A few months ago Georgia Southern was able to host a lecture about living simply by actor and activist Ed Begley, Jr. For those of you who haven't seen his show on The Green Channel, Mr. Begley is an incredible example of living simply. Yes he is a multi-millionaire, but he lives in a small house in the suburbs of Los Angeles. He drives an 8 year-old electric Toyota Rav4 when weather or distance doesn't allow him to ride his bike. His house has all the modern appliances, but everything is powered using solar panels. Obviously much of this technology is new, and much of it is expensive, but he explained to us that this lifestyle has been a process that started in 1970. He began by recycling, driving an electric car (a glorified golf cart), and having a compost on the balcony of his apartment. His car didn't cost much, and recycling and composting take very little time. In his words, "I did what I could with what I had." As he became more successful he was able to weather strip and buy a rain barrel. Eventually, he was able to purchase solar panels to heat his water. Now his entire house his solar powered and his power bill is non-existent.
So here's what I'm asking of you: DO WHAT YOU CAN WITH WHAT YOU HAVE!
If you don't recycle, please start! If you aren't using reusable grocery bags, please buy some (they're cheap)! If you are doing these things, start composting or weather strip! In every facet of your life try to reduce your waste, recycle what can be recycled, and reuse that which can be reused!
Image courtesy of: http://www.greenpatriot.us/featuredgreen.html
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