by Greg Gillette, Asheville, NC

Is it possible to live with only your feet, a bike, and some public transportation, in a small city? Yes, it is quite possible, as I have been engaged in a car-free life for almost 3 months. Why? I wanted to be the change I want to see in the world. I had debated this idea for several years and I realized that I had already been getting by without driving, except when the weather was cold and rainy. The only way I was going to experience the real car-free life was to sell my car. One morning I woke up and posted my Subaru on Craig’s List. By the next day, I was car-free and it felt damn good.

I bought a practical and cool commuter bike with fenders, lights, and waterproof panniers. I continue to bike downtown to go dancing; I bike to work, to friends’ houses, and to the local co-op for groceries. It helps that I work part-time out of my house and part-time in town. When it’s wet, I just put on my rain gear and go. To me, it is a feeling of true freedom knowing that I am living simpler, moving my body towards better health everyday - and helping the Earth. I figure I can rent a car when necessary and I’m looking forward to car-share options becoming available, as they are in some larger cities. No Impact Man talks car-share here.

Yes, there is some sacrifice involved and I have no idea if I will live the rest of my life without 4 wheels of some kind, but for the present, it feels wonderful to be car-free. It feels right. It is allowing me to get a bigger perceptive on life by moving a bit slower, as though I am not so entangled in the huge wheel of modern society. Although not everyone can live without a car, everyone can put a little more effort into driving those cars less and taking advantage of the occasions when they can walk, bike, carpool and use public transportation.

by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC
I do want everyone to buy eco-gifts during this season, and to buy recycled and biodegradable whenever possible and yes, there are companies large and small helping us create healthier goods and it all becomes a way of change that can save us and the planet…

But, even green-minded, biodegradable, post-consumer recycled stuff is still - more stuff. The real question is how much of the stuff do we really need (or even really want) and when will we get to the truth of the matter? Too many people, buying too much stuff wastes dwindling resources and perpetuates a throw-away culture! Remember my post about my online order from Real Goods? Well, I’ve received all of my “good for the planet” stuff - in 7 different boxes! After the third one arrived, I called to point out that this didn’t make much sense to me when the cover of their catalog reads “Reduce Your Carbon Footprint.”

What happens in the days following the gift-giving (ie: “shopping”). MORE SHOPPING! We scoop up all the things on sale and then some. We used up a bunch of fuel driving or flying to see relatives and now we get back in the car and drive, in a frenzy, to the mall for another fix. Because what happens when you get stuff? You want more stuff.

What can we gain when we get off the buy-and-die treadmill? A lot. Things like authenticity, healthier minds and bodies, time, and a long-forgotten thing called, meaning. This visionary photographer explains Post-Consumerism this way:

“Post-Consumerism is the idea that something can have value without having a price tag attached to it. Post-Consumerism revels in the power of the individual: in the belief that a person is not what they buy, own or consume. Post-Consumerism is a re-awakening of humanism; a fatigue of being pushed to the point of purchasing strictly for vanity. Post-Consumerism says that one cannot purchase identity, individuality or self and speaks to those who really should know better.”

– Chip Morton, Adbusters No. 75 January/February

To Read More, go to post-consumerism.com

By Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

I’ve never thought of myself as thrifty. Even when I’ve had to adhere to a meager budget, I have maintained an aversion to cutting coupons or “one day only” sales. In all cases, I prefer to do without (or pay more at a small store) than to face the perils - and “steriles” of a mall. Usually, whatever I thought I wanted is quickly forgotten. I’ve had more than my share of “stuff” anyway and it started to hit me that the more I had, the more uncomfortable I felt. (Read No Impact Man post for more on this.)

I started to turn things around several years ago. I have come to acknowledge “less is more” and value things that have a little “history”, but some of the old-time quality as well, so I shop at thrift and vintage stores because it’s fun and interesting, not because it’s cheap. Granted, “cheap” helps when it comes time for another specific purchase, when I can use those saved dollars to choose a higher value on something else - like organic, Fair Trade and/or local goods.

