It should not be practiced with any other kinds of meditation, involves an initial 11 day vipassana silent meditation retreat. It is available to anyone, is non-sectarian, has been practiced for thousands of years and is free.

Yep, free.

If you want further information you can visit the Ontario Vipassana meditation retreat that I attended.

Recently, my journey included an 11 day Vipassana silent meditation retreat. It was definitely a life changing experience and worth every minute of silence and learning.

can anyone do it?

Yes, but you have to be ready for it.

Well, almost anyone. Those with serious mental disorders or life issues will want to consult with a doctor first. It is not a cure for anger, depression and various life events. It is a tool you can use to overcome aversion and craving.

And it’s a powerful tool.

You see it’s not the silence that is difficult. It’s the sitting, the isolation and working out your demons. Trying to isolate and eliminate your thoughts so you can focus on…well, nothing.

That is a challenge.

It is distracting.

It is uncomfortable at times.

The days are long.

Time passes slowly.

It takes dedication and commitment.

So, you have to be at a time in your life where you are ready for the challenge.

what is involved?

The steps are simple:

1. Find a centre near you and register (they will tell you if you are accepted)
2. Show up and register
3. You are not allowed to bring any books, radios, or devices – no reading, no other stimulation
4. The meals are vegan and after noon you are only allowed tea and fruit (new students only)
5. You can’t leave until the 11 days are over
6. Attend the meditation sessions throughout the day
7. You will practice noble silence, which involves no eye contact, gestures, or communication with any students – you may speak with the instructor or administrator

Amazing. You will meet and connect with people from all walks of life. All searching for something. A way to live in a peaceful manner with meaning and connection. You will only get out of it, what you put into it. But it works.

I recommend it for anyone that wants a more peaceful life with skills to help them cope with people and all life issues.

Your life will never quite be the same. It is one of the life challenges you will always be glad you took. It’s memorable, useful and a catalyst to a new journey.

Find the time and book your Vipassana meditation. It’s the start of a whole new way of thinking.

It’s okay. We all do it. We judge things we don’t understand. But…a simple life is not a burden, it’s a blessing.

Brett Wilson, mega millionaire from the show Dragon’s Den couldn’t have put it more eloquently in advice to his son:

If you want to have a happy and easy life, have simple needs

Those are not his exact words, but you get the sentiment. Creating a simple life is about creating a life you can enjoy without too many things getting in the way. When you complicate your life you have to spend time dealing with the complication.

Here’s an example:

Person A maintains 2 cars, a 3000 square foot house with a hefty mortgage and eats out every lunch and several times a week because they don’t have the energy to cook. To maintain that house and the job for it, they have to have a full wardrobe and various communication gadgets.

1. car costs – $25,000 each over 5 years or $500 monthly
2. car maintenance and insurance – $500 monthly
3. mortgage & insurance costs – $2500 monthly
4. eating out – $500
5. wardrobe & extras – $500
6. gadgets & communication – $500

Okay, that’s $5000 and it doesn’t even cover a full budget. It’s not an unreasonable estimate.

Person B doesn’t maintain a car, instead they go use Autoshare and work from home several days a week. They bring lunch and entertain guests at their 950 square foot house, which they rent. They maintain a minimum casual wardrobe with used items at about and control their gadgets to internet, skype and a cellphone.

1. transportation – $200
2. entertainment – $200
3. housing – $1500
4. wardrobe – $50
5. communication – $150

Okay, that’s about $2100 a month. A big difference. Person B has simplified their life and their needs. They are probably much less stressed and have a better chance of saving money and earning equity than person A. Person A is likely going into debt further each month!

Who would you say has a life that is a burden? Probably person A. Oh, and the carbon footprint of person B is substantially lower than Person B. They are making a difference in the world by the lifestyle they choose.

So, before you think simplifying your needs and cutting costs is a burden – think twice. Simplifying is very liberating. It buys you time and energy, something missing in society today!

This is a general rule for anything to do with my life. In simplifying, it gets me the answers I need.

simplifying creates clarity in all things

I know it’s a bold statement, but let’s look at why!

When you simplify, it creates room for something new. It allows you the space to move forward, whether the space be in your mind, life or the material world.

my definition of simplifying – the art of removing something to lighten your burden

So, if you simplify, you are removing a process, getting rid of stuff or eliminating information that you know longer need. In doing so you have create one less thing to worry about.

If you rinse and repeat, it allows you to see more clearly. You know longer have the burden of maintaining one or multiple things.

Word of caution – just because you removed something, doesn’t mean you need to add something new.

Try it.

Try decluttering. Try making a process easier by removing steps. Free up your time, money and free up your mind.

Get the clarity you need….just by simplifying.

It’s important to constantly take an inventory and changing how you do things. Each time you do, it is a step towards a more simple process and therefore a more manageable and enjoyable life.

You may notice that many people stick with the norm. They don’t test the boundaries and improve the quality for their community by reviewing how many blogs should you have or looking at countless questions they could ask.

