There have always been people who would break stuff or fail to return it, but their neighbors quickly learned who they were, and excluded them from the group. This was a powerful pressure, and people would not go against it for trivial reasons.
The social structures that supported the system used to be universal--every culture had them--but they've all but disappeared in middle-class America. It makes sharing a more risky activity.
Still, I think it's worth working around the edges to bring these systems back. The advantages accrue not only to the individual (who doesn't have to invest thousands in stuff he can borrow), but also to his neighbors (who have similar savings).
Beyond that, there are further wins. There's an economic boost: Everybody saves, so everybody has more money to spend and invest in ways that benefit themselves and the community. There's also an environtmental boost: Less stuff gets made (because what stuff is made is shared) which means less energy used, less raw materials used, less pollution produced, and so on.
Sharing, if supported by the necessary social structures, is probably the best way to boost everyone's standard of living.
Tried lending/sharing in college, mainly clothes. Gave that up after about one semester as new leather gloves came back with cuts, Aran sweater back with red wine stains, etc.
Tried co-owning electric hedge trimmers with good friend. After each of us using them twice, he decided our 16 feet of hedge was too heavy use, of course, his 20 bushes/trees were okay. Sold the trimmers to him for our share of money spent.
I've found it safe to share with family, and occassionly with a neighbor who needs a tool for a short period of time. As a rule, not sharing keeps us happy, our neighbors friendly and family still on speaking terms.
I gave up lending things to people when they came back broken too many times (or didn't come back at all...). "If you can't afford to lose it, you can't afford to lend it".
When we moved to our rural neighborhood, I was concerned about the cost of garbage pick-up. We are on a limited income and because we recycle and compost, we generate maybe one bag of trash per week at most. So, for the past year and a half we have shared garbage pick up with a neighbor. My initial approach was to suggest an exchange of service by agreeing to take the neighbor's recyclables into the recycling center with mine. Even though my encouragement has (unfortunately) still not inspired them to become avid recyclers, I compensate their sharing of garbage service by taking them a home cooked meal every now and then. It works out well since I love to cook and have a tendency to make more than enough anyhow and she doesn't have as much time or inclination to cook.
You're right about that - I just started checking weights on pkgs and Tostitos Light Chips went from around 10 oz. down to 6. What a rip at $3.49 a bag. Corporation GREED.
it really works well. My stepfather just bought a new, top 'o the line snowblower- but is too ill to do the actual snow removal himself. His neighbor will take care of the snow removal for use of the snow blower he couldn't afford.
Other cultures look more into sharing opportunity. The neighborhood where my church is has a large Vietnamese population. Groups of families will chip in to buy items that can be shared, like a vacuum cleaner, to save money. Not everyone in the apartment building needs to have a vacuum 24/7- so this is bought for common use. It makes a lot of sense, until that time your kid spills cereal all over the floor and you can't quite track it down. (but then, maybe they adjust habits accordingly to not have cereal in the living room- who knows).
I use original dawn to clean soap scum from tubs, tile and natural stone, also use your ant mixutre to spray on the glass shower doors. It works wonders!
Kim, I'm glad you mentioned the CSA concept. I moved here in the fall, but when I first moved here, I did contact a couple CSA groups within a half hour's drive of my house. They run from around May through October, so I hope to get involved this spring. Thanks again for the tip.
Ben, I appreciate your positive comment about my blog. I think I'll have to continue writing about this topic-- many people seem to be wondering about solutions!
I appreciate all the comments on this article. I certainly didn't intend to be overly negative, but I do live in a small town, and unfortunately, we don't have Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Sweet Tomatoes, or any ethnic markets within a couple hours' drive. Our choices for grocery shopping are: Glen's and Oleson's (small grocery stores selling a typical selection of boxed goods and produce, not necessarily local), Wal-Mart, and the food co-op (which I love, but is very expensive). I also live in the north, so our farmer's markets can only run from May through October, roughly.
I actually love living here; I wouldn't have moved back if that weren't the case. I live in a beautiful place, with great access to outdoor activities during all four seasons. The quality of life is high, and we have a strong community. However, grocery shopping is an issue. I'm a member of the local food co-op, but prices there are VERY high, and prohibitive for most working-class residents. I find I can only afford to buy occasional specialty items there. I just assume I'm not the only one living outside a major urban area who finds that local food choices are hard to come by in the fall and winter months. It's true that those living in more densely populated and/or diverse areas have more food options than I do.
