Why We Vote » Living Simply and the Economy

Living Simply and the Economy

May 8th, 2008 at 01:10pm Jon Murray

Ok, I know I have some nostalgia for the ‘70s and the back to nature and simple living lifestyle, but I’m thinkin’ the current economic crisis has roots in our desire to live way too big and way too fast. Here’s what’s behind my theory…people are wanting bigger houses, bigger cars, more fast food and just more toys. Along the way we’ve become a disposable society with little regard for anything used. Of course to acquire and live bigger and faster it takes more money. Lots more money! We have created a never ending cycle of seeking much higher wages resulting in much higher consumer prices. It’s almost a crazed frenzy of wanting more and more and it’s to the point of spiraling out of control. I think we need to return to a lifestyle that encompasses more simplicity …recycling, growing our own, buying locally, making our own, shunning bigger cars and bigger houses, renovating old neighborhoods instead of building new subdivisions, fixing our cars and making them last longer, etc.

Since I’m not an economist this theory may be completely off base, but I have a feeling there is at least some truth in what I’m saying. You might think I sound like an old hippie, but, in our family we’re going to be seeking more of the simple life.