Simplifying gives you a chance to review and make changes in your life.

It promotes growth.

There are countless bloggers out there that try to satisfy their audience with long winded articles on a frequent basis. In the world of information overload, this is too much.

I try to minimize my word count. I don’t care if the search engines rank me higher or lower (well I care but not based on the size of my article).

I prefer to offer simple bits of information that you can digest and use. So I try to keep my content to under 500 words, preferably under 300.

This takes practice, which challenges your mind and improves your skills. The end result is a better and easier world for you and all those around you.

Take the time to simplify everything you do and you will notice little improvements everywhere that can make a big difference in the bigger picture to the people you touch and share your life with.

Today’s post is a short life lesson on the simplicity of perseverance and effort.

In the past few months I have had countless obstacles and barriers to make the changes in my life.

Each of them required effort to get the desired result that I wanted.

There is no easy button

Here’s a look at a few obstacles I had to overcome:

• limited internet connectivity
• selling my stuff to have a minimal and mobile life
• laptop repairs to get mobile computing
• getting a new car on the road
• learning linux “again” after a 5 year absence
• cultural and religious barriers

And dozen more time constraining, money limiting and personal beliefs or conflicts that needed to be reviewed.

Instead of running away from each of them, I had to make the effort to move forward.If I wanted it, I had to take the actions to make it happen. Nobody was going to do it for me.

My actions were the exact thing that kept me from or helped me to move forward. Without perseverance and dedication to the desired result, it would have been impossible to achieve any of it.

Everyone gets stucks sometimes. We all become stagnant.

But the choices we make and actions we take to move forward are what separate us from the pack and help us to move forward. Good things happen to those that help themselves.

I encourage all of you to take the next step and then continue on until you achieve the good things you want.

Take action!

It’s not as hard as you think. I promise

Take a peek on have a niche day for today’s article: niche blogging technical difficulties

every day should be earth day!

Our planet and resources are finite. Clean air, water and food are something we deserve and should consider every day. Just like the “pleasantries” at Christmas time, it is important to move beyond a one day or one week celebration.

Taking the time throughout the year will make a greater difference in the long run.

In the meantime…earth day has an amazing capacity as a catalyst for change. It brings over 190 countries together with 1 billion active participants.

that’s huge!

What a wonderful thing when the world becomes one, like it is meant to be. People all over the world connecting because of a common concern instead of our differences. We are all the same…yet different and earth day allows us to embrace all the important things.

Let’s remember that throughout the year as we interact with mother earth and the people around us.

Peace & Happy Earth Day.

I have discussed consumption in great detail but for the last couple days, I’ve been contemplating actions that reduce electronic waste and how we can implement solutions.

I’ve decided to create a blueprint, a road map of questions to help you dispose and purchase electronics wisely.

steps to reduce electronic waste

The best way to look for a solution is to disect the causes of the hazards into 3 main areas:

1. production (the manufacturer)
2. consumption (the consumer, that’s you)
3. disposal (the government with cooperation from you and the manufacturer)

follow a road map to make your decision

A few questions  & resources followed in order can be applied to any sustainable purchasing process quite effectively to make the right choice.

Question 1 – do I really need this product or do I just want it?

If NO you are done

If YES or MAYBE go to question 2 & 3

Question 2 – can I repair or stretch the use of the old one?

Question 3 – can I wait 30 days?

This gives you a chance to rethink.

If YES or MAYBE go to question 4

Question 4 – where do I repair it?

Research your options (even an expensive repair can stretch your money and reduce landfill). You can look on local classifieds to find a handyman that may repair it for less.

If you decide to repair you are done

IF you decide to purchase then move on to question 5

Question 5 – what product is the best quality and value?

Research the best products and places to purchase – what matches your needs (do a chart)

Go back to question 1

Then ask these questions to research eco friendly electronic purchasing:

1. What is the most energy efficient device?
2. Which product will last the longest?
3. Can this product be recycled?
4. Is the product made from recyclable material?
5. Are there replacement parts or consumables?
6. Does the replacement and consumable have a recycling program?
7. Does the manufacturer have a disposal or take back program?
8. Does the manufacturer reduce packaging and distribution?
9. Which product will last the longest?
10. Which manufacturer cares about the environment and community?

Here’s a bit of help to choose green products. You can also check out the green washing index to help make a quick choice.

Now you are ready to purchase by moving on to question 6

Question 6 – can I buy, barter or trade to get this product used?

If yes or maybe here are some great ideas to swap barter and trade

If you decide to buy it new (or are unable to find the perfect match) ask question 7

Question 7 – what is the best place to buy this product new?

If you have done question 5 thoroughly, you will know which product you want and whether you want to purchase new or used. Make sure you buy from a responsible retailer!

Now the follow up begins and you will need to move on to question 8

You need to dispose of the old one – keeping it only adds to a consumptive mentality since you will need space to hold on to it and it’s value is limited if unused (it is depreciating). Throwing it out will increase the chances that it ends up polluting the environment.

