Over the years we’ve taken many actions to live more simply and sustainably. In Ecological Footprint terms we’ve reduced our footprint to about 14 acres each – 10 acres less than the American average or about the same as most Europeans. Good but not good enough.

We constantly look for opportunities to reduce our impact on the earth further and still maintain a balance in the complex world we live in. Simplicity is not always easy but it’s worth it.

Our lists are by no means inclusive but will give you a sense what it’s meant for us.

Simplicity Actions

Joined Voluntary Simplicity Study Circle
Moved to smaller home
Sold second car
Disposed of unnecessary material possessions (Several times!)
Changed most bills to auto pay
Changed to averaged billing for electricity and water/garbage
Don’t adopt new technology until value proven and price lowers
Developed a community of friends to share resources
Don’t keep up with the Joneses
Stopped going to malls
Dine out only on special occasions
Buy conservative investments requiring minimal management                Our Voluntary Simplicity Group
Maintain one credit card, pay it off each month
Fired Financial Planner
Wear stuff out
Use the library extensively
Got rid of lawn
Left paid employment (see Getting a Life for details)
Own high gas-mileage/low maintenance car
Barter instead of buying
Installed solar clothes dryer. (Clothes line!)
Cook from scratch                                                                                                  

Sustainability Actions

Developed organic garden
Maintain worm bin for kitchen waste.                                                               Recycled Hardwood Floor
Ride bicycle or walk for errands under 5 mile.
Used sustainably harvested wood for new deck
Recycled hardwood floor destined for landfills.
Reduced unnecessary consumption.
Built compost bins out of recycled wood
Compost all yard waste.
Rebuilt fence using recycled materials
Use mostly non-toxic cleaning products
Recycle all glass and metal and most plastic and waste paper
Buy recycled computer paper, envelopes and printer ink cartridges
Make quilts from recycled fabrics                                                         
Bought lowest water and power consumption dishwasher (Asko)
Make gifts
Reduced junk mail by removing names on Direct Mail Association list
Buy only organic, shade-grown, fair-trade coffee
                                                                                                                                    Sustainably-Harvested                                                                                                                                                Hardwood Deck