Could You Live with Less? I Challenge You!

So, I've been thinking a lot about the environment lately and what we can do to do our part. We are so wasteful and I've been a bit concerned about the impact it has on our mother earth. Obviously, I am not one to waste much food (LOL!), but when it comes to papertowels, water bottles, etc... we can do SO much more.

I have also been bothered by the time we spend watching TV; Ali has become a bit addicted to the boob tube and it is my responsibility to change that and instill activity in my children's lives. We also need to spend more QUALITY TIME as a family....which is usually watching TV! Just yesterday I made a no TV for the day rule....which Grant came home and broke within a half an hour! So, I was excited to come across this challenge on Oprah and I think we are going to give it a try; I am realizing how HARD it is going to be!! Are you up for the challenge?!?

Here are the rules (straight from Oprah):

Dear Family,


Thanks for agreeing to live with less for a week. Your challenge starts now!

This week, you will be eating at home every meal. No more eating out, no more takeout. And you have to eat your leftovers. If you throw food in the trash, you've got to 'fess up.

For one week, you're going to give up the bottled water habit. Get a water filter—time to get to know your tap.

No more disposable plates, cups, napkins or paper towels. Try cloth—you might like it!

For entertainment, you'll have to rely on each other. For one week, I'm asking you to give up your iPods and video games, and your computers only get turned on for homework. TV is limited to one hour per night—one TV only.

That thermostat is going way down…to 69 degrees. If you get cold, put on a sweater. Give your washing machine a break—try to wash only clothes that are TRULY dirty.

When you leave a room, lights out. Ditto for fans. When you're done using an appliance, unplug it. Don't forget your computer and cell phone chargers too.

Showers are going to be shorter—eight minutes max. Use a kitchen timer to help you keep track.

Want to go shopping? Head to your closets. That's your wardrobe for the week. The mall is off-limits. Your final challenge—no buying anything other than food for seven days.

Good luck,
Oprah

See you next week!!