Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that the bathroom is where over half of our household water usage takes place? What are some ways to take a bite out of that? — Shelby McIntyre, Chico, CA

Yes indeed, some 60 percent of our household indoor water usage happens in the bathroom. As such, updating old leaky fixtures and changing a few basic habits could go a long way to not only saving fresh water, an increasingly precious resource, but also money.

Undoubtedly, the toilet is the biggest water hog in the bathroom. Those made before 1993 use up to eight gallons of water per flush, five times what modern toilets use. “It’s a good idea to replace pre-1993 toilets if you can,” says Patty Kim of National Geographic’s Green Guide. (FYI, usually a toilet’s manufacture date is stamped under the lid if you want to check how old it is.)

If it is older and you can’t or don’t want to upgrade it, Kim recommends rescuing a two liter soda bottle from the recycling bin and filling it partially with some water and sand or pebbles and then putting it into your toilet’s tank, where it will take up space and force your toilet to use less water every flush. Or get a Toilet Tank Bank for less than two bucks; it hangs in your toilet tank and displaces almost a gallon of water to save water on every flush.

Plumbing leaks account for some 14 percent of the total water usage in an average U.S. home. Toilets are often a major culprit. Kim recommends testing your toilet by putting 5-10 drops of food coloring into the tank, then put the lid back on but don’t flush. Check back in 15 minutes or so to see if any of the colored water leaked down into the bowl. If so, you have a water-wasting leak, and it might finally be time to replace that aging toilet after all. The EarthEasy website reports that replacing an older18 liter per flush toilet with an ultra-low volume (ULV) 6 liter flush model “represents a 70 percent saving in water flushed and will cut indoor water use by about 30 percent.”

The shower can also be problematic as a water-waster, especially if the shower head in question was made before new regulations went into effect in 1992 mandating lower flow. Kim says you can check to see if your shower head is older or not by turning the shower on full blast and catching its output for two minutes in a bucket. If the bucket is overflowing, then your shower head is an older, more wasteful model. Newer low flow shower heads won’t come anywhere near to filling the bucket after two minutes.

A new shower head costs around $10 and is a great investment because you can save water and money with every ensuing shower. Regardless of whether or not you have a newer shower head, you can save more water by turning off the shower to soap up, then turning it back on to rinse. Eartheasy reminds us that even with a new shower head, even a moderately short shower can still use between 20 and 40 gallons of water. But that’s nothing compared to a bathtub, which can hold as much as 50-60 gallons of water.

Additional pearls of wisdom in regard to reducing bathroom water waste include turning off the faucet while brushing teeth. Better yet, fill up a glass with just enough water to rinse after brushing. Likewise for shaving, stop up the sink with a little warm water in it and wiggle your razor around in the basin between strokes. And if you suspect your faucet may be spraying harder than it needs to, unscrew the aerator tip where the water comes out and take it into a hardware store for a more stingy replacement.

CONTACTS: The Green Guide, http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/green-guide/; EarthEasy, www.eartheasy.com.

Images courtesy of jenny downing and sburke2478 {Flickr}.

EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E – The Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: earthtalk@emagazine.com. Subscribe: www.emagazine.com/subscribe. Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial.

Go With the (Low) Flow is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

A new survey indicates that Gen Y consumers—a.k.a., Millenials, those born roughly between 1982 and 1993—are more interested in hybrids and electric cars than they are in traditional, gas-powered automobiles. The problem, from the automaker’s point of view, is that thus far consumers in this age demographic haven’t shown nearly as much interest in cars as the generations that came before them.

Based on the results of a study conducted by Deloitte, it’s clear that if Gen Y are going to own cars, they prefer vehicles with some degree of “electrification.” In other words, they like hybrids or EVs, which to varying degrees both utilize battery power rather than old-fashioned gasoline power.

A majority (59%) of those polled said they prefer an “electrified vehicle” (hybrid of EV) to a car or truck with any other style of powertrain. For now, hybrids such as the Prius are the clear favorite, with 57% selecting that option over all others. Only 2% of Gen Y consumers would pick a pure EV at this point—understandable because of the “range anxiety” associated with electric cars like the Nissan Leaf, which can be driven a maximum of 100 miles before needing a recharge.

