tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post725915720444009293..comments2024-03-28T14:37:45.575-04:00Comments on 5 Acres & A Dream: A No Waste Way of LifeLeighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-61179258413040783112016-09-21T16:53:08.581-04:002016-09-21T16:53:08.581-04:00I have that problem with the fruits and vegetables...I have that problem with the fruits and vegetables.Misty Pines Homesteadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08987279242206006833noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-80131442758096669032015-12-04T08:46:03.677-05:002015-12-04T08:46:03.677-05:00And look how quickly that happened across the gene...And look how quickly that happened across the generations - almost no time at all. If only the trend would reverse as quickly. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-45721573857787676542015-12-04T08:43:57.236-05:002015-12-04T08:43:57.236-05:00Thanks, Leah!Thanks, Leah!Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-76737686782986876412015-12-04T08:34:07.185-05:002015-12-04T08:34:07.185-05:00I remember when my grandma took me to the store wi...I remember when my grandma took me to the store with her to get flour. She complained the whole time about what she was going to do with that "damned paper bag" I didn't understand until later that when she used to buy flour it came in a cloth bag that she used to make clothes, quilts and other home things with. She got multiples uses from things like that. She also told me about the milk delivery and how they came back to get the bottles. She said that they used to buy apples in a big barrel that grandpa would use later to store squash, potatoes or something int he root cellar. When they got too many of them he would cut them and make planters. Our generation has been spoiled and trained to think that we have no say. You are voting with your money. Tell the companies what you want and then don't buy from them until they give it to us. Make an effort to go to the co-op and get bulk things in your own container. I know a lot of people don't have all these options, but just do the best that you can. And try to do better as you move along. Diniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05639124231054802442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-39224092202649204232015-07-31T20:42:22.388-04:002015-07-31T20:42:22.388-04:00Hi leigh!
I was just browsing and came upon this p...Hi leigh!<br />I was just browsing and came upon this post. I wonder if you have ever heard of the zero-waste girl? She makes most of her own products and saves all her containers to reuse some other way! She has a blog that I think you will find very interesting!<br />http://www.trashisfortossers.com/?m=1Leahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12901630432442427523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-30654986181353531712012-01-30T18:36:26.780-05:002012-01-30T18:36:26.780-05:00Meg, thanks! I think if you shut down all those fa...Meg, thanks! I think if you shut down all those fast food joints and malls people would panic! I honestly wonder how many folks are emotionally prepared for something like that, if it happened for real.Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-44504913204645825192012-01-29T19:25:22.783-05:002012-01-29T19:25:22.783-05:00I love this post. It really makes me think! I comp...I love this post. It really makes me think! I completely agree with everything you said. But I also commend you on agreeing that society, as a whole, should be blamed, not the guilt trip that a lot of groups aim at individual people. Sometimes I wish we could shut fast food restaurants and malls for a month just to show people that there's a life outside of prepared consumerism.Meg @ Half HIppiehttp://halfhippie.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-71582192102835704412012-01-27T09:57:09.279-05:002012-01-27T09:57:09.279-05:00Thank you for the return visit, excellent comment,...Thank you for the return visit, excellent comment, and following! This is exactly what I'm talking about and how each of us should be thinking about our purchases. You're right that it is a journey, but your years at it are encouragement for the rest of us. <br /><br />I agree about electronics, and real books! I sometimes wonder how much of the average budget is eaten up by ongoing costs for telecommunication services for example, as well as the gizmos to keep up. Something to think about for sure.Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-57551291245118817622012-01-27T09:18:59.396-05:002012-01-27T09:18:59.396-05:00Thanks for visiting my blog. Love your post here! ...Thanks for visiting my blog. Love your post here! We're not 0 Waste but we're getting there with each skill we learn. We've been working hard at this for 7 years. Every time we pick up a product we ask ourselves if we can make it ourself? If we can use it again? Can it be repaired? And most importantly do we really need it? One product at a time we've eliminated purchasing with all the extra wrapping that goes with them. And as far as electronics I know this will sound blasphemous but they're not really needed. We have a TV but it will not be replaced. Our only computer is a small lap top and it serves us just fine. A good solid book is more friendly than a hunk of plastic Kindle in my hand LOL Not judging anyone else here... just saying that these decisions can be made and still live a very happy and fulfilling life! <br /><br />Oh, and flannel TP is much more nice to the bumm! We love it and will never go back to paper.Freedom Acres Farmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06606668264641600520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-48388109296995057892012-01-25T22:15:29.315-05:002012-01-25T22:15:29.315-05:00Betty, yes, feed bags make great garbage bags! Tha...Betty, yes, feed bags make great garbage bags! Thanks for mentioning that. I'm fascinated that you can still get fabric flour bags. That is so neat. And hurray for bartering, and excellent resource. <br /><br />Eleanor, thanks! Good point about packaging. It's annoying to have that of better quality than the product itself. And I agree about planned obsolescence. It is a major pet peeve!<br /><br />A. Bear, thank you! And welcome. So interesting about your life in Japan. Interesting too, how they approach this same problem. It is very universal.Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-17506633633755910312012-01-25T19:54:01.509-05:002012-01-25T19:54:01.509-05:00I recently stumbled upon your blog, and find your ...I recently stumbled upon your blog, and find your writings on self sufficiency really great. I currently live and work as an English teacher in Japan, and often am shocked by how much packaging and waste comes with the goods I buy. My small town Japan seems much more tuned into recycling than my small town home in West Virginia. Very interesting indeed. Glad I found your blog!A. Bearhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00232039300396756972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-74298196013025364132012-01-23T11:56:38.314-05:002012-01-23T11:56:38.314-05:00Leigh,
What an excellent discussion. You make som...Leigh, <br />What an excellent discussion. You make some great points. It is too bad that it isn't flashy or sexy to use/purchase less, and to do the things we ought to be doing anyway.<br />I wasn't aware that stuff with recyclable packaging cost more.<br />Have you noticed that even if the packaging is recyclable, as least some portion of said packaging isn't recyclable, like plastic bubble packaging on cardboard, or plastic lids made of a non-recyclable plastic while the rest of the plastic package is recyclable?<br />On thing that really annoys me is planned obsolescence. I would really prefer to get my small appliances repaired, rather than purchasing new. But many products are planned to become obsolete, so that they are not supported by the company, or some silly plastic part breaks and it is a lot more expensive to repair the thing than buy a new one. This is to stupid, but it is how companies ensure that they will be able to sell their products in the future.<br />Is the solution to go back to an agrarian society?Eleanor @ Planned Resiliencehttp://www.plannedresilience.net/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-60541272446903990152012-01-22T19:40:53.689-05:002012-01-22T19:40:53.689-05:00Oh man do I here ya! Thanks for the post. I my fam...Oh man do I here ya! Thanks for the post. I my family saved a years worth of garbage, <br />Separating it before hand to make disposal easier later and wow. Most was recyclables and packaging. After that we got our garbage production down from 4 32gal cans down to two. And now that we live in the country its about 1 1/2. <br /><br />We do use store bough garbage bags but not many. We use empty feed bags mostly and then put a small bag of garbage on top so the city will pick it up.<br /><br />What changed? Eating out less, buying bulk items that aren't individually wrapped. The grocer out here still has 5 pound flour sacks of usable printed fabrics. ( make food from scratch). Stop buying and do more trading. I'm now very much a barter kind of gal. I trade EVERYTHING.<br /><br />We are finishing our house, So far everything used ( sinks tubs cabinets etc).<br /><br />I even traded goats for insulation. I'm saving all glass bottles.and jars for a wall/ window project.<br /><br />Cardboard boxes are being used as seed starters and raised beds ( even recycling at a center or through local disposal.has a carbon footprint).<br /><br />Its still yucky to me. I still feel guilty dropping things in the bin.<br />I appreciate this post more than you know. I'm going to use it to manipulate Lover into seeing things my way ( aka the right way).Betty Bohemianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02969729442516070109noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-77006869290624943202012-01-22T18:11:36.240-05:002012-01-22T18:11:36.240-05:00Norma, if only more people would compost! It reall...Norma, if only more people would compost! It really does cut down on waste. So does reusing and recycling. But you're right, it's hard not to generate any trash. <br /><br />Neal & Laura, no! Thanks for the recommendation. So many folks seem to think that God is anti-environment, though that makes no sense at all. As Believers, we are called to be stewards of His earth. <br /><br />Donna, thank you for that! It's amazing how we can inspire one another. I know you all will make good progress on this. And blog about it to inspire the rest of us!