Although we are, as a whole, addicted consumers, we are being pushed towards a more reasonable place. “Thrifty” is morphing into a way of life that is not only helping the planet, but is packed with meaning and simplicity. Recently, a[nother] news reporter showed up at our place and talked to Jerry and others, asking questions about our spendthrift ways and explore our co-housing community. His article is a thorough and especially interesting look at our culture and spending. You’ll find it in the RALEIGH NEWS & OBSERVER below:

What Happened To Thrift?
Prosperity and technology have fed decades of consumerism. But some are second-guessing our thowaway culture.
By J. Peder Zane

Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

Speaking of holiday gifts, handmade/homemade says so much more than, “I went to the mall and bought this for you.” Knitting is the newest of yogic-type activities and is spreading into all social and age groups as a way to slow down, develop a skill and make something. Of course, knitting yarns of old have all the same problems as other modern textiles - cottons and wools and polyesters are full of pesticides and further toxifying in the dying process. I have a distinct and disturbing memory of the rancid smell of the skeins of yarn from my childhood - now I know what it was.

Knitters, don’t despair. It’s now easy to find a wide variety of eco-yarns, many of them also Fair Trade certified. What is an organic yarn? Cotton varieties must meet established USDA standards, grown without pesticides or toxic fertilizers. Wool yarn must not only be processed without toxic chemicals, but come from sheep fed and raised under organic standards as well.

With any problem, comes many more solutions. Eco-Yarns are now being made from many sustainable sources, including hemp, recycled silk, bamboo and Banana Palm fibre. The natural dyes cast beautiful, earthy colors and I was surprised to find so many styles and colors available at this online store, Alleco.com.

Here are other features and benefits:

Vegan friendly & low impact - No animal cruelty or wasted resources

Exceptional lustre & drape - Hangs and hugs the body beautifully

Natural fibre cottage industry yarn - Comfortable and individual (not mass-produced)

Fibre Reactive Dyed - Minimal water used for maximum colourfastness

Hand dyed skeins - No two skeins will be exactly the same

Of course, any eco-conscious knitmaster will want the right needles. Laughing Hens.com gives you sustainably sourced and unique selections.

There’s not much more meaningful in a gift than something you’ve made by hand with both the planet and your loved one in mind. Enjoy.

by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

It’s December and, as you already know, I’m a die-hard lover of anything to do with sleigh rides, silver bells and snowmen. Although I no longer celebrate the Christmas season in a religious way, the magic of the season is not lost on me. In fact, since leaving behind many of the mainstream traditions - such as hours of mall shopping and too many parties - I look forward to this month of goodwill more than ever.

As I create and recreate my “alternative” traditions each year, it’s been more than joyful. Each year, I look forward to coming up with new and natural ways to decorate, give/wrap and spend quality time with the people in my life. My greening of the holidays did not go over so well at the family dinner table at first, but things are improving.

When it comes to holidays and gift and card giving, I don’t find anything merry about the extravagant waste involved in most of what is now more habit than heartfelt. And judging by yesterday’s NY Times article, “Jolly and Green, With An Agenda”, I’m not the only person stuffing CFLs in stockings. Right here, on the front page of the Sunday Styles section, more than one person speaks out, who wants to give gifts, but “also wanted to communicate my own deeply-felt environmental conviction.” What? I’m allowed to do that?

It might initially be easier said than done, but I”ll bet you didn’t let that stop you from approaching touchy subjects with parents or siblings in earlier years. Including fact-filled information can go a long way and, if you don’t know how to start a dialogue, you can go to Sierra Club’s Web Site and look at a kind of working “script”.

Worry more about the wrath of Grandpa than the kids. Kids are like sponges - they soak up anything new given with love and meaning. And when it comes to saving the planet, they get it and can roll with changes if done in steps and communication. After all, the memories I most cherish from childhood are more about building snowmen, making popcorn over a roaring fire, caroling in the neighborhood, decorating sugar cookies and listening to holiday music than collecting my haul. I remember some truly usuable gifts - like the long-awaited snow skis, but overall, I remember laughter and fun. Note to parents: There’s a fine line between what they want and what they need. Let Santa be the fall guy.

