In 2006 manahhtaning dwelling Colin Beaven, along
with his wife, two-year-old daughter and dog, decided to undertake a yearlong
project of leading a life with as little environmental impact as possible.
His reason for doing this
was to attract public awareness about global issues (such as depletion of
energy and material resources, water shortages, global warming and sustainable
food systems) by experimenting with various ways of living that would improve the
overall quality of life.
They went about doing
this by saying no to
electricity, taxis, takeout food, and meat and they went organic.
"Only bring into your home what you want," Beavan says. “You want the apples, not the bag they come in.”
"The average American creates 1,600 pounds of
trash a year. We’re trying to reduce that to zero," Colin Beavan.
1. Stop eating beef.
3. Observe an eco-sabbath. For one day or afternoon or even hour a week, don't buy anything, don't use any machines, don't switch on anything electric, don't cook, don't answer your phone, and, in general, don't use any resources. In other words, for this regular period, give yourself and the planet a break. Keep your regular eco-sabbath for a month. You'll find that the enforced downtime represents an improvement to your life.
4. Tithe a fixed percentage of your income to the non-profits of your choice.
5. Get there under your own steam. Commit to getting around by bike or by foot a certain number of days a month.
6. Commit to not wasting. From heat, to food, to air-conditioning to fuel, the list in endless. Spare your money and save the planet.
7. Build a community. Spend more time with friends & family doing things that involves less waste. For example, have dinners/drinks and play music by candlelight.
8. Take your principles to work.
9. Dedicate a day's worth of TV viewing to eco-service each week.
10. Believe with all your heart that how you live your life makes a difference to all of us.
The Book
The Movie
