For those of you out there with Urban Chickens, or thinking about getting some, you'll be happy to know that Salt Lake City Council passed the new chicken ordinance.
This ordinance has changes about where the chickens can be, how far the coop is from your house and neighboring buildings, and how many chickens you can keep on your lot. There are many positive changes for urban chicken owners, so check out the New Chicken Ordinance to find out how this might affect you, your neighbors, and the chickens in your neighborhood.
Showing posts with label Voluntary Simplicity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Voluntary Simplicity. Show all posts
December 17, 2009
May 28, 2009
Community Discussion Groups
Want to learn about food choices, living a more simple life, or climate change? How about some place-based education or how the choices you make as a parent affect your children? If any of these sound interesting to you, read on!USEE is starting another round of Community Discussion Groups! Community Discussion Groups are run like book clubs where your group meets after you read each section of the book and discuss the themes that arose. If you are interested in participating, please RSVP by June 15. For more information about what each book is about and to RSVP, visit USEE's Community Discussion Group page.
Here are the upcoming classes and their start dates:
- Menu for the future- June 25, 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
- Global Warming- June 23, 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
- Healthy Children Healthy Planet- June 22, 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
- Discovering a Sense of Place- June 23, 6:00 pm-7:30 pm
- Voluntary Simplicity- June 23, 4:00 pm- 5:00 pm
May 14, 2009
I'm a Star!
I'm totally famous. People from friends parents in Idaho to my step daughters preschool teacher have been telling me how they saw me on Fox 13 news last night and this morning. Well, though I do enjoy being in the spotlight, this one really wasn't about me.
We (the Utah Society for Environmental Education) run a program developed by the Northwest Earth Institute in Portland Oregon that gets groups of people together in book club type groups to talk about various topics ranging from healthy children to living simply. The Voluntary Simplicity course was something Fox 13 was interested in highlighting (with the economic times and all), so Cath Edvalson (Nicole's mom) and myself were interviewed after we finished up our discussion group.
Simplicity has many meanings and can range from buying less, gardening, eating lower on the food chain, eliminating stress to raising chickens. Whatever it is that simplifies your life and makes you happy, go for it!
Check out part one below and click here for part two highlighting Cath.
We (the Utah Society for Environmental Education) run a program developed by the Northwest Earth Institute in Portland Oregon that gets groups of people together in book club type groups to talk about various topics ranging from healthy children to living simply. The Voluntary Simplicity course was something Fox 13 was interested in highlighting (with the economic times and all), so Cath Edvalson (Nicole's mom) and myself were interviewed after we finished up our discussion group.
Simplicity has many meanings and can range from buying less, gardening, eating lower on the food chain, eliminating stress to raising chickens. Whatever it is that simplifies your life and makes you happy, go for it!
Check out part one below and click here for part two highlighting Cath.
May 13, 2009
USEE on the News Tonight!
Attention Utah Readers! USEE is going to be featured on Fox 13 News tonight on the 9:00pm broadcast. This is a 2 part segment featuring USEE's Voluntary Simplicity Discussion Group where Andree' is giving the low down on what voluntary simplicity is, what it means to her, and how you can get involved. (Her chickens will also be featured!) One of the class participants was also interviewed and she'll tell her story about what changes she's made because of this class.
So check it out tonight at 9:00pm on Fox 13!
Bronco, BBQ, and Teriyaki in the Backyard Barnyard
Andree' Walker-Bravo
So check it out tonight at 9:00pm on Fox 13!
Bronco, BBQ, and Teriyaki in the Backyard BarnyardAndree' Walker-Bravo
May 12, 2009
Voluntary Simplicity Highlight
As many of you know, USEE just finished up the Voluntary Simplicity Community Discussion course that we offer. From this course the we have all been trying to implement different ways that we feel make our own lives more simple from not purchasing new items to growing our own veggies. We all have differnt styles of choosing simplicity, but for the most part I think one way we are all implementing simplicity into our lives is through the awareness of how we spend our time.
For me, this has mostly been about being conscious of the time that I spend doing different activities in my life, incorporating more of the things that make me happy, and asking myself, "what is important for me today?" For instance, I am spending more time with my friends and family, more time playing my guitar, more time cooking (I just recently finished a bread baking class and I have enjoyed employing my new skills), more time exploring my neighborhood, and more time reading. I am starting my first garden I have really enjoyed learning about plants and gardening and also being outside in the sunshine. I spend less time in front of the TV and the internet. If I decide that I want to watch a movie, I make sure that I'm making a conscious decision that it is really what I want to spend that part of my day on, rather than just passively turning something on because I'm bored. I feel that I have grown tremendously from this experience and lead a happier life for it.
