This is a lesson I need.

ALL YOU NEED IS LESS!

I have my consumer addictions.  I am an American.  They may be less than most, but I have enough of everything, yet still I buy.

I am concerned about climate change.  We have reached 400 ppm for an entire month. It is the first time in history.

I do many simple acts to limit my carbon emissions.  I use reusable shopping bags.  I grow food. I walk.  I eat organically and locally.  I live off-the-grid

Driving my car and flying on airplanes occasionally contribute.  I have cut back, but it’s not so easy Over-consuming contributes and is an area that is much easier to reduce.  It’s not about necessity.

What I am in denial about is my closet.  Yes, I have too many clothes.  Sure, they might be organic, hemp, or second-hand, but I have too many.

We were sent the book [amazon_link id=”1936740796″ target=”_blank” ]All You Need Is Less: The Eco-friendly Guide to Guilt-Free Green Living and Stress-Free Simplicity[/amazon_link].  Other than living more mindfully in each moment, this is my greatest challenge and lesson.  I do live more simply than most Americans, but I still consume more than I should.

This feisty how-to is divided into ten easy-to-read sections including Home, Beauty, Baby, and Pet, and delivers a straightforward approach to creating an effortlessly eco-friendly home. Madeleine Somerville shares recipes for all-purpose cleaners, laundry detergent, simple meals, and beauty fixes -plus a healing tea strong enough to cure even the worst Man Cold.

Novice hippies will love the simple, easy to follow tips and tricks, while the experienced eco-holics among us will appreciate the back-to- basics approach to living an environmentally conscious life. With an emphasis on reducing consumption, simplifying your life, and playfully  poking fun at preachy environags (you know who you are), Somerville has created a deliciously green addition to any library.

I love the section on kids and the advice on dealing with gifts that do not meet your eco or natural parenting guidelines.  All parents have encountered this dilemma.  Somerville advises graciousness.  She says do not refuse the gift or “climb up on your eco soapbox”.  Accept the gift with sincere thanks. I love this advice, as I struggled with this when my kids were young and plastic toys were given.  Somerville writes, “I promise that the gifter did not intend to offend your environmental sensibilities, they just wanted to delight you child.”  Intention is key.  It’s the difference between kriya and karma.

[amazon_link id=”1936740796″ target=”_blank” ]All You Need Is Less: The Eco-friendly Guide to Guilt-Free Green Living and Stress-Free Simplicity[/amazon_link] also includes great information on how to make your own beauty and cleaning products, gardening, and how to curb holiday excess.

This book is written in a light and humorous way. It is fun to read and laugh at yourself!

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