Downshifting: Living Simply to Stimulate Change
From AwakeningCharlotte.com
As one of America In Bloom’s major criteria for judging, environmental awareness includes the aspects of the city which promote sustainable living, reducing the city’s waste, reusing recyclable material and other green practices. It’s important for city organizations, businesses and governing bodies to take an active role in encouraging eco-friendly practices. Individual residents also have a role to play in taking up environmental actions where they live.
One method of reducing consumption behaviors is downshifting. Practicing downshifting means that a person limits their intake of resources in favor of “voluntary simplicity.” Downshifters don’t completely remove themselves from society all at once, but gradually reduce their consumption of certain goods and services. This in turn indirectly preserves resources. An added bonus: it saves you money!
There are five main reasons a person might downshift:
- Balance your life and reduce stress
- Embrace personal values
- Pursue a more fulfilling life
- Save limited financial resources
- Help environment and reject consumerism
Essentially, downshifting is rejecting the old saying, “keeping up with the Joneses.” Downshifting means a person reflects on their needs and wants; they try to only consume those things they need while strictly limiting the wants in certain areas of their life such as recreational hobbies or dietary choices.
Remember, downshifting doesn’t mean you become a hermit or drifter. Rather, the downshifter focuses on one part of their life (for example, clothing and apparel) and works to only use what is necessary to get by. If downshifting sounds like something you’d be willing to try, here are some easy starter tips:
- Downshifting is NOT self-denial—don’t give up something you love. Rather, look to reduce your consumer spending in places that you can do without.
- Limit how much you eat out. Buying food to prepare at home will control your portion sizes and reduce your waste.
- Take part in common green practices. Recycle, reuse, and conserve what you have.
- Take up a craft or hobby that will allow you to make commonly used goods or grow produce.
- Cut impulse purchases made while in the store. Plan what you’ll purchase and stick to a list for the majority of shopping trips.
You can find out more about downshifting and tips to get you started at GreenLivingTips.com and ChoosingVoluntarySimplicity.com.
Downshifting is just one way you can play your part in environmental awareness in Springfield, so find what works best for you and encourage others to do the same.