Linsey, this comment is not about content, as I agree with everything you said. However, you make homeschoolers look like idiots when you write, "the price of corn has rose considerably."
Homeschoolers are still considered a fringe element of society, and we can't afford bad representation. It should be "the price of corn has risen considerably."
To call what comes from the taps clean drinking water is... well, not even close to correct. Nothing that you go to the bathroom in, bleed into, fill with toxic chemicals that can NOT be removed ... and that's just the tip of the iceberg, nothing like that can be called 'clean' ... I do not know anyone who drinks tap water... how terrifying... don't you know what's in it? *cringe* ... oh, and that flouride they add... it's not the kind that makes teeth stronger and anyone who says so is telling you a lie, they're not the same chemical at all... what is in the water is a waste product, not a health aid.
According to Dolly Freed, what you do is take little samples along the way.
The first sample will be almost pure alcohol. Each subsequent sample will be a little less strong. At some point, the sample will be pretty much just water. At that point the run is over. Turn off the heat and throw out what's left of the must.
I expect that doing quality control is the best part of the whole process. Don't do too much, if you want to have any product left when you're done.
when you start to distill how long after you heat to 177 degrees before all the alcohlol is evaperated? sorry if its a stupid question but is my first time makin my own drink.
Linsey, you were SO right. The peanut sauce on the lo mein was ta die for. I used the spicy one you linked to above with the whole wheat pasta and cucumber. It was thin, but that's what I was going for. I think it would also be a great Asian salad dressing. Now I just need to find a slightly thicker one for satay so we can have an Asian style BBQ when the grill and other furniture arrives.
Lynn, on the PB & J being grilled. It REALLY is yummy. The peanut butter melts a bit and the outside is all toasted. Definitely a breakfast sandwich on the cheap. Or, for a hot lunch without meat or dairy. How did you make out with it. Well, got to run.
I especially like the idea of a choose-your-toppings kind of party - whether it is with pizza, nachoes, or a make-your-own sundae kind of thing. Perfect when you have guests with a wide range of tastes/diets too, as dishes can be adapted to individual preferences.
Oh YES. I've been reading reviews for a few years now, and it's to the point where I can't buy anything without them!!
From simple, cheap toys on my kid's wish list, to major appliances and expensive electronics...I read it ALL.
I go to several websites and read every review.
Sometimes you can tell right away that it's just not worth it, and sometimes you have to read a while, and sometimes you take a chance, with mixed reviews. It's a tough call sometimes!
Always save your reciept, is all!!
I love it when everyone has the same problem with a product, cause that saves me time, money, and frustration!
And some people leave really good, detailed reviews, which are very helpful.
I was just going to buy a crock pot today, but came on here, just to check out reviews for different ones, first, before I go to Walmart.
Almost no one needs to buy a "dud" anymore!! (except the first reviewers, I guess! Bummer for them!
I find myself researching EVERYTHING (especially kitchen appliances) before buying. Amazon is my favorite because people feel like they can say anything (even nasty things). I figure I can get the best and the worst opinions, and make a decision from there.
But you'll be glad you did when the time comes! Another good thing comes out of talking with your parents...you tend to get your own mess in order. I've blogged about exactly how you should go about approaching your parents and helping them get things in order
Well Nora, I'm amongst those who shop a bit early as I tend to avoid the last minute rush at the malls. I prefer attending post-Christmas sales as I did last year and got some great offers. that's why i didn't use much of my credit cards this season.
When it comes to gifting people, I go the Kris Kringle way - it's fun and exciting indeed! and kids just love such things. well, i just followed some tips that could keep me within my budget so that i don't end up being in debt. Let me share with you some budgeting and planning tips for a stress-free Christmas. Hope you'd like them too!
It's just a thumbprint and it's not private at all! everyone leaves their thumbprints everywhere. It's not personal. If your concerned of privacy issues of thumbprints, how bout being concern about facial features as well.... we might as well walk around with a paper bag on our heads.
There have always been people who would break stuff or fail to return it, but their neighbors quickly learned who they were, and excluded them from the group. This was a powerful pressure, and people would not go against it for trivial reasons.
The social structures that supported the system used to be universal--every culture had them--but they've all but disappeared in middle-class America. It makes sharing a more risky activity.
