Our theme this month is on collaboration – innovative ideas of people coming together to make the earth a better place, waste less or somehow challenge the overuse of resources.
Today we are exploring the radical life decision of Adam Baker, and the community surrounding him, who decided to sell everything he owned to pay off his family’s consumer debt and live a life where he can make decisions based on what he cares about.
We hear a lot of people say that they can’t afford to care for the environment, buy organic, shop fair-trade or spare time to compost/garden or ride their bikes. However, it is sometimes difficult to look at our own lives, habits and priorities with an objective perspective to evaluate where we could actually make small, positive changes. The temptation seems to be to buy cheaply made, one-time use items which are not necessarily in line with our ethics but are super convenient and affordable.
Yet more stuff in your life will not grant you happiness and ultimately often ends up overcrowding the local landfill. Check out Adam’s Ted Talk on “Doing What You Love”…
Of course not everyone can take such drastic measures to change their lifestyle but each one of us is able to make a changes happen when we want to. So gather a few friends, decide what you each could change in your lives to reduce your waste, increase your health or somehow make the earth a better place… and take action as a group! Support and accountability can take us a long way.
Read more about Adam “man vs. debt” here.
no waste wednesdays 
Hello folks from MCC Saskatchewan! My name is Joan Otto and I’m actually the community manager for Adam Baker and Man Vs Debt. I just wanted to say thank you on behalf of our team for helping to share Baker’s TEDx talk message.
As you mentioned that your theme this month is collaboration, I just have to say thank you for working with US to help share and spread this message. Our goal is to reach as many people as possible. Not everyone will sell everything and RV across the U.S. or backpack across New Zealand, but if we can help everyone who hears this think differently and live intentionally – well, that’s the goal.
Thank you again. I look forward to seeing what topics you continue with in 2012!
Hey Joan! Adam’s example is certainly inspiring and I’m sure he’s challenged many people with his message. Thank you for your comment and please feel free to suggest topics, themes or stories you think would fit with No Waste Wednesdays. All the best!
Hello there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if
that would be ok. I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.