Monday 21 January 2008

It's not that easy being green

Shortly after Christmas I made a decision that 2008 would be 'The Year of Less Stuff'. Apart from myself, The Fixer is the only one in the house who ever puts anything away. Consequently, she's the only one who ever knows where anything is, and if you need a torch or a screwdriver, she proceeds to negotiate a half-hourly rental charge for using it. But I digress.

I knew I had made the right decision when The Football Fanatic arrived home the day the Christmas tree came down.

Her: Can anyone explain the garden shears in the porch?
Me: Actually, they're tree loppers. Your father cut the tree up in the living room.
Her: You know what it reminds me of in here? D'you remember those worksheets we used to get in Science, the ones that say 'Put a ring round each hazard....'

So, hampered slightly by a child with an ear infection followed by a virus followed by 'post-viral syndrome', I have slowly been filling bin bags and charity bags for the last two weeks, and I have to say it's all going rather well. Yesterday I assaulted the North Face of my own bedroom. This is the room where everybody else's unwanted 'stuff' ends up. It took me all day, but it was very nice to get into bed without having to take my life in my hands and negotiate an obstacle course worthy of the military.

Fired with enthusiasm, I have decided that as well as de-cluttering, we need to 'go greener' and I have signed us up for this:

Go and have a look. I'll wait.

I'm quite looking forward to it. The younger end of the spectrum are quite excited at the thought of playing Cleudo by Candlelight. The older end have rushed to their TV listings to see what the hour clashes with.

I care not a jot. Like I keep telling them, the rest of Britain may live in a democracy. You, unfortunately, do not.


9 comments:

Rose said...

I LOVE that idea of turning off! Next up: try and convince my husband and 17 year old step-daughter.

Monkey Giggles said...

Hello,

It is a struggle but we do it.

Just want to let you know that I am having a little "Cozy Corner" contest. Yes you play along living in the UK. I would love to have ya.

Smiles and hugs

the rotten correspondent said...

I stopped by to say thanks for visiting my blog. I love the lights out idea, and also your bit about teenagers needing to get out while they still knew everything.

I wish them luck, don't you?

Jennie said...

LOL love the teenagers pic! I also love how you wait while we go look at the site! ;)
Great idea I will go read it again and sign up.

Regina said...

Thanks so very much for stopping by yesterday and hooking me up with EARTH HOUR. What an awesome idea! I think we should do it one night monthly...whatcha' think? I've signed up for it, and I'm also on your boat with "reducing" items in the household (and in my case, it'll take a VERY big boat)! LOL! Nice to meet you! Have an awesome day!

lori said...

I have NO idea how you got to my spot...but I'm GLADDER than you are...WHAT A PLACE you've got here...I was laughing along UNTIL I saw the tag on the side...
"I do many things...none of which generate income.."
I SPIT OUT THE COFFEE that I need to get through the afternoon events....I'd love to know if that is up for sharing...
I COULD HAVE MADE THAT ONE!!!
what a hoot this place is....
the teenager sign...priceless!

I'm so glad to have popped in...let me know about the side thingy....

I'm going back over, just for more inspiration!!
I BET YOU CAME over from Queenie Bee's place....I see she commented...she is one of my faithful...HA...man, if she is getting rid..I'm goin' over!!

nice to meetcha!!
lori

Anonymous said...

Oh- thank you for introducing me to this- I love this idea too! I will definitely be signing up.

Thanks for coming by and commenting...I am missing being able to enjoy all my daily reads whilst I'm travelling and it's great to be back here even if just for a quick peak!

qualcosa di bello said...

first i was mesmerized by the earth hour...hey, i remembered to come back here! & then the teenager sign...i really need to blow that one up & post it in every room of the house. immediately!

Amrita said...

Fixer is great just like me and my younger sister.

The green idea is really. good.

I just love the way you deal with things with humour.