The Green Friday Manifesto

[FarCenter]

The Green Friday Manifesto

In order to reduce my impact on the environment and the waste of natural resources, and to live an ethical, moral and more satisfying life:
- I will buy goods and services because of needs and not wants.
- I will not buy things the first time I see them, and I will not buy anything for more than $100 until the next day.
- I will learn about product functionality, quality, reliability and longevity before buying.
- I will learn a craft or art in order to understand how quality things are made or repaired, and I will trade with others so engaged.
- I will buy a small number of toys that will be cherished and teach value, instead of buying a large number of faddish, expendable, and breakable toys that teach consumerism.
- I will buy classic clothes for work and leisure, and I will maintain and wear them as long as they are presentable.
- I will not keep things that I no longer use, but will donate or sell them to someone who needs them.
- I will only eat food as needed for nutrition and a balanced diet.
- I will eat food prepared at home instead of eating out.
- I will avoid expensive animal proteins as well as packaged, processed foods that are high in sugar, starch and salt such as cake, chips, cookies, crackers, ice cream and pie.
- I will not drink soft drinks, bottled water, beer or wine when water or inexpensively brewed coffee and tea are available.
- I will practice good hygiene and avoid risky behaviors to minimize illness and accidental injury.
- I will seek regular preventive medical, dental and vision care.
- I will prefer proven drugs and medical procedures to new and questionable drugs and medical techniques.
- I will buy or rent housing no larger than I need.
- I will furnish my living space modestly with timeless designs of enduring value.
- I will walk, bike, or ride public transportation instead of driving.
- I will buy or rent a car based on need for transportation and not for status.
- I will not travel except when necessary, but will keep in touch through communications.
- I will not pay for entertainment, but instead seek out friends, neighbors and family for community and conviviality.
- I will not attend spectator sports, but instead engage in sports with friends and family.
- I will not pay for gyms, training, yoga, or other courses and facilities, but I will exercise regularly inside and outdoors with friends and family.
- I will learn from libraries and online resources and courses, and I will avoid expensive training and education.
- I will minimize fees and interest by consolidating financial accounts to a small number of low-cost firms and by not carrying a balance on credit cards or other high interest debt.
- I will avoid fees for financial consultants, advisors, accountants, tax preparers and the like by learning about business and finance, and I will invest prudently in sound assets for myself, my family and heirs.