mpg, it's hard to rationalise driving something that only gets 20.

[AuntieM1957]

54. Tell me about the Prius -

do you get that great mileage if you drive mainly highways?

I read somewhere it's only that low if you drive in-town stop and go?

Can you shed some light?

[Joebert]

58. Most hybrids get better mileage in town.

My Escape Hybrid does 33+ in town, 28+ on the highway. Yeah, 50 would rock, but the Prius is so low to the ground, snow looks like it would suck. We'll find out this winter. My dad bought a Prius, I have the Escape. We'll see who does better. :-P

MPG goes way up when I'm in stop and go, since the stop part of the equation charges the batteries.

I've changed my route to work from the fastest, most open roads, to smaller, slower ones. I use less gas, run electric for a lot longer. It's great!

[atommom]

89. It is a perfect commuter car, but the Prius is also great for the

highway. We average about 45 mpg highway, and about 48 overall (city + highway miles). It was designed with high mpg in mind, and we both love it. Can't say yet how it will handle in the snow. We'll see...

[tnlefty]

16. Reduce/Recycle: Compost. We compost many of the items that

most of the people we know either send down a garbage disposal or throw into the garbage. This also cuts out the need for commercial fertilizer in flower beds, etc.

[Skidmore]

80. Recycle Recycle Recycle

We do tons of it for ourselves and others. My husband's hobby is electronics and people in this area have a penchant for putting lots of TVs, VCRs, DVDs, stereo components, DVDs, vacuum cleaners, lamps, endless list of stuff curbside when they buy a newer model or change their decor. My husband picks these items up and services them. Some he takes to a consignment store to sell to cover the costs of his "hobby", others he donates to Goodwill or the SA (we can claim a tax credit), some he passes on to friends or relatives. All items get a new life and don't end up in the landfill quite as fast. Sometimes he'll bring home tables, chairs, or computer stuff. He recently scored a Canon copier (which we'll keep). Small shelves and decorative items are cleaned up and restored by me and these get donated as well.

We compost. We grow our own veggies and some fruit. These are put away for the winter. This year I couldn't seem to get Bell peppers started, so I bought a bunch at the farmers' market, cleaned, and chopped them and froze them in gallon bags. I did the same thing with all the tomatoes we couldn't consume. Did this with zucchini, green beans, peas, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries. We'll use them in soups and stews in the winter. I grow my own herbs and dried a huge amount of dill, oregono, parsley, and garlic chives. This not only saves huge amounts of money, but I know that these are chemical free. If you live in town use containers to grow veggies or herbs in. If you have flower beds, read up on companion planting and you'd be surprised how attractive some of these herbs and veggie plants can be in a border.

[ima_sinnic]

17. send those useless AOL CDs to NoMoreAOLCDs to be returned:

they are about 1/3 of their way to their goal, intending to "transport the 1,000,000 CDs in an armada of trucks or something and give them back to their rightful owners, AOL. We'll ask them to stop sending these unrequested, unwanted, and destined for landfill CDs."

http://www.nomoreaolcds.com/

entertaining web site as well.

or make a lamp from 48 of the suckers with a 4W fluorescent tube:



instructions: http://neil.fraser.name/hardware/lamp/

collection of links to more ideas for uses for old CDs:
http://dmoz.org/Computers/Internet/Access_Providers/AOL/Disks/

[blondeatlast]

24. LOVE it! Thanks! nt

[TahitiNut]

19. A NEW car, even a hybrid, consumes energy in production and ...

... distribution. For many, that would more than offset the energy savings attributable to mileage for a long, long time. While reducing our use of those steel coffins is wise, taking advantage of public transit and bicycles where feasible, using our cars smarter helps, too. Use your existing car as efficiently as possible:
(1) Ensure that tire pressure is at the upper end of the recommended range. Rolling friction from under-inflated tires can have an enormous impact on mileage - sometimes as much as 3-4 mpg.
(2) Remove all nonessentials from the trunk. Don't transport things that can be stored in the garage or basement.
(3) "Go with the flow." Keep your speed at the mid-to-lower range of existing traffic. Let's not forget that our habits aren't only about our own mileage - we impact others. Be responsible.
(4) Beat the clock. If you can drive off-peak, do it - avoid rush hours. Is your employer anal? Consider having breakfast near where you work in order to beat the rush. Same in the evening. Everyone has options - think about it and sometimes the side-benefits are serendipitous.
(5) Plan your errands. Stay off-peak, homebodies. Plan your route and combine errands into as few trips as possible.

