Here's a little number I picked-up for the Chickpea at a random trip to the Salvation Army last week. It's Gymboree for a whopping $3.25 and she'll fit into it this summer. But it has me thinking...
I've been reading some interesting articles on The Compact life recently. It's well worth checking out this concept. I love their simple and straight forward guidelines for a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. to go beyond recycling in trying to counteract the negative global environmental and socioeconomic impacts of U.S. consumer culture, to resist global corporatism, and to support local businesses, farms, etc.
2. to reduce clutter and waste in our homes (as in trash Compact-er)
3. to simplify our lives (as in Calm-pact)
I'd like to think I always have these principals in the back of my head but I know I don't follow them whole heartedly. It takes a special kind of person for follow these rules methodically for a year. But moving forward for 2009, I'm going to put a greater effort into keeping my consumerism in check. Before I dash out to Target or pull up Amazon, I'll think twice about weather I can borrow or buy used, even for the simple things. But the tighter wallet we'll face next year shouldn't be my only reason. If I love the idea of handmade and community supported gifts, food, art, what-have-you... then my lifestyle needs to reflect that more. And those are the values I need to show my daughter instead of just talking about them. So sure, we'll continue to do what we're already doing for "the cause" but I'll make a concerted effort to step it up in 2009 and maybe you will too!