Question 8 – how do I get rid of the old product responsibly?

If it is in good condition you have 2 choices:

Question 9 – can I sell it to a consumer?

Try the usual suspects of online classified, ebay or bartering sites mentioned in question 6.

There are a few programs that may pay you for your old products and even have products for purchase. One recently discovered program is You Renew.

If you find a buyer you are done.

If you have no luck selling it move on to question 10

Question 10 – can I give it away?

You can choose to give it to a consumer or donate it:

To give it away ask your friends, coworkers or people in your community firts. Then try all the online classifieds (make sure you use ones that are free and only sell locally as this keeps it out of the recycling stream and reduces the impact).

Even a broken product could be someone else’s treasure. You can also use the Free Cycle Network to find a quick home.

If you find someone you are done.

If you need to donate it ask question 11 and/or 12

(some recycle programs listed below will be donate it to schools or communities in need)

Question 11 – is there a manufacturer take back program?

Start with the manufacturer – they have more stringent guidelines that are regulated globally.They also partner with many programs that benefit the community.

Visit the Electronic Takeback Coalition for a  comprehensive list of programs.

If you find a program, call them and you are done.

If you can’t find a manufacturer take back move on to question 12

Question 12  – what programs recycle responsibly?

Try your municipality first to make sure a program is in place.

You can look up where to recycle on earth911

Find the right program. Research for the correct disposal method usually only takes a quick email or call:

Guide To Recycling Electronics Responsibly

Recycling and Donating Electronics

Basel Action Network

Tech Soup Complete Donation List (this is a very large list and can be sorted by region)

Once you have found the program you like, do a quick call to one of the other groups to make sure they are a solid choice!

Give them a call and you are now done!

Pat yourself on the back.

You can follow this process for any product that you feel is harmful if you want to keep it out of the waste stream.

Go to Digital Tips or Greener Computing for an even more comprehensive breakdown of each step for a consumer to take in the cradle to grave scenario of computer and electronic waste and purchasing. A few more questions to ask if you are interested in further research on the topic.

I hope this provides a good guide and helps you dispose or purchase electronics accordingly. If there is anything I have missed or any suggestions please add your comments below or contact me. Please share and distribute this as freely as possible. I may make a visual road map in the near future to promote this idea further as I feel quite strongly about the impact of the solution.

traditional methods of delivery

The standard method of shipping for the last century has included freighters, rail, transport trucks, delivery fleets, couriers and postal service.

It is hard to avoid the delivery of goods and initiatives are being created by each industry to find a greener level of service. Here are a few:

• Postal service has bike delivery and green fleets
• Companies converting vehicles to alternative fuels and eliminating unnecessary delivery
• Paper is being replaced by electronic data
• Courier companies and fleets alike are finding the most efficient way from point A to B
• City law firms, architects and businesses have been using walking & bike couriers for years

There is no shortage of ideas and examples.

but what can you do?

There are many eco friendly shipping and delivery choices as a consumer or business you can easily implement in your routines for both buying and sending goods.

1. buy goods locally
2. avoid air freight when possible
3. walk
4. use a walking courier
5. ride a bike
6. use a bike courier
7. use public transportation
8. plan your route
9. do multiple chores when picking up and dropping off items
10. consolidate (order and deliver in bulk,)
11. improve how you drive
12. use alternative fuels
13. use hybrid vehicles
14. maintain your existing vehicle
15. share your vehicle or deliveries with other local business
16. sell your products with other companies and share distribution
17. order online instead of driving to the store
18. pressure government and shipping firms for environmental standards
19. offer a bulk incentive when selling goods
20. use a shipping firm or courier that practice green principles
21. for small parcels that have to go a short distance out of town use a motorcycle courier

This list is  an ever growing one. There are lots of creative ways to reduce your delivery impact. I would be interested in hearing your suggestions and additions in the comment section.

We are never as helpless as we make out to be when it comes to making changes, only unwilling. ~ simply stephen

Next week’s theme will explore some of the environmental benefits and pitfalls of online media.

traditional  methods of packaging

Everything we buy has to come in some form of packaging to protect it from damage, deliver and market it. Traditional methods typically use the most cost effective solution to get the job done. Until recently, considering eco friendly packaging options was not a concern. Some traditional packages may be the most viable choice – for instance bringing a bottle of wine in a reusable organic bag is very sustainable.

make your own packaging

One of the best options is to use existing materials and re-purpose them to wrap, stuff, box, seal and label your products. Take a look around your house or office and consider the following ideas.

• Use an organic tote bag (i.e. made of hemp) to wrap it
• Get rid of existing magazines, tissues, papers and material
• Save old boxes  and material for reuse
• Use non-toxic, recycled and recyclable material
• Reduce labels and tape by binding it or writing directly on the package
• Send it in a reusable container like a cookie jar

Go to Make It and Mend It for some creative ideas and solutions for cards, packaging and more…

green choices for packaging

If you have to send larger quantities for your small business or need a more professional image you can still create your own using existing materials. For those that don’t have the time or creative flair a green designer can help you come up with a solution.