Still, I think it's worth working around the edges to bring these systems back. The advantages accrue not only to the individual (who doesn't have to invest thousands in stuff he can borrow), but also to his neighbors (who have similar savings).
Beyond that, there are further wins. There's an economic boost: Everybody saves, so everybody has more money to spend and invest in ways that benefit themselves and the community. There's also an environtmental boost: Less stuff gets made (because what stuff is made is shared) which means less energy used, less raw materials used, less pollution produced, and so on.
Sharing, if supported by the necessary social structures, is probably the best way to boost everyone's standard of living.
Tried lending/sharing in college, mainly clothes. Gave that up after about one semester as new leather gloves came back with cuts, Aran sweater back with red wine stains, etc.
Tried co-owning electric hedge trimmers with good friend. After each of us using them twice, he decided our 16 feet of hedge was too heavy use, of course, his 20 bushes/trees were okay. Sold the trimmers to him for our share of money spent.
I've found it safe to share with family, and occassionly with a neighbor who needs a tool for a short period of time. As a rule, not sharing keeps us happy, our neighbors friendly and family still on speaking terms.
I gave up lending things to people when they came back broken too many times (or didn't come back at all...). "If you can't afford to lose it, you can't afford to lend it".
When we moved to our rural neighborhood, I was concerned about the cost of garbage pick-up. We are on a limited income and because we recycle and compost, we generate maybe one bag of trash per week at most. So, for the past year and a half we have shared garbage pick up with a neighbor. My initial approach was to suggest an exchange of service by agreeing to take the neighbor's recyclables into the recycling center with mine. Even though my encouragement has (unfortunately) still not inspired them to become avid recyclers, I compensate their sharing of garbage service by taking them a home cooked meal every now and then. It works out well since I love to cook and have a tendency to make more than enough anyhow and she doesn't have as much time or inclination to cook.
You're right about that - I just started checking weights on pkgs and Tostitos Light Chips went from around 10 oz. down to 6. What a rip at $3.49 a bag. Corporation GREED.
it really works well. My stepfather just bought a new, top 'o the line snowblower- but is too ill to do the actual snow removal himself. His neighbor will take care of the snow removal for use of the snow blower he couldn't afford.
Other cultures look more into sharing opportunity. The neighborhood where my church is has a large Vietnamese population. Groups of families will chip in to buy items that can be shared, like a vacuum cleaner, to save money. Not everyone in the apartment building needs to have a vacuum 24/7- so this is bought for common use. It makes a lot of sense, until that time your kid spills cereal all over the floor and you can't quite track it down. (but then, maybe they adjust habits accordingly to not have cereal in the living room- who knows).
I use original dawn to clean soap scum from tubs, tile and natural stone, also use your ant mixutre to spray on the glass shower doors. It works wonders!
Kim, I'm glad you mentioned the CSA concept. I moved here in the fall, but when I first moved here, I did contact a couple CSA groups within a half hour's drive of my house. They run from around May through October, so I hope to get involved this spring. Thanks again for the tip.
Ben, I appreciate your positive comment about my blog. I think I'll have to continue writing about this topic-- many people seem to be wondering about solutions!
I appreciate all the comments on this article. I certainly didn't intend to be overly negative, but I do live in a small town, and unfortunately, we don't have Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Sweet Tomatoes, or any ethnic markets within a couple hours' drive. Our choices for grocery shopping are: Glen's and Oleson's (small grocery stores selling a typical selection of boxed goods and produce, not necessarily local), Wal-Mart, and the food co-op (which I love, but is very expensive). I also live in the north, so our farmer's markets can only run from May through October, roughly.
I actually love living here; I wouldn't have moved back if that weren't the case. I live in a beautiful place, with great access to outdoor activities during all four seasons. The quality of life is high, and we have a strong community. However, grocery shopping is an issue. I'm a member of the local food co-op, but prices there are VERY high, and prohibitive for most working-class residents. I find I can only afford to buy occasional specialty items there. I just assume I'm not the only one living outside a major urban area who finds that local food choices are hard to come by in the fall and winter months. It's true that those living in more densely populated and/or diverse areas have more food options than I do.
Again, thanks for the comments.
Linsey, this comment is not about content, as I agree with everything you said. However, you make homeschoolers look like idiots when you write, "the price of corn has rose considerably."
Homeschoolers are still considered a fringe element of society, and we can't afford bad representation. It should be "the price of corn has risen considerably."