[iamahaingttta]

20. Yes... all that and SO much more!

The only revolution that will stop this madness is an economic revolution!

Sweetie and I are DINKs also, and since the 2004 election, we have spent virtually none of our money buying stuff from major corporations.

We've been buying lots of vintage clothes on eBay, and frankly we are dressing smarter and cheaper now than ever.

No fast food or franchise meals of any kind. We live in NYC, so we are lucky to have plenty of smaller and better restaurants to eat in.

We go to the small local convenience stores rather than the 7/11 types.

Cash for every possible purchase. The game is an interest game. Interest is pure profit into the pockets of the rich. Don't give it to 'em!

There are SO many ways to vote with your dollars. And be sure to spread the meme!

[blondeatlast]

21. Discuss current events (age-sensitive) with your children., schools

don't so this anymore, it seems.

My 8 year old son has come up with some remarkable questions about the science of hurricanes AND Katrina's aftermath. With the wonder that is Google, he also can do his reading without me cajoling him to do so.

It's simply amazing to see my kid want to explore this subject. I'm proud to see I'm raising a fourth generation yellow dog without any effort.

[blondeatlast]

22. Give the PRESS (not the media) it's due:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4724556

[GreenPartyVoter]

25. Excellent!

------------------------------------------------------
Ditch Bu$h and save the Gulf: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=106&topic_id=22507&mesg_id=22507

Then save the nation!
http://timeforachange.bluelemur.com/electionreform.htm

[Cats Against Frist]

26. SHOP LOCALLY & INDEPENDENTLY

If you do have to buy something, buy from a smaller store -- the money you're saving, through all of the other things can be used to buy quality goods from small retailers or companies.

In addition:

Check into community-supported agriculture, in your area and shop at farmers' markets.

Buy your Christmas gifts at a little, local festival.

Make that which you can, yourself.

DO NOT GO TO CHAIN STORES, whether to eat, or to shop.

Eat only organic food, OR, for people who don't have much money, eat only store-brand food -- ALDI, Trader Joe's, etc. What this does is kill the advertising budgets of "brand name" food producers. Don't pay to have your food advertised on television...

And, BTW -- biodiesel and solar power kick ass. I'm still saving enough to do it, myself, but, in the meantime, if there's any man from 30 - 45 on here, who has an off-the-grid, or partially off-the-grid operation, I WILL marry you. I'm a poet, and I'm low maintenance. ;) Otherwise, a commune that has this stuff can take me in, as well...

And, anyone who lives in southeastern Iowa, who wants to teach me how to make biodiesel, that would be appreciated.

[blondeatlast]

29. I refuse to go to chain restaurants. There are some wonderful

locally run restaurants in my area.

There is a bagel bakery 2 blocks from an Einstein Bagels and it has thrived on word of mouth.

[katahdin]

85. Backwoods Solar Electric Systems

Thought I would pass on this website since you seem to have similar interests and goals as I. They're in Idaho, so you may already be aware of them: www.backwoodssolar.com. They have a very informational catalog. Good luck!

[unless]

87. Only buy brand name food if it's on sale & you have a coupon.

You get it more cheaply and the mfr and store take a hit-sometimes we get things for free. We make a trip every 2 weeks or so to a big chain store and only buy items which we need/want (or can give to charity) which are on sale that we have coupons for.

