Green Minded Wallet

I mentioned previously that I have a number of patched denim bottoms (jeans and capris). I also have a pair of jeans that were never patched, but should have been. While I haven’t had a problem wearing them up until now, I’ve been feeling recently that they should be retired. Part of the reason for my decision rests with the fact that a number of the patches have started to come off, basically because the root cause of the problem is still there: the size of my upper legs and the upper leg section on denim jeans don’t match up the way I would like them too. Since this problem isn’t one that can be rectified by any modifications within my power whether to the jeans (or my legs), I think that it probably doesn’t make sense to continue fixing something which is just going to continue to break. Because the jeans can’t be given away (or at least shouldn’t be), I plan on removing the usable sections (including the patches) to be used as material for other projects. I’ve actually succeeded in using denim in a number of products including a chair and my dog’s bed, so it bodes well for re-use or recycling, whichever is the appropriate term.

However, there is another motivation for this decision; I’m starting to reach a point where a just don’t feel comfortable wearing beat-up clothes outside of the neighborhood. It’s great to keep beat-up clothes around, but I currently have more holey and patched jeans than not. I know that as an environmental science student I could wear them and no one would probably notice or mind, but I mind. Perhaps it’s that I’m getting older, or perhaps it’s that, I feel nice when I wear nice things. Sure some of it’s perception, but some of it’s just the biophysics of sitting on a cold surface with a hole in the back of your pants. Everyone has to draw a line of conservation and frugality somewhere, and I guess I’m finding that mine isn’t always going to stay in place. From a conservation stand-point, I’m not doing too poorly, but it’s going to cost my a bit of money to buy a few new pairs of jeans. Of course maybe one day, some designer somewhere out in Europe or California will discover that some women have these weird muscle-y things that can occur on their legs, and start adjusting their pants accordingly, so I can save a bit on both. Until then though, I guess I will have to keep shelling on money for new jeans every year or so when they break.

No Comments »

I love fresh produce: ripe tomatoes from my little plant, peppers from my neighbors, and a wonderful selection at the local farmer’s market. But right about now, as much as I love our produce selection, I’d do anything for a good hard frost. This time of year is probably about the worst allergy-wise I will experience and a nice cold snap will make it much better. I know that the decision isn’t really mine to make, but right now if I could choose between fresh produce and my sinuses, well, I would choose my sinuses. As much as I don’t like the idea of giving up fresh fruits and veggies which I hold so dear, I have to tell you know, I’m willing to say au revoir to my tomato plant, if it means I can get out of bed and breathe through my nose again. Fortunately the gourds should hold up well and avocados will be in season soon, and I’m sure it will get nice and frosty, one of these days.

No Comments »