If you just want supplies look for an eco friendly packaging supplier to help with the following items

• wrapping paper made from recycled materials
• boxes that have been recycled (try box cycle first)
• alternatives to tape such as self tying packages
• biodegradable packing peanuts that can be reused or composted
• use the smallest, lightest choice possible

extreme choices for green packaging

There is still a few extreme options for packaging green that don’t work for everyone. Consider them if you want to make the greenest most minimal choice.

• don’t package the item at all and mark your address directly on it or tag it
• locally deliver the product “raw” without packaging (I will talk about delivery next week)
• offer a green delivery option and charge for packaging with a donation to a green fund
• create a reusable container that gets returned for your use

how to get rid of unwanted packaging

The best suggestions:

• Go to Kijiji and Craigslist and offer it for free, you can also find it this way
• Go to smaller local online classified ads
• Ask local shop owners or community groups if they can packaging
• Use Boxcycle to find or offer used packaging near you

There are many more creative ways to package your items. Seek solutions and discover new ideas. Don’t be afraid to copy what you see other people doing. A great idea is a great idea.

Next week I’m going to talk about the other half of the packaging – delivery and shipping. While I know there are a ton of ideas left out of this article, the idea is to give you sizeable chunks of information that is easy to digest. Please share your ideas and additions in the comment section so we can look at all the options available.

The impact of not recycling has the earth in a bit of trouble. Our levels of consumption create vast amounts of waste. The waste produced in the last half century is greater than the total of all years combined!

1. cans
   • it takes about 90 days to complete the recycle process from garbage back to the shelf
   • it takes over 500 years for a can to decompose
2. steel
   • just one pound of recycled steel saves one day of a single light bulb worth of energy
   • the world has enough  “old” steel to have a sustainable supply – if we recycled
3. paper
   • 70 to 90% less energy is required to recycle paper
   • it also produces over 70% less pollutants
   • paper makes up almost 50% of landfill ingredients
   • if 1 million people stopped their junk mail we could save 1.5 million trees
4. glass
   • recycling just one glass jar provides enough energy for 4 hours of  a lightbulb
   • it also saves 9 gallons of oil
   • recycling glass reduces air pollution by 20% & water pollution by 50%
5. plastic
   • plastic takes over 500 years to decompose
   • every hour (in the USA) 2.5 million plastic bottles are thrown in the garbage
6. general facts
   • 60% of the contents in the average household garbage container can be recycled
   • items in landfill generally do not decompose because they lack oxygen

discover what and where to recycle

There are programs for just about everything. When your municipality doesn’t offer a program sometimes the manufacturer does. If you want an easy way to find a recycling center go to earth911 and look it up by location or product.

what can you do to minimize your impact?

Well before you get to the recycle part of the equation try thinking about the other parts of the 3Rs:

1. Ask these questions to reduce your consumption
2. Make these changes for the biggest impact of waste reduction
3. Think of creative ways to reuse anything that you have
4. Find a new home for it instead of throwing it out
5. Stretch the life of everything and save money by repairing stuff

I hope you found the series on the 3Rs informative and refreshing. Maybe I reminded you of some simple things you can do that will make a big change. Maybe I inspired you to discover creative ways to reuse items. At the very least, I hope I encouraged you to make some simple changes and share them with your friends and community.

Continuing on our weekly themes for 2010, next week I will take a look at packaging – the main contributor to waste, landfill and toxins we create.

Okay, we are going to finish up our discussion on the basics of consumption this week. The theme is the final R or Recycle. We all know about recycling and most places now have some kind of a program and policies in place for both residential, commercial and manufacturers.

understand the reasons to recycle

Why should we recycle? Often it feels like a burden to recycle. Understanding the reasons why often elude us.

1. limited supply - with an increasing population more waste is being created
2. extreme demand - consumptive society demands more materials and creates more waste
3. conservation - to minimize the impact of harvesting raw materials and destroying habitat of limited natural resources
4. energy reduction – recycling uses less energy than the manufacturing of a raw material and therefore reduces carbon emissions (CO2)
5. pollution – reduced pollution from waste and manufacturing reduces climate change and toxin exposure
6. landfill - the more we recycle, the more we keep from landfill and incinerators saving the environment from toxins leaching into our eco-systems and methane gas escaping into the atmosphere (which is more potent than carbon monoxide)
7. money - recycling saves us valuable dollars by producing materials for less

Not having a program in place is all the more reason to reconsider what you should buy? It is also a good time to petition your government, change how you reuse and dispose of items, stretch your item for a little longer, repair it and find creative ways to keep it out of the landfill.

In our next article we will take a quick look at the impact of our waste with some amazing (and frightening) facts. Then we will explore how to make sure we optimize our recycling efforts. After all it’s your planet too.

