Economic freedom is environmentally friendly
One thing that keeps popping up as I hear people talking about the current economic crisis is the need to learn to live within one’s means. For someone living or looking to live a contemporary nomadic lifestyle—a lifestyle which gives us more freedom and has a light impact on our environment—achieving economic independence is key. I don’t mean simply receiving a steady income, but most importantly organizing your finances so that you are living largely debt free, and with a little savings. Some debt is not bad, of course, but living in debt up to your ears is a sure way to cramp your freedom.
I’m probably stating the obvious here, but I think we have an opportunity to consider alternative ways of living. There’s so much out there tempting us. We need to build the confidence to say no to consumer expectations. Having a couple of quality shoes that we take to the cobbler to re-sole instead of tossing is responsible living. It also means “free” living.
It’s empowering to put on a great new pair of shoes. I look great and I’m going to have an awesome time in my new heels! This wears off soon, doesn’t it? If the majority of our energy is derived from purchases, we will be constantly tapping our bank account to replenish that feeling. In the end, we’re bound to end up broke and unhappy.
Living a contemporary nomadic lifestyle means making smart consumer choices both for ourselves and for the environment. It’s a win-win situation.
