How we down sized even further...

When we moved out of Stowe, we felt like we wanted to downsize even further.

1.      Clothes/Shoes

a.       Really look through your clothes. Make sure they fit. If they don’t donate them or take them to a consignment store. You may think that you will lose weight and be able to fit into some clothes. Just get rid of it!

b.      I tend to collect free t-shirts. You don’t need all of them. A couple is fine.

c.       I was keeping onto clothes that I could use to do dirty work like painting, working in the dirt, etc. Just keep 1 set of “you can get dirty” clothes.

d.      Shoes: Girls, I know you love your shoes but do you really need 5 pairs of high-heeled shoes? I donated all of my shoes except for my chacos, sneakers, and hiking boots. I did just order some vegan black danskos which I LOVE!!!

e.       You should be left with a couple of jeans, 2 nice pairs of pants, about 4 pairs of shorts, workout outfit, about 4 long sleeve shirts, about 4 t-shirts, about 7 nice shirts, a rain jacket, a medium jacket, and a warm winter jacket.

2.      Nick Nacks

a.       There is no purpose to having nick nacks except to sit on a shelf and collect dust. I got rid of all of my nick nacks. For decoration we have framed pictures, a tapestry, and photographs to hang on the wall. I do have a stuffed elephant that Kyle gave me and a Buddha statue.

3.      Sports/Outdoor equipment

a.       I ended up getting rid of my skis because the ski resorts are terrible in North Carolina and we don’t plan on going on any ski vacations.

b.      Our sports equipment consists of 2 bikes, a slack line, tennis rackets, ice skates, weights, Frisbees, a tent, sleeping bags, and an outdoor stove.

4.      Kitchen supplies/equipment

a.       Think about what you use on a daily basis. Get rid of the rest. We only have two plates, 4 bowls, 2 of each utensil, cast iron skillet, 2 saucepans, 1 baking sheet, 1 muffin sheet, essential utensils like knife, spatula, etc., blender, food processor, hot air popcorn popper, sprouting containers, 4 glasses, a couple of mugs and a  cutting board.

b.      We do not own a microwave or a toaster and we do not have a dishwasher.

5.      Books/games

a.       We only kept a couple of books that we really liked. We figured we can go to a library to get books. We kept our favorite CD’s, movies, and computer games.

We live in a studio apartment which measures 16 1/2 feet by 18 feet. It is the perfect size for us. We have 1 closet, a bed, a dresser, a nightstand, 2 lamps, a couch, a coffee table, a bathroom, and a breakfast bar with 2 chairs. We do not have a television. This is all we need. Even if we became rich and famous we wouldn’t need anything more. We have our basic necessities. We do not need a house. A house comes with a lot more responsibility. There is more to clean, you need to buy more stuff to fill all of the rooms, you have to take care of the lawn/garden, and there is more that can go wrong. Some people may think that this is no way to live and that we are depriving ourselves. However, there is a certain freedom to living simply. We have more time to do the things that we love like taking walks, going to festivals, listening to live music, reading/writing, and watching television shows on hulu.

11 Cool things made from Recycled Materials

Instead of throwing things out and having them end up in the landfill, reuse your stuff!

1. Thumb-controlled watering pot made from old maple syrup container
Here's how to make it: http://www.funinthemaking.net/2011/05/01/thumb-controlled-watering-pot/

2. Bottle cap necklaces
Learn how to make at: http://www.squidoo.com/bottlecap-necklace-pendants

3. Magazine bowls
Learn how to make at: http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/magazine_bowls

4. Recycled Keyboard Clutch
Buy at: http://www.neatoshop.com/product/Recycled-Keyboard-Clutch

5. Recycled Juice Container Bags
Buy at: http://www.ecocentricbags.com/material/recycled-juice-containers-bags.html

6. Ski Chair
Learn how to make one at: http://www.skinet.com/skiing/articles/diy-build-ski-chair

7. CD Chandelier
Learn how to make at: http://recycletheworld.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=featuredartist&action=display&thread=1249

