I recently saw the movie Blood Diamond. The movie shows unrest in
Africa as a result of the diamond industry. While
watching I was reminded of the corruption of consumerism. Just about every item imaginable is created using means of slavery and child labor. Beyond self-sufficiency, the reason I am adamant about reusing items, consignment store shopping and DIY stuff, is to take a stand against slavery.
While we can't control government policies or national politics, we can control how we spend our money. I really try to limit it to fair trade goods (goods using production methods providing fair treatment, wages, and working conditions to laborers). After a while it becomes rather easy to find substitutes for everyday items. I still have so many purchasing preferences to change. For example, I have to find fair trade alternatives for cocoa powder, sugar, and coffee. If we stop demanding, they will need to stop
supplying. Little by little, we can make a significant change.
It's so crazy to think how our actions influence the world. I try not to buy anything made in China and I avoid mall and retail stores so I am not giving corporations a direct sale. Although Consignment stores do sell second hand clothing manufactured by corporations not practicing fair trade, the profits do not at all aid them in their operations, which is why I think consignment stores are a better bet. I hope to make my own sheets and clothing one day to further promote awareness and options for fair trade goods that everyday people can afford. That also happens to be the inspiration behind my store on Etsy.
Not only does it save money, but re-purposing helps me be content with what I have and
not be greedy. As a result, I am more fulfilled, more aware, and more
productive with my money and time.
Not For Sale is an awesome campaign educating how our money fuels slavery and how we can stop it. The organization's self titled book is an easy read and taught me so much. Buy it here.
Also check out this list of products of slave abuse from the Department of Labor.
...at these awesome articles sharing ideas for re-purposing and up-cycling stuff!
Twisted Sifter is a great place for creative minds. I am constantly thinking. When I am overcome by curiosity, Twisted Sifter helps me sort the contents of my mind, and can help project ideas become a reality. The link below shows practical and convenient ways to rethink the way you use ordinary items.
http://twistedsifter.com/2012/06/creative-ways-to-repurpose-reuse-and-upcycle-old-things/
I do not have a Pinterest account. Come on, I can barely navigate Facebook while resisting urges to click on every.single.profile of people I may not really know. Unending pictures of "cute" decor and recipes would kill me. But, I did Google search "re-purposing aluminum cans" and this link appeared in search results. Oh. My. Pinterest, you have my heart. You'll see what I mean when you click the link below...be warned. You will feel guilty for discarding cans from this moment forward! (sorry and you're welcome;) )
http://www.pinterest.com/ariaism/cans-upcycled-recycled-renewed-reused-repurposed/
ENJOY!
Connecticut is being pummeled with snow and I am loving every minute!
Well, every minute except those few I have to dig my car out before the snow plow comes...without a shovel...
I am just one of those people who refuses to buy a snow shovel while living in an apartment. I don't want to keep a snow shovel in my basement, car, hallway, or closet. I just won't do it until I get a house. The perfect solution? A cookie sheet, baking pan, or serving tray. I swear by this.
Last year, I dug my car out of three feet of snow with a cookie tray. It gets around the wheels and can dig a car out in a jiffy. Yes, there is more bending required, but for me, it is much easier than a shovel! Shovels become very heavy when packed with snow and are hard to lift. I like the cookie sheet because it gives me more control over the weight I use to move the snow. This morning I cleared a pathway, cleared the porch, and cleared two cars in an hour. I think that's pretty good for eight inches deep.
Also, it makes sliding the snow off the top of the car much easier.
I wonder what my neighbors think of me . . .
