This past Thursday I spent $10 at happy hour.
That ten bucks bought me two Summit EPAs and the chance to hear Colin Beavan discuss his experience, insight, and subsequent book/upcoming documentary on making a difference by making a minimal – or in his case no – impact on the earth for a year.
Not bad for $10.
Here’s how the event itself unfolds:
My favorite local radio station, MPR‘s The Current in conjunction with The Citizen’s League (who are now following me on Twitter! Holler!), host these events every so often called Policy and a Pint. The premise is simple: engaging information-sharing and conversation on a relevant and current topic. Plus beers.
I went to my first one a couple of years back. It was around the time when gas prices first really started spiking, and so the topic – naturally – was The Price of Gas. Morning DJ Steve Seel (sigh. love.) moderated as David Strom and Akshay Rao discussed their insights on what kinds of social, political, and economic factors were contributing to this. The audience asked questions. The patrons enjoyed drinks. This one was held at The Varsity Theater (LOVE that place) in Dinkytown (the University of MN campus area). Last week’s was held in St. Paul.
I met my roommate and our friend at the UBS Forum in the Minnesota Public Radio building at Cedar and 9th downtown. First of all, that’s a great, great room. Stadium seating faces floor-to-ceiling windows that look out up to the state capitol building. The room was packed with inquiring minds, and Steve Seel asked great, insightful questions of Mr. Beavan, clearly having done his homework.
It was pretty amazing to hear how this man gave up any and everything that would leave an impact on the earth for a full year. These were big changes, and he acknowledged the challenges and slip-ups while sharing with us the lessons learned from the whole experience. I thought there were some pretty practical takeaways. He went to the extreme, but suggests we make more realistic changes.
Here’s what I got out of it:
- What Beavan strives for (and what he suggests we strive for) is finding the intersection between quality of life and necessary consumption. And not ‘quality of life’ in terms of “My Land Rover increases my quality of life because it makes me look cool” (it doesn’t). What he meant and explained was that when you think in terms of the poverty level, of people who essentially do without [electricity, heat, etc.] because they have to, that’s not really a quality of life that developed countries strive for, eco-friendly as it may be. Instead, make conscious efforts to reduce what we overuse to a level that’s necessary, not excessive. This isn’t a groundbreaking idea, but was an interesting way of putting it. He goes on to discuss how developing countries should take on the responsibility of creating sustainable products and energy and setting an example for underdeveloped countries, but that’s a conversation for another day.
- Just doing one little thing, as awesome as that might sound, doesn’t really make a real impact. It’s a series of small changes that add up to big change.
- What YOU do might be different than what I do. And that’s fine.
The best thing about these things though, regardless of your politics or personal situation, is that they incite conversation. Angie and I walked out talking about how we could make changes, what we were already doing, what we could do better, and what kinds of things would be challenging to implement. I think this is where action starts – in understanding how you apply the ideas and in having someone to hold you accountable and make those changes with you. Considering we’re roommates, we can agree on energy conservation at home and actually practice it.
I was absolutely inspired this morning after having spent some time with my good girlfriend, Melissa. After we hit up the [local!] Farmer’s Market, she showed me the plarn she’d just made out of Target bags. That giant ball of plastic yarn will be crocheted into NEW [reusable!] bags for toting grocery store and market purchases. Then she showed me the baby hat she crocheted out of a sweater she never wore.
(She’s going to be opening an Etsy shop sooner than later and you can bet I’m going to pimp the bejeezus out of that, so stay tuned!)
Anyway, talk about creative ways to reuse, right?
Back to Beavan. I want to read his book since the hour we were there was hardly enough time to really grasp how he pulled this off, but my book list is quickly growing out of control so I’m thinking it will have to be a winter read.
The event itself was great, and I’m already eager for the next chance to be a local-beer-drinking, always-learning-because-hey!-knowledge-is-power, engaged-and-informed local citizen.
Kudos to The Current and The Citizen’s League. Great, great event.
