Editor,
I enjoy living simply and healthily at much less than half the U.S. poverty level for a single person. I lived well for all of 2007 on $3,542 for my total expenses - rent, food, etc. I have no right to more than I need while others in this world have less than they need.
I would not trade my 12-foot by 14-foot apartment home for the world's most luxurious mansion. My rent is $210 per month, including utilities. I haven't owned a car since 1979. I haven't ridden in a car since April 7, 2001. I enjoy walking most places I go. Sometimes I ride the city bus.
I am glad I don't have a refrigerator, TV, cell phone, VCR, DVD or CD player, computer, credit or debit card, business suit, microwave or cooking stove. I have washed my clothes by hand since 1998, and I hang them up to dry. I receive $365 per month from stamps. I enjoy having a good garden. I don't eat meat, dairy, cooked food or junk food. I eat only raw plant foods - seeds, greens, fruits, vegetables, grains.
I exercise vigorously every day at home. I haven't had medical insurance since 1990. I don't have a doctor or dentist. I sunbathe most days all year round. Now, at age 62, I am in better health than I was at 21 years old. I don't consume alcohol, cigarettes, prescription drugs, illegal drugs, coffee or pop. I don't eat in restaurants. I reuse envelopes. I send post cards for short messages. Instead of toilet paper, I use a wet cloth. It feels better and cleans better. I save money, paper and trees.
I buy used clothes at yard sales, thrift stores and the flea market. I buy nothing at McDonald's, Wal-Mart or large shopping malls. I write down every penny I spend every day. Most of the money most Americans spend goes for crap no one needs. Last winter was my third winter I did not turn on my apartment gas heater. I am committed to saving energy and reducing catastrophic global climate change. My part is a drop in the world's bucket, but I am responsible for my drop. The temperature inside was actually 50 to 60 degrees. I dressed warmly and slept under many blankets. Since I moved in 20 years ago, I have never used a swamp cooler or air conditioner to cool my home. I open the door and three windows at night for cross-ventilation. I use small fans. I live naked inside when I am warm enough.
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The U.S. is 5 percent of the world's people but steals and hogs 25 percent of the world's wealth. I refuse to live that way. We can change our stupid, greedy, selfish addictions.
Don Schrader
Daily Lobo reader
