Five Minutes of Electrical Rest Thursday February 1st

*The 1st of February 2007*:
Participate in the biggest mobilization of Citizens Against Global
Warming!
The Alliance for the Planet [a group of environmental associations] is
calling on all citizens to create 5 minutes of electrical rest for the
planet.
People all over the world should turn off their lights and electrical
appliances on the first of February 2007, between 1.55 pm and 2.00 pm
in New York, 18.55 for London, and 19.55 for Paris, Bruxelles, and Italy.
1.55pm in Ottawa, 10.55am on the Pacific Coast of North America.
This is not just about saving 5 minutes worth of electricity; this is
about *getting the attention of the media, politicians, and ourselves*.
Five minutes of electrical down time for the planet: this does not
take long, and costs nothing, and will show all political leaders that
global warming is an issue that needs to come first and foremost in political
debate.
Why February 1? This is the day when the new UN report on global
climate change will come out in Paris.
This event affects us all, involves us all, and provides an occasion
to show how important an issue global warming is to us. If we all
participate, this action can have real media and political weight.
Please circulate this call to your network.

Donating to a good cause

So, I went through all of my clothes... then Chad's clothes, and put together a garbage bag and some, full of stuff we don't wear. I'm donating it to the Mennonite Clothing Closet on Fraser Drive in Vancouver. It is a non-profit organization run by volunteers. The volunteers wash all the clothes, then distribute the items to different communities and organizations all over the world that are in need, due to poverty, war and natural disasters.
For the longest time I've been donating clothes to the Salvation Army or Goodwill. Although these organizations make it affordable for people who are struggling financially (and for people who love shopping second-hand), I never realized that these companies make a profit off of others donations and their goodwill.

Check out the links...

David Suzuki, the ultimate environmentalist, has an amazing website with a ton of information. He's going on tour to hear what the public has to say about our damaged and ever-changing environment. He wants to listen and take what YOU say to Parliament. Check out the website... If YOU were Prime Minister. See when he's coming to your province.

Exchanging or borrowing is refreshing

Instead of renting movies, I've borrowed flicks from family. Megan was getting rid of clothes that her sister did want anymore, so riffled through them and found 5 great pieces. I bought a roll of yarn to make a scarf, and I now have two scarves I made that I will donate to a cause. In joining a book club, I will borrow the book from the library instead of buying it. Not only is may bank account in great shape, I also feel more aware about how to combat consumerism.

What do you think??

How far do we go to not consume items that we don't need? Can we still purchase items that will help us to make things... whether it be for ourselves or for others? Items such as yarn, paper, scrapbooking do dads, and other crafty stuff. Would this be a frivolous purchase?

When in doubt...

When in doubt, or feel like you're going to crack, remind yourself that what you're doing for this MONTH is helping the environment. What we're doing is a good and positive gesture to our earth.

Shopping Locally

Tonight we made a point of only buying produce or products that were grown or made in BC. If we couldn't find what we needed in BC, then we looked for products made in Canada. Products weren't as hard to find as I thought. With tackling consumerism this month, I think it's important to support local businesses who make or grow goodness in our backyards... or at least in our country!

The Key is ....

I have discovered that the key to being successful at this challenge is to stay away from malls...stores...magazines...and the television. Everywhere you go you are being bombarded by people and media telling you to buy..buy..and buy...I have become more conscience of this and it's only day two! I haven't been tempted yet....

Let's start the challenge... January's Challenge

The Challenge Guidelines for the Month of January:

1. Do not spend money on frivolous purchases
2. You may buy only essential items
3. Donate to a cause or volunteer
4. Find creative ways to treat yourself and your friends

Today is the first day of the challenge....and I made myself coffee this morning. One less paper cup in the garbage!