The Zen of Going Green
Tips for Green Living, An Eco-Friendly Lifestyle Means Less Stuff
Oct 8, 2008
Do we need more stuff? The underlying principle of simple green luxury is not as much about acquiring more things along this journey to a brighter, greener, more organically luminous future. The bits and pieces even recycled, organic and carbon neutral are simply what decorates our path. "The Zen of Going Green" is a way of putting on a fresh pair of lenses when it comes to considering the world you live in and the way in which you inhabit your own space. It can be simple to go green at home in small but significant ways.
You do make a difference. Not in a self-esteem, self-help kind of way. The way you make a difference is in the small daily choices you make. The goods you surround yourself with, the stuff that you give up your hard earned cash and credit for. At each step, ask a simple question "Is this really worth the energy, money and time?" Sometimes the answer will be yes! Other times it may be more of a diversion from your life. The consequence of which can cast a dark shadow on your bank account as well as on the bank account of resources on mama earth.
Wants versus Needs:
So what is an EcoDiva to do about all this stuff? There is no single answer. But there is a real Zen to going green and to lessening the load so to speak. First, a trip to the closet and existing heaps of clothing can be overflowing with discoveries. Seek out what has lingered too long, and what has been forgotten. What has been hiding that has not seen daylight in years? This expedition into the dark reaches of the closet is an opportunity to bring the oomph of generosity into your life. Pass on that stunning but rarely worn cashmere sweater to someone who will adore it and wear it more than you do. This will go a long way to creating a Zen within and creating the breathing space in your life to invite fresh new ideas and a sense of peace.
Next, before taking a trip to the mall, take a true account of what you NEED versus what you WANT. This is a great way to reduce clutter. If you are going to buy that 'got to have it' piece for the season, invest in a classic cut and shade that will stand the test of time (read: longer than one season). Make sure you choose a high quality organic material such as cotton or silk. No polyester please. Not only will you enjoy the flattering quality of a well-made classic piece of clothing, but you will not be supporting the massive exploit of pesticides that flow into our land, water and eventually into our body all around the world. Each purchase is a chance to jump into a green way of life and feeling good about supporting eco friendly organic farming.
Reconnect With the Earth and Yourself:
Finally, take a trip into nature. There is a reason people flee to the country on their summer rendezvous. There is a reason why people who need to reconnect to themselves go to the beach to watch the waves, or walk into the forest to take nature hike. Reconnect to this brilliant green earth. Reconnect to yourself and what it is that you truly need in this life. Reconnecting to green, you'll discover that what you need is not found in a mall (most of the time), but within your own soul.
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