Is the 4th "R" Recession?
Friday, March 26, 2010 at 9:48AM By Jim Fitzpatrick
So, we all know the mantra Reduce, ReUse & Recycle. I would like to argue that the Recession is making the most impact on beneficial outcomes.
Let’s take me for example. Back in the day, I had the good fortune to make good money. Therefore, I made decisions that were counter to that which I do today. There wasn’t a financial consequence when I went out and spent and consumed. Rather than look for something, I bought another, and had several other bad eco habits fueled by youth and a very good income.
These days, I have more expenses and am feeding my entrepreneurial dreams … code word for struggling. Not to worry, I will rise again … honey, I promise. But now you will find me scraping out the face lotion for every last morsel. That shampoo bottle is stood on its end to utilize every last drop. Everything I print is on “fast draft” or two pages per page, all to save ink and paper. Wants are reduced to needs and gotta haves.
I have a wallet that I have had for a very long time. It is tired, but every time I go to throw it out, I extend the life with a little duct tape. I pull it out, and a buddy comments, “Eel skin … nice.” I smile and put it back in my pocket, eager to let my wife know that someone appreciated my handy work, as she, on the topic of my wallet, unequivocally does not.
Bottom line, I am using less, as I am buying less. I squeeze every drop, so I Reduce. I ReUse in creative ways. I am trying to Recycle. But the catalyst, the real spark that is igniting my behavior is the Recession. And, I bet my farm, it is having a profound impact on the outcomes of Reduce, ReUse and Recycle.
I read that China is growing, and there is a big challenge, as the availability of scrap is lower with folks buying less washers and dryers. I have a buddy who signed a deal to fill empty containers going back to China. It is a great deal, he just has to go find the scrap.
In order to really and truly make a difference, you need scale. I believe this Recession is bringing scale to the 3 Rs, on a global and massive scale. Let’s hope the behaviors adopted in this period carry into times of prosperity. And let’s keep investing time in educating our youth; they don't know the difference, and their behaviors, coupled with their scale, can make a sustainable difference.
Drew, Avery, Kate and Claire sitting on a log in the lower area of Newport's Back Bay.Speaking of youth … I once had a temporary boss. I really didn't like the person, however, I must give him credit for a lasting memory, profound statement and lifelong goal. It was around the time of my first born. Unsolicited he said, “I'm trying to find out what my kids really love, and then I will figure a way to do it with them for life.” Wow, words of wisdom. No trying to teach your kids to fish, just so you’ll have a fishing buddy. I've been experimenting. With girls, so be it if I have to go to ballet, or to a play. I have a new appreciation for many things in life.
Claire, Kate, Avery and Drew on the upper bluff of Newport's Back Bay.Lately, my girls and I have been exploring new adventures. I try to make time (otherwise referred to as quality time) where I don’t have to spend money to enjoy the relationship with my daughters. We head to the beach, or on a hike. The cost is low and the memories have been priceless.
Recently, a buddy introduced me to a new spot in the Back Bay. I have enjoyed the Back Bay Interpretive Center. You must go if you have never been. If you're headed down Irvine Avenue toward the airport, take a right on Santiago, and a first left yields access to a trail head and the Back Bay.
Jim Fitzpatrick is a contributing writer to the Daily Voice. His Green Living column appears every Friday.
Reader Comments (2)
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An OC group that might broaden your thinking a little.
Yes, great reference. i know Jesse and Chrissy. Jesse is getting his PhD this week.
Chrissy is part of a new Costa Mesa Green Task force, first meet tonight.
My thinking is broad, trying to get more depth. I write this, as directed by my editor, to appeal to my wife as an audience.