Small changes - big waves

When we do know what to do - why don't we just do it? When we know what is the etchical or ecological way of doing things, why not just go ahead with it?

My lame excuses are stuff like this: when I want to buy something that I don't really need. "Oh, it is so pretty, it will make our home look so much prettier" or "N.N. will be so happy when she gets this." Pretty new thing for the living room is a substitute for time spent leisurely at home. To give someone a gift is a cheap substitute for love.

What I really would want to do rather than try and delight someone with someTHING is to take my friends out for a picnic. Take my kids to a cafe. Have a massage. Sit down and be at peace at my own home.

Why don't I do it? Beats me. I think we have somehow gotten engraved into our souls that a good person is a good consumer.

This summer I have truly found the pleasure of bicycling - thanks go to my colleague who cheered me on and to my husband who got me the wonderful second hand bike. It has taken me around for almost 750 kms through this summer. Pretty good for a person who did not own a bike earlier. Rewards are many; better condition, happier, stronger.. hopefully also leaner new me soon. And quite a few ice creams not bought because the good feeling came without it. Good for the waist, good for the environment, this trading the ice creams for biking. Such a good substitute. I took my bike to work quite a few times. Easy decision; work out AND work commuting done at once. But we will see what happens when the autumn arrives. Most likely the lure of the car will be tempting. Sigh. I will try.

What makes you happy?

The obvious answer is "small things". This is what you are supposed to say. And hey, it is true too. Things that yesterday made me happy were the fact that I was given a lift to a meeting and back by my dear mother in law. We had good time to set the world in order whilst driving. I would have had to choose a car at least for 20+ kms if it was not for her. I added a subway trip to the car pool and so we saved a bit of environment with our choice too.

The second thing was that the meeting had some left over treats and I was offered to take them to my kids. So, I was heading home happy and with a box full of goodies. On my way I met a girl selling the Big Issue (the Finnish version). I said that absolutely I will buy the magazine if I have any money with me. She said that she will give me discount :) I found my wallet and there was no need for a discount. We parted, both happy.

Amazing; I got a really good kick out of a free ride and free treats for my family, both for not spending money and saving a bit of environmental resources (the treats were to be binned if I did not take them) and an even better by using my money for something worthwhile.

A good day was rounded up with a nice movie and a small drop of good Scotch with my dear husband. These choices drowned the small sorrows of yesterday; a bit of toothache and an ahcing shoulder. Small things make all the difference in life. What makes you happy?

Small steps by Simon Dale

The wonderful low impact home by Simon Dale takes my breath away Simon Dale He has built a "hobbit house" and is working on another, very beautiful project now. But here are his Some things we all can do His thoughts are very much worth considering and pondering over. Please do read. I had a lovely break in Lapland with DH and our girls. They had gone sledding with huskies.

Plussides in my holiday were: - overnight train to Kolari - cross country skiing as a sport - wood heated sauna, heated with sustainably forested wood - mainly vegetarian food with local fish to accompany - cooking with an "extended family" of friends; 5 adults, 7 kids. More people eating from the same pot equals less energy used whilst cooking - on route had locally fished white fish for lunch, and we also prepared sandwiches ourselves Minuses: - took the car down south with family and used the car for transport around. No real possibilities to travel by bus or train but we kept it to the minimum - had dairy - fell for purchasing a plush toy, a Very Pretty Otter from the naturecenter.