Many of you probably remember your mother or grandmother darning your socks. Items were made to last – quality lasts though it usually costs more, so when an item broke it was important to stretch the value. Why not take on that mentality again?

Sometimes it just might be time but someone else would probably be willing to repair it. Instead of just throwing it out find someone that is willing to take your broken items and fix it. Don’t just throw it in the garbage!

Almost every item in your house that is broken could be repaired or reused. If it is the remnants of a broken glass it can be recycled. Garbage just doesn’t need to be created.

Almost all of my garbage (probably 99%) is from excess packaging that has been created by the manufacturer. For example the plastic wrapping on cheese. I reuse my bread bags and everything I can think of. I am doing my best to eliminate or reduce everything by seeking and creating options.

So before you throw something out think about repairing it, donating it, finding an alternative use or not buying the product in the first place. Next week we will talk about the final R – recycle.

Warning! My blog will challenge you to be more, give more, live fearlessly, take more chances and show up in the world unstoppable, daring and bold.

Without further ado, visit Tess for my article i’m not hungry, i’m starving and make sure to follow her on Twitter and subscribe to the feed to help you live a bold life.

Before you recycle (or if you can’t find or don’t have another use for something) try looking for a new home. A recent article on bartering & trading gives you a great list as a starting point online.

One man’s garbage is another man’s treasure!

That’s how eBay got their start! Even if something is broken there is almost always someone that has a use for it. Check out the stacks of free stuff on craigslist, kijiji and ebay to name a few places and then go to all the online or newspaper classifieds. We buy used stuff all the time, so there is no need to be ashamed or inconvenienced by it. Garage sales also indicate that people purchase and get rid of things on a regular basis. Everybody loves a bargain.

why should you worry about it?

The number of items showing up in the garbage because someone can’t be bothered is astounding. Just take a walk down the street on garbage day and look at the computers, old chairs and various items. Many a time, I’ve salvaged something in perfect working order that was going to end up in landfill, toxins and all. That kind of waste is a sign that we take things for granted.

Here are some quick steps I take. I never throw anything out.

1. if it is broken see if I can repair it
2. if I don’t want to repair it, post it on freecycle, craigslist or kijiji
3. if I still don’t have a home…wait and try again (could just be timing)
4. put it outside with a note “free to a good home”
5. ask friends, neighbours or family
6. if it is working fine (no excuse to throw it out) consider a garage sale
7. if you don’t want to hold a garage sale see if you can swap it or sell it
8. if you still haven’t sold it, consider all the local charities and donate it

Even things like toilet rolls & old paint can be used as art supplies at a local school or community center! Earth911 has a few suggestions and there are companies that take paint and recycle (creating a good quality paint too). Here are a few more items that you could always find a new home for.

1. cell phones – Don’t just throw out your Cell Phones
2. shoes – yep, shoes can and should be recycled
3. eyeglasses – many programs exist, here are some eyeglass programs and also cds, discs, packing material, phones, video tapes and various other common items.
4. printer cartridge programs exist too. Don’t just buy them, donate the old ones too.
5. glass jars – people always want these for canning & they make great containers

Computers, batteries, oil – the list goes on and on. I guess what I’m trying to say is before you throw something in the garbage ask if it really needs to be in there. My garbage is limited to a 1/4 of a bag every two weeks in a household of 3 and I’m ashamed of that. I’m always looking for creative programs or methods to find a new home for all the items that get used or are no longer wanted.

Suggestions welcome!

On Friday I’ll take the time to remind us about the other thing that has been forgotten – repair.

Here’s a starter pack of 30 ideas for reuse of everyday common items.

1. paper – take printed paper and make it into scrap notepads
2. ziploc bags can be washed an reused repeatedly
3. clothing can be turned into quilts, bags, blankets, dog beds, rags, pillows to name a few
4. boxes & packaging try finding someone else to reuse your boxes with BoxCycle
5. plastic bags have tons of uses, here’s a few ideas from green daily
6. scrap wood can be used for kindling
7. disposables – food containers, cups, pens, razors, paper towel
8. mattress can be broken down or even used to soundproof
9. tennis balls – 50 things you never knew you could do
10. print cartridges – here’s some suggestions to reuse printer cartridges
11. coat hangers – to charity or your local dry cleaner
12. paper bags can be used to make popcorn or pack lunches
13. rubber bands can be saved or donated to a local charity office
14. rechargeable batteries – saves energy too
15. business cards can be used to label boxes or as notepads
16. newspaper can be used to clean windows or line kitty litter
17. plastic food mesh can be used as suet holders or even made into scrub pads
18. citrus peels can be frozen and used for zest or thrown into the fire for aroma
19. cereal bags to restore food or to replace wax paper
20. cd’s could be used as coasters
21. bread tabs – everything has a unique use. Here’s some great ideas for bread tabs
22. bread bags can wrap your other food or scoop your dog poop
23. bread - instead of composting your old bread give it to the birds or squirrels
24. plastic pop bottles make great bird feeders
25. T-shirts are obvious as rags or patches
26. shoe boxes are great containers for taxes or storing supplies
27. toothbrushes become great scrubbers for shoes and cleaning around the house
28. old carpet can be reused as mats or to make things / line things (at least donate it)
29. broken or chipped dishes make great garden ornaments or planters
30. seeds from fruit and veggies can be planted