8. Record bowls
Buy at: http://www.eco-artware.com/catalog/JD2-vinyl-bowl.php?c=tabletop

9. Recycled chopsticks folding basket
Buy at: http://eco-artware.com/catalog/BP1-Chopsticks-Folding-Basket.php?c=bowls

10. Bicycle Chain Frame
Buy at: http://eco-artware.com/catalog/RR13-picture-frame.php?c=desk

11. Safety Pin Cuff Bracelet
Buy at: http://eco-artware.com/catalog/IW2-safety-pin-bracelet.php?c=bracelets

Living Paper-Free

After moving to Vermont, Kyle and I decided not to buy napkins and paper towels. We have never missed them. We also do not own a printer.

Many people will argue that purchasing paper products does not effect their budget enough to warrant seeking reusable alternatives. However, I believe that you can save at least $40 a month by going paper-free.

Tips for creating a paperless home:

1.       Don’t buy it. If you don’t buy the paper products you won’t use them.

2.       Get out of your old habits. Make using cloth and other reusable products as convenient as using paper products.

3.       Getting rid of toilet paper: You have to get over the ick factor. I recommend using a bidet system instead of reusing cloth.

4.       Paper towels: Use old t-shirts, socks, cloth wipes, used bath towels, etc.

5.       Napkins: Use cloth napkins.

6.       Tissue Paper: Use a handkerchief.

7.       Reduce junk mail. Pay bills online. Recycle paper or find another use for them.

a.       Stop receiving catalogs from companies you would never buy anything from. www.catalogchoice.org

b.      Stop the junk mail and advertisements. http://www.directmail.com/directory/mail_preference/Default.aspx

c.       Stop credit card offers.

www.optoutprescreen.com

8.       Feminine hygiene: Use menstrual cups, sea sponges, and cloth pads.

9.       Stop buying paper plates.

10.   Get rid of your printer. If you must print, print on both sides and purchase 100% post recycled content paper to use in your printer.

11.   Use cloth diapers instead of disposable diapers.

12.   Go to a library instead of buying books.

13.   For birthday cards and notifications, try sending an e-card.

14.   Empty file cabinets. Scan and store electronically.

Eco-friendly Shoes

1.       www.groundhogshoes.com

Groundhog is in the business of eco friendly shoes. Their overall goal as a company is reducing their global footprint and they do this not only through producing great looking eco friendly shoes from sustainable materials using responsible construction but also with all of their business practices. They source local materials whenever possible, incorporating materials like cork, natural latex, and coconut shell buttons.

2.       www.toms.com

This company matches every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need.

3.       www.vivobarefoot.com

This shoe company is all about ecological survival and supporting ideas of sustainability. The shoes are minimalist. They make shoes for trail running, off-road, work and kids. Vivobarefoot footwear is produced sustainably using recycled, locally sourced materials, with efficient and eco-friendly production techniques, in independently monitored ethical factories.

4.       www.oatshoes.com

OAT’s is a fully biodegradable sneaker collection. Their mission is to connect people with their environment in an imaginative way. The shoes actually sprout flowers! The seeds are embedded in the “seedsheet” which is a sheet of paper in a little pocket in the tongue of the shoe.

5.       www.worldofgood.com

This site by ebay lets you pick out shoes that are as earth friendly as they are fashionable.

Natural cleaners

1.       Homemade Substitutions: Here is a list of common, environmentally safe products which can be used alone or in combination for many household purposes.

●Baking Soda: cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours

●Lemon: one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria

●Borax: cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, cleans wallpaper, painted walls, and floors

●White Vinegar: cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains, and wax build-up

●Cornstarch: can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs

2.     Formulas:

All-purpose cleaner: Mix 1/2 c. vinegar and 1/2 c. baking soda into 1/2 gallon of water.

Air Freshener: Baking soda or vinegar with lemon juice in small dishes absorbs odors around the house.

Bathroom mold: Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water in a spray bottle and spray on areas with mold. Wait at least one hour before rinsing.

Carpet stains: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on stain, let sit for several minutes, and clean with a brush.

