QUESTION OF THE MONTH :: Members share

Each month members are asked a question concerning our theme, news, or current events.
Members were asked: What are your goals for this year concerning more changes that will take your household further off the consuming social model and more on the sustaining cycle?

I have been taking small steps this past year in becoming more sustainable (making my own cereal, participating in book swaps, growing herbs, freecycling). Most importantly, I have been decluttering and reducing the amount of things I own, from clothing to toiletries to books to decorations. It has made me very aware of the objects that I choose to bring into my life, and what they will require in terms of care. Often the things we think we need are just things we want...which, I believe, is one of the problems driving the endless cycle of consuming in the world. This coming year, my goal is to further reduce my possessions, and to be very conscious of my needs vs. wants. EarthenKnit

We recently blew in insulation underneath our house and fashioned an oak wine barrel to catch and reuse rainwater. greensprings0

Over the past decade, step by step, we are adapting. Since moving, we realized that insulating our water heater would be another step in lowering our footprint. Covering the water heater conserves the energy to heat it and keep it hot. There are many methods available that will allow you to lower the dial on the heater. We were able to turn ours down one notch once we insulated it.
lookforfiddleheads

I have just completed a move to the country. While I only have almost 2 acres, I am getting my garden ready for next season already. I am also building a chicken coop for my girls from used and reclaimed materials. I am working on setting up solar lights and heat for the coop and my shop.
I am also setting out many bird feeders and will plant native perennials next spring to attract wildlife. CMonetGarden