Hi, I am Jacqueline...first time visiting here. I read Leslie Garrett's piece on being a virtuous - conscientious - consumer. She spoke of some of the things she does from recycling to buying organic clothing. I have been environmentally caring/conscious/concerned since I was 15 years old, when the environmental issues in the world really started being talked about. I just wanted to say I enjoyed Leslie's article, and I wrote my own list of 20 things I currently do, many on a daily basis, to be environmentally responsible. I've had people ask me how they start, and I think one of the easiest ways is to start with recycling and work from there. There is not enough room here for me to submit my list, but I do a lot because I choose to, it's important to me, and I'm constantly looking for more ways to do my part for Mother Earth.

I look forward to reading more of the GAIAM newsletters and articles. Today I registered so that I can be a regular participant. I learned about GAIAM years ago because I shop at Whole Foods Market and some of the GAIAM products are sold there.

Everyone have a wonderful day!

Jacqueline

Hi Joe!

Thanks for the nice welcome! I look forward to reading/learning/sharing with other GAIAM enthusiasts!

I will happily send my list and will enjoy reading what other "like-minded" people do for the Environment.

Have a great day.

Jackie

Hi Jackie, one of the things we all need to do is stop supporting the media and realestate driven frenzy to live in big houses. Every house I see being built these days is HUGE and that means a waste of many valuable resources. I used to live in a 3 bedroom 2 car garage modest house in the city but now I live in a 400 sqft cabin I built for under $2000, I use solar for electricity, a solar composting toilet, solar water heater, and more. I don't feel cramped and I got rid of all the STUFF i thought was impoetant and got down to just what I need. Its a mind set that has to be changed or we will continue to use up our childrens inheritence. You can see my cabin on my website for ideas:

LaMar

http://www.freewebs.com/simplesolarhomesteading

Hi LeMar -

Thanks for your post and the photo of your cabin. I am happy for you that you have found a wonderful life in a smaller space. Many of us are having to downsize for different reasons, and hopefully, people will start to see they need a little bit less space and fewer material things to truly enjoy life. There are some conveniences we all require and some people are better at living completely off the grid and with very little of anything. It's great you have already found this in your own life.

Have a great day!

Jacqueline