Could you live without your fridge for 287 days?
Really? Could you?
How about without a microwave for 353?
Yeah, we don't think we could either; which is probably why we find ourselves so helplessly addicted to Green as a Thistle.
Not only is Vanessa (the brilliant blogger behind said blog) doing these things, she's actually lived to tell about it. And, seriously? The girl has wit to spare.
The premise behind Green as a Thistle is that Vanessa will: "Spend each day, for an entire calendar year, doing one thing that betters the environment. The idea is that everything I do, I keep doing (so if I switch brands, it's a permanent switch; if I turn down my thermostat, I keep it down), so that by day 365, I'll be living as green a lifestyle as it gets."
And, whether she's doing something totally extreme, like selling her car, or something relatively minor, like switching dental floss, she tackles these trials with a truly endearing, self-effacing style.
She's not afraid to admit that she's human: She fully owns up to the fact that some of these changes will not last past day 365.
But she's also pretty inspiring.
I mean, if she can give up take-out for a year, we can certainly take our own reusable bags to the grocery store, right?
She's currently at day 148 (and still greening), so if you haven't visited her yet, hurry up! You've got some catching up to do.
Copyright © 2008 Apartment Therapy
I think I could give up the microwave: I hardly ever use it. I'm really trying on the grocery bags.
view Francesca's profile
I don't have a microwave. I don't get take out either. And I want to sell my car...but if you've ever lived in Houston you know you have to have one at least for emergencies (thanks TXDOT!). But living without a fridge? How do your greens not wilt?
view kmswann's profile
i recently bought a microwave for heating stuff up as it seemed more environmentally friendly to use 90 seconds of wind-generated electricity than 20 minutes in the gas oven!
view anne (www.sustainableflatbush.org)'s profile
I haven't had a microwave in years. And I just don't miss it. Nuking food always makes it taste like a foot.
view gretchenkjer's profile
The microwave, easily but the refrigerator? Not a chance.
view dollhouse's profile
I haven't owned a microwave in years. Not to own a refrigerator would mean one has to shop everyday and my schedule would just not permit it.
view RJD's profile
I like this blog! Could easily live without the microwave, but the fridge is tricky. Lots of houses in the uk used to have pantries, some still do - little dark cool rooms that could take the place of a fridge maybe?
view tin_angel's profile
Love the blog... you might enjoy this site:
http://www.myindoorjungle.com
I always get lots of great houseplant tips there.
view PlantLover's profile
My microwave died about a year ago. Everyone was shocked that I didnt immediately run out and buy another, but I liked not having it taking up precious real estate on my counter. A year later and I find that I dont miss it.
view SleepyDweller's profile
hee hee.
When I had a roommate in the lean years... my microwave died and hers was in storage. It would be a couple days before we could go get it.
In the meantime, I remember taking a pot of leftover mac and cheese out of the fridge and standing there... bewildered... as to how to make it warm!!
Of course I knew how... it just ... wasn't second nature!
view clickchick's profile
Microwave free for over a year, but I do use the toaster oven tons. I needed the counter space and really haven't missed it at all.
view gardenjen1234's profile