Retreat Insider

Whether you are a business owner or someone who gets a paycheck from and employer, if you are responding ably to the economic shift now firmly underway, you review your income versus the costs of living. Lifestyle changes such as joining (or initiating!) a carpool, increasing (or beginning) home vegetable and herb gardening, supporting local farmers and small businesses, are just a few of the householder conversations heard in our community. Perhaps the greatest concern about the immediate near future here in the north country is what our heating costs will be this winter, even though near term gas prices are down from the highest ever in our history!

Business owners are undoubtedly feeling the effects of “the way we do things around here” for good or for better. There is always untapped potential when we evaluate and indeed question our habits - a change of mind, a shift in perception can almost instantly improve the bottom line! Here’s how …

The economic shift is but a clue that complacency of abundance and lifestyle is our greatest challenge. Change and acceptance that things just aren’t working provide the opportunity. Say what you want to about the idea of “going green”, which SOUNDS proactive and positive … there are simple actions you can take RIGHT NOW, most of which will cost you not one dime and in fact may give you a larger INTENTIONALLY DIRECTED spendable, at home and in your company.

1. Avoid Fast (and prepared) Food - it is way over-packaged and most fast-food companies are responsible for producing mountains of trash. By avoiding fast food whenever possible, you’ll help reduce this needless wast
2. Create A Compost Pile: It’s easy to do. Find a corner of the yard that’s out of the way. Carefully throw food wastes (leftovers, eggshells, coffee grounds, spoiled vegetables, etc.) into a pile and mix with dirt. Every week or so, turn the pile over with a shovel to give it more air. In a few weeks, it will turn into a rich, nutrition soil that will help plants grow. Just think: What used to be “garbage” is now a valuable substance!
3. Grown your own - veggies and herbs OR
4. Participate in a community garden AND Buy Local - the happy long term by-product of the “Loca-Vore’ movement is more self-sufficiency in your locale
5. Learn to cook delicious, nutrient dense meals that will satisfy you completely, boost your immune system and potentially reduce your need for medical interventions (READ: insurance and basic doctor visits) - talk with a Vital Health Educator and Nutrition Coach for guidance!
6. Eschew Junk purchases - the number one way in which individuals harm the environment is by CONSUMPTION, so stop buying so much crap!!

There is a cost and ripple effect to everything in life– every action we take and every dollar we spend. Do what you can do and get back to the basics, the rest will take care of itself. The very act of marrying new behaviors and endeavors with green leads to overall cost savings - money and environmental. Not to mention the added benefits of less overwhelm and more intentional living!