In years past I have made it a point to stop eating doughnuts. I'm embarressed to say that it has been more a response to the pounds that I tend to accumulate over the course of the winter than pure spiritual practice of deprivation.
This year I have decided to spend each week of Lent looking at my use of the earth's resources and attempt to find ways, little as they might be, to break out of the inertia of my current consumption patterns to engage in some creative new patterns.
I was surprised one morning to notice my razor. A small plastic disposable, of a major brand, that I enjoy that I have found to do a good job and last multiple shaves. Each precision combination of metal and plastic cost a little over a dollar. On the whole it doesn't use that many resources or create that much trash, unless I suppose you multiply it by the male population of the nation.
So this week I bought an "old time" safety razor. The investment for the hardware was a little over 40.00 (including shipping) and the double sided razors run 1.50 for 10 (20 shaving edges total). So each shaving edge cost 7.5 cents a piece and uses fewer resources than the disposable. In about 5 months my initial investment should be reclaimed.
It won't save the world but I never claimed to be a Messiah. It will take some time to learn how to use this new device, but I've never opposed change. It is just one small adjustment to a lifestyle that is a little bit more sustainable.
Monday I'll write about my spring time plans for a permaculture orchard.
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