We buy our produce down the street at the green grocers and our occasional items at an over-priced co-op in the neighborhood.

And we have a freezer, even though we live in a city apartment. It cost about $150 at Sears and boy has it been worth it.

[babylonsister]

28. Kick and nom! Proactive works for me! nt

[Dem Agog]

35. Thanks for the noms and ideas!

Only one more nomination to go until 5...

And I'm enjoying these ideas a LOT.

Composting, AOL CDs going back to them (also like the lamp, I have plenty of old CDs for that), buying locally ONLY, etc.

Great, GREAT stuff! Let's keep this positive, proactive energy coming!

[WolverineDG]

34. kicked & nom'd n/t

[Demoiselle]

37. Until you can get that hybrid car.....

Buy your gas at a Citgo station. (Venezuelan Gov't owns Citgo.) If I'm wrong on this please somebody post a correction.

[Dem Agog]

38. Good to know about Citgo...

All of our "Petro Express" stations here are Citgos. Their prices are always the best, so we always buy from them.

[Dem Agog]

39. Kicking for the afternoon crowd...

Still looking for people to commit to doing some of these things, and inspire us with more ideas. I don't often shamelessly kick my own stuff but here I go... sorry...

:kick:

[blondeatlast]

41. Make sure to vote in every local race; schools, bonds, municipal,

county, and state elections.

More and more of the onus (as we have seen) is falling onto local governments.

Educate yourselves and vote, even in the most minor school baord election.

[Cleita]

42. Find out if that Prius can run on bio-fuel and if you have

a gas station that carries it. This way you cut out that dependence on oil altogether. From what I heard it burns cleaner too so it's less polluting.

[Cleita]

44. Here's a link.

It took me awhile to get this because it was archived but people gave me a lot of good information on this type of fuel.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=4552453

[jokerman93]

43. kicked

:kick:

[misha227]

45. Don't just recycle, Freecycle...

If you have something sitting around the house that you're not using any longer, you can post it on a community forum to see if someone else has a use for it. I've given away old computer parts, lots of baby toys and furniture is always on there. Sometimes you have too many people posting "wish lists" but you can just ignore those. Not sure the link will work but here goes: http://www.freecycle.org/

[Pacifist Patriot]

52. I wish my area had a better one.

Out of 7 offers, I only had two people actually follow through with the arrangements we made for them to pick up the stuff.

[misha227]

56. Yes, that's very frustrating...

I've taken to setting a deadline (if not picked up by XX, goes to next in line). It's also a drag when you get 3 or 4 "wanted" posts for every "offer." Still, I'm glad if people can get some use out of things.

[fight4my3sons]

59. Love Freecycle!

I have given and have also received some great things on Freecycle. It's kind of like a thrift store though, you have to hit it at the right time and keep checking back.

[lapopessa]

63. Totally agree

I've been using freecycle to give away lots of different things that I don't need anymore. I just love the good karma of giving something a second life with someone else without demanding money for it.

Nancy

[Mich Otter]

68. Freecycle is a great way to keep stuff out of landfills.

We use it a lot.

[kineneb]

47. plant a garden if you have space

I can't afford to water a lawn, but I will pay for the water to have a vegetable garden. There is no farmers market near me, so I need to have a garden.
I have been looking into a motor scooter to commute to work. (I live in the country and there are no freeways on which to travel, so a 30 mph vehicle is quite fine.)If anyone has a suggestion, I am open to it.

[Stinky Bushes]

48. AMEN!

Stick it to the machine! Indeed we have become such a materialistic culture. We really don't need much to survive, and yet some people make it their goal to accumulate as much stuff as possible.

I have watched the DVD called "The Corporation." You should watch it too. Wow...

[wellstone dem]

50. My daughter and I are really working at combining trips

we have finally learned when we leave the house for anything to ask each other, is there anything we need.

I am walking to work on the days I don't need the car, or my daughter gives me a ride.

We are painting the garage ourselves and bought the equipment from a local store rather than home depot.