USEE and our Voluntary Simplicity Course is being featured on the news tomorrow night! The story is going to be on the local Fox News at 9:00pm. The story is going to be part of their sweeps week, so it is going to be the overarching theme throughout the whole newscast. Andree' will be featured through much of it as well as two of the people who took the course and have made some drastic changes (read about their journey) in their lives.
The nice thing about voluntary simplicity is that it means something different to everyone. In the context of a community discussion course, you can easily explore what those different meanings are and learn from them. Contact us today if you are interested in starting or joining a Voluntary Simplicity Community Discussion group and don't forget to catch us on the news tomorrow night. How are you simplifying your life?
For me, this has mostly been about being conscious of the time that I spend doing different activities in my life, incorporating more of the things that make me happy, and asking myself, "what is important for me today?" For instance, I am spending more time with my friends and family, more time playing my guitar, more time cooking (I just recently finished a bread baking class and I have enjoyed employing my new skills), more time exploring my neighborhood, and more time reading. I am starting my first garden I have really enjoyed learning about plants and gardening and also being outside in the sunshine. I spend less time in front of the TV and the internet. If I decide that I want to watch a movie, I make sure that I'm making a conscious decision that it is really what I want to spend that part of my day on, rather than just passively turning something on because I'm bored. I feel that I have grown tremendously from this experience and lead a happier life for it.
USEE and our Voluntary Simplicity Course is being featured on the news tomorrow night! The story is going to be on the local Fox News at 9:00pm. The story is going to be part of their sweeps week, so it is going to be the overarching theme throughout the whole newscast. Andree' will be featured through much of it as well as two of the people who took the course and have made some drastic changes (read about their journey) in their lives.
The nice thing about voluntary simplicity is that it means something different to everyone. In the context of a community discussion course, you can easily explore what those different meanings are and learn from them. Contact us today if you are interested in starting or joining a Voluntary Simplicity Community Discussion group and don't forget to catch us on the news tomorrow night. How are you simplifying your life?
April 10, 2009
Not Buying It - Final update
Well, I made it. I met my goal of not purchasing anything "new" from January 1 until March 31 (and actually a bit beyond). It was a wonderful experience, and I learned many new things. I'll break some of it out for you below...
Was it difficult not to buy new things?
To be honest, at first it was a bit tricky. Not because I felt entitled to new things, but just that it was a habit. I would see a cute shirt for a good price and think to myself "well, I need a new shirt for work, so I'll get it". I definitely had to retrain myself to realize I didn't need it, and if I really did, I'm sure I could find something similar used.
As I got used to the rules, the hard thing became not scrutinizing EVERYTHING I was buying (even things that were on the ok list). I've referred to some of these in my previous posts, but products like the stuff I put in my hair to make it shiny, or even food that was a good deal, but might sit on the pantry shelf for a long while until it actually got used, made me wonder if they were really needed. I did end up cutting down on somethings on the ok list, but the best part was it really made me conscious of my purchases.
I think one of the hardest things was not buying for my poor old dog who loves stuffed animals. The new puppy destroyed all of his favorites (including the beloved hedgehog) and even with multiple "stitches" they were finally discarded. I felt really bad that I couldn't get him another, but really, it would have been a waste as I'm sure it would have gone the same way as the others....
What were my alternatives to buying?
In my family (my immediate little family, but learned by my parents), we are scroungers. I'm proud to admit this. My father is very talented in the "see something on the side of the road and fix it up like new" catagory. My mother then takes over and makes it look like new with a new coat of paint or refinishing. The skills they passed on to me helped out with the "not buying it" project quite a bit. My husband and I have aquired many beautiful pieces of furniture, cloths, etc because people were throwing them out. Just because someone is getting rid of soemthing doesn't mean it is junk. Some unwanted items just take a little love, vision, and elbow grease, but then become amazing possessions. I have to say, the large mirror I was given for free, and my husband made a frame for out of old fence boards, is much better than anything I could have bought, and I'm more proud of it. Keep an eye out for things people put out on the curb, but be sure to ask if you can take it before loading it in your car!
