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Bare Necessities

When I was little, all I needed to get by was a roof over my head, food, water, and a TV. Today, not only do I need all these things, I also need cable plus HBO on that TV, a computer with internet, one personal cell phone, one work cell phone, three credit cards and a mutual funds advisor.

OK, so I could live without these things, but I wouldn't want to. That said, I really could live without having to deal with different providers for each and every service I use.

On the fun scale, dealing with separate vendors ranks somewhere between picking up my housemate's floss off the floor and sterilizing my yoga mat, which is why I love the donation-linked service model - one company, more than one service. They're all 2-for-1 providers, since all donate to charity at the same time they give you the kind of service you'd get at the big guys anyway. Add to that the fact that they're green companies and you've got a service right up there with HBO in terms of "sheer genius" factor.

-Toshio... off to pay my bills (online)...
Posted by: tmeronek on 04/19/2007
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JS  on April 19, 2007 at 07:40 AM 1
The greenest thing to do is not consume! Lately I'm feeling any offsets to consumption, and even more efficient consuming, is buying indulgences. God may forgive, but the laws of physics, chemistry and ecology don't.
Pascal  on April 19, 2007 at 09:09 AM 2
Yes, it is a 2 fold thing (again...like inhale/exhale, day/night...all is 2 in 1). So, using greener products and services as well as consuming less is cool AND good for our kids future. I only have 1 credit card I buy in bulk I have got nearly all my lights in my house fluorescent I turn off all the stand by appliances I do not need at night I buy organic coffee I walk when I can I take showers more than baths I belong to 1 environmental group (BCI) and 1 community one (NSA). Usually $50 a year to belong to an environmental group is good for your family and $50 is spent in 2 hours going out..Here it is for a year! I share all this tips with family and friend I could go on..We ALL can do such things WITHOUT losing comfort that much anyway... So, let's rock green style! Au Revoir Pascal Gillon Founder infogatherer.com
Alice  on April 19, 2007 at 01:08 PM 3
Speaking of not consuming: Except for a vase a couple of weeks ago, and a couple of used books, I haven't bought anything, and i really mean it, other than basic food and hygiene items since just after December (kept it very simple for xmas as well). I have never felt better. I highly suggest it to anyone. i'm having dejavu as i write this, so my guess is i've written it here before. oh well...
JS  on April 20, 2007 at 08:32 AM 4
I guess my trouble comes in the definition of "need" maybe. Consider what the typical person "consumed" 100 years ago. Most of what the modern man would qualify as necessity is pure luxury, and it's that overindulgence that may end 50% of all species by 2100, and us. I mean, does a person really need different summer and winter sheet sheets, even if they're sustainably harvested bamboo? Or the latest recycled ocean glass four person dinner set? Who knows...I'm the guy who just bought plates for the first time ever, just two years ago. Considering that only 1% of products produced remain in use 6 months after sale (I think that's a Natural Capitalism fact)...how much of what we have in our houses do we actually need?
Liz  on April 20, 2007 at 01:08 PM 5
Regarding Working Assets credit card and phone services: I did both and was EXTREMELY disappointed. The cell phone service was much more expensive than my old provider (Verizon) due to things like no customer-to-customer free calling. Also the service was worse - but both of those could be due to the fact that you're actually getting Sprint service. As for the credit card, because you receive no benefits whatsoever (e.g. points with every purchase) you may end up donating LESS. For example: If you choose to redeem your points for cash cards or some other value and spend the money saved on a charitable donation of your choice, you may end up doing more good that way. I guess the WA card works best for people who would not donate otherwise.
Liz  on April 20, 2007 at 01:12 PM 6
Regarding SILK Soy milk: Be forewarned, all their soy milks contain carrageenan, a food additive that has been shown to cause cancer and other gastrointestinal problems. You can check out more information at www.drweil.com. I contacted Soy to ask about this and they simply replied that they do not produce any soy milk product without it.
alice  on April 20, 2007 at 01:43 PM 7
Working Assets is offered through MBNA and as with any giant credit card company, they are bastards. After several years of prompt payments, my apr was increased to 25% by default, so i totally stopped using it. when i tried to get it reduced, i just got some really stupid answer. One is better off making direct charitable contributions, even in small amounts.
becca  on May 02, 2007 at 12:17 PM 8
does anyone know if there are any US-available eco or green-friendly DSL providers? that list only has dial-up and i'm not sure i can handle that...
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sunny  on November 12, 2009 at 04:56 PM 10
What a good story. Would have liked it ed hardy ed hardy clothing ralph lauren polo juicy couturebetter had you put in some of your own opinions about this very important issue

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