just wanted to say thanks...

CFL lightbulbs…tires properly inflated…bamboo cutting boards…turn down the water heater…blah blah blah blah blah.

This is what my mind was hearing several months ago when I first realized I really wasn’t living a very sustainable lifestyle. I scoured the internet, searching for any tips and tricks to make the transition to a more sustainable lifestyle more bearable. I got so bored, that I almost decided that I had two choices: sell my house and all of my belongings, kiss my family and friends goodbye, and live inside of a hollowed out log in the forest, or resign myself to the fact that that’s just the way it is for people like me in this country.

Then I stumbled upon a blog that gave me reason to keep on going…horrifyingly enough, the post that pulled me back in was entitled All Natural Bush – it was a piece all about hair dye for “down there” – it, sadly enough, was what made me realize, like a smack in the face, that our society is compulsively drawn to buying crap…no matter what the product is designed for, you can find a market for it in this consumer culture.

I signed up for the Buy Nothing Challenge just a few days later, and it was a wonderful learning experience. Even more importantly, I was able to tap into a community of people who were struggling with similar issues, and dealing with them all with humor and grace, and without the holier than thou attitude I found so off-putting.

I learned the value of community – had I not been able to witness the successes and shortcomings of others undertaking the same challenges, I would have thrown in the towel.

Had I not been able to laugh and chuckle with others, and at myself, I would have found no joy in the process.

So instead of giving up on this adventure of going green, I find myself constantly looking for new challenges and ways to improve myself and the world around me. I’ve tapped into a network of likeminded individuals. And I’ve seen the bar set for what I’d like my blog to be.

Crunchy has recently been discussing taking a break from blogging...for reasons I would fully understand - but I hope she carries on. Whether or not Crunchy Chicken continues blogging for another week, six months, or years to come, I’m grateful for the thought-provoking and insight that’s been provided – thank you! You are an original!

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