The DI was also a savior for me with this project. I've always loved the thrift stores, but used to be looking for the funky hippie cloths I wore in high school. Now I was amazed at the quality clothing you can find if you just take the time out to really look. My husband really is the DI pro, but I'm learning the tricks of the trade. I was able to up my wardrobe with many nice work cloths for a whole lot cheaper than I would have found anywhere esle. And, I wasn't creating demand for new items. Also, if you have kids, scour the DIs. It surprises me the great name brand stuff we find for our kids. Chacos, Keen Shoes, The Childrens Place Clothing, name brand skater stlyes, etc. Even if I had been buying new, I'm sure I wouldn't shell out the money for these kind of cloths when they only last the kids a couple months.
What are my overall ending impressions?
Consiousness is key. Just the awareness of what I was buying, how much I was spending, and that I was creating a demand for items I really didn't need has made a huge impact on my life. I'm sure my family will forever be plagued with the question "Do you REALLY need it?", but I feel that in these current times (environmental and economic), this is the right question to be asking. "Is it worth it?" (environmenally and economically) is another great question. Even though the project is over, I'm still hesitant to buy (and I really NEED new running shoes!). I'm really glad about this and hope that it sticks with me and I can instill this ethic into my children as well.
Was it difficult not to buy new things?
To be honest, at first it was a bit tricky. Not because I felt entitled to new things, but just that it was a habit. I would see a cute shirt for a good price and think to myself "well, I need a new shirt for work, so I'll get it". I definitely had to retrain myself to realize I didn't need it, and if I really did, I'm sure I could find something similar used.
As I got used to the rules, the hard thing became not scrutinizing EVERYTHING I was buying (even things that were on the ok list). I've referred to some of these in my previous posts, but products like the stuff I put in my hair to make it shiny, or even food that was a good deal, but might sit on the pantry shelf for a long while until it actually got used, made me wonder if they were really needed. I did end up cutting down on somethings on the ok list, but the best part was it really made me conscious of my purchases.
I think one of the hardest things was not buying for my poor old dog who loves stuffed animals. The new puppy destroyed all of his favorites (including the beloved hedgehog) and even with multiple "stitches" they were finally discarded. I felt really bad that I couldn't get him another, but really, it would have been a waste as I'm sure it would have gone the same way as the others....
What were my alternatives to buying?
In my family (my immediate little family, but learned by my parents), we are scroungers. I'm proud to admit this. My father is very talented in the "see something on the side of the road and fix it up like new" catagory. My mother then takes over and makes it look like new with a new coat of paint or refinishing. The skills they passed on to me helped out with the "not buying it" project quite a bit. My husband and I have aquired many beautiful pieces of furniture, cloths, etc because people were throwing them out. Just because someone is getting rid of soemthing doesn't mean it is junk. Some unwanted items just take a little love, vision, and elbow grease, but then become amazing possessions. I have to say, the large mirror I was given for free, and my husband made a frame for out of old fence boards, is much better than anything I could have bought, and I'm more proud of it. Keep an eye out for things people put out on the curb, but be sure to ask if you can take it before loading it in your car!
The DI was also a savior for me with this project. I've always loved the thrift stores, but used to be looking for the funky hippie cloths I wore in high school. Now I was amazed at the quality clothing you can find if you just take the time out to really look. My husband really is the DI pro, but I'm learning the tricks of the trade. I was able to up my wardrobe with many nice work cloths for a whole lot cheaper than I would have found anywhere esle. And, I wasn't creating demand for new items. Also, if you have kids, scour the DIs. It surprises me the great name brand stuff we find for our kids. Chacos, Keen Shoes, The Childrens Place Clothing, name brand skater stlyes, etc. Even if I had been buying new, I'm sure I wouldn't shell out the money for these kind of cloths when they only last the kids a couple months.
What are my overall ending impressions?
Consiousness is key. Just the awareness of what I was buying, how much I was spending, and that I was creating a demand for items I really didn't need has made a huge impact on my life. I'm sure my family will forever be plagued with the question "Do you REALLY need it?", but I feel that in these current times (environmental and economic), this is the right question to be asking. "Is it worth it?" (environmenally and economically) is another great question. Even though the project is over, I'm still hesitant to buy (and I really NEED new running shoes!). I'm really glad about this and hope that it sticks with me and I can instill this ethic into my children as well.
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