Wants some more ideas for reuse, here’s a few terrific sites:

How Can I Recycle This

My Zero Waste

AltUse

Next week we are going to move onto our next theme, which you probably think is the next stage of the 3R’s, recycle. Before we visit recycling we are going to look at two forgotten stages in the loop – repair and re-house (find another home for something).

easiest green changes to implement

1. if you don’t need it, don’t buy it
2. bring a green bag with you everywhere
3. bring a coffee or drinking mug too

changes that create the biggest green impact

1. stop drinking bottled water
2. replace all your paper products with a cloth option (i.e. napkins, paper towel)
3. buy local & organic food – support your local economy

green changes that will save you the most money

1. changing to LED lights will save the most in the long run, but even going from incandescent bulbs to CFLs will save up to 90% in energy and emissions.
2. energy efficient appliances will save you a small fortune and can also get you tax credits
3. getting rid of you car – going autoshare, bike or public transport (and it’s healthier too)

here are some government rebate information sites

Australia: Australian Government, Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator

Canada: Natural Resources Canada

UK: Energy Saving Trust

US: US Department of Energy

I think we are heading in the right direction this year. Next week will continue to discuss the 3Rs and look at the reuse part of the formula.

The whole green change movement is confusing and overwhelming for many but it can be solved by implementing three simple rules:

1. make a pact to consume less
2. educate yourself on products & sustainable lifestyle
3. repeat rules 1 & 2

That’s right. It’s a circle. Keep educating yourself and challenging yourself to consume less and buy smarter. Every week try to reduce consumption in various areas of your life. Start making conscious, deliberate choices. Celebrate and share them with your friends, family, coworkers, neighbours and peers.

Next weeks will revisit an old concept Reduce, the first of the 3Rs where we will discuss ways we can all reduce, why it is so important and the quickest things we can do to make an impact.

That’s it. I’m leaving you to ponder what choices you can make. Share them with me on twitter or make a comment on the blog.

The year 2010 has finally arrived. A warm welcome to all my readers. This year I took some time to reflect over the holiday’s. My focus this year is on consumption and simple green changes. Ones that are easy to implement with a dramatic impact on the environment.

By reducing our footprint on the planet we can make a difference for future generations. No need to suffer, these changes are actually quite easy and your participation can make it happen. I can help you explore how to make the changes, what changes to make, how to buy things, what to buy, how to reduce your consumption, what is realistic and what is a greenwash, how to save money and so much more…

the wake of climate change

In the wake of Copenhagen 2010 it is apparent the time has come to make  changes. The real message is not about climate change but is about consumption – both how and what we consume. The time window is very limited and we need to make immediate action. We can’t wait for governments and organizations to debate and discuss. We need to educate ourselves and take matters into our own hands with simple green actions for a better tomorrow.

baby steps

Change is easier if taken in little steps. This year I will be introducing weekly themes with simple changes that are almost pain free once the initial hurdle has been taken. That hurdle exists in your mind. If you think you can do it – you can. If you want to do it – you can. This week (and for the year) the theme is consumption and learning that less is more. To have less and use less really does create a lot more abundance.

Consumption includes information and time too – less is more. So the articles and information given on any simply stephen website will be kept short and simple (for the most part) in easy to digest bits of information with tips, challenges, resources, incentives, suggestions, products and ideas to move you further along your green pathway.

Some of our themes will include paper, wood, plastic, water, air, food, transport, travel, holidays and so on down the line. If you have a theme you would like to learn about please contact me and I’ll put it on the schedule. I’d also be happy to guest post or have you guest post any simply stephen website.

I will post a little more frequently with short, quick posts with a purpose each week. You have enough info and change to digest, so I’m here to ease your burden. Here’s to the green changes you can make this year.

Holiday season has arrived and I want to share a simple message.

A life with abundance is not a world filled with things, it is the things you fill it with that make it worthwhile.

Spend time reflecting and cherish the people and things in your life. Be grateful, not just over the holiday season but for the year to come. Be conscious and dare to make the changes that create a world you want to see. Live on your own terms and inspire others. Strive to be the best and let your unique gifts contribute to a better world.

Here’s a reminder from last year of some Simple Christmas Pleasures that can make the holiday extra special. I know each of you took the time to make some green changes this year and am thrilled to have connected and shared on our journey. Your footprint counts, the little things matter, each of you inspires me to go on.

Be safe, be warm, be happy and enjoy your time with loved ones. Enjoy your holiday! This is the last post until the New Year. Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year…to the possibilities ahead. I look forward to hearing your stories in the year to come.

Peace & love to each of you.