What about you, my lovelies? Is it a priority for you to reduce, reuse, recycle, and conserve? Have you given up anything in the name of going green? What kinds of tips can you give this urban-dwelling wannabe-do-gooder on some small household/lifestyle changes that make a bigger difference?
Doniree Walker is an aspiring yogini, jet-setter, foodie, and story-teller. She's a writer and geek girl by trade, and a lover and a connector by lifestyle, and is currently obsessed with: train travel, single-serving chocolate milk, and brand new notebooks. Oh, and she's also part supergirl. Wanna be friends? 
{ 47 comments… read them below or add one }
That must have been amazing to experience in person. Seriously. I love stuff like that, and it makes me so sad that so many people I know don't give a rat's ass about conservation.
This is one of those HUGE causes for me, and I do my best to reduce, reuse, recycle and conserve. It's challenging to conserve when you live alone in a relatively big apartment, but I do my best despite this. One of the big things I've been doing for a few years now is carrying my own bags. And reusing whatever plastic bags I accrue as trash bags. And I recycle EVERYTHING I possibly can. (Which sucks down here, because they don't recycle aluminum cans OR glass. WTF?)
I don't really have any advice. Just be aware of what you're doing and how it can impact the environment. And I look forward to reading others advice. (:
Michelle and I have traded our gas guzzlers (a '94 Blazer and a '04 Trailblazer) for a pair of smaller urban runabouts (an '07 Nissan Versa and an '09 Honda Fit), boosting our combined real-life MPG from around 16 MPG to about 30 MPG.
We drive less, when we can, and try to consolidate trips. If we have errands to run, we try to run one loop around the city and get it all done in some reasonable order. We take reusable bags to the grocery store (when we don't space out and forget them!) and we skip bags completely when we can (esp. when I'm just buying something like a CD at Best Buy).
We ride the thermostat all day in most cases, keeping a balance between comfort and energy consumption. We bought a house with brand new energy-efficient windows and doors and tons of insulation in the attic. We bought something relatively small (1,700 sq ft), which reduces our need for various utilities and also for Stuff.
Beyond that, we just try to be mindful of what we consume.
I think the whole Policy and a Pint thing is pure genius. As 20 somethings, we have the power to change the world and for a lot of people our age… change & policy isn't in the forefront of our minds the way that it should be. This event brought a certain age group in with the lure of beer and a familiar setting, which I think is so great.
I'm WAY excited for Melissa's shop, how amazing is that?! I'm insane when it comes to reusing bags, keeping the heat down and lights off, not driving when I could easily walk or bike… stuff like that.
The event actually drew in folks from all different age groups, but I think
the majority was in a younger demo. It's a really solid concept and they've
been doing it now long enough to run it smoothly.
And your enthusiasm is awesome/inspiring as always!
I think consolidating trips is a great idea, and I've heard suggestions
about grabbing a friend to knock out errands together so as to reduce the
amount of driving. I try to remember to bring bags to the grocery store and
really just need to keep them stashed in my car so I don't forget!
That must have been amazing to experience in person. Seriously. I love stuff like that, and it makes me so sad that so many people I know don't give a rat's ass about conservation.
This is one of those HUGE causes for me, and I do my best to reduce, reuse, recycle and conserve. It's challenging to conserve when you live alone in a relatively big apartment, but I do my best despite this. One of the big things I've been doing for a few years now is carrying my own bags. And reusing whatever plastic bags I accrue as trash bags. And I recycle EVERYTHING I possibly can. (Which sucks down here, because they don't recycle aluminum cans OR glass. WTF?)
I don't really have any advice. Just be aware of what you're doing and how it can impact the environment. And I look forward to reading others advice. (:
Anytime I order some hookers, I insist that they carpool.
Bonus points if you reuse the same hookers.
Michelle and I have traded our gas guzzlers (a '94 Blazer and a '04 Trailblazer) for a pair of smaller urban runabouts (an '07 Nissan Versa and an '09 Honda Fit), boosting our combined real-life MPG from around 16 MPG to about 30 MPG.