On our trip out to MT to look at colleges, we only ate out at non-franchise restaurants (and was it great), and we went to any independent bookstore we could find.

I've changed how I drive, slowed down.

And I talk politics with my daughter all the time, and she said today, "I hate these people who didn't take care of the people in New Orleans, I know I shouldn't hate, but I hate them." And she put our new "part-time president, full-time hurricane" hurricane on her car. (which adds weight, but I think it's worth it.)

[Pacifist Patriot]

51. This may seem silly, but..

I don't use a dryer to dry my clothing anymore. Why bother when the air will do it for free?

[SharonRB]

55. I never knew shredded paper can't be recycled.

I just bought a shredder a few weeks ago, but I only use it for sensitive stuff. I'd spend my life shredding if I did everything. Good to know, though, that when I'm ready to empty the shredder I can't throw that paper in with the rest to be recycled.

[Dem Agog]

62. I didn't either!

Apparenty shredders cut paper up so small that the fibers aren't good for recycled paper production. And they clog up the separators for recycling. So shred only sensitive stuff and nothing else!

I probably shredded a ream of paper before discovering that.

[blondeatlast]

81. Neither did I; am glad I know that now. Thanks. nt

[justiceischeap]

91. Yes but usually local animal shelters can use shredded paper

So check your local animal shelters and see if they can use it, that way you're recycling and doing something good for the critters.

[shihtzu5]

57. Recycle store bags

Small things: One canvas bag often won't do it for a grocery shopping trip. Ask for paper bags and keep using again and again.

Use the bags that you use for veggies at the store for future plastic bag needs.

Re-use plastic bags.

Try to time the signals in city driving. When stopped, accelerate slowly, saving gas.

[undergroundpanther]

60. SHARE

What you have with others.
Barter instead of BUY,

Give away your skills for free.And teach others HOw to..

Money is what regulates the system of haves and have nots. Remember people SHARING some of what they have with others around them who need freely and acting in SOLIDARITY with your fellow human beings,supporting one another as allies rather than looking to "authorities" and standing together,in the face of hardship reaching out instead of holing up and hiding and hoarding...


Kindness and compassion that led to Solidarity is was what got you in trouble with the cops trying to shoot the 'criminal "threats" in the earlier days of NOla Groups of non violent survivors sharing what food they had was a THREAT to national order(control by authoritarians)..The elitists in the Whitehouse want control more than ANYTHING, so they want us to feel afraid of one another and stay isolated and afraid of each other and not share what we got and help each other through this.The bullies in the whitehouse cannot threaten us with deprivation and helpless abandonment if we reach out,HELP EACH OTHER and give to each other,share what we got with everyone without demand for free.We have so much as a nation,if you think about it if we shared some of what we had,all of us,NOBODY would be without.

[hippywife]

61. We've also done away with

credit cards and have canvas bags to take to the grocery, etc.

We live in the country and work in town so we have started doing our grocery shopping on the way home from work on Friday nights instead of driving back in on Saturday.

We haven't shopped at Walmart in about 2 years, either. Only shop at local stores and farm markets. Even tho the prices are a little higher, we are actually spending less because we aren't tempted to buy stuff we can live without just because it's cheap.

[lapopessa]

64. Give up the car

Ok, so this is only for those who live in a city with good transit or can get around on their bikes well enough. I live in DC and not only is not having a car a great monetary savings (no gas, no parking, no repairs, no insurance), but it makes me feel great about my little bit of saving the universe.

Nancy

[tavalon]

66. I do all of my clothes shopping at thrift stores

I haven't seen the inside of a mall store in years.

[femrap]

67. Welcome to my world....

I love coupons. Why? What you save you can in turn give to a favorite charity! I am a 'sav-o-holic.' I believe it is something to be proud of...if you can't pay for it, don't buy it.