The survey results bode well in the long run for sales of hybrids, which had a bad 2011. The year was a relatively good one for overall sales, increasing by around 11% from 2010, yet hybrids accounted for just 2.2% of all vehicles sold in the U.S., down from 2.4% the year before. Craig Giffi, an automotive consultant who works with Deloitte on its annual survey of Gen Y drivers, tells the Los Angeles Times that this group of consumers will be “game changers” for the auto industry:

“At nearly 80 million strong, they are one of the biggest automobile buying market segments and the largest consumer segment since the baby boomers,” he said. About 1 out of 4 new automobiles sold this year, and 40% of vehicles sold in the next 10 years, will be purchased by Gen Y consumers, according to the accounting firm.

Given that this group is already interested in “electrified” cars, and that gas prices are likely to creep upward, perhaps passing $4 or even $5 a gallon, and that government regulations will force automakers to improve mpg ratings fleetwide, the future of hybrids, EVs, and more fuel-effient seems especially bright.

What happens, however, if a broad swath of Gen Y decides that they can go without cars entirely?

Recent studies have shown a noticeable drop in the percentage of American teenagers and 20-somethings with drivers’ licenses. The decline has been blamed on the recession, as well as rising costs related to auto insurance and gasoline, and even on the Internet, texting, and smartphones. The idea is that because young people today are so connected, there’s less reason to need a car.

Another survey focusing on Millenials released last year indicated that this demographic isn’t particularly antsy to get behind the wheel. The study, which was conducted by an independent research firm but sponsored by the car-sharing service ZipCar—which obviously has an interest in discouraging car ownership—showed that 69% of consumers ages 18 to 34 would drive less if alternative options like public transportation or (naturally) car sharing were readily available and convenient in their area.

Like so many things, the results of this survey pretty much come down to money. The reason given most often for reduced driving was the high cost of owning a car. The success or failure of hybrids and EVs will also come down to money: If and when drivers of all generations decide they’re better values than the other options on the market, sales will take off.

“Will Gen Y Lead the Shift from Gas-Powered Cars to Hybrids and Electric Vehicles?” republished with permission from EcoSeed.

Images courtesy of Design By Zouny, alexindigo, and Andrew Currie {Flickr}.

Ecoseed is a leading source for global green news, finance, and other resources in delivering green and renewable energy to mainstream business. Ecoseed’s mission is to provide global, complete, innovative, and up to date news, information, resources, and opportunities, catalyst to incorporate environmental awareness and responsibility into lifestyle, and in business practices. This world-wide platform is the place to find the latest and most relevant in-depth news and data covering the entire spectrum of the renewable energy industry and the low-carbon sector.

Will Gen Y Lead the Shift from Gas-Powered Cars to Hybrids and Electric Vehicles? is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

One of the biggest problems of stress is recognizing it in time. If your head starts hurting while you are painting your apartment, you quickly make a connection to toxic fumes and escape. With technology, the situation is different. Technostress can show up in many ways, affecting both our physical and mental health. We need to exercise awareness when working and living in a highly connected technological world.

To help you identify technostress and to catch it before it become a serious problem, I created a short list of symptoms that are usually reported by those experiencing technostress. Go through the list and see how many you check off.

Some of the symptoms of technological stressors are:

• Memory loss, forgetting what you started to do or why you walked into a particular room
• Impatience with self and others
• A lessened ability to relax or slow down
• Anxiety over having lost access to your cell phone, palm, TV or other types of techno equipment
• Headaches, stomach discomfort, back pain, ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Continuously checking your e-mail, voicemail, surfing the web, and other types of techno equipment, and not turning it off for the night

The Cure: Managing Technostress

Ethel Roskies, who writes on stress management, makes the point that stress has become the fashionable disease of today – the treatment of which is a popular and profitable activity. To manage the high-tech addiction of overload, we must go to the place it originates: the brain. To help the brain retain cognitive fitness, we must look at factors that affect the brain:

• Glucose (sugar) and H2O (water) – Low levels of glucose (hypoglycemia) and dehydration significantly affects the functioning of the brain. Eating complex carbohydrates, fresh fruit and vegetables is a great way to replenish glucose and not feel run-down. The slow release of glucose from complex carbs keeps the brains energy level consistent with less dramatic spikes representing a healthier choice then that of simple carbohydrates like fruit juice, candy or sweet treats which break down immediately causing the body to have dramatic spikes.
• Hydration – Keep your brain hydrated: about 80% of your brain is actually water, and the rest of it is taken up by both physical and biochemical structures. Your brain uses about 25% of the oxygen and sugar that your body circulates for nutritional needs.
• Rest - Recovery, downtime and sleep. Studies show that optimal amounts of sleep range from 7 to 8 hours per night for men and 6 to 7 hours for women. Ignoring sleep is like ignoring your credit card bill – if you don’t pay, things are only going to get worse.
• Time Management – Give yourself more time to do everything by building a margin for error. Schedule time to take care of specific daily tasks.
• Time Out – Set regular “Time-Out” periods or simply go outside and take a break or meditate.
• Self Care – Meditate, Stretch, and Exercise. Get out of the office or home and do some deep breathing.
• Eye Strain – Take a short vision break every 30-minute.
• Focus on the Moment – Limit multitasking and practice being present.
• Boundaries – Make clear distinctions between work times and free times. Limit the times of the day when you check emails, cell phone, play games, watch TV or access other technological devices. Use technology to create and publicize your boundaries. Educate and contract realistic timelines with others.
• Prioritize – Ask yourself what is of primary importance in your life. Think about what refreshes you and deliberately plan to fit that activity into your schedule.

The bottom line is, technostress manifests itself in each and every one of us to various degrees. It is not a matter of “if” but rather “when” a technological glitch nails you. Your problem solving and ability to cope make the difference in the degree of perceived hassle.

My belief is that technology is not the problem; time management and unrealistic expectations are. Technology should be viewed as a sport which requires conditioning, cross training, proper nutrition, and recovery time.

How do you deal with stress caused by endless emails, meetings, and to do lists?

Images courtesy of Quantum Learn and Mykl Roventine {Flickr}.

Mike

Mike Conner helps individuals reinvent the conversation between their brain, body and food.  A Wellness, Food and Kitchen Coach who spends endless hours helping her clients create meaningful life plans as she infuses their lives with fresh ways of thinking about lifestyle change.  As Conner says: “there is no such thing as bad or good genes, good or bad karma. There are solely life’s trails and corrections.” She encourages people to figure out ways to explore the edges of the world around them, from changing their physical environment to the cultivation of new interests and habits. Visit coachconner.com for extended versions of health and wellness articles.

Technostress: How You Catch it and How You Cure it! is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

In last week’s State of the Union address, the president called out America’s auto industry as a thriving and important part of our economy: one he did not regret saving. And after checking out some of Chevy’s new initiatives, we’re inclined to agree!

As one of the Big Three, Chevrolet’s primary role in an emerging automotive society was primarily about saturation: getting cars on highways, all across the United States. This is what led them to grow massive – ultimately, too big to fail. Now, as operations are slimmed and tightened to promote global competitiveness, we’re happy to see the company has not failed to lose sight of local initiatives, green projects, and the fantastic overlap of the two.

The car titan has selected 16 projects across America as part of their effort to spend $40 million on carbon reduction. In their series “Chevy Carbon Stories,” physicist Michio Kaku takes us into the heart of each effort. This particular project, Crow Lake Wind Farm, features collectively owned wind turbines, some of which are supporting a technical institute and all of which are helping the surrounding community keep the lights on in stylish, sustainable fashion.

Beyond inspirational stories, Chevy is going a step further and asking fans to plant a virtual tree on their Facebook page – which they will replicate with an actual tree in the (rather more useful, as far as trees go) offline world.

What do you think – can big corporations begin to leverage their power for collective benefit rather than pure profits? In 2008, American car companies seemed like dinosaur megaliths, appropriately gasping along at fossil fuels to stay afloat. But we like this new narrative much better: it takes them, and our society, from extinction to evolution.

Image courtesy of cdsessums {Flickr}.

Chevy Carbon Stories: Crow Lake is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

By the time you read this on Wednesday, I’ll be at the beach.

Or maybe at acupuncture. Ooh, or you could be reading this while I take the time to sit in silence, focus on being fully present, and slowly read a book!

The life of a conscious living editor sounds pretty mindful and relaxing so far, right? Then let me reveal the other side of the story – I’m typing this at 11:45 on Tuesday night, and will probably be working for another couple of hours before I get everything put to bed.

Hardly the inspiring lifestyle of balance I’d like to embody! But almost everyone is schedule-oriented to some degree these days, in an attempt to fit in all the amazing work that we care about doing. And I realized that the best gentle reminder to take care of myself would come from drawing a line in iCal’s sand: looking at my stuffed schedule and actively choosing to make myself a priority. Thus, Wellness Wednesday was born.