If all else fails, practice rather than preach. You may light up something more than an efficient bulb.

Have you re-discovered coconut oil yet? If not, you’re missing out on something really healthy and tasty! Yep, coconut oil is mostly saturated fat, but get caught up on your health facts before you put it on the black list. Studies done on fats in the 1950’s did not distinguish between different types of fats, processed fats and/or hydrogenated fats. Certain fats are essential to good health and can even prevent disease. The truth is, we need a healthy source of saturated fat in our diet to experience optimal health.

Extra virgin coconut oil is a healthy saturated fat that can prevent digestive disorders, improve cholesterol ratios and support the immune system. It contains caprylic and lauric acids, both anti-microbials that can help prevent bacterial, viral and fungal infections. It is made up of 55% MCTs (Medium Chain Triglycerides) - an optimal source of energy. The regular consumption of coconut oil can help balance the thyroid gland, raise metabolism and reduce the symptoms of hypoglycemia and menopause.

All this and taste, too! If you’ve ever had fresh coconut (I’m talking about right out of the shell), you’ll know what I mean because a spoonful of the oil tastes much like it. Try mixing it with a bit of raw honey for a real treat. I eat this combo every morning. Traditionalists who prefer cooking with their oils will be happy to know that coconut oil is one of the few oils that withstands high heat without oxidation damage and is perfect for cooking vegetables or adding to whole grains.

Your local health food markets and co-ops will carry good extra virgin, organic coconut oil. I eat so much of it that I buy mine in 1/2 or 1 gallon jars from a family-owned distributor in Minnesota called, Wilderness Family Naturals. They are easy to reach by phone and will gladly and thoroughly answer all your questions.

Here’s a snack recipe from my sister - I’ll call ‘em Coco-Nut bars:

Melt 1/2 coconut oil and 1/2 cup rice syrup in a pan. Remove from heat and add 1 cup Granola or cereal, 1 cup raw nuts and/or seeds and one cup whole, raw oats. Add raisins or chocolate chips if desired. Press into pan, let it reset and eat.

Remember you will increase the health value of this treat if your ingredients are organic. Enjoy!

by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

Don’t let stuff consume-r your holidays. Kill the monster and rebirth rituals around family, friends and nature instead. Create your own traditions that come from your heart, not your wallet. After all, once you’ve consumer-ed the pie and the stuff you don’t really need, you go back to the “vicious cycle”, described by a Geez reader (Fall issue seven, 2007) like this:

“consume, feel guilty, feel desire, consume”

Try it. Buy Nothing today. Then try buying nothing one day/week. Then try buying sustainably, locally and sparingly. Consume-rs created the madness, consume-rs can stop it.

Happy Buy Nothing Day.

By Tao

When it comes to our efforts towards and equitable, sustainable and green world, I’m more convinced than ever that we are not doing enough. Despite many well-intentioned endeavors, businesses, governments and individuals are stuck in wasteful ways that are desecrating our bodies and the planet and causing worldwide suffering to all living things. Doing more - much more - is systematically available, can change the course of history and bring meaning and integrity back into our consumer-driven lives.

What’s in our way? The misbegotten belief that the changes required in our lives can (or should be) easy, cheap and above all, convenient. This myth is perpetuated by a combination of economics, fear and laziness, causing us to miss an important opportunity. Doing the big stuff requires big change - call it sacrifice if you want to - and we’re more than capable of tapping in to our evolutionary potential as humans.

We’re ready for the truth. Read more at today’s The Washing Post. Here’s an excerpt from Going Green? Easy Doesn’t Do It by Michael Maniates, professor of environmental and political sciences:

“To stop at “easy” is to say that the best we can do is accept an uninspired politics of guilt around a parade of uncoordinated individual action. What of the power and exhilaration that comes from working with others toward bold possibilities for the future? What of present sacrifice for future gain? “

By Michael Maniates