A little more constructive...

So, I've been thinking. As per usual. But a lot of people are pointing out that we're in a bit of global crisis right now. Not only are we witnessing a direct meltdown of capitalism, in the form of a global financial crisis & recession/depression (depending on how gloomy you are), but its looking increasingly like we are pretty much doomed on the environmental front. 

I prefer not to be gloomy, as it is spring. I feel like the basic point is that we need radical change - but radical change doesn't have to be huge or even difficult, it just has to be fundamental. And there are lots of ways of accomplishing that. So I thought I would think about things we can do with our time that are fun and fulfilling, but require fewer resources and do less damage. 

So here we go:

1. libraries - using the library is free to you, but also the unit cost of another person using the library is negligible to the system. basically, its a matter of sharing resources that already exist. which is pretty awesome. also, there are some very cool libraries out there. and it's really fun, I discovered, to just go look for "a book", in general, rather than a specific book. you avoid disappointment when things aren't in - and I've found some of the best books I've ever read this way. (e.g.)
2. used books - if you can't find what you're looking for at the library, and really want to read that particular book, used book stores are a good bet. or if you want to build your own library, I suppose. but you can often get a good used book for less than it would cost to rent a movie! and you usually get more entertainment (time-wise) out of the book - plus you get to keep it! which means afterwards you can share it with friends (and get more books in exchange) - or even share with people you don't know
3. biking - uses way less resources than most transit to get you around, plus it gives you exercise (saving health care resources down the road?), is fun, and gets you outside. it's also a pretty quick way of getting around and hugely extends the range of what things are close and accessible. apparently it adds years to your life...if you don't believe me, believe them. also, apparently driving and getting stuck in traffic not only makes you angry, it gives you heart attacks. 
4. skill-sharing - teaching is fun. learning is fun. teach somebody you know something you know and they don't. then vice versa. it'll be great. 
5. old magazines - may be fun to read, at least selectively. but also great for cutting up and using to make collages and cards and things. I'm pretty sure you can get ahold of these for free...I would try local libraries (see what they do with old issues), coffee shops that have magazines, and anywhere that has them in a waiting room - dentist's offices, barber shops, etc. if all else fails you can usually get a box of them at the end of a church rummage sale for $1.

So there's five ideas...I'm sure there are tons more out there. This is a great list of other ideas.