20 years ago, I went Vegan; sold my car to travel by bike, bus and on foot; recycled, or used recycled everything, from clothing to furniture; gave away everything I owned that i truly didn’t need; began purchasing anything I did need locally; made conscientious use of electric and water; got rid of my credit cards and went to cash only (though I do have a bank); even started working from my home to cut out commutes.
I did it for my kids, though they weren’t happy about the car’s sale; although, mostly for myself. As a single income parent of three, economics were a huge issue. And no matter how much money I did, or didn’t have, it was clear no amount would buy my kids an Earth worth living on. So I asked myself, “As an individual, given my options, what one thing could I do that was the greatest impact toward removing my imprint?”
My kids weren’t happy about the car going, at first They have since thanked me and all ride bikes, bus, or hoof it. One son started an electronic recycling biz. The other builds from recycled goods, and just takes joy in redistributing second hand items amongst the needy (mostly single moms).
The boys never got much into being vegan, though they have since modified their diets to conform with their health. My daughter was actually my vegan inspiration. Since my adult life I’d been vegetarian. Going vegan was probably the best thing I did for myself. I’m a 53yo, exercise challenged, chocolate lover, with extraordinary strength and health.
I do like having a bank, though going debt free, to include my cash only policy, has saved me so much money!!!!! It’s allowed me to be more present with my kids and teach them to live within their means, as well. Tthey’ve also come to understand a greater value of self, as well, which is priceless.
This said, I’d like to take your experiment to see if there isn’t anything I don’t already know. It seems there’s always something one can learn. People are coming up with the most creative ways to live imprint free. And sophisticated. They’re so inspiring.
So I guess that’s what I’ve done: spared myself obesity and premature aging, to allow myself to be greatly stress free for my community and children, and ensure not just my corner of earth, but also that of my children’s, and their children’s children. Though at the time I started, I had no idea it would be all that it became. Pretty cool, huh?
This post was submitted by Eve Appleton.
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