The Cliffs Cottage at Furman

Learning to Plan Ahead vs. the Lure of Convenience

Ah, the slippery slope of seduction! Here in the 'burbs, I find myself constantly at war between a lifetime of country frugality bred in commercial isolation, and the allurement of proximity to conveniences designed to not only satisfy my every whim, but to create more. Luxury, entertainment, and that most exalted of commodities--saved time, can literally be found around the corner for the right price.

But the truth is, the cost is just too high. What may appear to be a gain in time or ease through some frenetic acquisition is, without exception, a loss for the natural world. Convenience, whether it comes in the guise of a single serving package, bottled water, development of fast food chains and pharmacies on every corner, or even the large shiny appliances in my own home, ultimately undermines our health, depletes our natural
resources, creates mountains of waste, pollutes our air and water.... You know the story.

How do we begin to heal the disconnect between what we know to be true, and acting upon that knowledge?

It takes time--the very substance we have supposedly been saving with all of our gadgets and services on demand. It takes time to reconsider our activities and behaviors, and make changes accordingly. It takes time to plan ahead for the little contingencies which enable you to live more lightly on the earth.

A few twigs to kindle the fires of more thoughtful sustainable living:

• Prepare your box lunch at home the evening before. Use washable, reusable containers. Include healthy snacks to get you through the munchies rather than relying on vending machines or fast food establishments. Purchase a refillable water bottle.
• Think through the routes you may travel during the course of the next day, and particular shopping needs or errands you might perform in order to minimize multiple trips. Call ahead to determine availability of items you are seeking rather than making a trip for naught. Park and walk rather than idling in drive-thru lines for several minutes.
• Plan your wardrobe so that you have time to hang your laundry to dry on clotheslines, racks or hangers. Plan simple, healthy meals using as little meat as possible. Shop in bulk rather than purchasing individually wrapped servings.