| The freeganism link in sibling comment provides a pretty good overview. In my case, I live outdoors more than half the time, sometimes couchsurfing. I obtain food primarily from waste. My electronics are hand-me-downs. For getting around, I ride with people going my way or walk. I am a careful driver, and sometimes I help drive as contribution. Sometimes I ride trains and buses, which cost minimal money. I pay a few hundred a year for domains and hosting. Occasionally, people offer me money. I used to not accept it, but now I just do my best to limit its use to the above. If I go to a coffee shop, I typically do not buy a coffee. If I sit at a fast food place, I don't buy anything. I do not feel that I owe anything to anyone just for occupying space. I do, however, place some properly logoed cups (reused) on my table, and I pick up any trash on the floors, and fix the chairs, and sometimes wipe the tables with abandoned napkins. It seems kind of silly sometimes, but it's a system that's working well for me now. I like to visit libraries, though hours are typically limited. It has taken me about 5 years to transition to this life from full-time job, apartment, and cat. I had previous camping experience, and a relatively low regard for social norms. I am a man, which obviously helps with safety. But women do it too. This practice has helped me develop my meditation practice, write more code I can be proud of, and travel without worry about where I'm going to stay when I get there. Because my past jobs contributed to selling soft drinks, securities, oil, etc., I think that my "environmental karma" is much better. I also have the time to stop and pick up the trash everywhere I go, a practice I find to be both enjoyable and great "natural" exercise. |