What reactions do you have to the "No Impact Man" experiment? Which of the suggested changes to yourself and the world are the most and the least attractive to you? How likely would you be to participate in a "No Impact Man Experiment"?
Steve Strauss (emailed to Autumn)
Blog #4
The No Impact Man experiment came off very strange to me at first. I thought to myself why would anyone want to take a whole year off of not only not using electricity, but non electric transportation and not buying anything new except various foods. After reading into this mans theory he does present valid points that I agree with on certain topics. I also felt that what makes him think that only two people doing this for one whole year could make that much of a difference and what change to their environment could they bring. Turns out by doing this it benefited them not only for that year but in the long run as well. There are various points that stick out to me that I would favor such as, eating healthier foods, and saving household electricity. By him only buying food from farmers markets, helps his family eat healthier and give them better habits in the long run, which I would sacrifice for. Saving electricity in his house also benefits in the economic aspect, it helps save not only money but wasted energy as well which is just as important that I agree with. Some parts that least attract me would be nonelectric transportation and not buying new clothes. I feel that transportation today is what gets this world moving and where we need to be, if we weren't as up to date as we are we would be crippled in terms of getting from point A to point B. I don't agree with nonelectric transportation because of how time consuming it would take to get from place to place as well as efficiency. Not buying new clothes on the other hand isn't something I would agree with. When one goes out and purchases new clothes for them or their family, they should then go and pick out which clothes they don't wear or fit into anymore and donate them to the less fortunate. I could only go so far in fulfilling the "No Impact man's" requirements in making that certain difference in the world, I would have a real hard time trying to force myself to handle the things I mentioned that I disagree with. This could really put me out of my element doing something like this, so there could be a bigger chance that I would participate for as long as I could handle.
From Stephanie L (emailed to Autumn)
I really like the concept behind the No Impact Man experiment. I really like his view on the economy and I agree that happiness should come from doing things to help the community and from spending time with family and friends instead of working away your life to have money to buy material things. We soon lose interest in the material things and want more. So, that is a good point for him to make. And, I like the idea of returning to a more simple lifestyle, appreciating the smaller things, and learning how to live without all these items that we think are key to our happiness. I dont disagree with any part of the experiment, however, I don't feel that me, personally, could do it. I can understand walking and riding a bike instead of automobiles, but what about traveling long distance? A vehicle would have to be used in some situations. I think eating fresh, local produce and only what is in season is very do-able. It would just take some sucking-it-up and learning to deal with what we have to get through that. Some products like toilet paper, razors, etc. I could not go without. Buying new clothes, toys, and other items that are 'wants' and not 'needs' would be the easiest to do without. The rocking chair story is a good example of that. I really love the idea of having to go to free shows in the community or just locally planned events and spending that time with friends and family. It could show us that actually do not need to rely on televisions, computers, etc. for entertainment. I do feel that this would create more happiness all around. Ultimately, I do not think I would be able to do this experiment for a year or even a month. I would give it a week tops. But, applying some of the ideas of No Impact Man whenever possible is a good idea.
