Lifestyle Tips
December 7th, 2008 /

Everyone knows that “Green” is the new Black”. Regardless of where you live, on the mainland or here on the islands, anytime you can buy local or second hand, you are reducing your “Carbon Footprint”.

Shopping lets not sugar coat this shall we?  It comes down to wants and needs right? Retail therapy does have its redeeming values; however, make sure you have cash not credit to buy.  If it’s not in your bank account, you should go for a walk instead, in the other direction, far away from the location where the object of your desire is calling for you.

When you have the bling for desired item, feel free to walk to the location.  Hopefully that location was a consignment or thrift style store.  If you can buy 2nd hand you may also find better quality used items, “they don’t make them like they used to”, ever heard that old line?

Some 2nd hand shops will offer generous buy back and or trade up deals as well as better service.   I recently received the most fabulous sewing machine from a place in Kahului.   Yard/Estate sales are just to die for, what great items to barter for.  Quite possibly the last of its kind on the planet, so many grand treasures to be found! It’s a fun way to create your own sense of style, not so cookie cutterish, or so, everyone else has one style.

If you really can’t stand it and retail therapy is the only cure, trade in something you don’t use anymore for a discount at most thrift stores (at the very least a tax write off There are plenty of these establishments here on Maui or wherever you live. It just takes a little research.

REFUSE PLASTIC BAGS! OBTW, BYOB, (bring your own bag).  Recent options include the recycled plastic, meshy style bags available just about everywhere now for a very good deal.  Unfortunately, these bags are all made in China!  The best is still a canvas or cloth bag.  It’s also a great way to reuse cardboard.

Buy yourself a pair of portable chop-sticks with a carrying case to take everywhere you go.  You can’t imagine how much wood is used to make those disposable chopies, no pun intended.  Also a great gift as others think they are cool and love to receive them.  I also carry a wooden spoon and fork in case the sticks just won’t do.  We use them at home as well as I just hate to wash silverware!

One step beyond, take your portable coffee cup, 16oz as most places will fill them and sometimes offer a discount as well. Use it at work as well to cut down on paper waste.  You can’t believe how much money goes towards these items, it could add up to your next raise over a small period of time!

Another really great idea that I saw on “Treehugger” is to bring your own take away container when you eat at a restaurant so you can “just say no” to Styrofoam.

On a community level, take ownership of cleaning up litter in your area of recreation, even though you didn’t do it.  When I go to the beach I always look for shells and trash.  Unfortunately there is always plenty of trash.  However, there is always some little treasure to be found in the karmic exchange of collecting the trash.

The best part aside from the shells is the attention you can attract. Others see you and are usually very curious as to what you’re doing.  It must leave an impression, not to mention at least the small part of the world you occupy looks so much better in no time.  I’m not the only one I see doing this and it’s very encouraging, it’s never too late!

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