In one of my social work classes at USC, we discussed being an overconsumer vs. sustainer. The topics were concerned with three areas: housing & transportation, food & agriculture, and materials. In a nutshell, an overconsumer is someone who contributes to the depletion of resources with these areas. Their contribution is created through having too many resources without helping to replenish them. There can be great effects on our local and national economy, our planet, and satisfaction with our daily lives.
The point?
"We need to get back to the basic and get the things we need and not all the things we don't need." - Margaret Dixon
How can you be a sustainer?
- Consume locally grown food. There are a lot of CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) in Charleston: Ambrose Family Farm, Legare Farms, Gruber Farms, and more! Typically, you pay X amount to receive boxes of fresh, locally grown produce weekly for X months. There are also local meat markets and produce markets.
- Grow your own food. This is another option which takes a little more effort. I started simple last year by growing basil, parsley, and green onions. It was 100% worth it and saved me a lot of money.
- Use reusable bags. Personally, I forget to take my reusable bags in often. I try to opt for paper so I can use them for my recycling. If you forget, then recycle your used plastic bags at the grocery stores.
- Recycle. It is really easy to do but easy to make excuses for: "My neighborhood doesn't do pickup", "I always forget" Just do it! There are a lot of local receptacles where you can drop of products if you do not have pickup. Leave a bin at work or school, too! Don't forget to recycle clothes, housewares, and other items as well.
- Be friendly to your Heating/AC system. Get tips from SCEG (or your local electric company). I do know that it is recommended to set your home at 68 degrees in the winter. If you are cold, bundle up, grab a blanket, and snuggle!
- Fix stuff that is broken instead of buying new or paying someone else to do it (if possible). We have saved a ton of money by doing things ourselves and greatly enjoyed the projects! It is helpful that I have an extremely handy husband.
- Buy Made in the USA. It may cost a little more at times, but it is worth it as it helps to increase our economy. A note though is that all products made in other countries do not take away from our economy, only certain companies.
- Make your house energy efficient. Insulation, good windows, energy efficient lighting, etc.
You know the others: buy reusable water bottles, carpool and bike if possible, pay off debts, etc. In general, try not to buy what you do not need and lower your waste (food, recyclable items). Be a sustainer, go green, support local, take that extra step, and save some money in the meantime!
Photo taken by my hubby @ jasriley.com