Is natural living 'in vogue' where you live

**Simple Living Mom** · 06-22-2007, 09:32 AM

We've been living this way a long time now (over 10 years). We live in a small house, drive an old used car, work part time jobs, have very few material needs and we're as 'happy as clams' (where did that expression ever come from?) ... we're the farthest thing from cool or trendy and yet all the suddenly people are calling us "the coolest couple". What? Because green / natural living is in style now?!?! Funny.

Is natural living in style where you are? Are you suddenly cool?

**lullaby80** · 06-22-2007, 09:56 AM

I think some aspects of natural living are "cool" where I live. People seem to buy lots of hybrid cars and organic produce but that's about it. They still live in 3000 sq foot houses and spend like there is no tomorrow. I think it is a wonderful think that natural living is "in vogue" around the country - I don't care why people live like it, as long as they do.

**geckoace** · 06-22-2007, 10:26 AM

its getting cool-er. i think that people are becoming more aware.

**tbs727** · 06-22-2007, 10:35 AM

Originally Posted by lullaby80

I think some aspects of natural living are "cool" where I live. People seem to buy lots of hybrid cars and organic produce but that's about it. They still live in 3000 sq foot houses and spend like there is no tomorrow

thats exactly the way our area is.

**BeyondFrugal** · 06-23-2007, 12:12 AM

Hybrid cars are a joke. Who can afford them??

Same with organic food, it's expensive.

I don't know about being considered cool by anyone. Some consider me nuts. I think they're all jealous.

Apparently my only nieghbor that can see any of my land thought I was more than nuts, due to the large amounts of lumber, fencing, propane tanks, and general stuff, and he called me in as a possible meth lab.

The detectives were very nice. One told me after the walk through of my home, that he knew there was nothing illegal by the look of shock on my face.

So no. I am not considered cool, I guess.

-Elaine

**Missy** · 06-23-2007, 12:55 AM

Nope not concidered cool here either.

This is a real green city. And we do our best to try to be a green family. We see a huge shift to more natural items. More organic produce. we even have organic clothing stores. But by and large, people here do it as an afterthought rather than a way of life.

**wanderlusting** · 06-23-2007, 03:37 AM

In England it isn't exactly vogue but it's a way of life. Lots of recycling, walking to the stores, public transport, use the least amount of utilities possible. In fact there's a commercial here that I love!

A guy is boiling potatoes for dinner. Narrator comes on and says "Use just enough water to cover your vegetables" Then it goes to the bathroom w/ the guy in the bath. Narrator says "Same for your bath water" Hehe

They're really into composting too. They have "rotters" who will come by free of charge and share their expertise w/ you.

**Its_Donna** · 06-23-2007, 08:15 AM

We are the only ones that I know in our neighborhood or at our jobs that are living this way. I always say we will have the last laugh and we will.

**bumplett** · 06-23-2007, 08:55 AM

Are clams happy? Who asked the clam?

No, I am far from cool to the neighbors -

**baxjul** · 06-23-2007, 09:07 PM

I think that it is getting more "in style", but I've been living like this for years!

**flowergirl** · 06-24-2007, 12:31 AM

I think it is because of tv and the internet in some ways also in this area there are more people who live this way I hope it continues

**i.m.cheap** · 06-24-2007, 10:45 PM

Not "cool" here. More people are buying organic produce, though. They must be, because it is more available and affordable than it used to be. It seems like eveyone else that lives near use still drives a gas guzzling huge SUV. We are the only "one car" (a paid for Toyota Corolla) family I know.

**persimmons** · 10-26-2007, 07:14 PM

Not here. But we do what we can anyway.

An example: 16 years ago when fluorescent light bulbs were $18 a bulb, we vowed to replace all of ours. The long-term costs more than m,ade up for it...but ya gotta front the higher bill up front. We did one bulb a month until the house was outfitted. We then saved a couple bucks every so often in a jar. The bulbs were so long-lived, we didn't (and don't) replace them often. Saving 65-70% off your total lighting bill ain't nothin' to sneeze at neither!

BTW, someone said organic food is expensive...many times that may be true...but healthcare is even more expensive!

**Jaded** · 10-26-2007, 08:03 PM

It's not really big here, but it's getting bigger.

**Darlene** · 10-27-2007, 08:06 AM

Clams are happy at high tide when they are safer from being scooped up for eating.

We're kinda cool being as self sufficient as possible grow veggies, recycle etc. Seeing more & more people buying organic, recycling and bringing their reusable bags when shopping. The car thing is just too big an expense for everyday folks around here to start with and people usually drive their cars into the ground. Maybe the price will come down and they can better afford them when that time does come.
FIL just bought a hybrid & loves it, man is that thing quiet. I was reading somewhere that blind people find them a safty hazard because they can't hear them well.