Sunday Grocery Shopping

When I originally moved off campus into my own apartment last year, I was so excited to start cooking for myself. I did a really good job for a while -- shopping at the Co-Op, all local and organic foods, cooking fresh vegetables and tofu -- but then my crazy life caught up with me!

Recently, the weather has been so disgusting that even the thought of leaving my apartment is enough to send me back to bed for three days. I've been doing my grocery shopping at the Indian grocery around the corner from my building. I can't say that it's the best choice, environmentally speaking -- lots of instant food, frozen vegetables, and fruit that I'm sure isn't fair-trade or certified organic -- but I feel all right, shopping at a local independent market.

What was on my list this week?

-- frozen mini-Roti... so good for sandwiches!

-- peanut butter

-- cheese

-- honey roasted peanuts!

-- cereal and milk

-- plantain chips... they're a HUGE vice!

-- apples, oranges, and blackberries

All in all, not too bad or unhealthy. I try to eat moderately and to really enjoy and appreciate my food. I also try not to buy a bunch of junk I know I'm just going to scarf down in one sitting. Advice? Just don't buy that bag of chips or that tub of ice cream. Think about what you're buying -- it's your hard-earned money, and you should be using it for worthwhile things. Instead of grabbing every yummy-looking instant meal off of the shelves, I think about the nice pair of organic cotton leggings I want to buy, or the fancy natural face lotion I've been lusting after. The less junk you have in your life -- junk food included! -- the happier you'll be, I guarantee it.

Sat Nam.

Young and Simple.

Introductions.

Hello, Blog-World!

Welcome to Young and Simple, the chronicle of a college student's undertaking of a simpler, healthier, and less wasteful lifestyle!

I hope to show other young people that it's easier (or maybe, harder!) than it looks to live a life that is not only less harmful but beneficial to the earth. There are many days when I just want to throw away those empty cardboard boxes, or when I want to run to CVS and get a giant bag of tortilla chips and eat it all in one sitting, or when I want to drive my car to work in the morning instead of waiting for the bus -- I want to use this blog as a way to chronicle those struggles and prove that it is possible to live as far off the grid as we can while still maintaining a fairly "normal" college lifestyle.

I also hope to get answers and support from the broader community when I find myself stuck in certain situations or with certain questions! Like... do I feed my cat pet food that is made up of those gross "animal parts"? What can I do with all of those plastic bags? What are some environmentally friendly companies whose products I won't feel guilty buying? Having the support of a blogger community with many blogs dedicated to "simple living" will help me answer those questions and make informed choices!

If you fit into either of these categories (young-person-interested-in-simple-living OR experienced-simple-liver) OR if you are just interested in the topic in any aspect, please follow my blog and share your thoughts and experiences with me!

More to come, but, in the meantime... lots of peace and love to all of you out there!

Sat Nam.

~~Young and Simple~~