To call what comes from the taps clean drinking water is... well, not even close to correct. Nothing that you go to the bathroom in, bleed into, fill with toxic chemicals that can NOT be removed ... and that's just the tip of the iceberg, nothing like that can be called 'clean' ... I do not know anyone who drinks tap water... how terrifying... don't you know what's in it? *cringe* ... oh, and that flouride they add... it's not the kind that makes teeth stronger and anyone who says so is telling you a lie, they're not the same chemical at all... what is in the water is a waste product, not a health aid.
Of course, this has made me very very hungry. =(
Fatburger, here I come!
According to Dolly Freed, what you do is take little samples along the way.
The first sample will be almost pure alcohol. Each subsequent sample will be a little less strong. At some point, the sample will be pretty much just water. At that point the run is over. Turn off the heat and throw out what's left of the must.
I expect that doing quality control is the best part of the whole process. Don't do too much, if you want to have any product left when you're done.
when you start to distill how long after you heat to 177 degrees before all the alcohlol is evaperated? sorry if its a stupid question but is my first time makin my own drink.
Linsey, you were SO right. The peanut sauce on the lo mein was ta die for. I used the spicy one you linked to above with the whole wheat pasta and cucumber. It was thin, but that's what I was going for. I think it would also be a great Asian salad dressing. Now I just need to find a slightly thicker one for satay so we can have an Asian style BBQ when the grill and other furniture arrives.
Lynn, on the PB & J being grilled. It REALLY is yummy. The peanut butter melts a bit and the outside is all toasted. Definitely a breakfast sandwich on the cheap. Or, for a hot lunch without meat or dairy. How did you make out with it. Well, got to run.
That one always does throw people for a loop, doesn't it? :-) Great ideas, btw -- I'll be putting some of them to use in the next few weeks.
I especially like the idea of a choose-your-toppings kind of party - whether it is with pizza, nachoes, or a make-your-own sundae kind of thing. Perfect when you have guests with a wide range of tastes/diets too, as dishes can be adapted to individual preferences.
Oh YES. I've been reading reviews for a few years now, and it's to the point where I can't buy anything without them!!
From simple, cheap toys on my kid's wish list, to major appliances and expensive electronics...I read it ALL.
I go to several websites and read every review.
Sometimes you can tell right away that it's just not worth it, and sometimes you have to read a while, and sometimes you take a chance, with mixed reviews. It's a tough call sometimes!
Always save your reciept, is all!!
I love it when everyone has the same problem with a product, cause that saves me time, money, and frustration!
And some people leave really good, detailed reviews, which are very helpful.
I was just going to buy a crock pot today, but came on here, just to check out reviews for different ones, first, before I go to Walmart.
Almost no one needs to buy a "dud" anymore!! (except the first reviewers, I guess! Bummer for them!
I find myself researching EVERYTHING (especially kitchen appliances) before buying. Amazon is my favorite because people feel like they can say anything (even nasty things). I figure I can get the best and the worst opinions, and make a decision from there.
But you'll be glad you did when the time comes! Another good thing comes out of talking with your parents...you tend to get your own mess in order. I've blogged about exactly how you should go about approaching your parents and helping them get things in order
http://lifelessonsmilitarywife.blogspot.com/2007/10/talking-talk-with-yo...
I love how you broke things down by strategy category. This makes it a GREAT resource for any type of party. Great job.
We may leave our thumbprints everywhere but they are not usually tied to our names, addresses, and possibly SSN's and driver's license numbers.
Well Nora, I'm amongst those who shop a bit early as I tend to avoid the last minute rush at the malls. I prefer attending post-Christmas sales as I did last year and got some great offers. that's why i didn't use much of my credit cards this season.
When it comes to gifting people, I go the Kris Kringle way - it's fun and exciting indeed! and kids just love such things. well, i just followed some tips that could keep me within my budget so that i don't end up being in debt. Let me share with you some budgeting and planning tips for a stress-free Christmas. Hope you'd like them too!
You'll get the 51 tips at http://www.mortgagefit.com/budgeting/51tips-christmas.html .
Merry Christmas in advance!
It's just a thumbprint and it's not private at all! everyone leaves their thumbprints everywhere. It's not personal. If your concerned of privacy issues of thumbprints, how bout being concern about facial features as well.... we might as well walk around with a paper bag on our heads.