The tendency to overlook in ourselves what we most strive for in our work has been documented for as long people have been punching the proverbial time clock. Old adages commanding physicians to heal themselves or calling out the cobbler’s shoeless children can easily attest to that.

Which is how it is that I found myself engaged in a lifestyle whose contradictions would be laughable if they weren’t so glaring: routinely working strenuous twelve-hour shifts as a holistic massage therapist. Spending much of the day sitting at a desk before going to teach stretching and flexibility comprehensives. And hunched over my laptop in the middle of the night, writing a piece about the practice of self-care.

Wellness Wednesdays are my own alliterative way of fighting back against the tendency to ignore my body, mind, and spirit’s needs for rest and stillness in a quest to be Superwoman. They are for me to feel empowered, grounded, and devoted to what a friend and I jokingly call “securing my own oxygen mask before attending to others.”

I can do anything I want to on these days, except work. Long lunches with friends, bodywork, doctor’s appointments, cooking elaborate stews, an entire day of napping, even rolling over my 401(k) – all of it counts, as long as it will make me feel more complete, less anxious, more centered.

Lately, I’ve loved volunteering on Wednesdays. Gleaning at an organic farm for a local food bank or socializing cats at the animal shelter all help remind me that anchoring myself in my community is yet another path to healing and growth.

Do you set aside time for yourself in the week to replenish, reflect, and regroup? If so, what are some of the benefits? If not, what are some of the deterrents? Let me know in comments, or via email – and I’ll get back to you Thursday…

Images courtesy of the author and qcom {Flickr}.

Wellness Wednesdays is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

During a workshop at the Ayurvedic Institute in NM, Dr Vasant Lad (one of the first people to bring ayurveda to the North America and the author of multiple books) made a very unexpected comment when we were discussing different kinds of milk. Very matter of factly, Dr Lad said that anyone drinking cashew nut milk will feel and look sexy… then he moved on to discuss other herbs.

Hold on, I thought to myself, how can you move on so fast?! I want to hear more! But it was a group full of doctors, naturopaths, and ayurvedic practitioners and they were way more interested in herbal concoctions.

As soon as I got home, some research on sexy cashew nut milk was in order. Is it really an aphrodisiac? Well, according to Google it is! It also has many other health benefits.

For example, the Brazilians use cashews as an aphrodisiac and a unique natural remedy for such diseases as asthma, flu, bronchitis, diabetes or diarrhea, in Haiti it is used for treating toothache, in Mexico it is used for improving skin, in Panama it is considered to be a good remedy for hypertension, the people of Peru use cashews for their antiseptic properties, in Venecuela it helps to combat throat inflammation, in Africa it is used as an relaxant and a material for making tattoos, etc. Scientific research confirmed numerous curative properties of cashews, including antibacterial, antiseptic, tonic and many more.

If you ever tried cashew nut milk, you know that it tastes amazing! It is rich and smooth, with very silky texture. According to ayurveda cashew milk nourishes all tissues in the body.

It is really easy to make cashew nut milk and I prefer it to buying pre-packaged one.

Here is how to make it:

• 1 cup cashews – leave to soak over night
• 1 T agave nectar  (or you can use dates instead)
• 1 1/2 cups of filtered water
• (you can also add vanilla seeds from pod for added flavoring)

Place cashews, water, and agave nectar (if using) into the blender and blend until smooth.

How to add it to your diet: Use it instead of your regular milk: in oatmeal, tea, coffee, and smoothies

Mojo Maca (adapted from The Raw Divas)

• 1 Cup cashew milk
• 1 Cup water
• Vanilla beans, scraped from pod, to taste
• 2 Dates, stoned
• 1 Large, ripe, Banana
• 1 Tbs. sesame seeds
• 2 Tbs. maca powder
• A few strands of saffron

Blend until creamy smooth, insert 2 straws and share with your paramour, like two giddy teenagers in a soda shop.

Caution: Use your new sexy powers with care and love!

Images courtesy of I P O X s t u d i o s {Flickr}, Cashew Health Benefits and Juices 101.

Sexy Cashew Nut Milk is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Associated Press has reported that Haiti’s president Michel Martelly hopes to double the number of rural households that receive electricity within two years through loans to buy solar kits. Dubbed “Give Me Light, Give Me Life,” the program is part of a $45 million energy package that aims to bring electricity to families that live in two of the most remote corners of the country – the Grand-Anse and the northwest province.

