While definitely on the far side of the line marked 'weird', Sheryl Crow's campaign for one sheet bottom-wiping as a step towards one planet living also continues the myth that less is definitely more.
I don't believe you have to shiver in an unheated woodland shack to be green. I've got a house full of stuff and spend loads of money every month, but I believe that what I buy matters more than how much. And that means the wonderful world of second hand shops, small ads, ebay and, of course, freecycle.
I'm an avid reader and not much gets me more excited than a really good second hand bookshop. My other half, Karen, bought me a 70s jukebox for my thirtieth and has resigned herself to losing me every time we walk past a second record shop. Karen herself rarely buys new clothes, but owns loads, and half-inches stuff from skips all the time (you should see some of our furniture). Even little Harry isn't exempt - his cot was donated by our next door neighbour and his fancy pram/pushchair/car seat/travel system cost £30 from a charity shop.
The important thing is that we don't do this out of some solemn po-faced self righteousness - it is simply more fun. The soulless shelving of Waterstones vs the evocative musty aroma of Oxfam books? - no contest. And of course the environment benefits - we're extending the life of products, reducing waste and avoiding the need to make new stuff. The problem I have is letting it go again as I'm a hoarder, so the treasure trail stops here. The only exception is freecycle where I found that giving is more satisfying than taking - mainly due to some of the characters who come and collect.
While you have to lose any squeamishness about pre-loved items, there are limits. Ms Crow's hygiene habits remind me of those 'second hand toilet paper' jokes we used to make as kids. So maybe she has a point after all, but I do think she needs to, er, come clean on just how she makes one sheet do.
Til next time,
Gareth
From: BEST OF 2008: Eco-friendy and sustainable shoes