Green Options

There should be no secrets among those who continue to prosper in mostly non-financial ways despite the challenging economic times.  These people live (and perhaps work) following the laws of nature more than the “laws of supply and demand” of the increasingly dysfunctional “free” and global marketplace.

Here’s how to thrive in the abundance of renewable energy, organic food and a more healthy and sustainable lifestyle. While not all frugality rules, this approach to living more sustainably does require some degree of curtailment, scaling down and living within our means.  It means using credit cards less and relying on community members or family more.  However, the result can be a rich life filled with health and well-being, friends and family, more time to do the things you love to do (imagine that!), a greater sense of purpose, and, my favorite, happiness.

Below are a few suggestions to get you started or continue your journey.  Please add some of your own in the comments.  Maybe some of the BIG banks or BIG government folks might take notice that a few ideas do not involve printing and spending trillions of dollars to “spur consumption.”

•  Powering the renewable energy revolution

Times couldn’t be better for installing your own renewable energy system or improving your energy efficiency of your home or business (or both!), depending on the state you live in.  The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 extended the Energy Policy Act of 2005. These new acts extend and expand the federal tax credits available for energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements made in 2009 and beyond.  There are numerous renewable energy cash-back incentives, tax credits and low interest loans that can help ease the transition from a fossil-fuel based economy to one that thrives on solar income.  Check out the Database for State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (www.dsireusa.org) to see what’s available in your state.

As I mentioned in a previous post, more and more urban dwellers are growing their own produce.  As fuel prices rise, inflation sets in, and corn becomes scarce, starting and expanding a home garden becomes more than just a fun past-time; it offers an opportunity for food security.  Here’s how Pamela Price of Texas describes her garden:

A few months ago, I watched some members of my community prepare a garden in the alley behind their house. As of mid-July, they have created a veritable produce stand as raspberries, Swiss chard, peppers, and cucumbers are flourishing. Dinner, anyone?

Lately I’ve had a case of Spring and now nearing Summer fever for flowers and all things related to gardening for the soul. While my Garden Rants have focused on increasing indoor air quality with plants, let’s now take a look outdoors with a site like You Grow Girl, dedicated to making things bloom with grace! Featuring all kinds of organic gardening ideas and resources such as Abundant Life Seed Company which is a non-profit that preserves the genetic diversity of plants by growing and distributing open-pollinated certified organic (or with the biodynamic method of farming) seeds to home and community gardeners everywhere.

YGG has been inspiring healthy gardeners for almost a decade now with what they describe as a “contemporary, laid-back approach to gardening that places equal importance on environmentalism, style, affordability, art, and humour.”