These days, with so much economic greed and political meanness in the news, it’s hard to lift your head up and notice the common goodness and community spirit that’s actually flourishing all around us.
Want more examples of what Jim calls "common goodness"?
Look up The GIRAFFE HEROES PROJECT. About all sorts of people who stick their necks out...just because it's the right thing to do. Because they are committed to the greater good; sometimes at great cost to themselves.
The organization's newsletter is a reminder we humans, contrary to the dominant economic philosophy of the utility function, are not motivated only by personal gain.
Repair cafes: Excellent community-building and living lighter on the Earth!
In south Orange County, California, where I live, at least a couple of nearby public library branches set up multiple easy-to-use sewing machines and offer frequent open sewing labs. I’ve lost count of how many of my favorite items I’ve repaired, or modified for greater functionality. A carbon footprint is still generated (I drive to the library and the machines run on electricity) but my demand for new stuff is lower than it used to be. After a garment is beyond repair, then it gets cut up into rags.
A big, hearty, well-deserved cheer to those wonderful folks who donate their time and talents! This makes our day, and (not being all that handy ourselves) we will try to spread the word. We can all focus on people like that, instead of the shenanigans of the obscenely rich. Thanks, Jim!
My father in law had a repair shop to make a living to support his family many years ago. Now, in our community, our recycle center also has an ongoing rummage sale where one can donate things to be dispersed for a 'whatever it's worth to you' or 'take it if you can use it' blessing. My family has a 150 year old warehouse full of goodies for the taking and my brother has a whole room dedicated to things that are to be repaired, reused, repurposed, recycled, restored or recycled. We call it the room of RE. I try to keep things moving through, organized and not piled up. When my cousin asked what we were going to do with it all and we said that we're going to fix it up, she asked " How long do you think that you're going to live?". This Cafe is a great idea, does one have to have a business license or insurance to operate and advertise?
A 501 C-3? Whatever community organization that works?
Want more examples of what Jim calls "common goodness"?
Look up The GIRAFFE HEROES PROJECT. About all sorts of people who stick their necks out...just because it's the right thing to do. Because they are committed to the greater good; sometimes at great cost to themselves.
The organization's newsletter is a reminder we humans, contrary to the dominant economic philosophy of the utility function, are not motivated only by personal gain.
Repair cafes: Excellent community-building and living lighter on the Earth!
In south Orange County, California, where I live, at least a couple of nearby public library branches set up multiple easy-to-use sewing machines and offer frequent open sewing labs. I’ve lost count of how many of my favorite items I’ve repaired, or modified for greater functionality. A carbon footprint is still generated (I drive to the library and the machines run on electricity) but my demand for new stuff is lower than it used to be. After a garment is beyond repair, then it gets cut up into rags.
tHE CREATIVITY BEHIND THIS "REPAIR" IDEA IS SOMETHING THAT ACTUALLY MAKES ME PROUD OF MY FELLOW AMERICANS. THANKS FOLKS!!!
A big, hearty, well-deserved cheer to those wonderful folks who donate their time and talents! This makes our day, and (not being all that handy ourselves) we will try to spread the word. We can all focus on people like that, instead of the shenanigans of the obscenely rich. Thanks, Jim!
Repair workshops are great: your item gets repaired, you learn something, and meet like minded people. Have a great Thanksgiving‼️💐‼️
Repair,replace and reuse instead of unsustainable and unnecessary spending.
" Do not squander time, it is the stuff that life is made of" sign in Gone With the Wind
Thanks to all who are dedicated to putting our blessings of convenience to their greatest use!
My father in law had a repair shop to make a living to support his family many years ago. Now, in our community, our recycle center also has an ongoing rummage sale where one can donate things to be dispersed for a 'whatever it's worth to you' or 'take it if you can use it' blessing. My family has a 150 year old warehouse full of goodies for the taking and my brother has a whole room dedicated to things that are to be repaired, reused, repurposed, recycled, restored or recycled. We call it the room of RE. I try to keep things moving through, organized and not piled up. When my cousin asked what we were going to do with it all and we said that we're going to fix it up, she asked " How long do you think that you're going to live?". This Cafe is a great idea, does one have to have a business license or insurance to operate and advertise?
A 501 C-3? Whatever community organization that works?
and reduce.
Such a great idea. Love it!
Always a thoughtful and productive missive from Jim.
Happy Thanksgiving. What an uplifting post😊🙏🦃
Jim, have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am glad to be a part of your community!!