no impact man

The cold hard truth is that in order to keep our planet clean and healthy for the generations to come, humans need to consume less. The average American produces over 1,600 pounds of garbage and 27 tons of air pollution a year. The air pollution we cause comes from our use of natural fuels and electricity, mainly consumed through transportation of ourselves and the goods that we consume. Often, those goods not only use energy in their transportation half-way around the world, but also in their production.

But what if we were to limit our consumption? What if we were to live making as little an impact as humanly possible? It's a radical thought, but not too radical for Colin Beavan, the No Impact Man. In 2006 Colin and his family decided to live producing as little environmental impact as possible. What does that mean? Try no packaged goods, electricity, driving, even toilet paper. They made the decision to only consume food that was produced within 250 miles of their NYC home, which if you think about it, means no coffee, olive oil, pasta, kiwi, or any other goods that are not produced in upstate NY. 

As radical as Colin's project is, he makes several very great points. To start, the purpose of his experiment is to see what, after a year, they can and cannot live without in order to cut back on consumption. He believes that optimism will incite change, and even points out that it's not always about how can you go without something, but how can you make it work in a more sustainable way. If we can get back to a communal way of life, we can understand how our own impact effects others, and we can work together to provide what everyone needs in an efficient way.

A huge proponent of the eat local movement and a lover of green goods, I was deeply moved by Colin's documentary. It's not about flip turning your life upside down, but about questioning your habits and believing that we can repair what we've already destroyed through simple changes. What you can do to make a difference? It can be as easy as purchasing a reusable shopping bag or a water bottle and committing to their use. Below are several of the things that I can commit to myself as of right now. I hope to make more and more changes in the months to come, and I hope you'll join me. We're all in this together.

My Commitments to Less Impact:

1. To cut back on my use of plastic ware  I will bring a set of silverware to work along with the plate and mug that I already have.

2. I will never use ziplock bags again, just reusable containers.

3. I will walk and ride my bike as many places as possible, no being lazy!

4. I will continue to eat local, and try to do so in a bigger/stricter way.

5. I will buy the majority of my clothing from thrift and vintage stores.

6. I will get reusable bags for bulk foods at the supermarket, and no more plastic bags in general.

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Check out the No Impact Project for more ideas on what you can do to help create change

home

Home is a place of safety and warmth. Where people fill the rooms. A fire burns in the family room, and the dogs splay out to enjoy its heat. There's nothing like the warmth from your mother's food in your stomach. Ah, the relaxing feel of being home. 

My recent trip back to upstate NY for Thanksgiving  was every bit as relaxing as I'd hoped for. We left for a couple days to visit my grandmother in Boston and when we came back there was a no-fail Syracuse snowfall. I snuggled up and hung out with my mom because I couldn't drive anywhere. There's something so relieving about being cutoff like that - away from the everyday, in the middle of nowhere and unable to go anywhere. 

I will never fail to enjoy the comfort of the house I grew up in. 

dyl

Even if she doesn't mean to, she will brighten up any experience by putting a smile on your face. Dylana Suarez is a friend that I know is a rare breed. She's absurdly light-hearted -- easy-going and just so fucking funny, you have no idea where she came from. Opening my email, and reading her responses to these questions, I laughed, I agreed, and I nodded; all things that I am happy to find in a a friend. She isn't lying when she says she's optimistic, Dylana is always dependable to be looking on the bright side. As easy as it is to say, it is as equally difficult to do, and so it is appreciated. I can't say enough, read on...

//Growing up in California has made me a very relaxed person. Because of my home, I appreciate miles and miles of endless space and beautiful weather. I think I smile more because I am from California. I secretly want to be a San Diego beach bum. Cali love foreva. // My mother is like like my sister. Not a secret goes unshared. // And my dad is a lovable rock star at heart, that will jump over mountains and seas for the the people he loves.// I started blogging because I wanted to inspire and be inspired. And I wanted and needed an outlet to share my passions. // My life has been full of ups and downs, but has always been wonderfully surprising. In the end, optimism always brought me back up from anything. // I laugh the most when I'm with my friends.// The most exciting place is Malaysia. You never know what to expect. // I bought my camera nearly four years ago and haven't set it down since. That camera changed my life. // I take pictures because I like to capture the beauty in everything. // When I wake up in the morning the first thing I do is rub my eyes and stretch and look forward to an interesting day. // I keep fit by moving my body to the music I love. // Writing is comforting, nostalgic // I would want to be famous for doing a lot of different things and putting ideas together that others can be inspired by. // I will always remember to look on the bright side of things. // In life you have to dream big and not follow the crowd. // The last movie I watched was Clueless (duh) // One day I will see the whole world. // Not many people know that I have two metal rods running along my spine, and that the scar from my scoliosis surgery is my symbol of strength.// You can never eat enough Vietnamese pho. // I couldn't live without my family. They are my heart and soul. // The best feeling in the world is complete and utter happiness. Some people just need to... chill. // People say that I am funny and charming. // If I wasn't working at Free People I would be traveling the world and taking pictures. // My wardrobe consists of a lot of color, pattern, and texture. // Without fashion life would look a little too boring. // Right now, I really want to eat some cereal but am too lazy to get out of bed and go downstairs to get it. Wanks.//

I'm sure you already do, but follow Dylana @ Color Me Nana