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May 2009 
What has been a recurring theme over the past few months?
Posted on Feb 12th, 2009
by 
Hillora
Hillora
This is in Response to the Questions and Reflections for February 12, 2009:
Hope, in the face of seeming disaster. With the worldwide economic effects of some very abusive and negative policies, affecting all of us to one degree or another, with the potential for catastrophe looming, I still find myself feeling very positive about what this crisis means for the future of humanity.
We have lived lives of overconsumption and overindulgence for far too long.While a relative few have simplified their lives and discovered that what really matters is not what you have, but who you are, now it seems that the rest of the population is ready to get on board. Thank goodness!
We have lived lives of overconsumption and overindulgence for far too long.While a relative few have simplified their lives and discovered that what really matters is not what you have, but who you are, now it seems that the rest of the population is ready to get on board. Thank goodness!
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Hi, Hillora - I find myself on a roller coaster between hope and irritation at what has led us to be where we are currently. I really appreciate hearing your hope - it helps shore up mine :-). In some ways I’ve lived simply - and in other ways - I am very slowly clearing out the remnants of way too much over consumption.
One of the hopeful signs I see is the number of people currently using reausable grocery bags instead of plastic or paper. I had fun in the local store recently when asked the “paper or plastic bag?” question replying “neither!” and whipping out my canvas bag [impish smile].
I wish there were more ways to have other reuseable containers for common items like grains and beans. One of the local co-ops does that - but it’s pretty rare. Beverages would be another one - stores around here that have filtered water machines allow people to bring in their own containers - but other beverages are still sold in individual one use packages. Maybe soon.
Since this is one of my favorite of your blogs - I’m posting a link to it in your second thread in Gaia Networking :-).
bright blessings -
Sylvia
great read… we can change our attitude and help change the economy,
I have been feeling that this is a great time to see how people in so-called poor countries or third-world countries live; how those who are poor through several generations, live in our own backyards.
With the emphasis on live, and how; and not on poor. It’s an opportunity to change our perceptions. And then, as a delightful coincidence, I heard of something on CNN that I then blogged about :Bangladesh microfinancing idea helps the poor of America
Gosh! The synchronicity between the threads of my life is amazing! In Sociology class today this very topic came up, and everyone was in agreement. I think that even those who are chronically addicted to obeying the dictates of the media machinery could see the point - that we don’t need to waste our resources on living up to the image of the Happy Consumer which they are feeding us. After all, the more stuff you own, the more that stuff owns you, and the less you have to give the world ( of money, time and energy!).
I have seen the type of people you describe in the middle class… keeping up with the Jones type of attitude… bourgeoisie
I believe in growing organically or eating that way. it costs about $500 a year to build a garden to feed a family of four by just gardening–not counting the other groceries, but saves a substantial amount. As far as the economy, those that go into full agreement with the news without continuing to promote their own skills are missing something. Promoting is fun and a way to meet a lot of new people.