Dishwasher soap: Mix equal parts of borax and washing soda, but increase the washing soda if your water is hard.

Laundry detergent: Mix 1 c. Ivory soap, 1/2 c. washing soap, and 1/2 c. borax. Use 1 tbsp for light loads and 2 tbsp for heavy loads.

Toilet bowl cleaner: Mix 1/4 c. baking soda and 1 c. vinegar, pour into basin and let it set for a few minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse.

Window cleaner: Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with 1 liter warm water. Use crumpled newspaper or cotton cloth to clean.

3.       Green cleaning products:

Seventh Generation

Nellie’s All-Natural Products

Green Works

The Truth About Soap!

The vast majority of the products on the shelf don’t say soap on their labels. They might be called beauty bars, moisturizing bars, or body bars, but not soap. That’s because these aren’t actually soap and can’t legally claim to be. They are detergents. Many of these products contain synthetic lathering agents and harsh chemicals. Many “soaps” contain triclosan which is a toxic chemical known to cause cancer. Other bad things in these products are phthalates which are linked to reproductive disorders and parabens which links to cancer.

The alternative is natural, organic, handmade soap. These soap bars are good for your skin and are good for the planet.

1.       Dr. Bronner’s: Their classic liquid and bar soaps are certified under the USDA National Organic Program and Fair Trade under IMO’s “Fair for Life” program. The liquid soaps are completely biodegradable and vegetable based.

2.       Greenridge Organics: They use organic, certified organics, and wildcrafted ingredients naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, essential oils and phytonutrients.

3.       Kiss My Face: They don’t use animal ingredients, there are no artificial colors, and is not tested on animals. It is also 100% biodegradable.

4.       Green Soap Inc.,: These soaps are 95% certified organic.

*Look for soap that contains glycerine. Glycerine is a clear liquid that absorbs water from the air and is a key factor in keeping skin soft and healthy. It is especially good for sensitive and delicate skin. Because it is a high quality by-product in the soap making process, many mass commercial soap manufacturers often extract the glycerine and sell it as a by-product to be used in higher priced products like lotions and skin creams.

Living without Lights

Kyle and I decided to live without lights for 1 week to reduce our impact on the Earth.  

Humans have lived without electricity for hundreds of thousands of years. Even today, groups of Amish are still holding strong and continue to live electricity-free in a very wired world.

Kyle and I lived without lights for 1 week. We used candles and an oil lamp. I thought it would be harder than it actually was. There are many activities that we do everyday where we don’t need that much light. We don’t need a lot of light when we are brushing our teeth or watching television. When you are doing simple activities try turning off the lights.

Pros:

1.       We both enjoyed using 1 candle while taking a shower. It was a lot more peaceful and relaxing to use a candle rather than lights. We put the candle right in the shower.

2.       Save money on electricity.

3.       Better ambiance. It’s beautiful and feels good. Candles are warm, mellow and create a sense of intimacy that cannot be reproduced by a light bulb.

4.       It’s eco-friendly.

Cons:

It was hard to cook and clean during the week with no lights. The oil lamp definitely gave off more light than the candles. However, we only own 1 oil lamp. It would help to have multiple oil lamps.

Using an oil lamp:

1.       Fill the oil lamp with oil so that the wick is in the oil.

2.       Lift the globe off. Light the wick with a lighter or match.

3.       Put the globe back on and adjust the flame for the best light. There is a little knob on the side of the lamp that you use to raise and lower the wick.

4.       After several days, the wick gets crusted over and does not burn well. Roll the wick up higher and trim the crusted part off with scissors.

5.       Take the lamp with you when you go from room to room.

*You can buy oil lamps and lamp oil at hardware stores and other big stores.

I challenge you!

Go big or start small. Good luck!!!

1.       Buy candles and/or an oil lamp and use them occasionally instead of using lights.

2.       Do one activity without lights. Try taking a shower with a candle. Turn off the lights when you are watching television or when you are on your computer.

3.       Go one day with no lights.

4.       Go one week with no lights.

5.       Go one month with no lights.