Hello and welcome to a blog about learning how to live by the three Es, Environmentally, Economically and Enthusiastically. I just graduated from college, started a new job and am moving to the city with my boyfriend. As these life changes occur, it dawns on me that I have become...an adult...which means that not only do I now have bills to pay and grocery shopping to do but I also get all the say in how I want to live.
Don't get me wrong, growing up I had a fair amount of say in how I lived already. Of course, when dinner was served I ate what was on my plate, "This is not a restaurant!" my Mother and Father would often say. And as a poor college student pressed for time and cash, I have to admit that I wasn't always thinking about the right choices, I was just thinking about getting what I wanted quickly and cheaply.
But now, as an adult, with a steady income, and a place of my own, I find that I am at bat to make all the decisions. I also realize that I have the ability to dictate who gets my hard earned money and how I spend my much appreciated free time.
I began by doing some research on how one lives environmentally, economically and enthusiastically. The No Impact Man by Colin Beavan became one of my resources. Beavan and his family attempt to live by making no negative impact on the environment in the middle of New York City.This is a really funny book with a lot of great insight into the state of today's economy, environment and psyche. When talking to my sister about the book, she asked if it was helpful....
"I mean it is an enjoyable read and certainly lacks the preachy tone that a lot of these kinds of books seem to have." I said.
"But is it helpful to you?" she replied.
"Well its not a book exactly about how a young professional who recently moved to the city with her boyfriend and started a new job, can live with no impact...but it was helpful.." I say.
"Maybe you should write book."
And so this project was born. Why not document my experience as I try to live a good life and figure out what that means in the process. I suppose the more people who do, the more tips and advice there will be out there.
Of course I will not be living to the extreme as the No Impact Man or any of the other brave soles who have dedicated months or even years to eliminate their impact. However, I will, to the best of my ability and sanity, make as little impact as possible, and promise to document the whole experience.
So, to begin, I set up a standard for myself. The E Standard means to live with the three Es in mind, Environment, Economics and Enthusiasm. The first two Es are pretty self explanatory, however, when I thought about living environmentally and economically,I decided that I needed to start living enthusiastically as well because I am not going to be able to make these good choices without being excited about them and how good of a life could it be without enthusiasm.
And so let the adventure begin.....
