Can’t Afford a Hybrid? Try Hypermiling

The September 2008 issue of National Geographic Adventure magazine featured an article on hypermiling, a practice of using deliberate driving techniques in order to maximize a vehicle’s fuel economy. Many of the methods described in the article seemed fairly intuitive, and yet I realized — even in today’s climate of record-high gas prices — that I wasn’t practicing any of them. Like many drivers, I was lamenting the rising cost of gas without even considering how my driving habits were directly affecting my own fuel consumption.

Voluntary Simplicity Part 2: Living Well in a Shoebox

Orignally posted on myspace 1/3/2007

I read an article the other day about the “trend towards living richer lives in smaller spaces.” And by small, the author meant Lilliputian. The house featured was 200 square feet. Two-hundred square feet. But, the article pointed, out it contained DSL, a flat-panel HDTV, and a “bedroom coffee bar.” (Isn’t the qualifier bedroom rather unnecessary here? In those cramped quarters, the house probably also contained a “bedroom toilet” and a “bedroom sink with garbage disposal.”)

This may be a bit extreme, but there is something to be said for the concept of not occupying more space than you need. It’s a little disturbing to think of all the huge homes built to accommodate just 1 or 2 people. I’m often asked why I’m moving into an apartment and not buying a home. I don’t think, as a single person, I would ever buy a house. I’m speaking from an ecological, not a financial, standpoint. I realize there are advantages to being a home owner. But when I think of all the resources that go into building a house, not to mention the energy expended to heat and cool it, it seems a bit unnecessary. Besides, if I can’t live comfortably in my 700-square-foot apartment, then I have way too much crap.

Voluntary Simplicity, and a Crisis of Conscience

Originally posted on myspace 12/24/2006

Lately I have been feeling that I am at somewhat of a turning point. With the impending move into my new apartment, I have been thinking a lot about simplifying my life. Both in an outward and an inward sense. I’ve had an increasing awareness that I have a lot of things I don’t need. Many of my possessions have been in storage for the past year and I’m sure I’ve forgotten about many of them and have already demonstrated that I can get by just fine without them. It’s always been hard for me to get rid of things because I feel that I may want them “someday,” or they hold some minor sentimental significance, or they were gifts. But I feel ready to clear my life of unnecessary possessions and focus on what’s really important to me.

Welcome

Welcome to my new blog. I started this page so I could have a place to post my thoughts on some of the things I have been researching and implementing into my life lately. Most of the material here will deal with health and wellness, nutrition, and natural living. I hope you find something of interest. Until I get things up and running, I will be transfering over a couple of older postings from my myspace blog. If you have any comments, feel free to message me. Namaste.