Some Principles
Resist standardization. Destandardization promotes diversity.
Food values. Don't buy fast (trash) food, period. Don't ever. Find an alternative. Don't shop at supermarkets. If it comes in a package, you probably don't want to eat it (or drink it). Cook your own meals. Grow your own food, or get to know the person who grows your food. Read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver.
Energy. Minimize the time you spend in your car. Don't make needless trips. If you think you need to drive somewhere. Wait a couple of days, then ask if you still need to drive there. (Don't be in such a hurry.) Walk there, if you can.
Stuff. Stop buying crap. Don't go to a store unless you know what it is you need and you really need it. Once you decide you need something, wait a week or two before you buy it. Ask yourself if you still need it. Don't buy stuff that is going to end up in the landfill. Spend a little extra and buy something that will last.
Money. Don't take out loans. Okay, you'll probably need to saddle yourself with a mortgage, but stop after that. No car loans. No vacation loans. No credit cards. If you have to have a credit card, pay it off each month; don't carry a balance. And if you loan money to someone, don't take any interest. "Interest" is just a white-washed word for stealing.
