Composting and recycling are great because they reduce the waste that is filling our landfills, but through my research and reflection I have come across the idea that at the root of many of the human race's problems is excessive consumption. If we become conscious consumers, we use less and therefore waste less. Colin Beavan, or No Impact Man, took conscious consumption to the extreme. He and his family underwent a year long transformation towards a lifestyle with as little impact on the environment as possible living in New York City. They got rid of their TV, stopped buying new, only bought their food from the local farmer's market (completely cutting off meat, coffee and restaurants) as well as many other changes.
Beavan made a documentary following the process. It is an eye opening film because it showed me all of our daily habits that we take advantage of are making such a negative impact on the environment and not only that but the habits are actually crippling our happiness. One of the most beautiful moments of the film is when the family of three wash their clothes together. They are smiling and laughing, there is a deep connection between the members and that connection was possible because they got rid of all of the distractions like television and shopping.
Though I agree that this is an extreme example that is out of reach for the common person, after watching the film I have realized how important conscious consumption really is.
Beavan made a documentary following the process. It is an eye opening film because it showed me all of our daily habits that we take advantage of are making such a negative impact on the environment and not only that but the habits are actually crippling our happiness. One of the most beautiful moments of the film is when the family of three wash their clothes together. They are smiling and laughing, there is a deep connection between the members and that connection was possible because they got rid of all of the distractions like television and shopping.
Though I agree that this is an extreme example that is out of reach for the common person, after watching the film I have realized how important conscious consumption really is.
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