To Chris, if you’re still reading this: Hi. This is BonjourBadger. I used BarBri to take the bars in NY, PA and WI (yes, I’m nuts and took three bars yet I don’t practice law). I found it very helpful and passed all the bars quite easily. Thankfully, I didn’t actually pay for any of them (the firm I was going to work for paid for the NY materials, and I borrowed the PA and WI ones from friends). If you know any lawyers in the state where you’re going to take the bar, I highly recommend that you try to borrow materials — I wouldn’t use any that are more than 2 years old though. You can also buy them on eBay.

In re: to the environmental discussion — maybe it’s because I have a baby so I am no longer at all squeemish about bodily functions, but I don’t find the idea of cloth wipes for #1 disgusting at all (different story for #2). I don’t do this though, and I’m curious what you both think about whether this really is energy saving. I know in the diaper world, there is some debate about whether you’re really saving many resources by washing cloth diapers, since it uses more water and energy to run the washing machine, etc. I would almost think the argument would be even stronger in favor of using a small amount of recycled TP over using energy to wash cloth wipes, since TP doesn’t have the same sorts of other “bad things” that disposable diapers do (petro, landfill waste, etc).

Thoughts?

Thanks.

My motivation is honestly true environmentalism. I think it’s criminal what is happening to this earth and there is no reason humanity cannot live as it has been but do so using renewable resources and energy. There can be enormous profit for the big corps to be greedy about, as they always have been. There can be enough food, water, and energy to go around. But ultimately, I believe that can be done without allowing the ice caps to melt (although probably too late there) and forests to disappear.

John and I often talk about ways we could build an off-the-grid house someday and become much more self-sufficient, so that is in the background. But economic collapse? While it is something I worry about, I am honestly thinking about saving rainforest, preserving species, and stopping global warming. That is 100% what motivates every decision, large and small, that I make. So that’s my goal.

Maybe I’m just too naive or optimistic about the economic crisis impact. But I see how it’s so easy to currently live the life that will occur after peak oil–major energy companies offer solutions, local markets offer solutions, and our government has weathered the storm before (although not that well). So I just focus elsewhere. Not saying weathering a major depression is guaranteed, but I just have my hopes up.

Who knows… it’s so interesting to talk about. I wish you lived closer and we could go grab some beers and discuss this stuff for HOURS. (everyone else rolls their eyes by about hour 3 )

I think all changes to more sustainable living are good.

I also think it’s interesting on where people draw a line. What is disgusting to some is completely natural to another. Even in the example above, I would not use a hanging mesh bag. I’d use the equivalent of the diaper pail my mom used with us as babies. But the bag is obviously not a problem for others, and using cloth at all is a problem for others, too. I think these lines are interesting from a sociological point of view, about comfort levels, beliefs about hygenine, about what’s acceptable in society.

Again, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to come off as I did.

But I still think our goals are different. I’m preparing for economic collapse. Life off the grid. Life where there is very little money. Life where resources are scarce and conservation and non-consumption are a must. I know I’m more extreme in my views. I know this. And I’m not advocating that my way is the right way. I hope my outlook is wrong. I hope to God I’m mistaken. However, this is one of my goals. Is it yours?

I am curious to why are you making changes? What are your goals/beliefs about it?

Just like in convergent evolution, the same solution can come about but for very different reasons. Your reasons are obviously valid, and you don’t need me to tell you that. I like hearing other viewpoints. I really do want to know what motivates people.

I know you’re busy right now and may not have time for this conversation. But if you don’t have time now, I hope we can talk about it later (email me).

I didn’t mean to put down your efforts. I honestly didn’t. And I honestly do want to know your viewpoints. I think you are a smart lady and I value your opinion.

We’ve made huge strides in the past year in our reduction of consumption generally, as well as reusing what we buy. I don’t think it’s at all fair to say that someone who draws the line at hygiene products doesn’t share your goal. Bottom line, I find it disgusting, but that doesn’t mean I don’t reduce and reuse in other, significant ways.

Sorry… but that got me riled up.

I think we have different philosophies over “green”. For me, it’s a reduction of products. Elimination of some entirely. You choose to purchase “green” options. It’s your path. It’s okay. For me, I’m trying to stop consuming. Or produce my own. Different goal.

And some people use them for #2?!

Just… NO.

I guess I’m an armchair environmentalist at best.

The why:
http://crunchychicken.blogspot.com/2007/09/cloth-wipes-benefits.html

The how:
http://crunchychicken.blogspot.com/2007/09/using-cloth-wipe-up.html

Have I done this? No. My husband requested I not.

My dorm didn’t have new mattresses. And when I moved off campus, I got a bed at a rummage sale that looked in good condition. I use the allergen barrier covers on the mattress. I don’t think you should buy a soiled mattress, but I still seeing nothing seriously wrong with used.

People re-use rags to wipe themselves? Now I’ve heard everything! Honestly, I’ll just stick to recycled TP and using very little.

Also, MU got new mattresses in my dorm, so Fres. year was brand new, soph year was a year old. When we moved to the apt. I got one of those plastic protector things to go over the mattresses.

I really wouldn’t buy one used.

I don’t like hotel beds either, but it is what it is.