Stop shopping. It is that easy. Just buy food....and stay away from icky processed foods! They are full of chemicals and who knows what else. Sure it may take a little more time to fix a meal...but be creative w/ your food....pretend you are in Paris! Americans have horrible diets...eat GOOD foods...try to find a local farm that butchers and buy meats from them...those animals actually had a life hanging out in a field and running around or pecking the dirt. Or go vegetarian.

Make gifts instead of buying them....so what if they are crappy....your friends and family will like them cuz you spent time on them. If they don't like them, get new friends....with the family members, you will have to educate them.

Grow herbs.....maybe those little Chia herb thingies are cute after all.

Treasure the free things of life....a sunset, a walk in the park, an afternoon matinee.

Last, try to shop at Mom and Pop stores....at least try to stay away from the chains, OK?

[tsuki]

69. I have never admitted to this, but we recycle Xmas gifts. eom

[bribri16]

77. See my post. You can even expand on this. Pool your gift money to help

needy family memebers or neighbors.

[Humor_In_Cuneiform]

71. I saved the Loose Lips Pink Slips Fire Karl Rove

poster from MoveOn and printed out small copies, 4 to a page.

The other day I dropped one off into the bank's night depository, and left another in a busy parking lot.

[flvegan]

73. The food on your plate

is a good place to consider change, considering the environment, health and industry corruption.

You're off to a great start. I've also ramped up my efforts to leave a smaller footprint. I'm telecommuting to work more often, I've turned my a/c temp up...small things, but every single one makes a difference.

[Hugin]

74. I'm doing my best.

The only point on your list I'm having trouble with
is "Car Pooling".

I'm pretty much a one person show... So, I can't really
car pool and still accomplish my daily tasks. But, I have
eliminated side trips and I plan my route to use as little
fuel as I can.

I'm right up there on everything else.

Isn't it interesting the best way to strike is through
conservation. Nothing illustrates the hypocrisy of the
current powers better than the fact conservation is what
hurts them the worst.

[Dem Agog]

79. Prag - Carpooling is but just one...

I know what you mean about a one person show. I have a friend who is a salesman and must drive all day long. We're hoping that when we get our Prius we'll inspire him. He's a big Blue guy - staunch supporter of John Kerry still. He thinks Priuses are dinky and underpowered, but we're going to try to convince him otherwise.

And yes to your point about the best way of striking is through conservation.

I recall Gloria Steinem's book title "Outrageous Acts of Everyday Rebellion" which inspired my post title...

Conserve. Do what's right and those who are wrong will suffer.

Great thoughts, and thank you for posting. :)

[bribri16]

76. Been doing this for the past 4 years. Joined a DUer last Xmas in not

spending for anything new. We did as the DUer suggested and stuck to pooling the money we would have spent on Christmas gifts to help out the needy in our family (paid rent, car notes, bought food, helped with some college bills). It was the best Christmas for my entire family (about 80 people when you include the extended family of in-laws). I think we pooled about $13,600 dollars just for the holiday. We plan to do the same thing this Christmas and most of us have refused to buy new cars or clothing since Christmas. We are keeping our old car (93 Roadmaster with 168,000 miles and runs like a charm and actually gets better mileage than the SUV we sold last week). If we take a long trip like we plan on doing to pick up some Katrina families and transport them to relatives, we will RENT a new vehicle to do that. It works folks. It makes you feel really great and you have more cash to spare to help someone else.

[Dem Agog]

78. That's a wonderful idea!

After 3 years of marriage and with most of my family members being adults (only 2 young nieces now) we're all getting to the age where we're getting this way...

I'll talk to my husband about this. Thank you!

[ninkasi]

83. My car is a 91 Skylark

With fewer than 18,000 miles on it. It truly is "like new." We are retired, and try to avoid buying new things whenever possible. My daughter and I enjoy going to thrift shops, and taking things that others no longer wanted or needed, and giving them new life.

I have started working with polymer clay, because I can't do gardening anymore due to some problems with my spine, nerve damage, and chronic pain. I took a pretty bottle that had held brandy, I think, and covered it with grapes, leaves, and tendrils (all made from the clay), brushed on a wash of gold there and there, and gave it to my daughter to use as a table decoration.