We drive less, when we can, and try to consolidate trips. If we have errands to run, we try to run one loop around the city and get it all done in some reasonable order. We take reusable bags to the grocery store (when we don't space out and forget them!) and we skip bags completely when we can (esp. when I'm just buying something like a CD at Best Buy).
We ride the thermostat all day in most cases, keeping a balance between comfort and energy consumption. We bought a house with brand new energy-efficient windows and doors and tons of insulation in the attic. We bought something relatively small (1,700 sq ft), which reduces our need for various utilities and also for Stuff.
Beyond that, we just try to be mindful of what we consume.
I think the whole Policy and a Pint thing is pure genius. As 20 somethings, we have the power to change the world and for a lot of people our age… change & policy isn't in the forefront of our minds the way that it should be. This event brought a certain age group in with the lure of beer and a familiar setting, which I think is so great.
I'm WAY excited for Melissa's shop, how amazing is that?! I'm insane when it comes to reusing bags, keeping the heat down and lights off, not driving when I could easily walk or bike… stuff like that.
The event actually drew in folks from all different age groups, but I think
the majority was in a younger demo. It's a really solid concept and they've
been doing it now long enough to run it smoothly.
And your enthusiasm is awesome/inspiring as always!
I think consolidating trips is a great idea, and I've heard suggestions
about grabbing a friend to knock out errands together so as to reduce the
amount of driving. I try to remember to bring bags to the grocery store and
really just need to keep them stashed in my car so I don't forget!
I spend a lot of time at my office and as a result we have implemented a massive recycling effort AND we now purchase all recycled office materials (that can be recycled too!) . We recycle aluminum, plastic, paper and that great thing is that people who don't have recycling in their area bring their recyclables to work. We also have toilet paper, hand towels, envelopes, pens, printing paper and coffee cups/lids that is all made out of recycled materials and can be recycled same day if they so choose.
We've also started giving a small discount on our printed materials that are purchased by our clients so that they can afford to pay for the recycling at the end of the life cycle's product.
I've been much better about carpooling.
I turn off lights when I'm not in the room as much as possible.
I buy used books, clothes and movies when possible/applicable.
I don't take receipts at gas stations when I pay at the pump.
I frequent local independent bars and stores who receive their goods from local suppliers which I would assume (I could be wrong) means less transportation/fuel/gas burned to get it to me.
I know these aren't big things but I try!
I'm curious about this book; let me know how it goes! And thanks for enlightening and us challenging us to be more green =)
Those are great, practical suggestions! I love it!
Anytime I order some hookers, I insist that they carpool.
Bonus points if you reuse the same hookers.
Sounds amazing!
I haven't ever given dramatic up, but I'm always up for spending a little bit more on environmentally friendly products… High efficiency lightbulbs, green cleaning products, Brita water filters instead of plastic bottles, etc. Hopefully it all will make a difference!
I don't think I've given anything up really but just doing small things around the house and town. I only use those energy efficient light bulbs now and I bought the reusable bags so I bring my own bags while grocery shopping and I make sure to recylce like everything I can. Other than that I haven't done much though. I really should do more…
Oh cool! I wish I could come to MPR events, that would make me way too happy.
For me, I compost and grow my own vegetables, and I'm vegetatian which I think makes the most impact in terms of land that doesn't have to be clear cut for grazing land for cattle etc. And last year we downsized to one car! Which was scary and cold, but has worked out quite well. My bus pass is very eco-friendly and we made sure to buy in an area that was walkable.
LOTS of great points here that I've tried implementing or want to. Going
vegetarian (ok, pescatarian) I know has a major impact, and I'm trying to
buy local (or at least not packaged) as much as possible. And next place I
live once we're out of this lease will DEFINITELY be someplace walkable. Or
at least more easily bussable…
I spend a lot of time at my office and as a result we have implemented a massive recycling effort AND we now purchase all recycled office materials (that can be recycled too!) . We recycle aluminum, plastic, paper and that great thing is that people who don't have recycling in their area bring their recyclables to work. We also have toilet paper, hand towels, envelopes, pens, printing paper and coffee cups/lids that is all made out of recycled materials and can be recycled same day if they so choose.