P.S. With the beta almost finished, expect a few changes and more frequent posts in the new year. In fact simply stephen may have a 5 day posting regiment with a very simple and effective formula designed to help you make green changes with ease. Stay tuned…

Christmas is a time of sharing, celebrating and giving form many.  The commercial aspects of Christmas have turned in to a frenzy of purchasing that defeats the purpose. Think of all the things you have and consider pay it forward Christmas gifts this year.

For the person that has everything, perhaps it time to look at gifts that help others. Consider purchasing a donation or an item that gives to a charity for your family members or friends. This is a green a gift as you can give. During no time of the year should anyone be homeless, hungry or alone – especially children. Therefore the gift of food and warmth is extra special and sharing your joy with a family or individual in need of those things is precious.

gifts from a charity

Charity village has an excellent list of non profit organizations that offer a gift and raise money for various causes. They have broken it down into multiple categories.

gifts that sponsor or donate a charity

Another list of credible charities that are related or designed for Christmas giving and poverty can be found at All Things Christmas and of course Santa has various programs that he sponsors and has made a list for you.

donation to charity

In every city there are countless local charities that help your neighbours – the people that live in your town. You know the local groups. The foodbanks, the homeless shelters,  give a gift to a child programs, the clothes for poor and so many more. Why not pick one? Food, money, clothes and various items you no longer need could make someone very happy at Christmas. Forget about spring cleaning or the garage sale next summer. Now is the time to go and do it.

Okay, this post ended up being a little more preachy than I wanted it to but the sentiments are meant to inspire you to rethink even just a portion of your Christmas frenzy and share the wealth just a little bit. What better way to be happy than to spread a little joy to someone else.

So, why am I writing about the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009? Clearly, I must think it’s a waste of time right? Wrong. I think Copenhagen is a big eye opener for the world. BUT… smog alerts, lost habitat, dirty water, oil spills, dried up resources, barren fishing grounds, increased sickness due to pollutants, drought, famine, floods, melting ice caps, strange weather (this list goes on and on)…these should all be eye openers too – think about Katrina. I would have thought that these things would be enough to create change.

Awareness and Change

So, Copenhagen is a wonderful “event” that clearly does two things – it creates acknowledgment by the whole world that there is an issue. Most people follow leaders – until someone else does something the average individual will simply try to look after himself and his family. But the acknowledgment of climate change by key leaders promotes awareness and starts to educate us. It is one catalyst for change. Swift and drastic changes.

There is a second thing and there is a big IF on this one. The climate change conference coupled with recent global collapse potentially creates a global economy centered on the environment. There will be commitments by countries with funding created to resolve these problems. The world will be able to make a shift IF the focus is put on carbon reduction and other environmental issues.

Want to know a secret?

A car is a car. A fossil fuel is a fossil fuel. Consumption is consumption. If you replace a car with an environmentally friendly car or you change your house to be energy efficient it is still not solving the problems. Consumption is the problem. The car still needs to be made with raw materials and is still something that you will eventually throw out.

A key way to change the situation dramatically is to change how you consume products – this change means a change in values. Our values need to be based on important activities with a lower impact on the world – not on things. Using less, not replacing them with something else is paramount.

No amount of awareness or government interaction is going to make these changes. It is not up to your neighbor or the country next door. It’s up to you. If all the YOU’s make simple changes in habits it adds up. We’ve had 50 years of gorging ourselves. Now it’s time to pay the piper.

Want to know another secret?

Green, simple living is pretty cool and very fulfilling. I saw the need 20 years ago and have love nature and the environment for my whole life. The changes to simplicity where easy for me I did them over time, each one prompting me to want more. I knew the changes were coming and there will be more of them, some even harsher than the global disasters and economic fall out that we have witnessed. I felt none of it on a personal level – but was sad to see how the planet and everyone else was affected.

simple siment - so now, I would encourage each of you to make simple changes every day. Small changes that you won’t feel. Add a new change each and every day. Reduce your consumption. Refuse to use. Refuse to buy products that harm. Educate yourself. Become aware. Share your knowledge. Protect your children and the life forms on this planet.

I think we are all worth it. That’s why I do it.

When you buy a house, you take the time to make sure the environment is going to be one that is safe, clean and are pretty careful of how you part with your money. The same care should be taken in all the smaller purchases – they add up and have a big impact on the environment.

In an earlier post I offered 12 tips to reduce office paper consumption but today, we are going to look at the impact of paper products as a whole. Changing from disposable products to reusable is simple and very cost effective. I probably don’t have to mention facts about forest destruction and the energy (which produces CO2 gas) used for paper production – but I will. In Canada alone, over 500, 000 acres of forest are destroyed to create these products for you – that’s every year.

So what can you do?

• consider replacing all your paper plates and cups with real ones
• bring a portable travel mug with you everywhere
• use a handkerchief, wash cloth, napkin and rag instead of tissue paper and paper towel
• if you use a paper product, buy recycled and chlorine free
• there is even family cloths, a toilet paper alternative – not for everyone

Here are some questions for you. What else can you do? Consider what products you buy when you buy a paper product.