She says she's gotten lots of compliments on it. Before I retired, my office building set up large, sturdy boxes lined with trash can liners on every floor, and inside the cafeteria. People put their empty soft drink cans in, and when they were full, we would take them to the cycling center, and keep the money for use at Thanksgiving and Christmas, when we would adopt needy families.

There are lots of ways to do things, many of them are fun, and all of them make you feel better, and a deeper sense of connection to our fellow men, and our planet.

[Hamlette]

82. buy local, buy used, buy ebay, buy blue

in that order. You can buy just about any book you want used at barnes and noble or amazon. You can also get deals on ebay, both used stuff and other things you use/need.

try generic products. Most of them are as good as "the high prices spread." For the ones that are not as good, check ebay for your "brand". I used a hair care product costs $10 a bottle. I keep trying cheaper stuff, nothing works. Found it on ebay for $3.60 a bottle (including shipping but no tax!). Warning, check shipping charges before you buy. Some ebay merchants make up for the cheap price by charing shipping charges which are outrageous.

I love Costco. It's pure blue. As is Barnes and Noble (if you can't get it locally or used).

Get a credit card that gives you frequent flyer miles (or something else you like). Us the card for everything you can EXCEPT small local merchants (the credit card fees charged to merchants can be the difference between making a profit or not). Then, pay off the balance the exact day due.

Pay credit card bills online. You can set it up so that it transfers the payment on the exact day due. No more guessing if the check will make it on time.

We've been doing "local only" christmases for years. No gifts unless they come from a locally owned business. It's more fun than you'd imagine. Sometimes you have to be creative and I have found some local merchants I didn't know existed. The added bonus is you tend to befriend the merchants who in turn might "shop" for you. I buy 20 gifts in the $10-15 range. I've had merchants say: "I saw these at market and thought of you since you're always looking for something great in this price range." (When I asked another merchant if she had anything in that range she said: "we don't carry stuff in that price range." I asked why and was told: "we offer free gift wrap and its too expensive for us on things in that price range." Their gift wrap was nothing spectacular. I've never been back to that store. Not because they don't carry stuff in the lower range but because they were such snobs about it!)

I used to own a small gift store. Tough business. Don't punish locals in your zeal to punish big business.

[Dem Agog]

84. Thanks for the Kicks & Recommendations!

I'm shamelessly

:kick:

kicking again...

I want people to sign up, to say they're on board with my original post and any of the other suggestions that followed.

Remember folks, STARVE THE BEAST!!!!!

That's about the best way I can put it.

WHO IS WITH US?????

[katahdin]

86. Limit Paper Products

I stopped purchasing paper towels and napkins over a year ago. I use cloth napkins and terry cloth towels rather than paper. I use primarily Borax for laundry (sometimes with Washing Soda and sometimes with a little Ivory soap).

Even though I'm on a limited income, I make it a practice to purchase at least one or two organically grown items whenever I shop for groceries. I feel like I'm helping my health and encouraging the market by doing this.

I use only vinegar and water with a squirt of dish soap (Ivory) for cleaning.

I advocate growing your own food even if only enough to supplement your diet. You can do this on a patio!

I don't pay for cable or satellite television. This began as my personal protest to the garbage media and programming. I've been without television for two years and I honest and truly do not miss it! If I could figure out how to manage without a phone or internet connection, I would do that too! (But I WOULD miss this internet -- it's my news source!)

Plant trees and shrubs! They clean the air and help offset the pollution we generate by driving.

[Blue_Tires]

88. ttt n/t

[Hello_Kitty]

93. If you are a fashion maven like me

Try consignment shops. I've snapped up some really cool threads for a pittance. It may not be new, but it's new to me! Also, I feel better that I'm not adding to more exploitation of people in sweatshops and all the waste that new clothing creates.