<br /><br />GIL, yes! Thank you for mentioning that. That's the best answer to broken stuff and YouTube is an excellent resource. I'm impressed you learned how to change the screen on your cell phone!Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-62298825440427534372012-01-22T14:26:16.613-05:002012-01-22T14:26:16.613-05:00I find youtube is excellent for getting how to rep...I find youtube is excellent for getting how to repair stuff videos. I was able to change the screen in my phone and avoid throwing it out, thanks to youtube. My friends think im cheap and maybe so, however I enjoy repairing broken items or reusing them for another project, If at all possible. Even doing this i'm still creating to much trash. Something to continue working on for sure.GILhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09752852137213258353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-88844180636307358412012-01-22T14:20:51.883-05:002012-01-22T14:20:51.883-05:00Leigh, so well said. As I walked around our farm t...Leigh, so well said. As I walked around our farm the other day I started looking at all the "junk" and realized whata gold mine of "resources" we had been collecting right here. THIS is the year we change things, we save things we grow things, we preserve things. THIS is the year it will be different, and your blog had so much to do with that decision. Thanks for all you do.Donna OShaughnessyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08266654110280149719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-83452313876569310902012-01-21T12:23:55.882-05:002012-01-21T12:23:55.882-05:00Right on. Have you ever read "Serve God Save...Right on. Have you ever read "Serve God Save the Planet" by Matthew Sleeth? I love that book. You might be interested...Neal and Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13544421295332451426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-68069553849343977012012-01-21T10:02:29.615-05:002012-01-21T10:02:29.615-05:00Thanks for a thought provoking post. Yes, future g...Thanks for a thought provoking post. Yes, future generations should be taught to be responsible citizens. Compare to my neighbors, I generate very little waste (I am big on composting)My veg garden provides me with produce for most of the year and I try to reuse and recycle whenever possible, still I generate a certain amount of trash.Norma Changhttp://gardentowok.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-4483529014784202562012-01-20T22:13:16.455-05:002012-01-20T22:13:16.455-05:00Stephanie, thanks. I think the green movement has ...Stephanie, thanks. I think the green movement has become a gimmick and a fad, which is a change because the principles are important ones. <br /><br />Janice, yes, living farther from town does cut down on it in one way. Of course the delivery wo/men still have to do the driving and you're right about the packaging. Still, cardboard can be used for mulch or compost!<br /><br />Jane, that's the real crux of the matter isn't it, that some folks will refuse even though they have the right information and knowledge. I know people like that too, it's almost "in your face." <br /><br />Funny, I used cloth diapers with both babies and am familiar with washable feminine products, but never thought about cloth toilet paper. Something to think about. <br /><br />Beth, it seems that there are a lot of little ways to actually make a difference. It just takes a little creative thinking and cooperation. And it's true, living farther away from town means less trips to it!<br /><br />Badgerpendous, well, I'm versatile. :) Thank you for the link! And good for you for training your children in the way they should think about this. I agree about not going overboard, either way actually. Sounds like yours have good heads on their shoulders. <br /><br />Geodyne, interesting quote, and so true actually. I think it does take a conscientious effort to reduce waste, but obviously well worth it. <br /><br />Cobaltandindigo, interesting observations. Sad really, it just shows what I read about in that magazine, that the bottom line is always about money. <br /><br />I'm not sure some folks will ever get it, no matter what flies in their face. Those with that sense of entitlement are also very good at putting the blame on everybody else. <br /><br />Michelle,thank you! I think it's something a lot of us are working on. <br /><br />Sue, well, I'm glad to hear that. Sad about your dump, ours is like that too, but there is an area to leave things others might want, also a bin for a local thrift shop. Like you, we find another use for everything we can. Only the leftovers go to the dump. I reckon we make a run with trash and recyclables every 2 or 3 weeks. <br /><br />Tombstone Livestock, thank you for the link! Interesting ideas, but doable. As you say, it's lifestyle change which is sometimes hard to change. Still, new habits are well worth it. <br /><br />Jaime, it's encouraging isn't it? And another reason why our goal is as much self sufficiency as possible.Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-74019484214559935152012-01-20T22:10:41.307-05:002012-01-20T22:10:41.307-05:00Oh, I love when you write these eloquent, thought-...Oh, I love when you write these eloquent, thought-provoking posts! I've noticed a similar trend in our home--the more we make here ourselves, the less we buy, and the less waste we create. <br />-JaimeNgo Family Farmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15484243776589015749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-74344093898044886672012-01-20T18:24:34.733-05:002012-01-20T18:24:34.733-05:00Funny timing here, right after I read this today t...Funny timing here, right after I read this today there was a family on the view talking about zero waste. Their Blog is http://thezerowastehome.com/ this may be the one Jocelyn referred to. One thing you would need to do to succeed her way is to shop at meat markets that have a butcher, and groceries that have bulk items, she takes her own containers. And go to a bakery instead of a supermarket, taking a pillow case to carry her bread. Also farmers markets where you can take your own bags. It is an interesting concept that requires a change in livestyle, maybe we can all start one step at a time and make some serious changes.Tombstone Livestockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07022776395762826903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-71484987829710139082012-01-20T16:47:03.072-05:002012-01-20T16:47:03.072-05:00I love how often you make me think, and what great...I love how often you make me think, and what great comments so far. While I don't think that a totally waste free life is possible in our society, it is important to minimize the waste. Our dump unfortunately prohibits us from rescuing things that I might like to, but I manage to get by with 1 trip there a year. What can be fed to the animals goes there, or to the compost heap. I run the burn barrel for junk mail and boxes. I'm not ready to give up toilet paper either, and the idea of making reusable is creeping me out more than the kids playing in the bulk bins at the store.Suehttp://www.majorasue.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-31241647577819410132012-01-20T15:42:26.026-05:002012-01-20T15:42:26.026-05:00I love this post. In our home we try to live as wa...I love this post. In our home we try to live as waste free of a life as possible, too. I have often shared your frustration. I love that you are thinking about these issues and provoking us to do the same. Thank you!Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16852320721216631639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-83374355237823868952012-01-20T14:57:03.441-05:002012-01-20T14:57:03.441-05:00My partner and I are doing our best to start a tru...My partner and I are doing our best to start a truly sustainable urban aquaponic farm at present, and it's truly discouraging to encounter the barriers to true progress that our economy imposes. <br /><br />We believe that in order to really make a difference, our farm has to be environmentally sustainable, socially responsible, and financially self-sustaining. It's difficult enough to get it to the break-even point when food is so devalued in this country, with the market flooded with herbs and lettuce grown in CA and Mexico with unsustainable water supplies and questionable labor practices. We've managed to get it there, but we still are encountering too many people who believe that it's not making enough money yet to be attractive, and push us to take shortcuts that compromise our values. <br /><br />I never realized how much our economy is based on greed until I started this venture. It's nearly impossible to get funding for a business without having to agree to screw someone or the environment over. Our values seem so out of line with the situation we find ourselves in. It's a shame that we haven't woken up to the situation changing in front of our eyes. We need to start cooperating and working together if we want to survive as a species, and I'm not sure that's going to happen until something big and bad enough scares us into changing our habits.cobaltandindigo (Molly)https://www.blogger.com/profile/14430684903258505214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-51772641050990555162012-01-20T14:55:35.944-05:002012-01-20T14:55:35.944-05:00This is the way I try to live my life - focusing o...This is the way I try to live my life - focusing on reduce, then reuse, and only then recycle.<br /><br />A few months ago I read a brilliant quote, which went along the lines of "every pound (or dollar) you spend is a vote for the way you want the world to be". I find it focuses the mind brilliantly when considering a purchase. It's been especially apt for me, having just moved house and needed to reconfigure all of my storage, including purchasing furniture items.<br /><br />I feel a post in my long-neglected blog on this, but I've managed to reduce my waste to less than half a grocery bag per week. Moving house generated one shopping bag's worth of waste and one cardboard box. But I realise I may be a special case.Geodynehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01546049731688240593noreply@blogger.com