1. Is it recycled paper?
2. Is the packaging excessive & can it be recycled?
3. Can you reduce how much you use?
4. Is it chlorine free in the process used to make it?
5. Does the company have a good track record for environment and community support? There are a few sites that can help you find out such as BadBuster and Greenwashing.
6. Want to discover healthy, green products – check out GoodGuide.

A few minutes of research and time is all it takes. Simple changes, huge impact. The overall impact of disposable paper products on the environment is just one step to change. Please share some tips, ideas and tricks on how we can change our paper consumption habits for a greener planet.

Many of us have moved beyond garage sales and classified ads to find or get rid of items we no longer need. We now go to common resources like Craigslist and Kijiji to discover bargains and sell our stuff.

But did you know, the savvy world wide web has moved beyond list serves and classifieds. There are many new sites taking a bite out of your budget and keeping items from landfill. Stuff that just shouldn’t be thrown out.

Here are just some of the many free communities designed to help you find or get rid of your stuff.

1. Freecycle - the original site for recycling your stuff. With 6 million people and growing this is not just a passing phase. It’s a way to offer or find free stuff – helping people and the environment in the process. I am a member of a local group and it is an easy way to get rid of things to people locally and sometimes find an item you need, even free tickets.
2. Kashless - only available in the US, but Kashless has a system that lets users offer or get free stuff in their local area and offers rewards for your participation to.
3. Rehash - want to swap your clothes? Rehash is a way to help you trade clothes and accessories online.
4. SwapSity – currently only in Canada. As the name implies it is a bartering community that will let you swap your skills and stuff. They also occasionally host local swap meets.
5. swaptree - let’s you trade books, music, dvd’s and videos. Only in the US.
6. neighborrow – helps you find a neighbor to borrow or loan your stuff. Set up as a community, could be used by Universities or groups to help members.
7. greenbarter - is a community where business helps business, small or large by keeping track of services offered and trading like skills to save money.
8. loanables - brings together people who have worthwhile items to loan out and people who want to borrow them.  Best of all, it’s free!
9. swapaskill - swap what you can give or do for what you need.
10. throwplace - take what you need and throw what you don’t. You can choose to donate to charity, international charity, business, individuals or put your item up for grabs. The Internets landfill alternative.
11. boxcycle - find or list your used boxes for moving, storing or shipping. Currently only in the US.

Those are just a few of the great programs out there. Use them if you are green conscious or if you need to save a buck. For the next spotlight we will look at resources to help you recycle or figure out how to recycle and reuse an item.

A while ago I wrote about reducing paper consumption in the office. It shouldn’t just end there though,  so many more things can be done. Sustainability at your workplace can be hard to achieve but is a goal you can reach.

There are many factors that will get in the way of sustainability. At your workplace you may have employees or customers that resist, there may be cost factors involved or time could be keeping you overloaded.

First of all, let’s step back a minute and look at a definition of sustainability in it’s most rudimentary form – the capacity to maintain a constant state. So in the case of sustainability when related to the office it is important to meet current needs without compromising the ability of the future. To do this here are a few simple guidelines:

1. Create a benchmark – find out what current practices/policies exist
2. Identify priorities – this helps eliminate conflicts and focus the effort
3. Plan – resources, time frames and measurement tools
4. Commit a budget (extra money or a strategy to implement cost savings with greener practices)
5. Initiate programs – this is where you introduce it to your employees (if you want to make this process easier, it is recommended to include all employees from the beginning of the initiative)
6. Educate and create awareness – help employees understand benefits and outcomes required
7. Make it fun and reward your team
8. Inform workplace of progress frequently with updates, reports and other means

A sustainable workplace will have a positive impact no matter how large or small the commitment. There are obvious potential cost savings, possibilities of greater efficiency, health improvements and public relations benefits (the good corporate citizen).

Sustainability at the workplace is something that if taken seriously will create a greater chance for a brighter tomorrow. Take it slowly and your chances of success will increase. Next week I will talk about disposable paper products.

1. Can help the bank account – especially if you embrace the premise of less consumption.
2. Good for the health – with all the extra local walking you will do
3. Save gas money – and with the price of gas now, that’s a big one
4. Save food costs – you really can spend less with a garden and cooking from scratch
5. Improve the quality of your food intake and hence your health
6. Reduce debt load – which will lead to a reduction in stress and a little more freedom.
7. Tax deductions and credits for greening your home.
8. Keeps the environment cleaner for future generations – and the current ones.
9. Reduces waste and landfill – who wants everything to go in a landfill
10. Efficiency…you will have more time if you start to look at a green approach to doing things
11. Competitive advantage for businesses – people now want to buy green but watch out for green washing.
12. You will sharpen your mind and become a little more aware of the world around you – a good learning curve for everyone

There you have it a dirty dozen of some simple advantages of going green. I’ll try to put up several of these little reminders on various topics for you every month.