I don't know what it is... I always seem to accumulate too much stuff. I'm not a shopper and I certainly am not a covetous person when it comes to possessions, but I still seem to have more than I need and ever use. I've been de-accessioning clothes for years with the goal of having eight outfits, and I still have a closet-full. A person with eight outfits doesn't need twelve black turtlenecks, but there it is: the truth in my closet. Way too much stuff staring me in the face.
I've been thinking a lot about reducing and re-purposing in light of the blog book tour we're planning for
Sofia's Dream starting November 22. In this magical new title, Sofia befriends the Moon and sees our planet from the Moon's point-of-view. She's inspired to do whatever she can to protect the Earth and encourage others to do the same.
A kindred spirit, Susan Tweit in her fabulous
Walking Nature Home blog, is doing the same. Yesterday she wrote of "no net accumulation". That means every single time she wants to buy something, she has to get rid of one similar item in her home. She accomplishes this in various clever ways that you can read about
here. You'll be inspired to "lighten up", too.
If you need more inspiration, consider that November 15th is America Recycles Day. More than a celebration, this day is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to the promotion of recycling programs in the United States. Go to the
website for lots of ideas on how to get involved in joining an event, taking the challenge, and spreading the word. At the very least, start by getting rid of a few things in your home that are duplicates. Okay, so you need more than one drinking glass, but do you really need an extra box of drinking glasses in the closet? You know, when you couldn't resist that great sale? No you don't. Donate those extras to a worthy charity. Then you can help by spreading the word about this important cause - just share on
Facebook or tweet about them on your Twitter page.
What about you? Any plans to reduce, reuse, or recycle?
I've been thinking a lot about reducing and re-purposing in light of the blog book tour we're planning for Sofia's Dream starting November 22. In this magical new title, Sofia befriends the Moon and sees our planet from the Moon's point-of-view. She's inspired to do whatever she can to protect the Earth and encourage others to do the same.
6 comments:
What a great post, Dani. Our children just went through all of their toys and made separate piles of the toys they would like to give to younger friends and the toys we will give to our local homeless prenatal shelter. It was a great experience for all of us and sparked meaningful conversations.
Great post, Dani! Thanks for the link and nod (which is very different than a wink and a nod), too...
You're such a great mama, Rana! And Susan, your blog post was tremendous. A few years ago, I was invited to a girlfriend party where everyone swapped their un-used clothes. Sometimes you just have stuff that you don't want to give to strangers, like handmades and wearable art. Business clothes I've given to non-profits for women returning to the workforce. Some of the Justice & Peace Commission centers do this also. It's all better than hanging unworn in a closet!
Great inspiration for us to have a house-closet-mental cleanse... a great family activity on an Autumn afternoon. In my family, the kids make three piles when cleansing: the yes pile, the no pile and the maybe pile. It makes parting with their "things" easier for them.
Thanks for sharing this. Your writing is enjoyable and thought provoking. The moment I finished reading your piece, I couldn’t stop thinking of all the items I could/should part with. It really is amazing how we accumulate things. I’ve always been a collector, so I’m the worst… Thank you for this inspiration! ~ Land
P.S. I can’t wait for the “Sofia’s Dream” blog book tour… Thanks a million for all the work you have been putting into it…:)
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