Sunday, January 16, 2011

A New Year Challenge

I recently posted about The Story of Stuff Project.  It was a personal reflection on how I feel about all the "stuff" in our lives and the consumer driven society that we are.  The more I thought about it, the more I thought I could do something in my life and my families to reflect my beliefs.  I still feel it's a balance, and a delicate one, between enjoying life and our success and over indulgence or excess. 

The "Challenge"

Buy Less
Buy Local
Buy handmade

After talking about my concept to my husband he added to the challenge, buy efficiently.  Some times we think the farmers market or a local shop is the best option because we are supporting local efforts.  He brought up the fact that not all local options are bringing their product to market efficiently; ie they are contributing to excess, wasting energy, increased physical waste, etc.

So this year I embark on a new challenge...Finding local vendors, local produce/meat, handmade items, up-cycled or reclaimed items, and much more.  I look forward to sharing this new adventure with you and welcome ideas, local shops and advise from all of you.