We've also started giving a small discount on our printed materials that are purchased by our clients so that they can afford to pay for the recycling at the end of the life cycle's product.
I've been much better about carpooling.
I turn off lights when I'm not in the room as much as possible.
I buy used books, clothes and movies when possible/applicable.
I don't take receipts at gas stations when I pay at the pump.
I frequent local independent bars and stores who receive their goods from local suppliers which I would assume (I could be wrong) means less transportation/fuel/gas burned to get it to me.
I know these aren't big things but I try!
I'm curious about this book; let me know how it goes! And thanks for enlightening and us challenging us to be more green =)
Those are great, practical suggestions! I love it!
Sounds amazing!
I haven't ever given dramatic up, but I'm always up for spending a little bit more on environmentally friendly products… High efficiency lightbulbs, green cleaning products, Brita water filters instead of plastic bottles, etc. Hopefully it all will make a difference!
You paid $10 for the same advise I gave you free as a young Walker child?
How many times did dear old dad say turn off the light when you leave a room, don't run the water while brushing your teeth, close the door so not to let the cool/heat out of the house, don't stand and stare in the frig, and threaten to shut off the hot water if you didn't get out of the shower, NOW?
Your “there is NO such thing as global warming”, “curly light bulbs (because they contain mercury) can do more harm than good to the 'environment” dad, will not get on his soap box (whew, aren't you glad? Hehe) but I will say, I am glad you are looking for ways to save money by reducing the energy you use. I'm very proud of you, but if you had harkened back to your younger days and what dear old dad tried to instill in you, you would have save $10. You could have got 1-2 bottles of wine for that.
Be a conservationist and conserve, but not feel guilty if you slip up.
Shalom #1.
I don't think I've given anything up really but just doing small things around the house and town. I only use those energy efficient light bulbs now and I bought the reusable bags so I bring my own bags while grocery shopping and I make sure to recylce like everything I can. Other than that I haven't done much though. I really should do more…
Oh cool! I wish I could come to MPR events, that would make me way too happy.
For me, I compost and grow my own vegetables, and I'm vegetatian which I think makes the most impact in terms of land that doesn't have to be clear cut for grazing land for cattle etc. And last year we downsized to one car! Which was scary and cold, but has worked out quite well. My bus pass is very eco-friendly and we made sure to buy in an area that was walkable.
LOTS of great points here that I've tried implementing or want to. Going
vegetarian (ok, pescatarian) I know has a major impact, and I'm trying to
buy local (or at least not packaged) as much as possible. And next place I
live once we're out of this lease will DEFINITELY be someplace walkable. Or
at least more easily bussable…
You paid $10 for the same advise I gave you free as a young Walker child?
How many times did dear old dad say turn off the light when you leave a room, don't run the water while brushing your teeth, close the door so not to let the cool/heat out of the house, don't stand and stare in the frig, and threaten to shut off the hot water if you didn't get out of the shower, NOW?
Your “there is NO such thing as global warming”, “curly light bulbs (because they contain mercury) can do more harm than good to the 'environment” dad, will not get on his soap box (whew, aren't you glad? Hehe) but I will say, I am glad you are looking for ways to save money by reducing the energy you use. I'm very proud of you, but if you had harkened back to your younger days and what dear old dad tried to instill in you, you would have save $10. You could have got 1-2 bottles of wine for that.
Be a conservationist and conserve, but not feel guilty if you slip up.
Shalom #1.
