Green Living Tips From The Great Depression

Grandma was a youngster, well more of what today might be termed "tween" during the Great Depression years. I miss her alot. I loved stories of her childhood, stories of meeting "El Fago de Baca" in the streets of Albuquerque, stories of her younger brother, who tragically lost his life during World War II. Stories of her parents, stories of her studies, stories of her courtship and marriage. One story she never particularly told was of the struggles of the Great Depression. I cannot recall one instance of hearing any account of the tough economic times faced by the nation in the late 1920's and the 1930's. Not once did I hear complaints, nor did I hear of things she did without. Nor did I hear of struggles to make ends meet. In light of modern day economic woes, I find it intriguing that a child of an even worse financial era would not have spoken more of it.

However, I realized some years ago, after she had passed away, that she had actually told that story many times. Many of my visits carried the tale. Holiday gatherings told of that time, and further, all holidays and birthdays alluded to the challenged economics of the era. Often a source of humor to my Uncles and my parents, as well as to the kids, some of the very routines and rituals, I realize, were evidence of a time of extreme thrift. From that era, a bent toward saving that irritated most of us, and humored as well. In a frugal society, green living was a must because thrift was a must.

Recycling was not about separating trash from specially numbered plastics, paper, and glass. Recycling was not getting rid of the said trash, but re-using. Particularly of interest, bread wrappers. All bread wrappers were emptied of crumbs, and laid flat in a drawer. Whenever there was need of a storage bag, a bread wrapper was pulled from the drawer to meet that need. The same wrapper might be re-used a few times. Likewise, shopping bags were re-used. Whether the plastic/paper bags from the grocer, or fancier bags with plastic handles from the mall, my Grandma had them stashed, perfect for bringing treats on trips or for sending goodies home when we departed from visiting. Our generation, with a bent towards tossing what we don't need, could learn a thing or two. In fact, the folks I see today using the fabric bags at grocery stores tend to be the elderly. The tendency toward green seems to resonate with those who desire to live a thrifty and frugal lifestyle.

Holidays, I believe, lent themselves further to this demonstration of a thrifty, green lifestyle. Holiday gifts were not overwhelming. Although there might be nice gifts, there was not a mountain of gifts lavished. While modern day youngsters might not approve, this modern day mom appreciates the value that a single gift carries over a mountain of gifts. First, it is generally well thought out by the giver. Secondly, it avoids the overindulgence that leads to ingratitude. Thirdly, a single gift is less likely to be destroyed within days of the holiday, nor is it as likely to become yard sale fodder. The effort that went into selecting it was such that it would be cherished. Not always, perhaps, as kids are kids, but usually.

During family Christmas gatherings, there was not a whirlwind of tearing through gifts, either. Gifts were passed out, and one person at a time would open their gift. Gifts were not torn open; tape was carefully cut with a small pocket knife. The paper was gently removed, and neatly folded, to be tucked away in the back room for future use. Most gifts received by the grandkids were in paper we recognized from previous Christmases. This whole ritual was most dull, from a child's point of view. But through the eyes of one who had experienced extremely challenging times, perhaps a necessary way of life. If one was to have those special luxuries such as wrapping paper, one had better save them.

Likewise, Grandma recycled greeting cards from all occasions. Tags on gifts were generally recycled pictures from a previous card, often evidenced by writing on the back. At birthday time, a picture might be glued to an envelope or to another card. Grandma was creative. We never really considered at the time that there was much method to the madness. For her, though, it was built in. Save the cards.

Grandma never seemed to lack for nice things. She enjoyed life thoroughly, and was very generous. Still, she had a sense of thrift and frugality that translated into what now would be more of a green lifestyle. In essence, green and thrift go hand in hand in some, though not all, respects. The point of recycling for many today is savings. The point, for others, is preserving the land and its resources. Both motivations require better stewardship over our "stuff". It's not all that difficult to glance back a couple of generations, look at the lifestyles of our elders, and take note. They didn't have much other choice than to live green, or at least, greener!