The smaller Haitian banks have been called on to issue $30 million in loans with an interest rate of 7%, payable over seven years. The credit will help families purchase solar kits that will each cost between $250 and $350. At a news conference, President Martelly said, “If a country wants to talk about development it’s imperative to talk about energy and electricity.”

Following the earthquake two years ago, over half a million Haitians are still living in nearly 800 tent camps, making the need for energy in the country critical to the reconstruction of much of the devastated southern half of Haiti.

The 40-year-old state-run Electricity of Haiti can only power 200,000 homes, said President Martelly and only 30% of the population in this country of 10 million has access to a power supply. Even then, most parts of Haiti only have electricity for a few hours a day, forcing many businesses and some homes to rely on generators and expensive fuel imports.

Another part of the program, budgeted for $15 million, will give the government loans so that mayors in the countryside can line 235 miles of streets with lamps, due to begin in the next three years. The government project will also focus on urban areas. It will repair street lights and electric posts in 10 popular neighborhoods with $300,000 from the national treasury.

The program joins other efforts to boost energy production in Haiti. Last summer, the Nation of Islam purchased a $150,000 solar water purification system for the country. There have also been solar projects organized by students from the US bringing portable solar lamps to underdeveloped areas of the country.

The Inter-American Development Bank last month announced that it had approved a $20 million grant to help refurbish Haiti’s Peligre hydroelectric plant, the country’s largest renewable energy generation facility.

“Haiti leader launches US$45 million solar power program” republished with permission from EcoSeed.

Second image courtesy of Lori Greig {Flickr}.

Ecoseed is a leading source for global green news, finance, and other resources in delivering green and renewable energy to mainstream business. Ecoseed’s mission is to provide global, complete, innovative, and up to date news, information, resources, and opportunities, catalyst to incorporate environmental awareness and responsibility into lifestyle, and in business practices. This world-wide platform is the place to find the latest and most relevant in-depth news and data covering the entire spectrum of the renewable energy industry and the low-carbon sector.

Haitian Leader Launches $45 Million Solar Power Program is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Do you have a little soirée to attend? Maybe a special occasion (–Valentines Day–) coming up? Here are some fabulous eco-friendly designers whose little black dresses will WOW the masses.

Juno and Jove offers this LBD by Swedish designer Camilla Norrback. The lacey number has dainty written all over it. Butterfly sleeves and a bow around the waist accentuate the girly side while the lace on black gives a sultry look, a perfect combination for any special occasion.

LBD by Camilla Norrback

Not only does Juno and Jove support the belief that we need to lessen our carbon footprint, but designer Camilla Norrback believes in creating collections that combine style and fashion while attracting the eco-conscious consumer.

Suzabelle’s Autum 2011 collection offers a sexy LBD dripping with lace. The Sophia dress has a slight dimension of rock & roll but the lace creates a sweet, feminine look.

LBD by Suzabelle

Designer Suzanne Jaberg donates a portion of her profits to Conservation International, an organization with the mission of conserving Earth’s living heritage. The fashion label follows CI’s belief and also employs only sweatshop free labor.

Dalia MacPhee’s designs are exquisite, being a perfect choice for a LBD. There are two dresses from the fall/winter 11’ collection that would WOW anybody. If you have a special night out or want to be center of attention, these two choices are stunning.

LBD by Dalia MacPhee

LBD by Dalia MacPhee

Most of designer Dalia MacPhee’s dresses are vegan friendly. The eco loving designer also created the Dalia Tree Campaign, planting one tree in the Tahoe National Forest for every gown that is sold.

Allison Parris has some beautiful designs that would be perfect for any special occasion. The feather detail on this LBD gives it a sleek, sophisticated look, something that will always be in style.

LBD by Allison Parris

Using organic silks and fabrics made of recycled materials, Allison Parris is committed to creating eco-friendly and socially conscious collections with a feminine and sophisticated touch.

These designers not only create stunning collections but they are always trying to find ways to help our environment. Whether it be planting a tree in a forest destroyed by fire or using eco-friendly products for their gowns, these designers keep their collections stylish AND eco-friendly.

Featured image courtesy of Amy L. Riddle {Flickr}.