I've been noticing that a lot of people are starting to get into this “making do with less” thing. Not everyone seems to have environmental concerns, but still the concept seems to be catching on. I wonder how much of it is a result of the economy. How many people are trading in that SUV out of concern for the environment versus concern for their wallets? And just what exactly do we stand to gain by doing with less? I sense that many are looking for some type of enlightenment and/or relief from the 'keeping up with the Joneses' mentality. I considered selling my CD collection recently (it's all been converted to MP3 anyway) but I can't bring myself to do it because of the memories associated with the objects themselves. I don't think it makes me particularly cool to have the 'Snow' e.p. by Cocteau Twins, but I like having it because of the memory associated with the time in my life in which I acquired it. Sadly, I think that most of the minimalist mentality is directly associated with the downturn in the economy. As soon as things get better, you'll see many people drop the conservationism in favor of some good old consumerism.
Ha, I didn't pay $10 for the advice. I paid $10 to hear someone talk about
I'm
something I'm interested in, to attend something that organizations I'm a
part of hosted, and for the beers.
I learned in girl scouts that you should always leave a place cleaner than
you left it, and you and mom always made us remember this whenever we were
visiting places and packing up to leave. Same is true of the earth
just one person, but I respect this home and will treat it as so
Ha, I didn't pay $10 for the advice. I paid $10 to hear someone talk about
I'm
something I'm interested in, to attend something that organizations I'm a
part of hosted, and for the beers.
I learned in girl scouts that you should always leave a place cleaner than
you left it, and you and mom always made us remember this whenever we were
visiting places and packing up to leave. Same is true of the earth
just one person, but I respect this home and will treat it as so
I don't wanna say that I've gone totally green because one can always step it up more to help out the environment. I just try to control my lifestyle by living minimally and reusing everything I can (even cigarette cartons).
But all this talk about beer makes me want a drink.
I don't wanna say that I've gone totally green because one can always step it up more to help out the environment. I just try to control my lifestyle by living minimally and reusing everything I can (even cigarette cartons).
But all this talk about beer makes me want a drink.
Are you a knitter? That plastic bag thing can be turned in to plarn, which just absolutely intrigues me.
Being conscious of your actions is where it starts!
I could SO go for a drink. In a recyclable can from a local brewery, of course.
I don't necessarily agree with that. I'm committing to living simpler because I want to be less concerned with things and more concerned with people and places and action. In my case, the economy has nothing to do with it. I make more than I did a year ago and have fewer expenses, yet I'm more prone to save and conserve than ever before. I feel calmer when I have less stuff, less clutter. I feel like it opens up more for me because I have room to notice, room to actually accomplish things. And I have a pretty lengthy to-do list right now, so that's crucial.
I understand how music can take you back to something, but I don't have to hold the plastic case in my hand to have that feeling.
In any case, thanks for the feedback even if we disagree
I love when I remember to bring my own shopping bags. There's a thrift store in Uptown on Lyndale (Buffalo Exchange) that donates to one of three charities for every bag you DON'T take when you shop there. I love this.
Are you a knitter? That plastic bag thing can be turned in to plarn, which just absolutely intrigues me.
Being conscious of your actions is where it starts!
I could SO go for a drink. In a recyclable can from a local brewery, of course.
I don't necessarily agree with that. I'm committing to living simpler because I want to be less concerned with things and more concerned with people and places and action. In my case, the economy has nothing to do with it. I make more than I did a year ago and have fewer expenses, yet I'm more prone to save and conserve than ever before. I feel calmer when I have less stuff, less clutter. I feel like it opens up more for me because I have room to notice, room to actually accomplish things. And I have a pretty lengthy to-do list right now, so that's crucial.
I understand how music can take you back to something, but I don't have to hold the plastic case in my hand to have that feeling.
In any case, thanks for the feedback even if we disagree
I love when I remember to bring my own shopping bags. There's a thrift store in Uptown on Lyndale (Buffalo Exchange) that donates to one of three charities for every bag you DON'T take when you shop there. I love this.
That's amazing! And I wish I was a knitter so I could make good use of
the plastic bags. Unfortunately, I'm not crafty like that, but I'd
love to learn.
That's amazing! And I wish I was a knitter so I could make good use of
the plastic bags. Unfortunately, I'm not crafty like that, but I'd
love to learn.
So, did you do the No Impact Week last week?
So, did you do the No Impact Week last week?
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