Simple Ideas for Sustainable Living

By Penni Duncan
Published on December 1, 2007
1 / 4

Penni and Scott replaced their lawn with landscaping better suited to a dry climate.
Penni and Scott replaced their lawn with landscaping better suited to a dry climate.
2 / 4

The Duncan family shifts to sustainable living in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The Duncan family shifts to sustainable living in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
3 / 4

Penni’s mother prepares produce for winter storage.
Penni’s mother prepares produce for winter storage.
4 / 4

Penni and her mother with a freezer now fully stocked with homegrown and local produce.
Penni and her mother with a freezer now fully stocked with homegrown and local produce.

A voluntary simplicity class inspired the author and family with simple ideas for sustainable living and to live a greener urban lifestyle.

Simple Ideas for Sustainable Living

I live in Colorado Springs, Colo., and there are many venues here that offer different kinds of classes. One day, almost 10 years ago, a friend asked if I’d like to join a voluntary simplicity study circle. It sounded interesting, so I decided I would, even though I didn’t know the first thing about it.

The class was a Northwest Earth Institute course that was put on by Pikes Peak Justice and Peace Commission, and it required a three-hour commitment every week for eight weeks. That class opened my eyes to what an individual can contribute to the health of our planet.

Since then, my husband, Scott, and I have slowly changed our habits. It’s been an ongoing process, and we do a little at a time. But support from others in my voluntary simplicity group has made it easier. At the beginning, they taught me about things like the benefits of locally grown and organic food. Many of us are still in touch, and we regularly meet for potluck and game nights. We call ourselves the “simple friends.”

Sustainable living can be a challenge, and it’s twice as challenging for me because I have cystic fibrosis, which has reduced my lung capacity by half. This affects my energy level and requires me to complete five hours of self care and treatments every day. Scott works full time.

Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368