The Perfect Little Black Eco-Friendly Dress is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

I had a deep conversation with a close friend this week; she opened up to me that there was a secret she was hiding. I am not talking about the kind of secret that you keep when you don’t want to spoil a surprise. This wasn’t the kind of secret that you keep so you won’t hurt someone’s feelings. No, this was the kind of secret that you live out when no one else is watching.

She realized her secret was an outlet for sabotaging her own integrity and personal growth. Plus she realized that living out this secret was drastically hurting other people in her life.

That is how these kinds of secrets work. They first start off infecting you – then like a virus, they begin to spread and infect those around you. When we are in the depths of our “dirty little secret” it is hard to see how it can affect others. A weight was lifted from my friend by bringing her secret out into the open. It was the first step to making a major shift in her life.

Each person has their own moral compass as to what they perceive as right and wrong. But I believe 99% of the time, when we do things that we don’t want anyone else to know about, it’s because we know subconsciously they are wrong. What things are you doing that you keep hidden?

If I asked all of you this question, I am sure you would all come back with different answers. The first thing is to look at your choices, but the most important thing is to start examining the “why” behind that choice. When I look back at my life and the secrets I kept, I realize that the source of it all was a lack of self-worth. It was a way for me to sabotage myself.

Did I really deserve a fulfilling relationship?
Did I really deserve a successful career?
Did I really deserve to live the life of my dreams?

It would come out in different ways – from doing personal work on my employer’s dime, to keeping food hidden so I could binge later when no one was home, to being in debt and still going on frivolous shopping sprees.

When we keep these kinds of secrets, we disconnect from our true purpose. Secrets become an outlet for fear. Start examining what things you are hiding. What things would you not be doing if someone else was looking over your shoulder? Start digging deep to find the “why” behind your actions. Trust me: if you don’t begin shifting the why, you will always find a way to sabotage your purpose. Are you ready to make changes that heal?

Image courtesy of Cristian V. {Flickr}.

What Secrets Are You Hiding? is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Last week, I got the chance to have lunch with Charles Eisenstein, author of The Ascent of Humanity and Sacred Economics. He was a really brilliant guy, and we got the chance to exchange some really constructive words in the twenty four minutes we were waiting for our table.

I told him about my WeBMaP idea, and asked him if it made sense to him. He said, “It sounds like it could make sense.” I told him that I hadn’t been pitching it much, more just listening and trying to see where it fits. Then he said something that I found very humbling, yet very assuring. He said, and I’m paraphrasing, that the days of one genius having one idea that changes the world are passing away. The new revolution is about the collaborative collective.

The next day, when the Transition Sarasota team and I went to meet with two of the coordinators of the Tampa Bay Time Bank, I got a real good sense of what he was talking about. If you’re not familiar with the concept, a Time Bank allows users to post services they offer or services they need. When they spend time in service, they accrue hours. When they need service, they use hours.

Time Banking is a social change movement based on five values: Assets: Redefining Work, Reciprocity, Social Networks, and Respect. Or more astutely, we are all assets, some work is beyond price, helping works better as a two-way street, we need each other, and every human being matters.

Having gone without the use of Federal Reserve Notes for the last two months, some of the people I’ve helped have asked me how else they could repay me for the services I rendered. I think the Time Bank allows for the more integrative economics of simply paying it forward. It occurred to me how beneficial a system like that could be in reviving the economy of Sarasota on so many levels.

Obviously, the first thing that struck me was how it could help the homeless population get some work, find some dignity, and feel like they are contributing to something. Of course, this offers just as many, if not more, opportunities for the 10.5% unemployed, letting them invest their extra 40 hours a week in their community and connecting with those who might offer other prospects. People with green thumbs or strong backs can create and harvest organic permaculture gardens throughout the county so that participants can exchange hours for the time it takes food to grow. And considering the cavalcade of creatives in Sarasota and the hours they put into their work, the possibilities are literally endless.

We joked about everyone getting equivalent hours for the years they celebrate on their birthday, but I honestly don’t think it’s a bad idea. After all, considering what they’ve lived through, I think our senior population has already clocked a few hours.

It’s funny. Considering how much of a huff everybody is in about this being 2012, and with it now being the Year of the Dragon, I think it may just be time for us to start considering the value of our time. The current monetized economic structure is largely based on products, things, material goods made from resources which must be culled from the Earth. But many of us have been realizing more and more that the most important things in life are not things, and more importantly, disposable materialism is a lot less sustainable than time wisely spent.

I really look forward to exploring the possibilities.

The Value of Time is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag