| I breathe air containing exhaust & fumes | We breathe clean air |
| I drink water containing chlorine, fluoride, traces of antibiotics, birth control pills, etc. | We drink spring water at the spring; our garden drinks water from the pond and cistern |
| I eat food from mono-crop, fossil-fuel agri- culture, grown in soil that’s full of artificial fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides | We grow our own food using permaculture by creating a complete mini-ecology and living off the real interest |
| I live in a big tightly insulated house with a big computer-controlled furnace/air- conditioner, a big hot water heater, a big refrigerator, 3 ovens, a dishwasher, and a big green lawn | We live in a small passive solar house, with solar hot water, and a stove+furnace, a cold pantry and a solar food dryer We have herbs, vegetables, chicken, fish, goats, and an orchard within the windbreak |
| I have a master bath with a low-flush toilet, 2 sinks, a shower and a Jacuzzi | We have two alternating composting privies, an outdoor shower and a kitchen sink |
| I have an expensive computer-controlled, energy-efficient washer and dryer | We wash our clothes in a pedal powered washer (sending graywater to the garden) and dry them on a clothesline |
| I have a widescreen plasma TV, a CD unit, a few other computers and video games | We have a laptop powered by PV panels and lots of books and board games |
| I drive a hybrid SUV and an EV Sometimes I take the bus or the train | We ride regular bicycles, a 3-wheeler for cargo, or walk, ride our pony cart, or just stay home |
| I buy my clothes and housewares at the mall | We spin, weave, sew and shop at the thrift store |
| I work out at the gym to stay in shape | We get plenty of exercise |
| I have to watch my diet to prevent diabetes | We feel nourished by the food we grow |
| I feel stressed because I have to work lots of overtime so I can pay all my bills and send my kids to a good college | We get plenty of sleep after a day of work and play with our family and neighbors |
| I’m worried about the crime rate while I’m at the office in my cubicle | Our village is never empty |
| I have to drive a long way for a vacation | We don’t need a vacation—we live in Eden |
| I’m depressed and afraid of the future | We feel contented and economically secure |
But how to make the change? What about relapses?
Well, start by absorbing the deeper layer that's underneath the lists above. If Einstein was right in saying that a problem can't be solved by the same mentality that created it, then changing our view of the world is a good place to start.
Second, don't give up. Carbon relapses imply that some carbon dioxide that could have been formed and emitted was avoided. Respect the power of No; its discipline sharpens wisdom.
Written by Muriel S. via Paradigm Shift For Life
